thetorontostar--2020-03-13--Trump economic team grasps for credibility with outbreak

WASHINGTON - During the financial crisis a decade ago , President Barack Obama could look around the room and turn to an economist who served as Harvard ’ s president , a former president of the New York Federal Reserve and a renowned academic considered one of the world ’ s authorities on the Great Depression .
As President Donald Trump confronts the public health and economic maelstrom caused by the coronavirus , his economic team has a much different background .
His top economic adviser , Larry Kudlow , is a former financial analyst who was a commentator on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mnuchin , is a Goldman Sachs veteran and former Hollywood producer whose credits include the 2016 film “ Rules Don ’ t Apply.
” The threat from the pandemic has sent markets plummeting and created grave uncertainty about broader effects that could turn an economy Trump relentlessly showcases to one that leaves Americans struggling and puts the president ’ s central argument for reelection at risk .
The collapse in stock and oil prices has become the most important test of Trump ’ s economic leadership team .
Unlike the impeachment process that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month , there is no partisan backstop that can halt infections or restore confidence to shuddering financial markets .
“ We need an adult in the room to manage these issues , ” said Kenneth Rogoff , a Harvard economist and co-author of “ This Time Is Different : Eight Centuries of Financial Folly , ” a global history of financial crises .
“ Obama had an extraordinary team and so did Bush .
There were great men that rose to the occasion .
The current Fed team in place is very strong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to response here .
They can help at the margins.
” Rogoff , who believes the chances of a global recession have risen dramatically with the health crisis , said he also worries about the Trump team ’ s ability to navigate the unpredictability of politically fraught negotiation .
On one hand , he said that he worries that Trump could undercut Mnuchin , who is leading negotiations with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , on an economic package to address the crisis .
The economist said he ’ s also concerned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a deal to weaken Trump politically in the months before the November elections .
Diane Swonk , chief economist at Grant Thornton , said Trump arrived at the crisis with a short bench at the Treasury Department and has failed to appoint a permanent chairman to the White House Council of Economic Advisers , a key group of administration economists who advise the president on a range of economic policies .
Tomas Philipson a University of Chicago economist and former George W. Bush administration official , has been serving as acting chairman for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things that we usually rely on in the middle of a crisis — usually a big group of talented bureaucrats -- we just don ’ t have there , ” Swonk said .
“ Clearly the administration is further behind than I ’ d like , because it took until this week to talk about economic measures .
They got ahead of themselves when they said they had a plan , when they didn ’ t. ” For most people , the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms , such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia .
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus .
According to the World Health Organization , people with mild illness recover in about two weeks , while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover .
In mainland China , where the virus first exploded , more than 80,000 people have been diagnosed and more than 68,000 have so far recovered .
Trump has moved more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders of banks , insurance companies and health care providers in an effort to calm market fears , so far with limited success .
He addressed the nation Wednesday night and announced that he was sharply restricting travel from Europe for a month and that the government will defer certain tax payments for individuals and businesses for three months to lessen the pain of the virus outbreak .
Now the administration must work with Congress over how to best address the crisis , with proposals ranging from a payroll tax holiday to large-scale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one on that team that has a real experience and understanding of fiscal stimulus , ” said Jared Bernstein , a former economic adviser to Vice-President Joe Biden during the Obama administration .
He said he ’ s spoken to Kudlow about ideas to assist hourly workers impacted by the coronavirus outbreak .
“ That said they can mitigate that problem , because there are lots of people , lots of economists with those experiences .
The question is : Will they reach out ?
“ Mnuchin this week tried to assuage Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by saying that this crisis is likely to have an end in sight , unlike the financial crisis .
Kudlow has suggested that it may be a good time to buy stocks on the cheap .
Trump , who in late January boasted that U.S. officials had coronavirus “ very well under control , ” has called on Americans to “ calm down ” as he seeks to blunt the economic and health-related damage caused by the outbreak .
“ This is a one-time event , “ Mnuchin said during Wednesday testimony before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couldn ’ t be more pleased that the U.S. economy is the most resilient in the world , and we will get through this very successfully.
” Trump predicted “ tremendous pent-up demand ” will boost the economy once the crisis passes .
But he also seemed to acknowledge that his version of a payroll tax cut faced long odds .
Even as he called for major stimulus to stabilize the stock market and address concerns that the U.S. is headed toward a recession , Trump insisted in an Oval Office address to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be temporary .
“ This is not a financial crisis , ” he said .
“ This just a temporary moment of time that we will overcome together as a nation and as a world.
” Paul Winfree , a former White House domestic policy adviser in the Trump administration , said the administration has plenty of firepower to deal with the crisis and that Trump has been well-served by his advisers .
But Winfree said he ’ s concerned that the administration and Democrats are pushing for measures , such as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t directly related to the coronavirus outbreak .
“ If I were the treasury secretary or leading the administration response to this , I ’ d be viewing this as we ’ re at the forefront of a demand-side shock ... that will have real economic consequences , “ said Winfree , who is now an economic policy analyst at the Heritage Foundation , a conservative think-tank .
“ But let ’ s address the cause of the hemorrhage .
And the cause of the hemorrhaging right now is the coronavirus.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tax cut was met with a lack of enthusiasm even by many Republicans and White House aides , who were either unsure it was needed or weren ’ t convinced that it was the best way to address the crisis , according to administration officials who were not authorized to publicly discuss the matter and spoke on condition of anonymity .
The president wants the yet-to-be-detailed tax cut to run through the end of the year , ensuring that workers would benefit from it through his reelection effort .
Republicans say Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come down to what Mnuchin can work out with Pelosi .
The speaker , who spent time with Mnuchin on Tuesday and Wednesday , described her relationship with the treasury secretary as “ professional.
” Associated Press writers Matthew Daly and Andrew Taylor 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 .

Aamer Madhani And Josh Boak - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-13--Impact of pandemic stretches from schools to world’s leaders

