thetorontostar--2020-03-13--Trump declares virus emergency; Pelosi announces aid deal

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump on Friday declared the coronavirus pandemic a national emergency in order to free up more money and resources .
But he denied any responsibility for delays in making testing available for the new virus , whose spread has roiled markets and disrupted the lives of everyday Americans .
Speaking from the Rose Garden , Trump said , “ I am officially declaring a national emergency , “ unleashing as much as $ 50 billion for state and local governments to respond to the outbreak .
Trump also announced a range of executive actions , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing capabilities with drive-through locations , as his administration has come under fire for being too slow in making the test available .
Trump said , “ I don ’ t take responsibility at all “ for the slow rollout of testing .
Late Friday , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced a deal with the Trump administration for an aid package from Congress that would provide free tests , sick pay for workers and bolster food programs .
“ We are proud to have reached an agreement with the Administration to resolve outstanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Families First Coronavirus Response Act , ” Pelosi announced in a letter to colleauges .
The House was poised to vote .
Access to testing has been a persistent source of concern .
Still , Trump said officials don ’ t want people taking the test unless they have certain symptoms .
“ We don ’ t want people without symptoms to go and do that test , ” Trump said , adding , “ It ’ s totally unnecessary.
“ Trump took a number of other actions to bolster energy markets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with student loans and give medical professionals additional “ flexibility ” in treating patients during the public health crisis .
He waived interest on federally held student loans and moved to prop up energy markets , by directing the Department of Energy to buy oil to fill the strategic petroleum reserve “ ’ right up to the top.
” He said he was giving Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar emergency authorities to waive federal regulations and laws as needed , for instance , to allow doctors to practice tele-medicine across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collective action and shared sacrifice , national determination , we will overcome the threat of the virus , ” Trump said .
Earlier , Trump said the White House and Congress have yet to agree on a broader economic aid package , claiming that he doesn ’ t believe House Democrats are “ giving enough.
” Lawmakers are preparing to vote on their own measure Friday .
Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Friday the House would approve its coronavirus aid package , imploring the Trump administration and congressional Republicans to “ put families first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans with relief .
The House Democratic leader spoke from the speaker ’ s balcony at the Capitol ahead of Trump ’ s news conference at the White House , as the power centres of Washington were shuttered to visitors .
“ Our nation , our great nation has faced crisis before , “ Pelosi said .
“ And every time , thanks to the courage and optimism of the American people , we have prevailed .
Now , working together , we will once again prevail.
” Central to the package is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sick pay for workers who are taking time away from jobs , along with an infusion of dollars to handle unemployment benefits and boost food programs for children , families and seniors .
Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin , whom Trump tapped to negotiate for the administration , have engaged in around-the-clock negotiations that continued even as Trump was speaking .
But Republican leaders in Congress slowed the deal , wanting assurances that Trump would publicly support the agreement before signing off on it ahead of any vote , according to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ private talks and speaking on condition of anonymity .
GOP leader Kevin McCarthy of California , the House minority leader , huddled with Mnuchin and Trump at the White House earlier Friday .
“ We can only defeat this outbreak if we have an accurate determination of its scale and scope , so that we can pursue the precise science-based response that is necessary to put families first , ” Pelosi said .
The White House is under enormous pressure , dealing with the crisis on multiple fronts as it encroached ever closer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swept in alarming ways across American life , sending the financial markets into a dangerous slide and shuttering schools and sporting events and limiting everyday interactions in communities across the country .
And a personal health scare intensified as White House officials worked to determine the level of exposure by the president and senior aides to several foreign officials who have since tested positive for the virus .
Trump said he was gratified that Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro tested negative for the virus , after the pair sat next to each other for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A senior aide to Bolsonaro tested positive .
“ We have no symptoms whatsoever , ” said Trump , who has not gotten tested but said Friday he would “ most likely ” be tested “ fairly soon.
” Australian Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton , now in isolation at a hospital after testing positive for the coronavirus , had returned to Sydney from Washington , where he met Attorney General WIlliam Barr and Ivanka Trump last week .
White House spokesman Judd Deere said Ivanka Trump , who worked from home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House Medical Unit and it was determined that because she was exhibiting no symptoms she does not need to self-quarantine .
Barr , meanwhile , was staying home Friday , though he “ felt great and wasn ’ t showing any symptoms , ” according to his spokeswoman Kerri Kupec .
She said the CDC did not recommend testing at this point .
In addition , just days after meeting Trump and Sen. Rick Scott , R-Fla. , at the president ’ s Mar-a-Lago resort , the communications chief for Brazil ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive for coronavirus .
Scott said he was isolating himself .
GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham , who was also at Trump ’ s club on the weekend , joined a growing list of lawmakers who have chosen to isolate themselves as a precaution .
He announced Friday that he also met with the Australian official who has now tested positive .
And GOP Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas , who had previously isolated himself after a potential exposure at a conservative conference in Washington , said Friday he met with a Spanish official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mnuchin continued their constant cross-town phone calls throughout a tense day of negotiations to firm up and salvage the emerging deal that has widespread support from Democrats and some in the business community seeking certainty .
Providing sick pay for workers is a crucial element of federal efforts to stop the rapid spread of the infection .
Officials warn that the nation ’ s healthcare system could quickly become overwhelmed with gravely sick patients , as suddenly happened in Italy , one of the countries hardest hit by the virus .
The ability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for people who stay home as a preventative measure or because they ’ re feeling ill or caring for others — can help assure Americans they will not fall into financial hardship .
Trump ’ s 73-minute remarks capped a tumultuous week in which Washington strained for a comprehensive response to an outbreak that is testing the nation ’ s political , financial and health care systems .
Hospitals welcomed Trump ’ s emergency declaration , which they and lawmakers in Congress had been requesting .
It allows the Health and Human Services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that can make it harder for hospitals and other health care facilities to respond to an emergency .
Such rules include a Medicare requirement that a patient spend three days in the hospital before the program will pay for care in a nursing facility .
Waiving the rule would make more inpatient beds available .
Another rule requires doctors and other clinicians to be licensed in the state in which they are providing services .
It can be waived if the physician is licensed in another state .
The American Medical Association said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s health care system has sufficient resources to properly respond to the ongoing outbreak .
Trump ’ s actions were also viewed favourably on Wall Street .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average ’ s gains doubled in the last half-hour of trading Friday to nearly 2,000 points , its biggest point gain ever , as Trump outlined steps to expand testing , buy more oil to boost U.S. reserves , ease the economic impact on students and free up billions for states and cities to fight the virus outbreak .
For most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia .
The vast majority of people recover .
According to the World Health Organization , people with mild illness recover in about two weeks , while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to be over it .
Trump has struggled to show he ’ s on top of the crisis , after giving conflicting descriptions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ combat the virus .
On Wednesday he announced he would ban travel to the U.S. from Europe , but aides later clarified that it would have carve-outs for American citizens , permanent residents and some others — and only affect 26 European nations .
Trump on Friday said “ we may have to include ” the U.K. because of a recent rise in cases .
“ Their numbers have gone up fairly precipitously over the last 24 hours , so we may be adding that , and we may be adding a couple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thinking about taking some off.
” The House aid package builds on an emergency $ 8.3 billion measure approved last week .
Pelosi promised a third coronavirus package will follow soon , though the House is leaving Washington on Friday for a previously scheduled recess .
That measure will include more aggressive steps to boost the U.S. economy , which economists fear has already slipped into recession .
But there ’ s little appetite within either party for Trump ’ s proposal to suspend collection of the 6.2 % Social Security payroll tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relief from Washington as the virus threatens their budgets .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , infectious disease chief at the National Institutes of Health , said more tests would be available over the next week , but that officials should not wait before trying to mitigate the virus ’ effects .
“ We still have a long way to go , ” he said Friday .
“ There will be many more cases .
But we ’ ll take care of that , and ultimately , as the president said , this will end.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alan Fram , Lauran Neergaard , Martin Crutsinger , Laurie Kellman , Michael Balsamo and Kevin Freking in Washington and Bill Barrow in Atlanta contributed to this report .
The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute ’ s Department of Science Education .
The AP is solely responsible for all content .

