thetorontostar--2020-03-20--Human remains thought to be those of missing Colorado boy

COLORADO SPRINGS , Colo. - Human remains found in Florida are believed to be those of a Colorado boy reported missing in January by his stepmother , who was later arrested and charged with killing him , authorities said Friday .
The El Paso County Sheriff ’ s Office said the remains were found in Pace , on the Florida Panhandle .
Investigators are asking for information from anyone who may have seen 11-year-old Gannon Stauch ’ s stepmother , Letecia Stauch , in Pace or nearby Pensacola between Feb. 3 and Feb. 5 .
Michael Allen , a deputy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declined to release any details about how Gannon was killed or who discovered the body .
The sheriff ’ s office in Santa Rosa County , where the body was found , did not respond to a phone message left Friday .
Stauch reported Gannon missing Jan. 27 , saying he never returned to his Colorado Springs home after leaving to go to a friend ’ s house .
Authorities initially called him a runaway but three days later said he was considered missing and endangered due to his age , the amount @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his dependence on medication .
After a search that lasted for weeks came up empty , investigators presumed the boy was dead and arrested the stepmother in Myrtle Beach , South Carolina , on March 2 .
“ We met with the family earlier today , and obviously they ’ re distraught with this information , “ Allen said about the discovery of the remains .
“ They were still holding out hope that Gannon would come home alive .
...
It ’ s tragic.
” Stauch is being represented by the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not comment on cases .
She was brought back to Colorado and charged with murder , child abuse resulting in death , tampering with a body and tampering with physical evidence .
Allen said prosecutors have filed an additional murder charge , as well as other counts .
A judge sealed the sworn statement that explains the reason for Stauch ’ s arrest , and investigators and prosecutors have declined to discuss details of the case .
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thetorontostar--2020-03-20--Army closing recruiting stations, moves effort online

WASHINGTON - The Army on Friday became the first military service to announce it is shutting down all of its recruiting stations around the country in an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus .
Gen. James McConville , chief of staff of the Army , told Pentagon reporters the service will move to “ virtual ” recruiting , wooing recruits more aggressively through a variety of social media sites and other online activities .
He said the shutdown is “ happening right now as we speak , “ and may continue through the weekend .
The Navy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their recruiting stations open , but the services will also follow state or local guidelines .
The Air Force did not immediately answer questions about their recruiting but there have been no announcements that it is shut down .
The move comes as the Army works to recover from recruiting shortfalls and struggles in recent years , prompting leaders to develop more programs to reach young people online .
Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy said it ’ s not yet clear how long the shutdown will last , saying the service will take things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s all going to depend on duration ” of the new virus , he said , adding that the Army was having a good recruiting year so far .
The Marine Corps , meanwhile , said recruiters are taking steps to protect themselves and any recruits that come in .
“ Marine recruiters are taking all preventative measures to protect themselves as they interact with the public , and are currently screening applicants scheduled to ship to recruit training to identify individuals who may have heightened risk factors for exposure to the novel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , spokesman for the Marine Corps Recruiting Command .
Similarly , the Navy said recruiters will practice all safety procedures but keep stations open at this point .
Navy Cmdr .
Clay Doss said the recruiters will also follow local advisories .
“ If a Navy Region directs teleworking in specific cities , counties , or states , we will switch those specific recruiting stations to 100 % virtual recruiting , “ he said .
The Army , which is the biggest military service with the largest recruiting needs , has had the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent years .
It met its goal in 2019 , after failing to hit recruiting numbers a year earlier , for the first time in 13 years .
The target goal for recruits was lowered from 76,500 in 2018 to about 68,000 last year .
Army leaders have increased the number of recruiters and beefed up efforts to connect with young people through online sports and similar events .

Robert Burns And Lolita C. Baldor - The Associated Press

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thetorontostar--2020-03-20--Mississippi delays a GOP primary runoff amid pandemic

JACKSON , Miss .
- Mississippi Gov .
Tate Reeves announced Friday that he is postponing the March 31 Republican primary runoff in the state ’ s 2nd Congressional District because of the coronavirus .
The new date is June 23 .
Mississippi joins a number of other states that have postponed elections amid the global pandemic .
“ We face an unprecedented health crisis .
Conducting an election during this outbreak would force poll workers and voters to place themselves in unnecessary risk , “ Reeves said in a statement .
“ It ’ s important that we exercise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fair election , but so is ensuring the health and safety of all Mississippians.
” The Republican runoff is between Thomas L. Carey and Brian Flowers , who are running low-budget campaigns .
The winner will advance to the November general election to face Democratic U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson , who is chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee .
Thompson has been in Washington since winning a special election in 1993 .
He is the longest-serving member of Mississippi ’ s current congressional delegation .
He is also the only Democrat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state on Capitol Hill .
The 2nd District stretches along the Mississippi River , through the Delta and into Jackson .
Carey is a retired real estate agent who ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate in 2014 .
Flowers is a military veteran who works at Grand Gulf Nuclear Station .
The candidate eliminated Tuesday was B.C .
Hammond .
He is a volunteer firefighter and has run unsuccessfully for the Mississippi Legislature .
The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute ’ s Department of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsible for all content .
Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak .
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Emily Wagster Pettus - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-20--US home sales jumped to 13-year high before viral outbreak