NEW YORK - Schools shut down across much of Europe .
Gatherings were cancelled or banned from California to Germany .
And the coronavirus reached directly into the world ’ s centres of power Thursday , with politicians in Canada , Brazil , Spain and elsewhere either testing positive for the new virus or putting themselves in quarantine as fallout from the pandemic further upended daily life .
The crisis has wreaked havoc on businesses and financial markets , sending U.S. stocks to their worst losses since the Black Monday crash of 1987 .
European markets closed with one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are in a global panic , “ said Estelle Brack , an economist in Paris .
“ We are in the deep unknown.
” The European Union pushed back against President Donald Trump ’ s sharp restrictions on travel from Europe to the United States , slamming Trump ’ s “ unilateral ” decision and declaring the virus a “ global crisis , not limited to any continent , and it requires co-operation.
” Trump defended his decision to not notify all EU leaders ahead of the announcement .
“ When they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t consult us , ” Trump said .
“ I think that ’ s probably one in the same.
” The vast majority of new cases of the COVID-19 illness are now linked to Europe .
Deaths in Italy topped 1,000 , with more than 15,000 testing positive .
The virus , first detected in December in China , has produced crippling outbreaks in Asia , Europe and the Middle East , ignited financial panic and in the last week has seen dizzying developments erupt by the hour .
European soccer leagues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games , school terms for hundreds of millions of students , weddings , baptisms , funerals , nightlife , culture high and low — all fell by the wayside with a swiftness and scope that was becoming increasingly difficult to grasp .
Amid the fear , it can be easy to forget that more than half those infected with the virus have already recovered from COVID-19 , the disease it causes .
Most patients have only mild or moderate symptoms such as a fever or cold , though severe symptoms including pneumonia can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people with existing health problems .
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was isolating himself after his wife tested positive .
She said she was experiencing uncomfortable symptoms but “ I will be back on my feet soon.
” Trudeau ’ s office said he has no symptoms of COVID-19 but will stay in isolation for 14 days .
In Spain , a leading member of a far-right party tested positive for the virus .
In the United States , several politicians were quarantining themselves as a protective measure .
Meanwhile , the Brazilian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just days after meeting with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort .
Despite that , Trump has no immediate plans to be tested or go into self-quarantine , the White House said .
Developments in the pandemic have spilled across continents and countries , from China ’ s ongoing lockdown of the original epicenter of the illness , to the shuttering of the Los Angeles Zoo , to Belgium ordering schools , cafes , restaurants and night clubs to close .
Across Italy , restaurants , cafes and retail shops closed after the prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Grocery stores , pharmacies and outdoor markets were allowed to operate .
In Italy ’ s Lombardy region , the virus ’ s European epicenter , hospitals were overwhelmed with both the sick and the dead .
In the U.S. , even a Federal Reserve pledge to inject up to $ 2 trillion into short-term lending markets did not halt the bleeding on Wall Street .
The S & P 500 plummeted 9.5 % , for a total drop of 26.7 % .
That puts it way past the 20 % threshold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unprecedented , nearly 11-year bull-market run .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average sank 10 % for its worst day since a nearly 23 % drop on Oct. 19 , 1987 .
European markets also closed one of their worst days in history , unswayed by European Central Bank stimulus measures to buy up 120 billion euros ( $ 132 billion ) in bonds .
More than 128,000 people have been infected , the vast majority in just four countries : China and South Korea — where new cases are declining —and Iran and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The spread has slowed so much in China that the government sent a medical crew to Italy and offered surplus supplies to Iran .
More than 4,700 people have died worldwide .
In the United States , restrictions on gatherings were enacted from New York to California , and dozens of cultural hubs were closed .
Disneyland and Disney World are both shutting down in the next few days .
Broadway theatres went dark .
The Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center , the New York Philharmonic , Carnegie Hall , the Apollo Theater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancelled events through March 31 .
Congress closed the U.S. Capitol and House and Senate office buildings to the public until April 1 , the White House cancelled tours and the Supreme Court also will be closed to the public .
France , Ireland , Denmark , Norway , Lithuania Algeria and Slovakia joined countries shutting down their schools , and Europe ’ s most successful soccer team , Real Madrid , put all its players into quarantine after one tested positive .
The Czech government said it would reimpose border checks and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including Britain and several in the European Union .
Slovakia closed its international airports and ground transport hubs .
Europeans were adjusting to the U.S. travel restrictions , which affected some of the world ’ s most heavily travelled routes and threw plans into chaos .
“ We were going to get married in Las Vegas , with Elvis .
It was going to be epic , ” said Sandrine Reynaert of Paris who had to cancel the April 20 ceremony .
Her future husband already has the date engraved on his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the U.S. policy , despite imposing far fewer restrictions than many EU countries , raising questions about the policy ’ s coherence .
Trump accused Europe of not acting quickly enough to address the “ foreign virus.
” Across the U.S. , where cases have topped 1,600 , a sense of urgency was pervasive .
Schools emptied of students and workplace cubicles went vacant .
A rite of spring , college basketball ’ s NCAA tournament was cancelled , while the NBA and NHL also decided their pros won ’ t play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spring training and postponed opening day for at least two weeks .
Concerts were cancelled around the world .
“ The idea of listening to and experiencing music together is gone — for now , “ the Russian-German pianist Igor Levit wrote after giving a live concert on Twitter ’ s Periscope platform .
“ It ’ s necessary , yet so sad.
” Hinnant reported from Paris and Sullivan from Minneapolis .
Contributing were Associated Press writers Maria Cheng and Jill Lawless in London ; Jamey Keaten in Geneva ; Samuel Petrequin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; Colleen Barry in Soave , Italy ; Nicole Winfield and Frances D ’ Emilio in Rome ; Rachel La Corte in Olympia , Washington ; Chris Grygiel and Lisa Baumann in Seattle ; and David B. Caruso and Theo Wayt in New York .
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

Stan Choe, Lori Hinnant And Tim Sullivan - The Associated Press

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


thetorontostar--2020-03-13--EU urges border health checks as virus case count mounts

BRUSSELS - The European Union urged member countries Friday to put health screening procedures in place at their borders to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus but said they must co-ordinate so people can still quickly get the medical care they need .
With Italy reporting the most virus cases and deaths anywhere in the world except China , the pandemic is increasingly wearing on the EU ’ s cherished core principle , which envisions a border-free Europe where citizens can freely live , work and travel .
Countries that border Italy , including Austria , Slovenia and Switzerland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrict traffic from outside .
But several other EU nations , including Poland , Slovakia and Cyprus , announced restrictions that go far beyond travellers from Italy .
Poland ’ s prime minister said that starting at midnight Saturday , the country ’ s borders with all its neighbours would be closed and all foreigners denied entry unless they lived in Poland or had personal ties there .
Non-citizens who are let in will be quarantined for 14 days .
Slovakia took similar action .
An entry ban on foreign nationals in Cyprus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or work in the ethnically divided island nation .
President Nicos Anastasiades said foreigners would also be prohibited from entering Cyprus ’ internationally recognized south from the breakaway north .
More than 22,000 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed across Europe , and nearly 1,300 people with the virus have died on the continent .
Earlier Friday , the EU ’ s executive commission recommended co-ordinated border health screenings as a way to address infections .
“ We ’ ve seen travel bans and controls being put in place in a number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ursula von der Leyen said .
“ Certain controls may be justified , but general travel bans are not seen as being the most effective by the World Health Organization .
Moreover , they have a strong social and economic impact .
They disrupt people ’ s lives and business across the borders.
” To avoid a patchwork of national policies that cause economic harm and are ineffective in guarding public health , “ any measure that is taken must be proportionate “ and co-ordinated with Brussels , she said .
Preliminary checks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at borders between the 26 nations that make up the passport-free Schengen Area , but also at the EU ’ s external borders and within individual countries , von der Leyen said .
The ID check-free area , which includes many EU members but also non-members like Switzerland , Norway and Iceland , is a jewel in Europe ’ s crown .
Besides smoothing travel arrangements , it allows businesses and transportation to move easily across borders of the countries within the zone .
“ Member states , especially neighbouring ones , need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ von der Leyen said .
” In this way , and it ’ s the only way , we can make sure that our citizens receive the health care that they need immediately wherever they are.
” The screening recommendations were put to the interior ministers of EU member nations Friday as they try to build a unified response to the virus .
The bloc ’ s institutions have a very limited role to play in combating the COVID-19 pandemic .
The European Commission led by von der Leyen polices the Schengen Area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are responsible for their own health and public safety policies .
“ The problem is on different levels in different countries , ” Swedish Interior Minister Mikael Damberg told reporters .
“ We hope that all countries that take new measures also inform other European countries.
” “ The transportation system must work when it comes to food and to health care materials and these kinds of things that are important to all European countries so that we don ’ t make problems for each other handling the crisis , ” Damberg said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is chairing the talks because his country currently holds the EU ’ s rotating presidency , said , “ This crisis shows that as a European Union we need to have models to act in a more co-ordinated way.
” “ If we are acting in one way , it would be much better for all of us , ” he said .
The ministers were also expected to discuss the 30-day U.S. travel ban on people coming t from inside the Schengen Area .
The measure announced by U.S. President Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United Kingdom , Ireland or any of the Balkan countries .
EU leaders expressed disapproval of the action , saying they should have been consulted and that a disease of pandemic proportions knows no borders .
“ I hope Mr. Trump understands that you can ’ t make a deal with a virus , ” said Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn .
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency directed airlines across the EU to disinfect planes after each flight or within 24 hours after departure from “ a high-risk airport .
”

Lorne Cook And Samuel Petrequin - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-13--Vegas Strip casino operator closes clubs, citing coronavirus