Andrew Taylor, Zeke Miller, Jill Colvin And Lisa Mascaro - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-13--Venezuela, already in crisis, reports 1st coronavirus cases

CARACAS , Venezuela - Venezuela confirmed its first two cases of the coronavirus on Friday , deepening anxiety in a crisis-stricken nation where many hospitals lack basics such as water and soap and struggle to treat even basic ailments .
“ God help us , ” hospital patient Carlos Chacón said after hearing the news that the pandemic had arrived in Venezuela .
“ My mom is old and sick .
So is my father , ” said Chacón , a 48-year-old electrician who was first hospitalized four months ago with two broken legs from a motorcycle accident .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stuck in this hospital bed.
” Earlier Friday , Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez delivered the news that Venezuelans feared was coming : A 52-year-old man who had recently travelled from Spain , and a 41-year-old woman who had returned from a trip through the U.S. , Italy and Spain , have been diagnosed with the virus .
Schools across Venezuela immediately closed , a day after President Nicolás Maduro suspended flights with Europe and Colombia in an attempt to ward off the illness .
Juan Guaidó also called off upcoming street demonstrations , taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s tools in his year-long battle to oust Maduro .
Health experts say Venezuela ’ s population is particularly the region ’ s most vulnerable and worry the virus could easily spread in a nation paralyzed by a political and economic crisis .
The country of roughly 30 million people was once a wealthy oil producer , pumping from the world ’ s largest reserves .
Today , it ’ s beset by conflict , poverty and massive power failures that have driven out an estimated 4.5 million migrants in recent years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ publish health care statistics , but there are deep shortages of antibiotics and general supplies , including scarcities of basic items needed to confront an epidemic .
“ Most hospitals don ’ t have water , face masks or even soap , ” said Dr. Patricia Valenzuela , board member of the Venezuelan Society of Infectology .
“ We ’ re not prepared.
” A report by Humans Rights Watch in collaboration with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health concluded last year that the health system in Venezuela has “ totally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maternal and child mortality as well as the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases .
The U.N. World Food Program recently said that nearly one-third of Venezuela ’ s population are unable to meet basic dietary needs .
In response to the news about the coronavirus cases , Venezuelans on Friday rushed to some markets and pharmacies in the capital of Caracas to stock up on food and supplies .
By noon , goods were running out .
“ If this is the first day , I don ’ t know what ’ s going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a month , ” said Genesis Suarez , a mother .
She was shocked to see that a box of 50 face masks costs $ 31 — a small fortune in a country where most workers earn a monthly minimum wage of $ 4.50 .
“ It ’ s honestly hard to imagine a more fertile playground for the coronavirus than Maduro-era Venezuela , “ said Daniel Lansberg-Rodríguez , a geopolitical risk analyst who teaches at Northwestern University ’ s Kellogg School of Management .
“ Its understaffed and ill-supplied healthcare system already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Trump administration this week stepped up pressure aimed at ousting Maduro , hitting a second subsidiary of the Russian state-controlled Rosneft Oil Company with financial sanctions .
Russia is a key ally of the Venezuelan president .
Maduro urged the U.S. to lift sanctions , saying they block the nation from buying medicine needed in health emergencies .
U.S. officials maintain that the sanctions do not prohibit buying food and medicine .
Chacón winces each time he shifts his weight in a bed at Domingo Luciani Hospital in Caracas .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical treatment , hoping to leave the hospital as soon as possible for fear he could catch the virus there .
“ Nothing works well here , ” Chacón said .
“ There ’ s serious problems in health control , food supplies — with everything .
Things are tough for us.
” Associated Press writer Jorge Rueda contributed to this report .

Scott Smith And Fabiola SáNchez - The Associated Press

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thetorontostar--2020-03-14--Virus cases balloon around the world as China recovers

BEIJING - As the rest of the world mobilized to fight the widening coronavirus pandemic on Saturday , China continued to ease up lockdown measures in its hardest-hit region , where the number of new cases has dwindled .
The virus that first emerged in central China late last year has in recent weeks spread exponentially in the Middle East , Europe and North America , leading President Donald Trump to declare a state of emergency for the United States on Friday .
With hopes of quick containment dashed , dozens of countries have imposed increasingly severe measures over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , closing school for tens of millions of children and ordering tens of thousands of businesses to close their doors — to try to face down the disease .
New Zealand announced Saturday that all incoming passengers , including New Zealand citizens , will be required to isolate themselves for 14 days , with few exceptions .
Philippine officials announced a night curfew in the capital and said millions of people in the densely populated region should only go out of their homes during the daytime for work or urgent errands .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , go .
If you need to go out for medical treatment , go .
If you ’ ll buy food , go , but other than that , stay home , ” Philippine Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano told a news conference .
“ We should practice social distancing.
” The steps being implemented globally increasingly mirror those taken by China , which in January made the unprecedented decision to halt outbound transportation from cities with a combined population of more than 60 million people , starting with the epicenter of Wuhan in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread of COVID-19 in the country has slowed dramatically , according to China ’ s National Health Commission .
Whereas the commission reported thousands of new cases daily only one month prior , it said Saturday that there were 13 new deaths and just 11 new cases , including people who recently arrived in China from other affected countries like Italy .
More than 65,000 people have recovered from the disease in China .
While the new coronavirus can be deadly , particularly for the elderly and people with other health problems , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
Some feel no symptoms at all and the vast majority of people recover .
The government of Hubei lowered its health risk assessments for all counties in the province outside of Wuhan , which is the only city that remains “ high-risk.
” Several Hubei municipalities are gradually resuming public transportation services and reopening businesses .
The waning outbreak in China stands in contrast with an escalating number of infections elsewhere .
In the U.S. , which reported its 50th death from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency decree will open up $ 50 billion for state and local governments to respond to the crisis .
The president said the decree also gave the secretary of health and human services emergency powers to waive federal regulations to give doctors and hospitals “ flexibility ” in treating patients .
Drug company executives vowed to work together and with the government to quickly expand the country ’ s coronavirus testing capabilities , which are far behind those in many countries .
“ We will defeat this threat , ” Trump told a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested , America rises to the occasion.
” Cases topped 1,700 across the U.S. , where thousands of schools have been closed , concerts and sporting events cancelled and even Broadway theatres shut down .
Trump has halted his trademark political rallies , following the lead of Democratic rivals Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders .
New Zealand ’ s new measures , which Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern called some of the toughest border restrictions in the world , go into effect on Monday .
The only countries exempt from the restrictions are a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t yet had any cases of COVID-19 .
New Zealand has had only six confirmed cases of the illness .
All of those have been connected with international travellers and there have been no signs yet of any local outbreaks .
The head of the World Health Organization said Europe was now the “ epicenter of the pandemic.
” Reflecting that reality , the government of the Czech Republic made a middle of the night announcement ordering retail businesses including shopping malls to close as of Saturday morning .
The exceptions include those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , gas stations and pharmacies .
New infections in Italy soared Friday by more than 2,500 and virus-related deaths made their biggest single-day jump there , increasing by 250 .
In the three weeks since the country identified its first virus cluster , Italy has reached a total of 17,600 confirmed cases — the largest outbreak after China — with 1,266 deaths .
The government has ordered an unprecedented lockdown , ordering businesses to close and restricting people ’ s movement .
Mayors of many Italian cities , including Rome and Milan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Under a government decree issued earlier in the week , people had been allowed in parks as long as they kept at least a distance of 1 metre between each other .
But not everyone followed the rules .
Among the parks whose gates were locked Saturday was Rome ’ s sprawling Villa Pamphilj , a hilly expanse of umbrella pines and palm trees on the former grounds of a noble family .
New infections also rose sharply in Spain , and the government put 60,000 people in four towns on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s .
In Madrid , which has around half the country ’ s more than 4,000 infections , the government was pooling intensive care units and considering offers by hotel chains to transform rooms into sick wards .
Residents in Madrid and northeast Catalonia awoke Saturday to shuttered bars and restaurants and other nonessential commercial outlets as ordered by regional authorities .
Spain ’ s Cabinet was to meet Saturday to declare a two-week state of emergency and announce more measures to control the outbreak of the coronavirus .
The measure would allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confiscate goods , and take over control of industries and private facilities , including private hospitals .
In just 24 hours , the numbers of confirmed cases spiked ominously in some places : France saw an additional 800 cases to reach more than 3,600 by Friday ; Britain went from 590 to 798 and New York state jumped 30 per cent , hitting 421 .
In Africa , where experts warn that containment is key because of the continent ’ s already-strained health care systems , six new countries confirmed infections .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has ordered his nation ’ s border with Venezuela closed as a containment measure .
Iván Duque announced late Friday that all official border crossings with the neighbouring Andean nation will be shuttered beginning at 5 a.m. Saturday .
The two nations share a porous 1,370-mile ( 2,200-kilometre ) border that is crossed by thousands of Venezuelans each day searching for food and medicine .
Many also cross to permanently leave their nation ’ s economic crisis .
The spreading pandemic showed that power and influence offer no protection .
Among those testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s wife , a top aide to Iran ’ s supreme leader , Miami ’ s mayor , a Brazilian official who met with Trump , and an Australian Cabinet minister who met with the U.S. attorney general and Trump ’ s daughter , Ivanka .
Pressed by reporters , Trump , who also met with the Brazilian official , said he will “ most likely “ be tested for the virus “ fairly soon , ” reversing an earlier White House statement .
Associated Press writers Tim Sullivan in Minneapolis , Andrew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prague , Nick Perry in Christchurch , New Zealand , Jim Gomez in Manila , Philippines , Frances D ’ Emilio in Rome and Joseph Wilson in Madrid contributed to this report .
The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute ’ s Department of Science Education .
The AP is solely responsible for all content .
Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak


thetorontostar--2020-03-14--Iran says virus kills another 97, pushing death toll to 611