WASHINGTON - U.S. home sales jumped in February to their highest level in 13 years , a trend that will almost certainly be reversed as people stop showing their property out of fear of infection in the coronavirus outbreak .
The National Association of Realtors said Friday that home sales jumped 6.5 % in February from the previous month , to a seasonally adjusted annual pace of 5.77 million .
The report covers contracts that were signed in December and January , with closings in February .
The first report of an infection in the U.S. occurred on Jan. 21 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the housing market were almost ideal , with hiring strong , wages rising , consumer confidence near a peak , and the stock market at a record high .
The economy has since come to a grinding halt and potentially millions of people have lost their jobs , which will likely cool sales in real estate .
“ This is good news , but it ’ s about relevant as data from 1975 , ” Ian Shepherdson , an economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics , said in a research note .
The Realtors ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showed nearly half of the nation ’ s real estate agents say the coronavirus has caused interest among potential home buyers to decline .
Lawrence Yun , chief economist at NAR , acknowledged that some economists believe that home sales could drop 35 % in the coming months .
“ There will be very volatile data , ” he said .
But home buying should bounce back in the fall , he said , and the traditional spring home-buying season could be delayed until then .
Some realtors are moving to virtual open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using phone cameras to show potential buyers the different rooms in each house , Yun said .
Other barriers could block sales , he noted , such as potential closures of county offices that record deeds .
At the same time , mortgage rates should fall even lower from already-modest levels , which could help maintain some sales , he said .
This story has been updated to remove incorrect reference to first report by China of infections .
Replaces with first reported infection in the U.S .

Christopher Rugaber - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-20--Virus: Graceland shuts, music festival postponed in Memphis

MEMPHIS , Tenn. - Elvis Presley ’ s Graceland is temporarily closing in response to the new coronavirus outbreak .
The Memphis , Tennessee-based tourist attraction said Friday that tours of Presley ’ s former home-turned-museum have been called off .
Graceland said on its website that it will be temporarily closed from Saturday through April 3 .
The tourist attraction is centred on the life and career of the late singer and actor .
Presley died in Memphis on Aug. 16 , 1977 .
He was 42 .
About 500,000 people , including international travellers , visit Graceland each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Graceland features restaurants , exhibition halls and a concert venue .
Some concerts and events have been re-scheduled , and tickets for tours that won ’ t take place during the closing will be honoured within one year of the original tour date , Graceland said .
Graceland ’ s closing amid the global virus outbreak represents yet another blow to Memphis ’ tourism industry .
On Thursday , officials said the Beale Street Music Festival and the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest have been postponed because of the new coronavirus outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement that those two cornerstones of the city ’ s monthlong tourist event have been called off but will be rescheduled for later dates .
The music festival and the barbecue cooking contest are held every year during the Memphis in May celebration in this Mississippi River city .
They attract music fans and barbecue cooking teams from around the world .
The Lumineers , Three 6 Mafia , The Avett Brothers , Lil Wayne and The Smashing Pumpkins were among the musical acts scheduled to perform at the music festival .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Great American River Run and an international salute to the African country of Ghana , also have been postponed .
Memphis relies heavily on tourism revenue from Memphis in May .
Organizers said they had been instructed by city officials that the events can ’ t be held as originally scheduled .
For most people , the coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
For people with existing health problems and older adults , it can cause more severe illness requiring hospitalization at a time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute ’ s Department of Science Education .
The AP is solely responsible for all content .
Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak .


thetorontostar--2020-03-20--Netflix establishes $100 million virus relief fund

LOS ANGELES - Netflix said Friday it is establishing a $ 100 million relief fund for workers in the worldwide creative community affected by the coronavirus-caused halt of most film and television production .
“ This community has supported Netflix through the good times , and we want to help them through these hard times , especially while governments are still figuring out what economic support they will provide , ” Ted Sarandos , Netflix ’ s chief creative officer , said in a statement .
The majority of the fund will support hard-hit crews on Netflix ’ s own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and will supplement the two weeks of pay the company already agreed to pay the cast and crew on suspended productions .
Electricians , carpenters and drivers , who largely are paid hourly wages and work on a project-to-project basis , are among the hundreds of thousands in the entertainment industry without jobs , he said .
More than 120,000 jobs have been lost by members of IATSE , the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees that represents cinematographers , editors , production designers and others , according to The Hollywood Reporter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the International Cinematographers Guild and Motion Picture Editors Guild .
In an effort to support the broader film and television industry , $ 15 million of the Netflix fund will be distributed to “ third parties and nonprofits providing emergency relief to out-of-work crew and cast in the countries where we have a large production base , ” according to Sarandos ’ statement .
In the U.S. and Canada , Netflix said it will donate $ 1 million each to the SAG-AFTRA Covid-19 Disaster Fund , the Motion Picture and Television Fund @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States , and $ 1 million between the Fondation des Artistes and the AFC , formerly known as the Actors ’ Fund of Canada .
Elsewhere , including Europe , Latin America and Asia , Netflix is co-ordinating with industry organizations to create similar relief efforts , Sarandos said , with announcements planned next week on funding those efforts .
“ What ’ s happening is unprecedented , ” he said .
“ We are only as strong as the people we work with and Netflix is fortunate to be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry through this challenging time.
” Efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus have left the entertainment industry reeling , with the suspension of most productions , closures of movie theatres and Broadway plays and concert postponements .
With many people housebound by choice or government restrictions , streaming services such as Netflix , Hulu and Amazon have been a bright spot for the industry as well as consumers .
In an effort to keep its pipeline from shutting entirely , Netflix squeezed the last days of production out of its drama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was concluding its season-four taping this week in London .
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 .
When the performers union SAG-AFTRA announced earlier this week that its foundation was creating the virus fund , actor and guild President Courtney B. Vance said there had already been a “ major spike ” in applications and requests for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am strongly asking leaders and members of the entertainment industry to donate to the foundation so that performers and their families will be given the critical support they need , ” Vance said in a statement Monday .
The fund will help members cover expenses including rent , mortgage , utilities and medical bills , the guild said .
The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute ’ s Department of Science Education .
The AP is solely responsible for all content .


thetorontostar--2020-03-20--Fed to boost lending to $1 trillion a day to ease credit

WASHINGTON - The Federal Reserve moved with unprecedented force and speed Friday to pump huge amounts of cash into the financial system to ease disruptions that have escalated since the viral outbreak .
The New York Federal Reserve Bank said it will offer $ 1 trillion of overnight loans a day through the end of this month to large banks .
That is in addition to $ 1 trillion in 14-day loans it is offering every week .
Banks , so far , have not borrowed nearly as much as the New York Fed is offering , and the loans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funding is from taxpayer dollars .
Wall Street analysts say the huge number is intended to calm markets by demonstrating that the Fed ’ s ability to lend short-term is nearly unlimited .
The Fed is also buying Treasury bonds at a furious pace , and will soon run through the $ 500 billion in purchases it announced on Sunday .
It is also accelerating its purchases of mortgage-backed securities .
Most analysts expect they will buy more .
“ The Fed has just worked with unprecedented speed , ” said Steven Friedman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York Fed and senior macroeconomist at MacKay Shields , an asset manager .
“ I think there will be no hesitation on their part about buying as many Treasuries and mortgage-backed securities as necessary.
” All the Fed ’ s emergency steps are intended to pump cash into a financial system that has seen a spike in demand for dollars as investors unload Treasuries , municipal bonds , and other securities .
With the economy likely in recession , banks , money market funds and other institutional investors are increasingly wary about holding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will see revenue and earnings plunge , while local and state governments are likely to see lower tax revenue .
That makes it harder for them to borrow .
“ There is a growing certainty that we ’ re facing an economic contraction , so it ’ s natural for investors to become more concerned about risk , ” Friedman said .
“ The Fed is trying to play the role of shock absorber.
” The flood of selling has pushed up short-term borrowing costs for companies , states and cities , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tried to lower interest rates more broadly by cutting its benchmark rate on Sunday to nearly zero .
The Fed ’ s efforts are intended to offset those increases in borrowing costs , which could exacerbate the economic downturn by forcing companies and local governments to lay off even more workers .
“ They ’ ve effectively thrown the kitchen sink at the markets and the economy , ” said Gennadiy Goldberg , senior U.S. rates strategist for TD Securities .
Goldberg said the Fed ’ s efforts are starting to bear fruit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Fed is also trying to clear markets by ramping up its purchases .
On Friday , it bought $ 75 billion of Treasurys and $ 47 billion of mortgage-backed securities .
By comparison , when the Fed engaged in long-term asset purchases in its third round of quantitative easing in 2012 , it bought $ 45 billion a month .
All told , the New York Fed has bought about $ 280 billion of Treasuries , more than half of its planned $ 500 billion .
On Friday it said will buy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , including $ 40 billion on Monday .
Those purchases provide more cash to banks , which are also seeing many corporate clients draw down billions of dollars on their credit lines .
Goldberg noted that the value of outstanding Treasurys has more than doubled since 2010 , after the financial crisis , but banks are less willing to hold them , which makes the Treasury market less liquid .
That is a problem , because the $ 17 billion Treasury market , the largest in the world , influences a wide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for mortgages , credit cards and auto loans .
The Fed also announced Friday that it would expand an emergency lending program , which it just launched Wednesday , to loan money to banks , which would use the funds to purchase highly rated municipal bonds from money market mutual funds or from muni bond funds .
The goal is to stabilize the $ 3.8 trillion muni bond market and ensure states and cities and other public entities , including hospitals , can borrow at low cost .
The emergency lending program , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Liquidity Facility , was first used during the 2008 financial crisis , but its expansion to include muni bonds is a new step that wasn ’ t taken back then .
States and cities are facing a looming cash crunch as revenue from sales taxes and other levies are likely to fall sharply in the coming weeks and months .
At the same time , many public institutions are facing higher costs , particularly hospitals and other health programs .
The Fed has in the past come under criticism from Democrats in Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to assist struggling local governments .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi asked Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Tuesday to consider doing so .
The Fed said its action Friday was in response to turmoil in financial markets .
Also Friday , the Fed said it would expand its currency exchanges with five central banks , including by providing week-long exchanges , or currency swaps , every day rather than once a week .
The Fed provides dollars to overseas central banks because some business is conducted overseas in dollars and foreign banks also @ @ @ @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-03-20--Illinois governor imposes stay-at-home order to curb virus