LAS VEGAS - Nevada casino companies announced more measures Friday to combat the spread of the new coronavirus , with biggest resort owner on the Las Vegas Strip immediately closing all nightclubs , day clubs , spas , salons and gyms at its properties .
MGM Resorts International announced the moves as President Donald Trump declared a national emergency , and less than 24 hours after Gov .
Steve Sisolak declared a state of emergency in Nevada while hinting he may consider banning mass gatherings as other governors have done .
Health officials in Las Vegas announced eight more people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clark County , after initially putting the number at nine .
In all , authorities report 16 positive tests statewide .
No deaths have been reported .
A counting error led to the discrepancy , Southern Nevada Health District spokeswoman Jennifer Sizemore said .
New cases include a man in his 20s who is a close contact of another person with a confirmed case .
He is being monitored at home .
Two women over age 40 are hospitalized ; one in good condition , one stable , the health district said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ people hospitalized with the virus in southern Nevada .
In Reno , Washoe County Health District Officer Kevin Dick reported no new positive tests , but said officials expect more cases will emerge .
The goal of authorities is to slow the virus spread to avoid overwhelming hospitals with those sickened by an illness that no one in the world has immunity to .
Worldwide , 137,000 people have been infected and more than 5,000 have died , but half of those who had the virus have already recovered .
Most patients have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fever or cold , but severe symptoms including pneumonia can occur , especially in the elderly and people with existing health problems .
MGM Resorts , the first casino operator this week to announce it was temporarily closing its buffet restaurants , announced Friday it was closing day clubs and night clubs .
Casino clubs have for more than a decade featured packed dance floors awash with electronic dance music and laser light shows into early hours of the morning .
Day clubs and beach clubs draw big crowds to sun-splashed hotel pool @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Hours later , the company said it would also close spas , salons and fitness centres temporarily , starting Monday .
The company did not immediately respond to an emailed inquiry asking what would happen to workers in those spaces .
Wynn Resorts on Thursday said it too was closing its all-you-can-eat buffets , along with any other large entertainment gatherings such as nightclubs and theatre shows .
Wynn Resorts , which operates the Wynn and Encore resorts on the Las Vegas Strip , announced it will set up thermal cameras at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone running a fever .
The company said in a statement its “ non-invasive ” thermal cameras would allow it to flag any resort guest or staff member registering a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit ( 38 degrees Celsius ) or higher .
It said those people will be “ discretely informed ” by security guards and won ’ t be allowed to remain in the property .
The governor said Thursday night he formed a task force to provide recommendations on social distances and whether to ban gatherings above a certain size @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rule , local governments stepped in and issued their own restrictions .
Clark County announced it was cancelling all Parks and Recreation events that were expected to be attended by more than 250 people .
The city of North Las Vegas announced a similar move , cancelling all large , city-run events .
The Washoe County Health District supports cancelling large public events , but did not order cancellations .

Michelle L. Price And Ken Ritter - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-13--On eve of Disneyland closure,  fun trumps virus fear

ANAHEIM , Calif. - Thousands flocked to Disneyland on Friday for glimpses of Mickey and Minnie , a ride on “ Ït ’ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — a 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The decision 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 it ’ s likely their cruise won ’ t happen .
“ We ’ ve promised the kids this trip for years and years and years , ” said Eysden , 46 .
“ We ’ ve been through earthquakes and wildfires and mosque shootings , and this was their reward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turned into a two-day trip to Disneyland , and 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to meet Donald Duck .
“ We ’ re 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum and 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ theme parks also announced closures .
Florida ’ s 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northern California because of concerns about gathering elder members 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 @ @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-03-13--Lawyer: Man asleep when police fired on house, killing him

SILVER SPRING , Md .
- A Maryland man was asleep in his bedroom when police opened fire from outside his house , killing him and wounding his girlfriend , an attorney for the 21-year-old man ’ s family said Friday .
The Montgomery County Police Department said in a news release Friday that Duncan Socrates Lemp “ confronted ” police and was shot by one of the officers early Thursday .
Rene Sandler , an attorney for Lemp ’ s relatives , said an eyewitness gave a “ completely contrary ” account of the shooting .
She said police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for shooting Lemp based on what she has heard about the circumstances .
“ The facts as I understand them from eyewitnesses are incredibly concerning , ” she told The Associated Press .
The warrant that police obtained to search the Potomac home Lemp shared with his parents and 19-year-old brother doesn ’ t mention any “ imminent threat ” to law enforcement or the public , Lemp ’ s relatives said in a statement released Friday by their lawyers .
Nobody in the house that morning had a criminal record , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the police to shift responsibility onto Duncan or his family , who were sleeping when the police fired shots into their home , is not supported by the facts , ” the statement says .
A police department spokesman didn ’ t immediately respond to the statements by the family or their lawyer .
The department ’ s news release on Friday says tactical unit members were serving a “ high-risk ” search warrant around 4:30 a.m. when one of the unit ’ s officers fatally shot Lemp .
Police detectives recovered three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Lemp was prohibited from possessing firearms , police said .
“ Detectives were following up on a complaint from the public that Lemp , though prohibited , was in possession of firearms , ” the release says without elaborating .
Sandler said the family believes police fired gunshots , not a flashbang or other projectile , from outside the home , including through Lemp ’ s bedroom window , while he and his girlfriend were sleeping .
Nobody in the home heard any warnings or commands before police opened fire , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or other justification that would ever allow for that unless there is an imminent threat , which there was not , ” Sandler said .
The police department ’ s news release says the “ facts and circumstances of the encounter ” are still under investigation .
Prosecutors from neighbouring Howard County will review the evidence at the conclusion of the investigation .
“ An established agreement between the Montgomery County State ’ s Attorney ’ s Office and the Howard County State ’ s Attorney ’ s Office stipulates that when an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in one county , the other county ’ s State ’ s Attorney ’ s Office will review the event , ” police said .
Lemp was Caucasian , according to Sandler .
She did not know the race of the unidentified officer involved in the shooting because she said the officers were wearing masks .
The officer was placed on administrative leave , a standard procedure after police shootings .
Sandler said Lemp ’ s grief-stricken family is traumatized .
Their statement says they intend to “ hold each and every person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe that the body camera footage and other forensic evidence from this event will support what Duncan ’ s family already knows , that he was murdered , ” the statement says .
Lemp worked as a software developer and was trying to raise money for a startup company , according to friends and co-workers .
“ He was a talented , smart guy .
Super nice .
Didn ’ t deserve to get shot , ” said Samuel Reid , whose Canadian software company employed Lemp as an independent contractor .
Tsolmondorj @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Virginia , said he met Lemp in 2016 and bonded with him over their shared interest in cryptocurrency .
They also talked about politics .
He described Lemp as a libertarian who frequented the 4chan and Reddit message boards , sites popular with internet trolls .
“ Duncan was a young guy with a bright future as an entrepreneur , ” Natsagdorj said .
“ We was working on things to change the world.
” On social media accounts that friends said belonged to him , Lemp ’ s username was “ YungQuant.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ My Militia , ” someone who identified himself as Duncan Lemp , of Potomac , and posted under the username “ yungquant ” said he was “ an active III % ’ r and looking for local members & recruits.
” That ’ s an apparent reference to the Three Percenters , a wing of the militia movement .
The group ’ s logo , the Roman numeral “ III , ” has become popular with anti-government extremists , according to the Anti-Defamation League .
On his Instagram account , Lemp recently posted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up rifles and included the term “ boogaloo , ” slang used by militia members and other extremists to describe a future civil war in the U.S. Friends said they never heard Lemp espouse any anti-government rhetoric .
Sandler said Lemp was not a part of any anti-government or militia-type group .
“ He was pro-America and supported wholeheartedly all the protections of the Constitution , ” she said .

Michael Kunzelman - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-13--Mexico: Monarch butterflies drop 53% in wintering area

MEXICO CITY - The number of monarch butterflies that showed up at their winter resting grounds decreased about 53 % this year , Mexican officials said Friday .
Some activists called the decline “ heartbreaking , “ but the Mexico head of the World Wildlife Fund said the reduction “ is not alarming.
” WWF Mexico director Jorge Rickards said the previous year ’ s large numbers were “ atypical ” and the monarchs had returned to their average population levels of recent years .
The government commission for natural protected areas said the butterflies ’ population was “ stable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2.8 hectares ( 6.9 acres ) this year .
That was down from 6.05 hectares ( 14.95 acres ) the previous year .
Because the monarchs cluster so densely in pine and fir trees , it is easier to count them by area rather than by individuals .
“ During the most recent wintering season the norm has been for the butterflies to cover an average of about three hectares , ” Rickards said .
“ The last season , 2018-19 , was very good , with 6.05 hectares of forest cover , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the fact that the first generation of butterflies in the spring of 2018 encountered favourable weather conditions to reproduce , ” he said .
In contrast , butterflies in the spring of 2019 encountered colder weather in Texas than the previous year , and thus were less able to reproduce .
Millions of monarchs migrate from the United States and Canada each year to pine and fir forests west of Mexico ’ s capital .
In contrast to Rickards ’ view , Tierra Curry , a senior scientist at the Center for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were expecting the count to be down slightly , but this level of decrease is heartbreaking.
“ “ More protections are clearly needed for this migratory wonder and its habitat , ” Curry wrote .
Environmentalist and author Homero Aridjis said that “ the decline of over 53 % of populations in the butterfly reserve is worrisome , above all because of the effects of climate change on the migration route and on the wintering grounds in Mexico.
” Aridjis said crime and deforestation in Mexico is also a cause for alarm .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the reserve were murdered earlier this year .
Last year ’ s numbers were the biggest since the 2006-2007 season .
Two years ago , the butterflies covered 2.48 hectares ( 6.12 acres ) , similar to this year ’ s numbers .
The butterflies hit a low of just 0.67 hectares ( 1.66 acres ) in 2013-2014 .
Mexico has made some strides against illegal logging in the reserve , but Aridjis said it remains a problem in some areas .
Butterflies depend on health tree canopy to protect them from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the approximately 6-hectare ( 15-acre ) coverage of a year ago should be seen as a minimum for the viability of the migrating monarchs in the future .
Loss of habitat , especially the milkweed where the monarchs lay their eggs , pesticide and herbicide use , as well climate change , all pose threats to the species ’ migration .