TEHRAN , Iran - Iranian state TV says the coronavirus outbreak has killed another 97 people , pushing the death toll to 611 amid 12,729 confirmed cases .
Iran is suffering from the worst outbreak in the Middle East .
The virus has also infected a number of senior officials .
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE .
AP ’ s earlier story follows below .
DUBAI , United Arab Emirates ( AP ) — Saudi Arabia said Saturday that it would halt all international flights to the kingdom for two weeks in the latest effort to contain the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been scrambling to contain the pandemic , which has spread to more than 100 countries and infected more than 130,000 people .
Of special concern is nearby Iran , where one of the worst outbreaks has infected more than 11,000 and killed more than 500 .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia .
The vast majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a matter of weeks , but the outbreak has caused more than 5,000 deaths worldwide .
The state-run Saudi Press Agency , quoting an unnamed Interior Ministry official , said flights would be cancelled starting Sunday .
In the United Arab Emirates , health officials ordered the elderly to stay home because of the coronavirus outbreak and authorities said some federal employees could begin working from home for two weeks starting Sunday .
Abu Dhabi ’ s The National newspaper reported that nightclubs and tourist restaurants in the emirate will be shut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Department of Culture and Tourism also suspended all planned events , including concerts , in Abu Dhabi .
The decision does not extend to Dubai .
A number of major sporting events , conferences and other gatherings have been cancelled across the globe .
The virus is highly contagious , and even those showing no symptoms can spread it , making large public gatherings particularly risky .
The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute ’ s Department of Science Education .
The AP @ @ @ @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-03-14--Iraq officials: Rocket attack hits base housing US troops

BAGHDAD - A barrage of rockets hit a base housing U.S. and other coalition troops north of Baghdad , Iraqi security officials said Saturday , just days after a similar attack killed three servicemen , including two Americans .
At least two Iraqi soldiers were wounded in the attack at Camp Taji , according to the Iraqi officials , who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations .
The officials said over a dozen rockets landed inside the base .
Some struck the area where coalition forces are based , while others fell on a runway used by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comment from the coalition regarding Saturday ’ s attack .
The attack was unusual because it occurred during the day .
Previous assaults on military bases housing U.S. troops typically occurred at night .
The previous rocket attack against Camp Taji on Wednesday also killed a British serviceman .
It prompted American airstrikes Friday against what U.S. officials said were mainly weapons facilities belonging to Kataib Hezbollah , the Iran-backed militia group believed to be responsible .
However , Iraq ’ s military said those airstrikes killed five security force members and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Popular Mobilization Forces , an umbrella organization including an array of militias , including some Iran-backed groups .
Iran-backed Shiite militia groups vowed to exact revenge for Friday ’ s U.S. strikes , signalling another cycle of tit-for-tat violence between Washington and Tehran that could play out inside Iraq .
America ’ s killing of Iraqi security forces might also give Iran-backed militia groups more reason to stage counterattacks against U.S. troops in Iraq , analysts said .
“ We can ’ t forget that the PMF is a recognized entity within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t isolated from the security forces and often are co-located on the same bases or use the same facilities , ” said Sajad Jiyad , a researcher and former managing director of the Bayan Center , a Baghdad-based think-tank .
“ Now the ( Iran-backed ) groups who supported the initial strike in Taji , who were the most outspoken , feel obliged , authorized , maybe even legitimized to respond , ostensibly to protect Iraqi sovereignty but really to keep the pressure up on Americans , ” he added .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Jiyad said .
Wednesday ’ s attack on Camp Taji was the deadliest to target U.S. troops in Iraq since a late December rocket attack on an Iraqi base , which killed a U.S. contractor .
That attack set in motion a series of attacks that brought Iraq to the brink of war .
After the contractor was killed , America launched airstrikes targeting Kataib Hezbollah , which in turn led to protests at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad .
A U.S. drone strike in Baghdad then killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operations across the wider Mideast .
Iran struck back with a ballistic missile attack on U.S. forces in Iraq , the Islamic Republic ’ s most direct assault on America since the 1979 seizing of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran .
The U.S. and Iran stepped stepped back from further attacks after the Soleimani incident .
A senior U.S. official said in late January , when U.S.-Iran tensions had cooled , that the killing of Americans constituted a red line that could spark more violence .

Qassim Abdul-Zahra And Samya Kullab - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-14--Philippines declares night curfew in Manila to fight virus

MANILA , Philippines - Philippine officials on Saturday announced a night curfew in the capital and said millions of people in the densely populated region should leave their homes during the daytime only for work or urgent errands under restrictions imposed to fight the coronavirus .
Drastic steps announced by President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday sparked widespread confusion and questions , prompting officials on Saturday to detail the measures and issue guidelines for the monthlong restrictions in Manila that will take effect on Sunday .
The measures involve suspending domestic travel by land , air and sea to and from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 12 million people .
Large gatherings like concerts and movies will be prohibited and most government work in executive department offices will be suspended in the metropolis .
Suspensions of school classes at all levels were extended by a month .
A copy of the guidelines said the movement of people in the metropolis “ shall be limited to accessing basic necessities and work.
” “ If you ’ ll go to work , go .
If you need to go out for medical treatment , go .
If you ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than that , stay home , ” Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano told a news conference .
“ We should practice social distancing.
“ Philippine health officials reported 34 new cases of coronavirus infections Saturday , bringing the total number of cases in the country to 98 .
Eight of the patients have died .
While the virus can be deadly , particularly for the elderly and people with other health problems , for most people it causes only mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
Some feel no symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people recover .
Ano said the 8 p.m.-5 a.m. curfew , which was not among the restrictions announced by Duterte , would apply to nonessential trips and leisure gatherings like parties , family reunions and concerts .
Stressing the urgency of the move , he cited the case of Italy , where he said the numbers of COVID-19 infections and deaths alarmingly spiked because effective containment steps were not put in place early .
Ano warned that infections may exponentially increase to several thousands in five months in the Philippines if effective containment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He told The Associated Press that it ’ s one of the worst-case scenarios drawn up by the government along with World Health Organization experts .
A Manila official , Jojo Garcia , said shopping malls would also be asked to temporarily close , except for grocery stores and supermarkets .
“ In this time , who will go shopping for a new pair of shoes ?
” Garcia said .
The temporary restrictions will not amount to a lockdown of the capital because large numbers of workers , emergency personnel like medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move within the metropolis or enter and leave the area after showing valid IDs , officials said .
Movement of cargo and food shipments will continue unhampered , they said .
Metropolitan Manila police chief Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas has threatened to arrest people who don ’ t comply with the restrictions .
Thousands of police will be deployed and checkpoints will be set up in entryways to metropolitan Manila , he said .
But a prominent human rights lawyer , Jose Manuel Diokno , said law enforcers could not arrest anyone for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law , police can arrest people without a warrant only if they have committed or are about to commit a crime , Diokno said .
The 74-year-old Duterte himself was tested for the virus on Thursday after he met Cabinet officials , who said they were exposed to people who tested positive for the coronavirus .
Duterte tested negative , according to his spokesman .
The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute ’ s Department of Science Education .
The AP is solely responsible @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-03-14--AP Exclusive: Inside massive DEA raid targeting drug cartel

CHANTILLY , Va. - In the darkness , the team suits up quietly , putting on their helmets and tactical gear .
Federal agents lug battering rams , bolt cutters and heavy weaponry by foot up a hill on a residential California street that ’ s softly aglow from street lamps .
Then the agents turn onto the walkway of their target ’ s home .
“ Police !
Search warrant !
” one officer yells as agents bang on the front door .
“ Police search warrant !
” And then three thunderous bangs as the task force breaks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a reputed member of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel , known as CJNG , is walked out in handcuffs .
In early-morning raids Wednesday , agents fanned out across the United States , culminating a six-month investigation with the primary goal of dismantling the upper echelon of CJNG and hoping to get closer to capturing its leader , one of the most wanted men in America .
There ’ s a $ 10 million reward for the arrest of Nemesio “ El Mencho ” Oseguera .
The gang controls between one-third and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is so violent that members leave piles of bodies in streets and hanging from overpasses in Mexico , and they fill the city of Guadalajara with mass graves .
They carry machine-guns and hand grenades .
They once used rocket launchers to shoot down a Mexican military helicopter .
More than 600 people have been arrested during the operation in recent months , more than 15,000 kilos of meth was seized and nearly $ 20 million taken as search and arrest warrants were executed .
About 250 were arrested Wednesday .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the addicts , and they prey on small towns where they can act as bullies and infiltrate these small towns , ” said Wendy Woolcok , the special agent in charge of Drug Enforcement Administration ’ s special operations division .
“ They promise hope , and they deliver despair.
” For the U.S , combating Mexico ’ s fastest-growing and most violent gang is a top priority .
Law enforcement officials believe the gang has drug distribution hubs in Los Angeles , New York , Chicago , Houston and Atlanta .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 of Mexico ’ s 32 states .
Unlike other cartels , CJNG shows no reluctance in directly attacking police and army patrols and is blamed for the deadliest attacks against law enforcement forces in Mexico .
In eliminating rivals , it has carried out spectacular acts of violence .
“ Their propensity to violence is a big part of it , they ’ re very violent organization , they ’ re a well-armed organization , but really the gasoline that was thrown on the fire was synthetic drugs , ” said Bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the DEA ’ s field office in Los Angeles .
The Associated Press had exclusive access to the raid outside Los Angeles and the national command centre .
In California , about a dozen team members prepped early Wednesday for their target .
They searched the home , a stately , salmon-colored Spanish Colonial-style with a large chandelier in the foyer , palm trees in the front yard , and crawled on the ground to look under cars , including a black Lexus , in the driveway .
No shots were fired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrested on drug charges .
The DEA alleges he acts as a stash house manger for the cartel .
He remained in custody at the Los Angeles County jail Wednesday evening and it wasn ’ t clear whether he had a defence attorney .
At the command centre tucked inside a nondescript government building in northern Virginia , a group of a dozen analysts and agents sat behind computer screens inside a conference room that ’ s been converted into a command centre .
As agents were banging down doors across the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centre and analysts recorded the number of arrests and amount of drugs seized on printed worksheets .
An analyst entered the information into a DEA computer screen as other analysts ran phone numbers , addresses and nicknames found inside the homes being searched .
The special agent in charge of the special operations division assembled with her team in front of a heat map — red dots glowing darker and darker as more arrests are made , primarily in Texas , California and New Jersey .
By 9 a.m. , more than 60 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Assistant Attorney General Brian Benczkowski , head of the Justice Department ’ s criminal division , called the operation “ the most comprehensive action to date in the Department of Justice ’ s effort to disrupt , dismantle and ultimately destroy CJNG ” While Mexican drug cartels made their money predominantly from marijuana in past decades , the market has somewhat dissipated with the state-level legalization of cannabis in dozens of states across the U.S. Now , they ’ ve turned to methamphetamine and fentanyl , selling it at almost 14 times the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the streets of the U.S. , fueling homelessness and the opioid crisis , and leaving behind another trail of bodies : from overdoses .
The Jalisco Cartel was formed in 2010 from a wing of the Sinaloa cartel based in the western city of Guadalajara .
While it once specialized in producing methamphetamine , like most Mexican cartels it has expanded into multidrug shipments including fentanyl , cocaine , meth and heroin .
The cartel is led by the elusive Oseguera , whose bodyguards once shot down a Mexican military helicopter to prevent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosecutors have brought charges against his son , Nemesio Oseguera , also known as “ El Menchito ” and his daughter , Jessica Johanna Oseguera .
And officials say he ’ s more dangerous than reputed Mexican drug kingpin and escape artist Joaquin “ El Chapo ” Guzman , who as leader of the Sinaloa cartel ran a massive drug conspiracy that spread murder and mayhem for more than two decades .
“ I think the threat from El Mencho and CJNG is greater right now because in my opinion , at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time he was kind of at his at his heyday , so to speak , the Sinaloa Cartel was fractured , it was a little broken up , ” Bodner said .
El Chapo was a little flashier , but Mencho and the Jalisco gang see their drug business as just that -- business , Bodner said .
“ They have a little bit more discipline .
They ’ re not necessarily into the partying and living the good life , it ’ s just about the business of drug trafficking and control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them scarier , Bodner said .
The Jalisco cartel is also known for brazen tactics such as driving around in convoys of pickup trucks marked with the letters “ CJNG ” and for circulating videos of heavily-armed cartel gunmen in military-style dress .
While Mexico says it is no longer concentrating on detaining drug lords , the Mexican government has extradited Oseguera ’ s son and has detained some of his associates .
Associated Press writer Mark Stevenson in Mexico City contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-03-14--Iraq’s protesters struggle to keep waning movement going