thetorontostar--2020-03-13--Despite coronavirus, Trump keeps shaking hands

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump , a self-described germaphobe , can ’ t seem to stop shaking hands -- even in the midst of this coronavirus pandemic .
Trump was surrounded by several retail and health care industry executives on Friday as he announced he was declaring the virus outbreak a national emergency .
One by one , the president invited them to the lectern at the Rose Garden press conference to say a few words .
He also shook several of their hands .
Public health officials have told Americans to avoid handshakes , as a key social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread of the virus .
But Trump , who acknowledges he tried to avoid shaking hands before jumping into politics , now seems to have a hard time not putting his hand out for a greeting .
Walmart CEO Doug McMillon appeared to be moving away from Trump after saying a few words .
But then Trump put out his hand for a handshake and McMillon obliged .
Walgreens President Richard Ashworth and Trump shared a hearty handshake before he walked away .
Thomas Moriarty , executive vice-president at CVS Health , also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Greenstein , executive vice-president and chief strategy and innovation officer at in-home healthcare services company LHC Group , threw the president for a curve .
He extended his forearm for an elbow bump .
Trump initially stuck out his hand but then shifted to accommodate .
Get more of the Star in your inbox Never miss the latest news from the Star .
Sign up for our newsletters to get today 's top stories , your favourite columnists and lots more in your email inbox .
Sign Up Now


thetorontostar--2020-03-13--No sign virus is spreading in key Iowa county, official says

IOWA CITY , Iowa - Officials in Johnson County said Friday that they believe the coronavirus has not spread in the Iowa City area beyond 14 residents who tested positive after a cruise to Egypt .
Johnson County Public Health Director Dave Koch said he has seen no indication of “ community spread “ in the area .
However , he acknowledged that not all of those who were on the Egypt cruise that returned March 2 or a second cruise that was cut short have been tested because testing has been limited to those showing symptoms .
Both Egypt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s rewards club for members 50 and older .
The Iowa Department of Public Health said those from the first cruise make up most of the 17 residents who have tested positive for the virus statewide .
Agency statistics show , though , that the results of only 99 tests were known Thursday .
Gov .
Kim Reynolds said during a Friday afternoon news conference that the state had one new case — someone from western Iowa whose illness was related to travelling .
She said 10 Iowans who were quarantined on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northern California were returning home Friday and the other 10 who were on board will be returning on Saturday .
Reynolds said the state was not calling for schools to close or large gatherings to be banned , but she said residents should be responsible and not go to such events if they ’ re unwell .
State officials are developing plans with schools , hospitals and others to respond if there ’ s an indication that the virus is spreading among Iowans , she said .
For most people , the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as fever and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia .
The vast majority of people recover from the virus .
Most of those who tested positive in Johnson County are in isolation at their homes , and they and others who were on the cruise are being monitored by public health officials , Koch said .
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics officials said that they still have only one confirmed coronavirus patient , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week .
Chief medical officer Theresa Brennan said she could not release any more information on that patient .
Brennan said that UIHC is working to develop in-house testing for coronavirus , but that will take time .
UIHC CEO Suresh Gunasekeran said the hospital is limiting the number of visitors for patients and would not allow any who show signs of sickness .
He said the hospital has also launched a new video service for providers to see patients who have flu symptoms or other concerns .
Organizers of large events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cancel them .
The Iowa Democratic Party announced that it would postpone its county conventions that were scheduled for March 21 to pick delegates to the state convention .
But the Republican Party of Iowa said that its county conventions scheduled for Saturday would go forward as planned .


thetorontostar--2020-03-13--Coronavirus travel concerns delay ex-UAW chief’s guilty plea

DETROIT - An expected guilty plea to corruption charges by former United Auto Workers President Gary Jones has been delayed due to the coronavirus and travelling concerns .
Jones was to appear in federal court in Detroit on Thursday .
He ’ s accused of conspiring with UAW cronies to embezzle more than $ 1 million .
Defence attorney Bruce Maffeo told The Detroit News that he asked for — and received — a two-week delay and that the guilty plea now will come on April 2 .
Maffeo is from New York .
Federal courts in eastern Michigan postponed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all grand jury proceedings in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 Since 2017 , nine union officials and a late official ’ s spouse have pleaded guilty in the government ’ s broad investigation , which has stretched from the UAW ’ s coffers to a job training centre funded by Fiat Chrysler .
Some officials took kickbacks from union contractors .
Jones was president for about 1 1/2 years until quitting under a cloud in November .
The government said union money was spent on golf , cigars , spas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ alleged scheme goes back years to his time as the leader of a UAW regional office near St. Louis .
Get more of the Star in your inbox Never miss the latest news from the Star .
Sign up for our newsletters to get today 's top stories , your favourite columnists and lots more in your email inbox .
Sign Up Now


thetorontostar--2020-03-13--Gov. Parson declares state of emergency, notes 2 new cases

ST. LOUIS - Missouri Gov .
Mike Parson on Friday declared a state of emergency in response to the spread of the coronavirus and announced the state has two more presumptive positive cases , bringing the total to four .
The governor said during a news conference that he didn ’ t have any further details about the new cases .
He said he considered declaring the state of emergency “ the next appropriate step to protect the public health ” and stressed the move was not made because of concerns that the state ’ s health care system is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he did not intend to close the state ’ s schools , as Illinois Gov .
J.B. Pritzker did on Friday .
Parson said school districts should seek guidance from health departments in deciding whether to close schools .
Also on Friday , St. Louis County Executive Sam Page , who is a physician , banned all events in the county attended by more than 250 people amid a flurry of closures of athletic events , parades and even church services .
Detection efforts also were intensifying .
The Mercy health system announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open as soon as Saturday in the St. Louis suburb of Chesterfield .
Mercy said it also plans to open more testing sites in Missouri and the other three states where it operates — Arkansas , Kansas and Oklahoma .
Meanwhile , a Missouri health department spokeswoman said the agency is working to fix a glitch with a hotline the state set up to answer questions about the virus .
Calls to the hotline from out-of-state numbers wouldn ’ t go through as of Friday afternoon .
The state ’ s most recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20s who had recently travelled to Austria , Parson said at a news conference Thursday .
The patient was tested at a clinic in Springfield , is quarantined at home with mild symptoms and is expected to recover , Parson said .
Missouri ’ s first confirmed case of COVID-19 was a St. Louis-area woman in her 20s who had been studying in Italy and tested positive for the coronavirus last week after returning home .
No cases have been found of the virus spreading among the community in Missouri , he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ labelled the coronavirus a pandemic and President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia .
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus .
According to the WHO , people with mild illness recover in about two weeks , while those with more severe illness may take three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City Public Schools decided to close on Friday , one day before the start of spring break .
Most students in the district receive free and reduced-priced lunch .
Ray Weikal , a KCPS spokesman , said the district has been “ planning for services like food distribution , virtual learning and deep cleaning in case we cancel school after spring break , “ The Kansas City Star reported .
“ We know that our families depend on us for multiple services , and we commit to continuing to support our families in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Weikal said .
The private Barstow School in Kansas City , cancelled classes for Thursday and Friday ahead of a two-week spring break due to virus exposure concerns .
School officials said a family member of a school employee tested positive for COVID-19 .
School officials cancelled classes as a precaution but said the infected person hasn ’ t visited the campus , and the related school employee has shown no symptoms .
No students or other school staff were exposed .
Spokeswoman Lisa Tulp said students and staff may be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may have to move to online.
” Several universities in the state have moved to online classes .
Parson asked the Legislature to authorize $ 13 million in federal emergency funding to address the coronavirus .
Kansas City and St. Louis have banned all public events with more than 1,000 attendees .
St. Patrick ’ s Day parades in Kansas City , St. Louis and Springfield have been cancelled .
Six Flags St. Louis announced that it has suspended operation until at least the end of March .
Meanwhile , the Department of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 state-run prisons will be closed to visitors , with the exception of attorneys , for the next 30 days .
St. Louis Circuit Court suspended all jury trials through April 13 and walk-in weddings at the county courthouse on Friday afternoons will be suspended on March 30 and April 3 .
Entertainment venues in Kansas City and St. Louis also announced closings or cancellations for the next few weeks .
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Arts in Kansas City will be closed Saturday through April 3 and the Kauffman Center for the Performing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through April 1 .
Also , the St. Louis Art Museum and Contemporary Art Museum will remain open but are cancelling tours , special events and lectures starting Sunday through April 30 .
Churches also were calling off services , including the Church of the Resurrection , which has the largest Methodist congregation in the U.S. with over 20,000 members .
The megachurch ’ s main campus is in Leawood , Kansas , but it has campuses on the Missouri side of the line .
The Associated Press receives support for health and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Institute ’ s Department of Science Education .
The AP is solely responsible for all content .


thetorontostar--2020-03-13--2nd person with Trump at Mar-a-Lago tests positive for virus

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump said Friday he will likely be tested for the novel coronavirus “ fairly soon , “ as questions swirled about why the president , his top aides and his family weren ’ t doing more to protect themselves and others against COVID-19 .
Trump spent time last weekend with a top Brazilian official who tested positive for the virus after returning from a weekend at the president ’ s private club in Florida .
And late Friday , news broke that a second person who was at Mar-a-Lago over the weekend had tested positive , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on condition of anonymity in order to discuss private health matters .
The second person had a attended Trump fundraising at the president ’ s Florida resort on Sunday .
In the face of repeat direct and indirect exposures , Trump was defensive , insisting he didn ’ t need to isolate himself because he wasn ’ t exhibiting symptoms .
But he conceded he would “ most likely “ submit to testing after a top Brazilian official who spent time with him last weekend in Florida tested positive for the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to flout public health officials ’ advice by publicly and repeatedly shaking hands during a Rose Garden address on efforts to combat the pandemic .
At the same event , he allowed that “ anyone can be a carrier of the virus ” and risk infecting older Americans and others at higher risk .
The president , according to two people close to the White House , has resisted taking the test for fear it would project weakness or worry .
Trump has wanted to appear in full control during the crisis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ markets amid historic drops , and has expressed concerns that taking personal steps could undermine that .
Trump continued to stress Friday that he is not exhibiting any symptoms of infection , but he skirted questions about whether he was being selfish by refusing to isolate himself when others who have had similar exposure have chosen to do to avoid potentially infecting others .
Asked whose advice people with similar exposure should listen to in the face of the contradictory messages , Trump said , “ I think they have to listen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeated contact with lawmakers who were themselves exposed to people who later tested positive and chose to self-isolate out of an abundance of caution .
As White House officials worked to determine the level of exposure by the president and senior aides , Trump held an afternoon news conference and announced he was declaring a national emergency — something he had been reluctant to do for fear it would further rattle the markets — and unveiled a new public-private partnership to expand coronavirus testing capabilities .
Still , he said that , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this test , “ adding : ” It ’ s totally unnecessary .
This will pass.
” The president had up until Friday declined to be tested for the virus or to limit his contact with others , professing no concern about potential exposure as his White House insisted they were following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines .
He told reporters Thursday that he was “ not concerned , ” adding Friday that , “ we have no symptoms whatsoever.
” And even as he refused to modify his own behaviour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump told the nation that , “ We must take all precautions ” and be “ responsible for the actions “ that we take and see others take .
Trump spent time last weekend with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro ’ s communications director , Fábio Wajngarten , who tested positive just days later .
Wajngarten posed for a photo with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago club and attended a birthday party for Kimberly Guilfoyle , who is dating the president ’ s eldest son , Donald Trump Jr .
The president attended the party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Bolsonaro himself might have the virus , but he said Friday he ’ d tested negative .
The White House stressed that Trump and Vice-President Mike Pence “ had almost no interactions with the individual who tested positive and do not require being tested at this time.
” In addition to the Brazilian official , top administration officials — including Attorney General William Barr and Trump ’ s daughter and senior adviser Ivanka — met last week with an Australian Cabinet minister who on Friday tested positive for the virus .
Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he woke up with a temperature and sore throat on Friday , one week after his meeting with the Americans .
White House spokesman Judd Deere said Ivanka Trump worked from home Friday “ out of an abundance of caution , ” but said Dutton had been asymptomatic during their interaction and the White House Medical Unit determined she was “ exhibiting no symptoms and does not need to self-quarantine.
” The CDC advises those who have been in “ close contact with a person with symptomatic laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 “ to remain home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t show symptoms immediately after exposure to the virus ; there is an incubation period of anywhere from two to 14 days .
However , not all exposures automatically put people at risk of infection : the CDC doesn ’ t consider it risky to walk past someone with the virus or to be briefly in the same room with them .
The CDC is most concerned with close contact , which it defines as being coughed on by a patient or being within about 6 feet for a prolonged period of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visiting or sharing a room .
Trump has also had repeated contact with others who were exposed to the virus and quarantined themselves out of an abundance of caution .
That included Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz , who travelled aboard Air Force One with the president on Monday and found out mid-flight that he was among a handful of GOP lawmakers who were exposed to a person who tested positive for the virus after last month ’ s Conservative Political Action Conference .
Also staying home : Texas Sen. Ted Cruz , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CPAC-related self-quarantine after coming into contact with another person who later tested positive , and South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham , who announced Thursday he was self-quarantining after spending time in Mar-a-Lago and his own meeting with Dutton .
Florida Sen. Rick Scott was also isolating himself following his interactions with the Brazilian delegation .
Many doctors across the country have been advising those who have been exposed to someone with the virus to isolate themselves .
And Trump , who is 73 , is considered to be at higher risk of developing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The president should get tested , even if he is not exhibiting symptoms , said Stephen Morse , a Columbia University expert on the spread of diseases .
” If f I were in that position I ’ d certainly want to be tested , rather than waiting until something happened , ” said Morse .
Beyond Trump ’ s own health , he said , he could pose a risk to others if he is infected and keeps meeting other political leaders .
” Anyone who ’ s infected is a risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” and that can be true of people who are infected but don ’ t have symptoms , Morse said .
Trump ’ s new conference came amid intense criticism over his mixed messages on the severity of the outbreak and over the administration ’ s scattershot response .
His prime time address earlier this week only added to the public confusion , and Trump has grown increasingly frustrated that his words to the nation so far have done little to calm the public or the financial markets .
The president ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has ever been ” on Thursday , according to one confidant .
He has called around to allies while watching cable news coverage of the Wall Street plummet , furious that his efforts to bolster markets did the exact opposite , according to three White House officials and Republicans close to the White House who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss private conversations .
And he has been lashing out at those around him for failing to do more , at times criticizing former President Barack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chairman of the Federal Reserve .
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

Meta will soon block news on their platforms.
Every single Canadian should have access to trusted news.
Stay connected now for only $0.50/week.


thetorontostar--2020-03-13--Trump declares emergency; world steps up fight against virus