BAGHDAD - At the once bustling hub of the largest anti-government protest movement in Iraq ’ s modern history , crowds have dwindled , and donation boxes have sprouted up .
Loudspeakers resound with calls by activists for funds to keep their hard-fought revolution alive .
The six-month-old movement has faced one setback after another , from the shifting positions of a mercurial Shiite cleric to an apathetic political class and , now , fears over an outbreak of the coronavirus that Iraq ’ s decrepit health system has struggled to contain , with nearly 93 confirmed cases and nine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tahrir Square had seen thousands every day , now only a few hundred protesters turn up .
Morale has been dampened among young Iraqis who first took to the streets on Oct. 1 to decry rampant government corruption , poor services and unemployment .
Protesters have found it difficult to revive the strength of their leaderless movement after scoring victories early on , like pressuring lawmakers to pass a key electoral reform bill and forcing former Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi to step down .
Assassinations , abductions and threats targeting prominent protesters have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looming economic crisis linked to the coronavirus pandemic and ongoing political dysfunction could eventually bring a new jolt that inspires Iraqis back to the streets .
But for the moment , the movement is looking at what went wrong .
The difficulties of recent months caused the poles of authority among protesters to shift from the capital to the south , while some say shunning any form of central leadership was a mistake .
In Tahrir Square , a group of young men recently shared a hookah pipe under a tarp by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their revolution .
Together , they embodied the spirit that first brought many into Iraq ’ s central squares to protest .
Marwan Ali , 23 , had attended university to study communication but could only find work as a barber after graduation .
Mohammed Abbas , 19 , didn ’ t bother pursuing a higher education , convinced it wouldn ’ t secure a job .
So in October he picked up a banner and joined the movement .
Hussein al-Hind , 22 , was a teenager when he heeded a call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take up arms and defeat the Islamic State group with what would later become the paramilitary Popular Mobilization Forces .
He soon became disenchanted as his one-time war heroes joined the ranks of the political class by running in the May 2018 election .
The young men have also suffered the violence that has met the movement .
Al-Hind showed off two bullet wounds from clashes with riot police ; Abbas was detained by police for three days early on in the demonstrations ; Ali ’ s family has received messages from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the future of their hard-fought protest movement depends on the ability of these youth to keep to the streets .
When the conversation turned to the state of their movement , Marwan Ali took a moment ’ s pause .
“ We are disappointed , ” he said .
Asked why he was still coming to Tahrir , he said , “ This isn ’ t about the homeland anymore , we are here for the blood of our martyrs.
” Over 500 people have been killed since October under fire by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , tear gas and recently pellet guns to disperse crowds .
In nearby Khilani Square , clashes still rage between a core group of protesters and security , with at least two demonstrators dead last week .
The movement was dealt a blow in January after radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr , who also heads a major political bloc , withdrew support after elites selected a prime minister candidate he backed , Mohammed Allawi .
Al-Sadr ’ s reversal instilled a climate of fear in the square as militiamen affiliated with his group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intimidated demonstrators who refused to back Allawi , activists said .
Allawi has since withdrawn from the post .
“ We were tools in al-Sadr ’ s game , “ said Kamal Jaban , an activist .
It was an eventuality that activists said they wanted to avoid when al-Sadr ’ s followers first joined the movement .
As early as November , protesters bristled at the question of leadership and were quick to diminish the credibility of those making claims of authority over them .
They tore down stages built by political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fate of previous grassroots movements that fizzled out when co-opted by political actors .
Three months since , protesters said in hindsight the lack of core leadership had hobbled their movement , enabling figures like al-Sadr to do exactly what they had feared .
“ There is no one to represent us , put pressure on the government , ” said Ali , under the tarp in Tahrir .
Al-Sadr ’ s move also diminished Tahrir Square ’ s status as the central voice of the movement .
Activists started looking to Haboubi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for orders .
Nasiriya ’ s protesters have been resilient against infiltration by political parties , partly due to support from local tribes .
In hindsight , said Ali , this weakened the movement .
“ Tahrir Square became tainted with al-Sadr supporters , ” he explained .
“ At first Nasiriya was listening to us , now we listen to them.
” It was Nasiriya that gave political elites a deadline to make progress on protester demands , prompting an escalation in demonstrations across the country .
Later , calls from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ block the strategic Mohammed al-Qassim highway .
When Haboubi Square raised the image of activist Alaa Rikabi as their choice for prime minister , Tahrir did the same .
Other protesters said fatigue from months on the street was taking a toll as donations for food and supplies were running short and temperatures dropped over the winter .
“ Weak turnout was expected some time ago because the protesters who have been here for five months are tired , sleeping in cold and far from wor¬¬k , their families and school , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ university student at Babil College of Basic Education .
“ I left school , but my family is pressuring me to go back.
” By February , protesters were marginalized as political bickering over Allawi ’ s government formation ignored the core demands of the street .
Allawi withdrew as prime minister-designate on March 1 after failing to secure parliamentary support for his Cabinet .
Back in Tahrir , Ali Jumaili , 22 , said all hope was not lost .
“ Every day , I sit on the sidewalk with my friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .
“ The revolution will repeat itself with more vigour in the future .
”

Samya Kullab And Qassim Abdul-Zahra - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-14--House passes aid bill after Trump declares virus emergency

WASHINGTON - The House approved legislation early Saturday to provide direct relief to Americans suffering physically , financially and emotionally from the coronavirus pandemic .
President Donald Trump on Friday declared the outbreak a national emergency , freeing up money and resources to fight it , then threw his support behind the congressional aid package .
From the Rose Garden , Trump said , “ I am officially declaring a national emergency , “ unleashing as much as $ 50 billion for state and local governments to respond to the crisis .
Trump also announced a range of executive actions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expand coronavirus testing capabilities with drive-through locations , as Washington tries to subdue the new virus whose spread is roiling markets , shuttering institutions and disrupting the lives of everyday Americans .
But he denied any responsibility for delays in making testing available as his administration has come under criticism for being too slow to respond .
Trump said , “ I don ’ t take responsibility at all “ for the slow rollout of testing .
As the House prepared to vote late Friday , Speaker Nancy Pelosi trumpeted the hard-fought package @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay for workers , enhanced unemployment benefits and bolstered food programs .
“ We did what we said we were going to do : Put families first , ” said Pelosi , flanked by Democratic lawmakers , including many freshmen .
The House passed the bill after midnight on a bipartisan vote , 363-40 .
It now goes to the Senate .
Trump ’ s tweet of approval instilled fresh energy in the package , all but ensuring that wary Republicans would join with a robust vote .
“ I encourage all Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ YES !
” Trump wrote , “ Look forward to signing the final Bill , ASAP !
” The crush of late-day activity capped a tumultuous week in Washington as the fast-moving virus left ordinary Americans suddenly navigating self-quarantines , school closures and a changed way of life .
The White House was under enormous pressure , dealing with the crisis on multiple fronts as it encroached ever closer on the president .
Trump has been known to flout public health advice — and was eagerly shaking hands during the more than hour-long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most likely ” will be tested soon after exposures to individuals who have tested positive for the virus .
The White House physician indicated later his interactions were low-risk and testing is not necessary .
Still , Trump said officials don ’ t want people taking the test unless they have certain symptoms .
“ We don ’ t want people without symptoms to go and do that test , ” Trump said , adding , “ It ’ s totally unnecessary.
“ Additionally , Trump took a number of other actions to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ burden for Americans with student loans and give medical professionals additional “ flexibility ” in treating patients during the public health crisis .
“ Through a very collective action and shared sacrifice , national determination , we will overcome the threat of the virus , ” Trump said .
Central to the aid package from Congress , which builds on an emergency $ 8.3 billion measure approved last week , are the free testing , sick pay and family leave provisions .
Providing sick pay for workers is a crucial element of federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the infection .
Officials warn that the nation ’ s healthcare system could quickly become overwhelmed with gravely sick patients , as suddenly happened in Italy , one of the countries hardest hit by the virus .
The ability to ensure paychecks will keep flowing — for people self-quarantining or caring for others — can help assure Americans they will not fall into financial hardship .
The legislation also offers three months of paid family and medical leave .
Small and mid-sized employers will be reimbursed through tax credits .
Pelosi negotiated the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days of around-the-clock negotiations with cross-town phone calls , even as Trump was speaking at the White House .
Voting in the Senate is not yet set , with senators out of town for the weekend .
But Senate Leader Mitch McConnell cancelled a plan recess week and senators were scheduled to return Monday .
He said he expects most senators will want to “ act swiftly.
” Both Mnuchin and Pelosi , who said she did not speak directly to Trump during the negotiations , promised a third coronavirus package will follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boost the U.S. economy , which economists fear has already slipped into recession .
The financial markets closed on an upswing after one of the worst nosedives since the 1987 downturn .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia .
The vast majority of people recover .
According to the World Health Organization , people with mild illness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to be over it .
Trump said he was gratified that Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro tested negative for the virus , after the pair sat next to each other for an extended period of time last weekend at Trump ’ s Mar-a-Lago club .
A senior aide to Bolsonaro tested positive .
The White House physician said in a memo late Friday that Trump was also exposed to a second guest at the club dinner , “ sharing the table with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive for the virus .
Still despite the incidents , the physician said Trump had only “ LOW risk ” interactions and testing “ is not currently indicated.
” Trump ’ s daugher , Ivanka Trump , worked from home Friday after meeting with Australian Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton , now in isolation at a hospital after testing positive for the coronavirus .
White House spokesman Judd Deere said she was evaluated by the White House Medical Unit .
Attorney General William Barr , who also met with the Australian official , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt great and wasn ’ t showing any symptoms , ” according to his spokeswoman Kerri Kupec .
Several lawmakers , including some close to Trump , have also been exposed to people who tested positive for the virus , and are self-isolating .
Among them are Republican Sens .
Lindsey Graham and Rick Scott , who were at Trump ’ s club on the weekend .
Graham announced Friday that he also met with the Australian official who has now tested positive .
And GOP Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exposure at a conservative conference in Washington , said Friday he met with a Spanish official and is now self-quarantining .
Hospitals welcomed Trump ’ s emergency declaration , which they and lawmakers in Congress had been requesting .
It allows the Health and Human Services Department to temporarily waive certain federal rules that can make it harder for hospitals and other health care facilities to respond to an emergency .
The American Medical Association said the emergency declaration would help ensure America ’ s health care system has sufficient resources to properly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anthony Fauci , infectious disease chief at the National Institutes of Health , said more tests would be available over the next week , but warned , “ We still have a long way to go.
” Associated Press writers Aamer Madhani , Alan Fram , Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar , Lauran Neergaard , Martin Crutsinger , Laurie Kellman , Michael Balsamo and Kevin Freking in Washington contributed to this report .
The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute ’ s Department of Science Education .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ content .

Lisa Mascaro, Zeke Miller, Andrew Taylor And Jill Colvin - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-14--Schools scramble to feed students after coronavirus closures

ELK GROVE , Calif. - Kiyana Esco needs free school lunches and breakfasts to feed her six children .
But with schools shutting down over coronavirus concerns , she ’ s scrambling to pick up the meals , care for her kids and keep her job .
Esco , a single mother who was just promoted to manager at a Dollar Tree , fears she ’ ll be fired because she can ’ t work following school closures in Elk Grove , the fifth-largest district in California .
She ’ s among the parents who are relying on school leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ millions of America ’ s poorest children from going hungry .
While schools across the U.S. close their doors to try to prevent the spread of the new virus , they ’ re cobbling together arrangements for grab-and-go lunch bags or setting up delivery routes .
Congress is considering making it easier for school meals to be passed out at places like food banks as schools shut down in a growing list of states that included Ohio , Maryland , Michigan , Illinois , Virginia , Oregon , Washington , New Mexico , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Los Angeles , San Francisco , Houston , Philadelphia and Washington , D.C. , also announced school closures .
Even though most patients infected with the virus have only mild or moderate symptoms such as a fever or cold , school closures are widely accepted as a key way to slow the spread .
Some large districts , including New York City , were staying open for now , with concerns over their mission to provide free or reduced-cost meals to hundreds of thousands of students from lower-income families .
But others , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which had held out on shutting down for the same reasons , on Friday announced they would close .
“ There is evidence the virus is already present in the communities we serve , and our efforts now must be aimed at preventing its spread , “ Los Angeles Superintendent Austin Beutner and San Diego Superintendent Cindy Marten said in a joint statement .
The urgent decisions have left schools and cities scrambling to figure out how to make sure students don ’ t go hungry .
Local officials have been publishing lists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within their counties and cities .
In the U.S. , more than two-thirds of the 31 million students who regularly eat school lunches , or 22 million , depend on a free or reduced-price school lunch as a main source of their daily nutrition , according to the School Nutrition Association .
The U.S. Agriculture Department oversees food programs in schools , but it has restrictions on how students can get their subsidized meals , and currently can offer only limited waivers to states that allow schools to offer grab-and-go options .
Advocates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ease some rules , but USDA leaders say it ’ s up to lawmakers to loosen eligibility .
Several measures now pending in Congress would offer a nationwide waiver so school meals can be offered in a wide variety of settings , such as food banks , and allow the USDA to grant waiver requests expanding eligibility even if they resulted in added costs to the government .
Late Friday , the House overwhelmingly passed a coronavirus aid package that authorizes the USDA to allow states to provide food stamps to families whose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meals when schools are closed because of the outbreak .
Under the deal negotiated by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Trump administration , families will be eligible for the assistance if a child ’ s school is closed for at least five consecutive days .
The measure now goes to the Senate , where it is expected to be approved early next week .
Meanwhile , states and school districts pushed forward with their own plans .
Seattle Public Schools set up tents to provide food outside the first two schools it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancelling classes at all 104 campuses Wednesday , the 55,000-student district won ’ t be able to set up dozens of sites for sack lunches for all schools until Monday , spokesman Tim Robinson said .
New Mexico , which has the nation ’ s second-highest rate of childhood poverty , decided it would close all schools but leave most of their cafeterias open .
It ’ s preparing to deliver meals to children who can ’ t get to them , Gov .
Michelle Lujan Grisham said .
“ Kids are going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re closed .
That ’ s hard , ” she said .
“ But I will make the decisions that protect the entire state and ( arrange ) the wrap-around services and supports that make families and businesses as whole as we can.
” States including Oregon and Ohio , meanwhile , obtained waivers to allow districts to give out grab-and-go meals or provide other assistance , such as grocery store gift cards , to lower-income students .
And in Phoenix , where multiple districts announced they would close for at least two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up when “ Red for Ed ” protests shuttered schools in 2018 prepared to fill the void again .
United Food Bank , in the Phoenix suburb of Mesa , handed out emergency food bags Friday morning at its weekly “ help yourself ” distribution event .
Spokesman Tyson Nansel said he saw a noticeable uptick in demand for the bags of milk , frozen meat , green peppers , fruit , canned soup and ramen .
The event normally takes place in a warehouse , but gloved volunteers instead gathered outside and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We just had a lot of people who were very grateful we were doing it today , ” Nansel said .
Despite the efforts , many parents still worried and wondered how long the situation would last .
“ This doesn ’ t calm down until May , right ?
” Sophia Saelee said of the outbreak .
On Tuesday , she was among dozens of parents who picked up meals for their kids from Valley High School south of Sacramento in Elk Grove , where the school district was one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close Monday because a student ’ s family tested positive for the virus .
A day later , schools there began offering drive-thru breakfast and lunch giveaways at a dozen campuses , handing out more than 2,100 meals .
Saelee said her schedule wasn ’ t interrupted because she works in the evenings , but when she starts an office job next month , it could be trickier .
For Esco , it hasn ’ t been easy to juggle .
She drove to Valley High School this week to pick up free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her job because she was looking after her children .
“ Let ’ s just say I didn ’ t expect it to turn my whole schedule upside down , ” she said .
Yen reported from Washington .
Associated Press writers Kantele Franko in Columbus , Ohio , Terry Tang in Phoenix , Gillian Flaccus in Portland , Oregon , and Morgan Lee in Santa Fe.
, N.M. contributed to this report .
The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute ’ s Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solely responsible for all content .