WASHINGTON - The United States declared a state of emergency Friday as many European countries went on a war footing amid mounting deaths as the world mobilized , hopefully not too late , to fight the widening coronavirus pandemic .
At the White House , where U.S. President Donald Trump made the emergency decree , 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 news conference .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the occasion.
” While the exponential spread of the virus in Europe , North America and the Middle East has dashed any hopes for quick containment , dozens of countries have imposed increasingly severe measures over the past couple days — shutting borders , expanding testing , 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 .
The U.S. emergency decree will open up $ 50 billion for state and local governments to respond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who also gave the secretary of health and human services emergency powers to waive federal regulations to give doctors and hospitals “ flexibility ” in treating patients .
Still , Trump said the White House and Congress have yet to agree on a sweeping aid package with sick pay , free testing and other resources , saying he doesn ’ t believe House Democrats are “ giving enough.
” The governors of six states — Florida , Iowa , Louisiana , New York , Rhode Island and Washington – sought National Guard troops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tens of millions of students on three continents faced weeks without classes , security forces went on standby to guard against large gatherings , and bars , restaurants and offices closed .
The spreading pandemic showed that power and influence offer no protection .
Among those testing positive were the Canadian prime minister ’ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Channeling wartime rhetoric and tactics in the face of a microscopic enemy , leaders appealed for solidarity to battle a threat that appeared to expand exponentially .
They vowed to protect not just the sick , but those sacrificing their livelihoods and education for the greater good .
But new border checks were also on the rise , showing that solidarity had its limits in the face of a fast-moving threat .
In Europe , stocks clawed back some of their losses with promises of financial support from the European Commission , France @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , stocks surged after Trump ’ s announcement .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped nearly 2,000 points — its biggest point gain ever .
The rally came at the end of a turbulent week fueled by heightened fears that the coronavirus fallout could bring on a global recession .
Investors have been clamouring for U.S. government action to combat the economic impact .
At the same time , new infections in Italy soared by more than 2,500 and virus-related deaths made their biggest single day jump , increasing by 250 .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its first virus cluster , Italy has reached a total of 17,600 confirmed cases , with 1,266 deaths .
The government has ordered an unprecedented lockdown , ordering businesses to close and restricting movement .
“ Europe has now become the epicenter of the pandemic , ” said World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus .
“ More cases are now being reported every day than were reported in China at the height of its epidemic.
” New infections also rose sharply in Spain , and the government put 60,000 people in four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ echoed Italy ’ s .
In Madrid , which is struggling with nearly 2,000 infections , many in nursing homes , the government was pooling intensive care units and considering offers by hotel chains to transform rooms into sick wards .
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a two-week state of emergency beginning Saturday and pledged to “ mobilize all resources , ” including military , to contain the country ’ s sharp rise in coronavirus cases .
In just 24 hours , the numbers of confirmed cases spiked ominously in some places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reach more than 3,600 by Friday ; Britain went from 590 to 798 and New York state jumped 30 per cent , hitting 421 .
Cases topped 1,700 across the U.S .
In Africa , where experts warn that containment is key because the continent ’ s already-strained health systems could likely lead to a higher mortality rate and deeper crisis that would have global impact , six new countries confirmed infections in the 24 hours .
In the U.S. , hospitals were setting up circus-like triage tents , calling doctors out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face masks and making plans to cancel elective and non-emergency surgeries as they brace for an expected onslaught of coronavirus patients in the coming weeks .
The Trump administration has come under fierce criticism for the slow rollout of testing in the U.S. , but Trump said “ I don ’ t take responsibility at all ” for the problem .
The public-private partnership that Trump announced will include drive-thru testing in some areas — something already being done in South Korea and Germany — and an online portal to screen those seeking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where new infections have tailed off , authorities mobilized to prevent a boomerang effect , quarantining new arrivals for 14 days .
The spread of the virus in Europe , North America and the Middle East has drawn contrasts with waning outbreaks in the hardest-hit nations in Asia .
China , where the virus emerged late last year , still accounts for more than 60 % of global infections but on Friday reported just eight new cases and seven deaths .
Chinese President Xi Jinping told the U.N. leader his nation was returning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joint research on drugs and vaccines and offer “ as much assistance as it can “ to countries in need .
A Chinese medical crew arrived in Italy and surplus supplies were sent to Iran .
In South Korea , which had nearly 8,000 cases overall , Friday marked the first day recoveries outnumbered new infections since the country ’ s first patient was confirmed Jan. 20 .
The Italian town of Codogno , which had all but shut down hours after recording Italy ’ s first locally spread coronavirus infection , showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
New infections have slowed drastically there compared to the rest of Italy , where draconian measures came far later .
“ More than a sigh of relief , there was some concern over the risk that all of the sacrifices were in vain , ” said Mayor Francesco Passerini , who like most in the town wears a mask .
The goal is to slow the virus ’ spread to avoid overwhelming hospitals with those sickened by an illness that no one in the world has immunity to .
Worldwide , more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5,000 have died , but half of those who had the virus have already recovered .
Most patients have mild or moderate symptoms such as a fever or cold , but severe symptoms including pneumonia can occur , especially in the elderly and people with existing health problems .
European officials pushed back against Trump ’ s sharp restrictions on travel from Europe .
“ Instead of tending to the problems of his country , and to a virus that knows no borders , he thinks that he can fight it like people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said German Finance Minister Olaf Scholz .
New travel restrictions sprang up practically by the hour on Friday : Switzerland , Sri Lanka , Portugal , the Czech Republic — all started barring entry to Europeans considered at risk .
Ukraine announced it would halt all passenger air traffic , Poland said anyone entering the country will be put under a 14-day quarantine , while the Czech Republic and Slovakia have stopped almost all movement in and out of their countries .
The European Union urged member countries to put health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Canada and Denmark joined the United States in advising citizens to avoid trips abroad , and Americans in Europe caught increasingly rare trans-Atlantic flights back home .
In Iran , which exceeds 10,000 cases and 400 deaths , Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif urged the Trump administration to immediately lift sanctions over the country ’ s nuclear program .
He said they made it difficult to import medicine and medical equipment .
State-run TV reported a positive test and home quarantine for a trusted adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ministers , members of parliament , Revolutionary Guard members and Health Ministry officials are also infected .
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was isolating himself after his wife tested positive .
The Australian home affairs minister was hospitalized after testing positive .
He returned home on Sunday from Washington , D.C. , where he met with U.S. Attorney-General William Barr , Trump ’ s daughter and Sen. Lindsey Graham , who has self-quarantined after also having contact with a Brazilian official who tested positive .
Pressed by reporters , Trump , who also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mar-a-Lago resort , said he will “ most likely “ be tested for the virus “ fairly soon , ” reversing an earlier White House statement .
Trump has halted his trademark political rallies , following the lead of Democratic rivals Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders .
Sullivan reported from Minneapolis .
Associated Press writers Lori Hinnant in Paris ; Kim Tong-hyung and Hyung-jin Kim in Seoul , South Korea ; Rod McGuirk in Canberra , Australia ; Jan Olsen in Copenhagen , Denmark ; David Rising in Berlin ; and Lisa Mascaro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington contributed .
The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute ’ s Department of Science Education .
The AP is solely responsible for all content .
Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak

Andrew Taylor And Tim Sullivan - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-13--Supreme Court halts in-person proceedings over coronavirus

NASHVILLE - Tennessee ’ s highest court on Friday suspended all in-person judicial proceedings until the end of the month due to the spread of the new coronavirus .
The Supreme Court order applies to state and local courts , including appellate , trial , general session , juvenile and municipal courts .
“ Each day across the State of Tennessee , thousands of people attend court proceedings in-person when they come to the courthouse as jurors , witnesses , litigants , or in another capacity , “ said Chief Justice Jeff Bivins in a statement .
“ Public spaces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tightly packed bench seats that provide the type of situations public health officials have encouraged people to avoid during the COVID-19 outbreak.
” Bivins noted that judges , court clerks and other essential constitutional functions will continue to proceed .
Likewise , court proceedings by telephone , video , teleconference and email will continue to be allowed .
Bivins ’ decision also includes several exceptions ranging from emergency child custody orders , emergency mental health orders to COVID-19 public health emergency proceedings .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes only mild @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia .
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus .
As of Friday , Tennessee had 26 confirmed cases of coronavirus .
Ten cases in Davidson County , nine cases in Williamson County and two in Shelby County have been confirmed .
Single cases have been found in Hamilton , Jefferson , Knox , Rutherford and Sullivan counties .
Other closures continued to ripple across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s office in Memphis said in a statement that all jury trials and jury selections in the Western District of Tennessee scheduled through March 27 are delayed until further notice .
Federal courts in the Eastern District of Tennessee , which includes Knoxville and Chattanooga , and the Middle District , which includes Nashville , have not changed normal operations , according to statements posted on their websites .
Meanwhile , Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke announced a state of emergency for the city Friday .
The decision comes after Gov .
Bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day before .
With one confirmed case of COVID-19 in Chattanooga ’ s Hamilton County , Berke ’ s decision allows the city to take certain preventive actions .
This includes cancelling city-sponsored senior activities and suspending public access and activities at the city ’ s youth centres and library branches .
In Nashville , the public library has also suspended its programming starting March 16 until April 16 .
Also Friday , movie theatre chain Malco said it is limiting seating in each auditorium to a maximum of 50 % of capacity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ auditoriums , allowing for guests to practice healthy social distancing , ” said Karen Melton , vice-president and marketing director of the Memphis-based chain , in a statement .
Malco has 35 locations in Tennessee , Mississippi , Arkansas , Missouri , Kentucky and Louisiana .
Department of Human Services Commissioner Danielle Barnes told lawmakers this week that her agency had asked the federal government to provide cash assistance to COVID-19 patients but had not received permission as of Friday .
“ We do anticipate and we are preparing for an increase in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the entire state because we know businesses will close , schools will close and the loss of income associated with those closures , ” Barnes said .
Dolly Parton ’ s East Tennessee theme park is delaying its season opening for two weeks .
The theme park in Pigeon Forge announced Friday that it will not open to the public as planned on Saturday , but will open on March 28 .
The theme park had previously announced that a media day on Friday was also cancelled .
Two of her dinner show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Pirate ’ s Voyage , will close starting on Monday .
“ We have been following the coronavirus crisis very closely and based on developments within the last 24 hours and in consultation with health experts , we are going to delay our season opening until March 28 , ” Craig Ross , Dollywood president said in a statement .
“ Despite the delay in opening , we are committed to taking care of our hosts while the park remains closed.
” In Nashville , the Country Music Hall of Fame and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through March 31 .
The museum , which calls itself “ the Smithsonian of country music , ” is one of the Nashville ’ s biggest tourist draws , bringing in a record 1.3 million visitors last year .
Also to close will be Hatch Show Print , RCA Studio B and the museum ’ s CMA Theater .
Associated Press writers Kristin Hall in Nashville and Adrian Sainz in Memphis contributed to this report .
The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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--2020-03-13--Trump scrambles to broaden coronavirus testing options

WASHINGTON - The Trump administration scrambled Friday to broaden testing for the coronavirus with a flurry of new measures , and public confusion persisted over who should be tested and how to get checked for the disease .
Declaring a national emergency , President Donald Trump and senior staffers laid out a new testing strategy designed to screen hundreds of thousands of Americans at drive-thru centres based around major retail chains .
Countries including South Korea and Germany have been using that approach for weeks , allowing people to quickly provide a throat or nasal swab for testing without leaving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make sure that those who need a test can get a test very safely , quickly and conveniently , ” Trump said at a news conference in the Rose Garden .
But he added that the test is not intended for everyone , such as those without symptoms .
The moves come a day after one of the government ’ s top health officials called the initial testing effort “ a failing ” and health care professionals , politicians and patients across the country complained about lack of access to testing .
Vice-President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus task force , said the U.S. can currently test 15,000 to 20,000 patients per day , but added that the number would increase “ very soon.
” Health officials said Friday that a new website “ facilitated ” by Google would guide users through a series of questions to determine whether they should be screened .
If testing is recommended , users would be directed to a local testing location , which could include parking lots at Walmart , Target , Walgreen ’ s and other major chains .
People will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ screening website later to view test results , according to the administration .
The website could be ready by Sunday night , officials said , and results could be turned around in 24 to 36 hours .
Verily , a company under Google , confirmed that it is working to “ help triage ” people for screening .
But the company offered no details about what the tool would look like or when it would launch .
The administration ’ s co-ordinator for the virus response acknowledged growing scrutiny of the government ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of this behind-the-scenes action over the last couple of weeks was invisible to the press and the American people , ” said Dr. Deborah Birx , a government researcher and health official .
For weeks , public health experts have warned that the U.S. testing effort is being stymied by the limited number of labs running the COVID-19 tests and confusion among health care workers over who can be tested .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tells people to seek testing if they have certain symptoms of the flu-like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , cough and trouble breathing – and if they have travelled recently to a coronavirus outbreak area or have been in close contact with someone who ’ s been infected .
Ultimately , it ’ s up to the doctor to decide who should get tested .
In many states , health officials have parroted the CDC guidance when telling doctors who to test .
But in some states , officials have varied a bit , depending on a range of factors , including availability of tests and whether the virus is known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York man said he ran into hurdles trying to get tested after the death of a business associate who was infected with the coronavirus .
Joseph Faraldo said he began feeling ill earlier this month and tested negative for the flu .
He said he called the state health department and “ they were useless , ” and then the city health department failed to call him back as promised .
His doctor sent him to a clinic where he was tested Wednesday .
He expects results Friday .
“ I think I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come on in , ” Faraldo said .
The CDC also tells doctors to give priority to the elderly or those who have health conditions that make them more vulnerable to COVID-19 , which can cause pneumonia .
Doctors are supposed to prioritize medical workers or others who have been in contact with a confirmed case .
The agency recommends people be tested for flu , to rule that out , because many of the symptoms are similar and it is flu season .
Meanwhile , some researchers are trying to estimate how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ research suggests that for every documented , confirmed case , seven or more people are infected but not diagnosed , said Jeffrey Shaman , a Columbia University scientist noted for his work on flu predictions .
That suggests there could be 14,000 or more infected people in the United States right now , he said .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
The vast majority of people recover from COVID-19 in a couple of weeks .
The U.S. testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of delays , including flaws with the testing kits first distributed by the federal government and bureaucratic hurdles that held up testing by private labs at hospitals , universities and testing chains .
Public health labs across the country are now running the tests , and large commercial labs like LabCorp and Quest are ramping up too .
Broad-scale testing is a critical part of tracking and containing viral outbreaks .
Responding to complaints , the Trump administration named a testing “ czar ” at the Department of Health and Human Services .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , will be responsible for co-ordinating between the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration , as well as private labs and state and local government .
Medicare also announced it will pay about $ 36 for the CDC coronavirus test and around $ 51 for tests from other providers .
Private insurers have said they would cover the tests .
Swiss medical company Roche received emergency approval from the FDA to run coronavirus tests on its automated , high-volume testing system .
The approval is expected to help U.S. labs dramatically increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s system is mainly available at large health facilities .
Roche said the test takes about 3 1/2 hours to run and can deliver as many as 4,000 results per day .
Currently most U.S. labs are testing using a manual method that involves mixing chemicals and processing small batches .
Testing times vary by lab and can range from four to eight hours .
Separately , the FDA posted on Twitter that labs having problems getting supplies for collecting patient samples for testing should call the agency ’ s toll-free information hotline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Dr. Bobbi Pritt , a pathologist and lab director at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester , Minnesota .
“ There are going to be shortages at first before we can really ramp this up.
” Hospitals and other health systems will have to prioritize testing for patients who truly need it , versus those who may be worried but don ’ t have symptoms , Pritt said .
Associated Press writers Mike Stobbe in New York and Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar in Washington contributed to this report .
The Associated Press receives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Howard Hughes Medical Institute ’ s Department of Science Education .
The AP is solely responsible for all content .


thetorontostar--2020-03-13--Alaska lawmaker faces voter misconduct, interference charges

JUNEAU , Alaska - The state filed charges Friday accusing an Alaska lawmaker of voter misconduct and interference with voting related to elections in 2014 and 2018 .
An investigation into Anchorage Republican Rep. Gabrielle LeDoux began when the Division of Elections reported ballot irregularities in her 2018 primary .
Lisa Simpson , described in charging documents as a former LeDoux chief of staff , and Caden Vaught , a son of Simpson , face charges in the case around the 2018 elections .
Messages seeking comment were left for LeDoux .
Efforts to reach Simpson by phone and Vaught @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Court records did not list attorneys for them .
LeDoux , amid questions after the 2018 primary , said she has “ never looked for ways to manufacture votes.
” “ In this day and age of voter verification , that would be absurd , ” she said at the time .
A news conference announcing the charges was held in Anchorage while the House was in session in Juneau .
LeDoux was at the Capitol Friday .
Deputy Attorney General John Skidmore said the next phase is to convene a grand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were reviewed as part of the investigation , and text messages to and from LeDoux and others , including Simpson , were obtained through search warrants , according to documents filed by the Department of Law .
The state accuses LeDoux , Simpson and Vaught of being involved in providing false information on voter registration forms .
The charging documents allege that Simpson listed as her address on a voter registration application a building in LeDoux ’ s district that she did not yet own .
LeDoux signed the registration form , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Simpson about getting Vaught registered in her district , according to the documents .
Vaught , in voting , listed an address in LeDoux ’ s district at which he told investigators he did not live , the documents state .
LeDoux also is accused of encouraging two others to vote in her district though they told her they no longer lived there .
According to the charging documents , one of the women , despite saying she did not recall a text exchange with LeDoux , said she believed LeDoux was just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The other woman said she did not believe text messages obtained by investigators accurately reflected what LeDoux had said .
Prosecutors said data obtained from the phone was not altered or manipulated .