Cuneyt Dil And Hope Yen - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-14--Governor suspends classes at schools, limits agency visits

JUNEAU , Alaska - Alaska ’ s governor Friday suspended classes and other activities at public schools , as well as banned visits to a number of correctional facilities as part of his effort to contain the new coronavirus outbreak .
Mike Dunleavy , working with the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services , ordered the suspension of classes and after-school activities from March 16 to March 30 .
Dunleavy also suspended visits to Department of Corrections facilities , Division of Juvenile Justice facilities , the Alaska Military Youth Academy and the Alaska Psychiatric Institute .
The governor limited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ house the elderly .
Also on Friday night , organizers of the Iditarod sled dog race said they are moving the 19th checkpoint in the 1,000-mile race out of the community of Shaktoolik to help prevent the transmission of the virus .
“ The Iditarod continues to utilize best practices and caution regarding COVID-19 , “ the organizers said in a statemwent .
Also on Friday , Alaska lawmakers announced plans to restrict access to the Capitol in Juneau amid concerns about the new coronavirus .
Access will be limited to lawmakers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mike Dunleavy ’ s administration and credentialed journalists .
In a release , issued by members of a subcommittee appointed to plan for COVID-19 , the steps were described as temporary but necessary for health and safety reasons and to help ensure lawmakers can finalize outstanding work .
Major issues remaining for lawmakers include the budgets and a decision on the size of Alaska Permanent Fund dividend to pay residents .
Committee hearings and floor sessions will be carried online and on TV .
Public testimony will be accepted by phone and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia .
State officials late Thursday announced the first case of the virus in Alaska .
Meanwhile , new jury trials in Anchorage , Kenai and Palmer were suspended for the week starting Monday .
Grand jury proceedings in Anchorage and elsewhere will continue as scheduled , according to the state court system .


thetorontostar--2020-03-14--Bipartisan virus relief bill: Free testing, paid sick leave

WASHINGTON - The Democratic-controlled House , with President Donald Trump ’ s support , early Saturday passed a bill to provide free testing for the coronavirus , as well as paid sick and family leave , strengthened unemployment insurance and increased food aid to ease the hardship on families .
The legislation will be taken up by the Senate next week .
It would require paid leave for workers who contract the virus or who care for those who do and additional food aid for the poor and senior citizens .
For most people , the virus causes only mild @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and cough .
For some , it causes more severe illness , including pneumonia .
The vast majority of people recover from the virus .
It requires private health insurance plans to provide free coronavirus testing and waives cost-sharing rules for testing provided to people covered by Medicare , Medicaid and federal retirement programs .
Another $ 1 billion is provided to test people without health insurance .
It boosts federal matching funds to state Medicaid programs by 6.2 % to ease the financial strain on states .
It establishes a temporary coronavirus-related @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fewer than 500 workers .
Workers with the coronavirus would receive 100 % or their wages if they have the coronavirus or are self-isolating and two-thirds of their pay when caring for family members .
The benefit would expire in January 2021 .
It also permits 12 weeks of job-protected family or medical leave at two-thirds pay , though the first 14 days of the extended leave would be unpaid .
In both cases businesses would be reimbursed by the federal government through a refundable tax credit .
It provides $ 1.3 billion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women and their young children , senior citizens and food banks .
It allows states to provide food stamps to make up for lost school lunch benefits if their children are kept home from school and directs $ 100 million of the funds to U.S. territories .
Workers laid off because of the coronavirus outbreak are already eligible for unemployment benefits , but the legislation provides $ 1 billion for additional caseloads and administrative costs to encourage temporarily furloughed workers to obtain unemployment benefits .
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increased protections against the coronavirus .
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thetorontostar--2020-03-14--Dems, GOP forge virus outbreak into ‘20 campaign issue

WASHINGTON - Coronavirus is already coloring the 2020 campaign , with Democrats convinced President Donald Trump ’ s muddled response to the outbreak leaves him and down-ballot Republicans vulnerable over the burgeoning health crisis , his competency and __ potentially most damaging __ the staggering economy .
Republicans are fighting back by accusing Democrats of politicizing the fight against the virus and COVID-19 , the sometimes deadly disease it causes .
But mostly , a nervous GOP is hoping administration actions will reverse the stock market ’ s nosedive , avert a recession and overcome the coronavirus in just a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to prevent the problems from becoming Trump ’ s Hurricane Katrina and defining November ’ s election battles for the White House and Congress .
Then-President George W. Bush was harshly criticized for his administration ’ s belated handling of the deadly 2005 storm , which battered New Orleans , damaged his presidency and contributed to the GOP ’ s loss of House control the following year .
“ The economy has been his whole schtick , “ said former Rep. Tom Davis , R-Va. , who once headed the House GOP ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market tanks and the economy goes down , I think Trump ’ s whole reason for being in office goes away.
” “ The way you respond to crises can be make-or-break moments for elected officials , “ said Whit Ayres , a veteran Republican pollster .
People in both parties say a recession and a rampant disease outbreak would cripple Trump ’ s reelection and Republican efforts to capture House control and defend their Senate majority .
That ’ s an edge Democrats are primed to exploit .
“ Every elected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rep. Sean Casten , D-Wis. , tweeted this week after Trump delivered a prime time national address that erroneously described several steps he ’ s taking to try containing the virus .
“ They elected him .
They coddled him .
They cowered before him.
” Democrats ’ first ads on the theme have only started trickling out .
Yet they point to GOP soft spots Democrats detect and the emotional appeals they ’ ll make .
Before exiting the Democratic presidential race this month , Mike Bloomberg ran two ads that implicitly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crisis by citing his own efforts as New York City mayor right after the 9-11 terrorist attacks .
“ Trust is essential , “ Bloomberg said .
The Democratic-backed group Protect Our Care began airing a spot this week in Montana asserting that the state ’ s GOP senator , Steve Daines , “ doesn ’ t worry “ about families ’ health concerns including coronavirus .
It depicts a concerned mom hovering over her daughter , who lies bedridden in a hospital .
Daines , who faces a competitive reelection race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Barack Obama ’ s health care law but there ’ s no evidence he is unconcerned about coronavirus .
Jesse Hunt , spokesman for the Senate GOP ’ s campaign committee , said Democrats are running “ disgusting attack ads that politicize a disease that knows no party.
” Short of campaign ads , both sides have used press releases and emails to dual over the virus .
Christy Smith , a Democrat battling for an open House seat from Los Angeles , emailed supporters accusing Republicans of “ legislative malpractice ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
And an email from the Great America PAC , a group that supports Trump , says while Trump has been “ working around the clock to keep Americans safe and healthy , “ he ’ s been blamed by “ the Left and Fake News media ” for the outbreak .
Such emails are often used to generate lists of potential voters , volunteers and donors .
Trump has repeatedly referred to criticisms of his administration ’ s coronavirus performance as a “ hoax.
“ Republicans say there is still time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economy and consign them to background noise before Election Day .
“ If we do this right , in the mid-summer the economy and stocks will come roaring back , ” said Rep. Steve Stivers , R-Ohio , a recent chairman of his party ’ s House political arm .
A quick turnabout will be crucial for Trump , whose presidency has featured frequent high-profile clashes that often drown each other out .
That includes his House impeachment and his acquittal just five weeks ago by the Senate , which have already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Above all issues , a feeble economy can spell an incumbent president ’ s downfall , and things currently look grim .
Plummeting financial markets , withering 401k accounts , growing layoffs , slowed consumer spending and travel and the shutdown of sports leagues and entertainment venues are hardly the stuff that lures voters .
Trump declared the coronavirus pandemic a national emergency Friday , saying that would provide $ 50 billion to state and local governments for the outbreak .
The Dow Jones average rose over 1,900 points Friday but was still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 per cent from its all-time last month .
But in an example of his tendency to downplay the virus and his defensiveness about the administration ’ s slow-footed reaction to it , he said , “ I don ’ t take responsibility at all “ for the plodding roll-out of testing in the U.S. That left the wounded economy and the virus irresistible targets for Democrats , who are tying them to criticism of Trump as incompetent .
“ You wouldn ’ t have had a massive fluctuation in the stock market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really disturbing the confidence of investors , ” said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz , D-Fla. , a former Democratic Party chairwoman .
She said Trump ’ s “ fly by the seat of his pants , cover his own tuchus approach does not inspire confidence.
” “ President Trump has taken kind of malicious pride in asserting that he alone can make things happen , ” said Rep. Peter Welch , D-Vt. “ And he ’ s run into his match with a coronavirus that simply doesn ’ t respond to his tweets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign trail have struck similar themes .
Joe Biden said “ a pervasive lack of trust in this president ” had hindered the response to virus , compounded by Trump ’ s leaving the country “ woefully unprepared.
” Biden ’ s remaining rival , Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders , said the administration ’ s “ incompetence and recklessness have threatened the lives of many , many people.
” Still , Republicans are watching to see if Democrats overstep in converting a virus that has killed thousands around the world into a political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they “ look like they are cheering for a worsening of a very serious situation , ” said Ayres , the GOP pollster .


thetorontostar--2020-03-14--Trump says he’s likely to be tested after repeat exposure

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump said Friday he will “ most likely ” be tested for the novel coronavirus , as questions swirled about why he , his top aides and his family weren ’ t doing more to protect themselves and others after repeated exposure to COVID-19 .
Trump has now had multiple direct and indirect contacts with people who have tested positive for the pandemic virus , which on Friday prompted him to declare a state of emergency as schools and workplaces across the country shuttered , flights were cancelled and Americans braced for war against the threat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his private club in Florida with at least three people who have now tested positive .
The Brazilian Embassy in Washington announced late Friday that the country ’ s chargé d ’ affaires , Nestor Forster , tested positive after sitting at Trump ’ s dinner table .
So , too , have a top aide to Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and an individual who attended a fundraiser Sunday with Trump , according to two Republican officials who spoke on condition of anonymity in order to discuss private health matters .
Several top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barr and Trump ’ s daughter and senior adviser Ivanka Trump , also met last week with an Australian Cabinet minister who on Friday was confirmed positive .
Multiple lawmakers and citizens across the country who have had the same degree of exposure have opted to voluntarily quarantine themselves and get tested out of an abundance of caution .
But Trump , who has long tried to minimize the threat posed by the virus , insisted Friday — contrary to the advice of many medical professionals — that he did not need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exhibiting symptoms .
He conceded that he would “ most likely “ submit to testing “ fairly soon , ” but continued to flout public health officials ’ advice by repeatedly shaking with attendees hands during a Rose Garden press conference on efforts to combat the pandemic .
Even so , Trump told the nation , “ All Americans have a role to play in defeating this virus.
“ “ Anyone can be a carrier for the virus and risk transmission to older Americans and those with underlying health conditions , ” Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take all precautions and be responsible for the actions that we take and that we see other people take.
“ The president , according to two people close to the White House , has been reluctant to take the test for fear it would project weakness or worry .
Trump has wanted to appear in full control during the crisis , especially as he tries to calm stock markets amid historic drops , and has expressed concerns that taking personal steps could undermine that appearance .
Asked whether he was being selfish by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infecting others and what advice he had for people who may be receiving contradictory messages , Trump said , “ I think they have to listen to their doctors.
“ White House officials insist Trump had only minimal contact with Fábio Wajngarten , Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro ’ s communications director , who has tested positive for the virus .
Wajngarten posed for a photo with Trump , shook his hand and attended a birthday party held for Kimberly Guilfoyle , who is dating the president ’ s eldest son .
Trump had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the White House physician said in a Friday night letter that because “ all interactions occurred before any symptoms were onset , “ the White House considers them “ low risk ” so “ there is no indication for home quarantine at this time.
” In addition to his direct exposure , Trump has also had repeated contact with lawmakers who chose to isolate themselves after being exposed to people who later tested positive .
That included Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz , who travelled aboard Air Force One with the president Monday and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham , who was working from home after spending time at Mar-a-Lago and attending his own meeting with Peter Dutton , Australia ’ s Minister for Home Affairs ; and Florida Sen. Rick Scott , who also interacted with the Brazilian delegation .
White House spokesman Judd Deere said Ivanka Trump , who met with Dutton , worked from home Friday “ out of an abundance of caution , “ but said Dutton had been asymptomatic during their interaction , so the White House Medical Unit determined she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not need to self-quarantine.
” White House counsellor Kellyanne Conway said she ’ d received the same instructions , “ in accordance with CDC guidance.
” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise those who have been in “ close contact with a person with symptomatic laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 “ to remain home and practice social distancing , but experts ’ guidance has been mixed when it comes to those who are not exhibiting symptoms .
People who are exposed to the virus don ’ t show symptoms immediately ; there is an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 14 days .
And the CDC is most concerned with close contact , which it defines as being coughed on or within about 6 feet of someone who is sick for a prolonged period of time .
The CDC doesn ’ t consider it risky to walk past someone with the virus or to be briefly in the same room with them .
Many doctors across the country , however , have been advising those with any exposure to take precautions .
And Trump , who is 73 , is considered to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of his age .
The president should get tested , even if he is not exhibiting symptoms , said Stephen Morse , a Columbia University expert on the spread of diseases .
” Anyone who ’ s infected is a risk of spreading it to other people , ” he said .
“ That can be true of people who are infected but don ’ t have symptoms.
” Dr. Leana Wen , an emergency physician and visiting professor at the George Washington University Milken School of Public Health who once served @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Baltimore , said COVID-19 is “ highly transmittable ” and anyone who comes within six feet of someone who is infected could become infected and spread it , without even knowing they are sick .
“ We are at a time of an international public health emergency , “ she said , so everybody should abide by public health guidelines , “ no matter their position or their title.
” Any administration official with known exposure , she said , “ should follow the same guidance as anyone else “ and be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the president , she said , “ in order to be the commander-in-chief of the country ... he needs to take care of himself.
“ Lemire reported from New York .
Associated Press writers Lauran Neergaard in Washington and Michael Stobbe in New York contributed to this report .

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


thetorontostar--2020-03-14--Venezuela, already in crisis, reports 1st coronavirus cases

CARACAS , Venezuela - Venezuela confirmed its first two cases of the coronavirus Friday , deepening anxiety in a crisis-stricken nation where many hospitals lack basics such as water and soap and struggle to treat even basic ailments .
The announcement prompted President Iván Duque of neighbouring Colombia to order his nation ’ s border with Venezuela closed as a coronavirus containment measure .
“ God help us , ” hospital patient Carlos Chacón said after hearing the news that the pandemic had arrived in his native Venezuela .
“ My mom is old and sick .
So is my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 48-year-old electrician who was first hospitalized four months ago with two broken legs from a motorcycle accident .
“ Here I am in this condition , stuck in this hospital bed.
” Earlier Friday , Venezuelan Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez delivered the news that Venezuelans feared was coming : A 52-year-old man who had recently travelled from Spain and a 41-year-old woman who had returned from a trip through the U.S. , Italy and Spain had been diagnosed with the virus .
Schools across Venezuela immediately closed , a day after President Nicolás Maduro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an attempt to ward off the illness .
Juan Guaidó also called off upcoming street demonstrations , taking away one of the U.S-backed opposition leader ’ s tools in his year-long battle to oust Maduro .
Health experts say Venezuela ’ s population is particularly the region ’ s most vulnerable and worry the virus could easily spread in a nation paralyzed by a political and economic crisis .
The country of roughly 30 million people was once a wealthy oil producer , pumping from the world ’ s largest reserves .
Today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , poverty and massive power failures that have driven out an estimated 4.5 million migrants in recent years .
Venezuela ’ s government does not publish health care statistics , but there are deep shortages of antibiotics and general supplies , including scarcities of basic items needed to confront an epidemic .
“ Most hospitals don ’ t have water , face masks or even soap , ” said Dr. Patricia Valenzuela , board member of the Venezuelan Society of Infectology .
“ We ’ re not prepared.
” A report by Humans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health concluded last year that the health system in Venezuela has “ totally collapsed.
” It cited rising levels of maternal and child mortality as well as the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases .
The U.N. World Food Program recently said that nearly one-third of Venezuela ’ s population are unable to meet basic dietary needs .
In response to the news about the coronavirus cases , Venezuelans on Friday rushed to some markets and pharmacies in the capital of Caracas to stock up on food and supplies .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ If this is the first day , I don ’ t know what ’ s going to happen in a week or in a month , ” said Genesis Suarez , a mother .
She was shocked to see that a box of 50 face masks costs $ 31 — a small fortune in a country where most workers earn a monthly minimum wage of $ 4.50 .
“ It ’ s honestly hard to imagine a more fertile playground for the coronavirus than Maduro-era Venezuela , “ said Daniel Lansberg-Rodríguez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Northwestern University ’ s Kellogg School of Management .
“ Its understaffed and ill-supplied healthcare system already collapsed years ago , ” he said .
The virus further raised tensions between Venezuela and Colombia , whose government backs Guaidó .
Colombia´s president announced late Friday that all official border crossing with the neighbouring Andean nation would be shuttered beginning at 5 a.m. Saturday .
The two nations share a porous 1,370-mile ( 2,200-kilometre ) border that is crossed by thousands of Venezuelans each day searching for food and medicine .
In addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their homeland in recent years , many arriving in Colombia .
Experts in Colombia are concerned that the migration crisis could exacerbate the spread of coronavirus throughout the region .
Colombia has 16 confirmed cases .
Several infectious diseases , including measles , have increased in Colombia in recent years , with experts attributing the spike in large part to migration .
Dr. Alfonso Rodríguez-Morales , vice-president of the Colombian Association of Infectology , said the Venezuela exodus will inevitably challenge both efforts to contain and respond to the spread of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weakened by hunger and disease .
“ The health system obviously has its limits that could clearly be surpassed in Colombia or in any country in Latin America , ” he said .
“ I don ’ t think any country has has the capacity to handle that.
” The Trump administration this week stepped up pressure aimed at ousting Maduro , hitting a second subsidiary of the Russian state-controlled Rosneft Oil Company with financial sanctions .
Russia is a key ally of the Venezuelan president .
Maduro urged the U.S. to lift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from buying medicine needed in health emergencies .
U.S. officials maintain that the sanctions do not prohibit buying food and medicine .
Chacón winces each time he shifts his weight in a bed at Domingo Luciani Hospital in Caracas .
He is struggling to raise $ 150 for medical treatment , hoping to leave the hospital as soon as possible for fear he could catch the virus there .
“ Nothing works well here , ” Chacón said .
“ There ’ s serious problems in health control , food supplies — with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Associated Press writers Jorge Rueda in Caracas and Christine Armario in Bogota , Colombia , contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-03-14--Disneyland visitors savour final day before closure for virus