thetorontostar--2020-03-13--Alex Jones told to stop selling sham anti-coronavirus toothpaste

The New York state attorney general has issued a cease-and-desist order to Alex Jones , the conservative radio host , alarmed by false claims on his website that his diet supplements and toothpaste could be used to fight the coronavirus .
Jones , according to the attorney general , claimed his products could act as a “ stopgate ” against the virus and his Superblue brand of toothpaste “ kills the whole SARS-corona family at point-blank range.
” There are no products , vaccines or drugs approved to treat or cure the virus .
As the disease spreads across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has online misinformation and the marketing of fraudulent products claiming to prevent the coronavirus , presenting government officials with a new frontier in their escalating fight against the outbreak .
Sham products , from dietary supplements and food to medical devices and purported vaccines , have popped up on social media and digital marketplaces .
Masks and respirators that were counterfeit or deceptively labelled have been listed on Amazon and eBay .
Jones has accumulated much of his wealth from the sale of health-enhancement and survivalist merchandise on his website Infowars , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ theories , including the false narrative that the Sandy Hook school massacre was a hoax .
The coronavirus outbreak presented Jones with yet another opportunity to monetize fear and deception , said Letitia James , the state attorney general , who issued her order on Thursday .
“ As the coronavirus continues to pose serious risks to public health , Alex Jones has spewed outright lies and has profited off of New Yorkers ’ anxieties , ” James , a Democrat , said , adding that Jones ’ s claims are “ incredibly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Jonathan Emord , a lawyer for “ The Alex Jones Show ” — the radio program — and Infowars , called the allegations “ false ” and said the products were never intended “ to be used in the treatment of any disease , including the novel coronavirus.
” Emord said a prominent disclaimer would be posted on the website to make that explicitly clear .
On Monday , the Trump administration issued warning letters to seven companies selling fraudulent coronavirus products including teas , essential oils , tinctures and colloidal silvers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures within 48 hours .
The government also delivered a warning to “ The Jim Bakker Show , ” which is hosted by disgraced tele-evangelist Jim Bakker , for supposedly selling products labelled to contain silver and misleadingly saying they could treat and cure the coronavirus .
Last week , James also sent a cease-and-desist letter to Bakker ’ s show to stop allowing the sale of colloidal silver — in which small flakes of silver are suspended in fluid — after a guest claimed it could “ eliminate ” the disease within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe or effective to treat any disease or symptoms , according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration .
It can even be dangerous to a person ’ s health , the National Institutes of Health has said .
Another company that received a warning from the federal government , Colloidal Vitality LLC , supposedly marketed oils on Facebook with descriptions such as , “ So it ’ s actually widely acknowledged in both science and the medical industry that ionic silver kills coronaviruses.
” Joseph Simons , the chairman of the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement , “ What we don ’ t need in this situation are companies preying on consumers by promoting products with fraudulent prevention and treatment claims.
” The federal government has begun to crack down on products claiming to cure or prevent COVID-19 , the disease the coronavirus causes , through a surveillance program that monitors the internet for fraudulent sales .
So far , a federal task force has helped remove more than three-dozen listings of at least 19 products .
It has urged online marketplaces and major retailers to police its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would ban face-mask and hand-sanitizer listings altogether , while Amazon recently notified sellers it was no longer accepting requests to sell masks , sanitizers , disinfecting wipes and sprays , among other products .
And social media platforms including Facebook , which had struggled to curtail misinformation about the virus on its website , announced bans on ads that promise to cure the illness .
Government officials are also tackling the price gouging of products that can help reduce the risk of falling ill with the disease , such as hand sanitizer and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are considering anti-price-gouging legislation after reports of hand-sanitizer bottles selling for as much as $ 400 ( U.S. ) .

Luis Ferré-Sadurní - The New York Times,Jesse McKinley


thetorontostar--2020-03-13--Stocks roar back on hopes for government’s virus plan

NEW YORK - Wall Street roared back from its worst day in 30 years Friday with a broad rally that sent the Dow Jones Industrial Average nearly 2,000 points higher — its biggest point gain ever — after President Donald Trump declared the coronavirus pandemic a national emergency .
Fueled by a late-day surge while Trump was speaking , the Dow saw its largest percentage gain since 2008 .
The rally recouped many of the losses from a day earlier , when the index experienced its worst slide since the Black Monday crash of 1987 and European indexes had one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The major indexes each closed with gains of more than 9 % .
The session capped a dizzying week on Wall Street , with wild swings driven largely by uncertainty over how much damage the coronavirus would cause to the global economy .
By Thursday , the Dow had suffered two drops of more than 2,000 points and the longest-ever bull market had ended .
Then on Friday stocks rallied , shooting sharply upward in the last half-hour of trading as investors appeared to gain confidence that the Trump administration has a plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health care and economic perspective .
Despite Friday ’ s pickup , the market still ended the week with its second-worst weekly loss in the past 10 years .
In just a few weeks , U.S. stocks have lost all the gains made during 2019 , one of the best years for the market in decades .
All the major indexes are in what traders call a bear market .
Investors have been clamouring for strong action from the U.S. government to combat the outbreak ’ s effect on businesses and workers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ were close to announcing an agreement on a package to provide sick pay , free testing and other resources helped boost the market .
“ We ’ re finally getting that a little late to the party , but it ’ s better to be late to the party then not to come to the party , ” said Ryan Detrick , senior market strategist at LPL Financial .
He said the stimulus plan should help cushion the financial effects on people and businesses .
Stocks jumped in the early going Friday after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the two sides were “ very close to getting this done.
” But during a late-afternoon White House press conference , Trump said the White House and Congress had yet to agree on a broader aid package .
He said he doesn ’ t believe House Democrats are “ giving enough.
” Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the House would approve its own coronavirus aid package and urged the Trump administration and congressional Republicans to “ put families first ” by backing the effort to provide Americans with relief .
The market ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ torrent of cancellations and shutdowns worldwide .
Business closures have fueled fear that a severe pullback in consumer and business spending will tip the U.S. economy into a recession and wreck corporate profits .
The virus has infected over 137,000 people worldwide .
More than 5,000 have died , but half of those who had the virus have already recovered .
The pandemic ’ s new epicenter is Europe .
In the United States , cases have topped 1,600 , while 41 people have died , according to the Centers For Disease Control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was broad , with technology stocks accounting for a big slice of the gains .
Shares in cruise line operators , airlines and hotels — among the hardest-hit stocks as people cancelled vacations and companies shut down business trips — headed higher .
Investors ’ anticipation of a government stimulus effort and a rate cut by the Fed next week likely put traders in a buying mood , though it ’ s not unusual for stocks to rebound a day after a big decline , something Wall Street calls a “ dead cat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know if I would call this a dead cat bounce , but I would certainly not call it a trend , ” said Katie Nixon , chief investment officer at Northern Trust Wealth Management .
“ Maybe it reflects a little more optimism that we ’ re getting a fiscal impulse that will help support the economy , and by extension , the market while we get through this transitory period of economic weakness.
” On Thursday , the Federal Reserve unveiled a massive short-term lending program to try to help smooth trading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Fed will move to cut interest rates by a full percentage point , to nearly zero , at its meeting of policymakers next Wednesday .
This week ’ s historic sell-off helped to wipe out most of the big gains since President Trump took office in 2017 .
After hitting an all-time high on Feb. 19 , the S & P 500 fell more than 20 % , officially ending Wall Street ’ s unprecedented bull-market run of nearly 11 years .
The slide into a bear market has been the fastest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been so swift and sharp that there remains the potential for a significant bounce after the virus and its impact begin to recede , Detrick said .
The economy was already on solid footing , and well-known companies like Disney and Apple could help lead a recovery .
He also said there could be a recession on the horizon , but it would likely be mild .
“ It could be a shallow , quick , violent , scary recession , but one that bounces back quickly , ” Detrick said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ annual shareholder meeting for Berkshire Hathaway will be streamed live in early May without any attendees , apart from maybe select journalists .
The meeting normally draws a crowd to rival professional sporting events .
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 illnesses , including pneumonia .
The vast majority of people recover in a few weeks .
For now , investors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What markets are trying to do is understand what the cycle of the virus is , and then the human reaction to it , ” said Thomas Martin , senior portfolio manager at Globalt Investments in Atlanta .
Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak

Alex Veiga And Damian J. Troise - The Associated Press