ANAHEIM , CALIF.— Thousands flocked to Disneyland on Friday for glimpses of Mickey and Minnie , a ride on “ It ’ s a Small World ” and a last trip to the Galaxy ’ s Edge before a historically long closure because of the new coronavirus .
It was a rare rainy day in Southern California , and visitors wearing sequined mouse ears and plastic raincoats sought to cram in all the rides , treats and magical memories they could before the self-proclaimed Happiest Place on Earth closes Saturday through the end of the month .
There were limited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woman using a bleach wipe on a table , conversations about the health crisis as people waited in lines for rides .
But there were no warnings at the entrance about coronavirus or reminders to create “ social space ” with other patrons .
Signs in restrooms urged visitors to wash their hands for 20 seconds but didn ’ t reference the virus .
There are no documented coronavirus cases from Disneyland .
Reaction to the closure was mixed .
Some said it was a good move to protect public health while others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roiled Rochelle Van Eysden and her family of five who travelled from New Zealand for a three-day vacation at Disneyland with plans to then take a week-long cruise to Mexico .
They got less time at the park , and their cruise may not happen .
“ We ’ ve promised the kids this trip for years and years and years , ” she said .
“ We ’ ve been through earthquakes and wildfires and mosque shootings , and this was their reward .
And now our three-day pass has turned into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re absolutely gutted.
” “ I think it ’ s just a major overreaction on the part of everybody , ” she said .
Kristina Pasillas , 24 , and Gary Moreno , 28 , made the five-hour drive from Hollister , California , on Thursday with their 5-year-old son only to learn soon after arriving at their hotel that their planned two-day visit would be cut short .
They immediately raced over to the park and returned Friday to board Dumbo ’ s flying elephant ride and try to meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just making the best out of it , ” Pasillas said .
She added that the lines were exceptionally short for rides , though it was hard to know if the rain — or fear of the virus — was the reason .
Disneyland fans normally can bank on the park being open regardless of what ’ s going on in the world around it .
The park closed only a handful of times in 65 years and never for more than a day , said Jason Schultz , supervisory archivist at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unofficial Disneyland historian who wrote “ Jason ’ s Disneyland Almanac.
” The last closure was after the terror attacks on Sept. 11 , 2001 .
A Disneyland spokesperson declined to comment about previous closures or the park ’ s final day before it closes temporarily .
Walt Disney Co. announced the closure of Disneyland on Thursday , shortly after California Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s news conference on his executive order recommending against any “ nonessential ” gatherings of more than 250 people .
Universal Studios Hollywood and other theme parks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Disney World plans to shutter on Monday .
Life in the final hours before the closure carried on as usual with families checking mobile phones for the shortest wait times — just five minutes for the classic “ It ’ s a Small World ” and 10 to meet Minnie Mouse — and restless toddlers begging to break free from strollers .
Ivan Moore , 46 , of Chandler , Arizona , wound up at the theme park with his family after a memorial service for his cousin was cancelled in Northern California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the family together as the virus spread .
He already had time off of work so the family headed to Disneyland with plans to visit Galaxy ’ s Edge , the new Star Wars attraction .
Moore commended the resort for making the move to protect the most vulnerable .
“ You ’ ve got a pandemic going on .
Whether or not it ’ s going to spread faster or not doesn ’ t matter — this helps.
” he said of closing the park .


thetorontostar--2020-03-14--For Chinese, US visa halt puts jobs, citizen hopes at risk

BEIJING - Courtney Huang fell in love with the U.S. as a nursing student in Texas .
She ended up staying 13 years and wants to become a U.S. citizen .
But Huang now finds her job , future , and dreams of citizenship on the line since the Trump administration barred entry last month to non-U.S. citizens and residents flying in from China over the coronavirus outbreak .
With crucial deadlines looming , her plans look increasingly at risk .
“ I ’ m really scared , ” Huang said .
“ I have a lot there .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s just going to be very difficult.
” The U.S. suspended visa processing in China on Feb. 3 , citing limited staffing during the virus outbreak .
No deadline extensions have been announced and it ’ s not known when the suspension will be lifted .
That ’ s put hundreds of Chinese citizens applying for U.S. work visas in limbo , fretting as their jobs look increasingly at risk .
Huang had returned to China to see her parents over the Lunar New Year holiday in late January .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California and her work visa was on the verge of approval when the American Consulate in Shanghai announced it was returning everyone ’ s passports .
After weeks of fretting and weighing her options at her parent ’ s home in eastern China , Huang flew to Thailand .
She now plans to wait out a mandated 14-day self-quarantine before seeing if she can get her visa from the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok .
Though Huang was born and raised in China , her whole life is now in Oakland , California , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , friends and job .
With her Christian faith and gregarious , outspoken manner , the U.S. feels like home .
“ I feel like I fit in better there .
Free speech , free religion , ” Huang said .
Clean air , better career opportunities for women and a liberal social environment were also draws , she added .
Huang obtained a nursing degree in Texas , then a master ’ s degree in bioengineering from U.C .
Berkeley .
She ’ s on the verge of completing an M.B.A. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Now , Huang is concerned those plans could fall apart .
Though her new employers , a company that provides clinical support for physicians , are understanding , Huang worries that as the months go by , there ’ s a possibility she may lose her job — and with it , her right to work in the U.S. Like Huang , Kevin Yang , a Chinese doctoral student researching immunology at an American university , is also reconsidering his options .
After moving to the U.s. eight years ago , Yang has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his student visa renewed without a hitch .
This year , though , Yang became one of many Chinese citizens caught up in the brutal tussle between Beijing and Washington over trade and technology .
When Yang applied for a visa in December , the State Department told him it was being delayed while they investigated his background for ties to the Chinese government .
American officials have in recent years grown alarmed over the alleged theft of U.S. technology by China , casting a cloud of suspicion on Chinese citizens like Yang @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the check would take four weeks , Yang changed his flights and prepared to stay longer .
Then in late January , the Chinese government began locking down whole cities to contain the virus .
Soon after , Trump announced the U.S. travel ban .
Yang got his passport back in the mail with no visa .
American officials told Yang ’ s academic adviser that since Yang no longer had a visa , they could no longer pay his stipend or fund his research with federal grant money .
Hospital surveys that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dollars and thousands of hours ” over two years to set up were now in peril , something he described as a crushing blow .
“ Maybe it ’ s time for me to start thinking about an alternative career , ” Yang said , mulling the possibility he won ’ t be able to finish his Ph.D. “ It ’ s like restarting my life.
” Discouraging high-skilled foreigners from immigrating could undermine the U.S. economy and its global prominence , said Anastasia Tonello , former president of the American Immigration Lawyers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the U.S. as of 2018 , according to the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute , and most are significantly better educated than the average American .
China is also the main source of foreign students enrolled in U.S. higher education .
While health and safety are legitimate concerns , blanket travel bans aren ’ t the answer , Tonello said .
“ I just don ’ t think this was thought through , ” she said .
“ These are just such broad strokes and can cause so much damage.
” The U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restricting entry from China .
Travelers face restrictions across the globe , from neighbouring North Korea to far-flung New Zealand , Somalia , and Guatemala .
Australia , a major destination for Chinese students and immigrants , also has banned arrivals and stopped issuing visas .
Such restrictions have been loudly criticized by China ’ s Foreign Ministry , though Beijing frequently singles out the United States .
Yang and Huang both say they understand why a travel ban could help contain the virus .
But they say the U.S. halt on new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other accommodations — is frustrating and unreasonable .
Even more frustrating for Huang is the sense that the U.S. is trying to bar her from coming back .
“ I ’ m not being respected .
I work in the states as a talent ; I pay my taxes diligently , ” Huang said .
“ This just makes me feel like , ‘ Oh , maybe I ’ m just not welcome in the states.
’ ” Even for Chinese with visas , the clock is ticking .
Tom , a programmer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city of Wuhan , had just obtained a master ’ s degree in computer science from Emory University in Georgia .
He has a U.S. visa but got stuck in Wuhan after the city was quarantined .
Under American law , foreign students have 90 days after graduation to start new jobs if they want to stay and work in the U.S .
If Tom is still trapped in Wuhan by May , he ’ ll lose both his new job at Amazon and his chance to work in America altogether .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ all over again , ” Tom said , declining to provide his last name for fear it could affect his visa and career prospects .
“ I just worry every day about whether I can go back to America.
” Tom says his family spent around $ 70,000 to send him to Emory for a shot at a better life in the U.S .
He didn ’ t want to work in China , deterred by the Chinese tech industry ’ s notoriously-long hours , popularly known as “ 996 ” –9 a.m. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week .
U.S. officials told him there was nothing he could do .
“ We just want some help or advice , ” Tom said .
“ Please don ’ t ignore us , it ’ s something completely out of our control .
That ’ s the worst thing.
” The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute ’ s Department of Science Education .
The AP is solely responsible for all content .