CHICAGO - Illinois Gov .
J.B. Pritzker on Friday ordered all state residents to remain in their homes except for essentials , joining similar dramatic efforts in California and New York to limit the spread of the coronavirus .
Pritzker ’ s order , which takes effect Saturday at 5 p.m. and is set to expire April 7 , still allows the state ’ s 12.6 million residents to head outside to buy groceries and medicine .
“ If there are actions that I can take that will save lives in the midst of this pandemic , no matter how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Pritzker said .
The Democrat said he was trying to prevent “ potentially tens of thousands ” of deaths but urged people not to panic .
“ For the vast majority of you already taking precautions , your lives will not change very much , ” he said , adding that people can continue to shop for groceries and visit pharmacies , gas stations and banks .
Residents also can continue to pick up meals from restaurants and exercise outdoors , he said .
Pritzker acknowledged that the state doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ desire ” to broadly enforce the order , but he said law enforcement will take action if necessary in individual cases .
The order exempts people who work in many essential industries , including health care , manufacturing , transportation and food production or sales , including at grocery stores and restaurants .
The stay-at-home order will also mean schools statewide remain closed until April 8 , he said .
Pritzker had previously ordered all schools statewide to shut down through the end of March and limited gatherings to 50 people to curb @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state .
He also closed dine-in service at bars and restaurants , but allowed businesses to continue delivery or carryout options .
The governors of California and New York have issued similar orders .
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot , who stood by Pritzker ’ s side as he announced the order , said she agreed with the decision .
“ Think of this as safer at home , ” she said .
For most people , the coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
For some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia .
The vast majority of people recover from the virus .
According to the World Health Organization , people with mild cases recover in about two weeks , while those with more severe ones can take three to six weeks to get better .
As of Friday afternoon , Illinois has reported 585 cases of COVID-19 in 25 counties , up from 422 a day earlier .
The state reported one more death Friday — a woman in her 70s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s toll to five .
Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbrea k 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 .

John O'Connor And Kathleen Foody - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-20--Quarantinis anyone? Happy hours go virtual amid virus crisis

BOSTON - The hottest new bar ’ s dress code ?
Your sweatpants .
And you don ’ t even have to leave your couch .
With bars shuttered and stressed-out workers stuck at home , companies and friend groups across the U.S. are holding happy hours over video chat to commiserate and keep spirits high amid the new coronavirus pandemic .
In one community , neighbours are toasting to one another every night from the ends of their driveways to unwind — while keeping a safe distance , of course .
“ Let ’ s be honest , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drink right now , ” said Nick Minerd , who recently took part in a virtual cocktail hour with more than 30 of his home-bound colleagues with Hendersonville , Tennessee-based STR , which provides data and analytics for the hospitality industry .
Video chat happy hours have popped up all over social media as communities have closed bars and restaurants to all but delivery and takeout and banned large gatherings in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19 .
For most people , the virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
Emily Anderson , who runs an organization that connects moms in New York City , was forced to cancel all of her events because of the virus .
Now she planning to host weekly video chat happy hours to help moms “ celebrate surviving another week of the Coronapocalypse “ with a “ quarantini.
” “ On a good day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , particularly new moms ...
So now , more than ever , moms need one another ’ s support and camaraderie , ” Anderson , founder of Mom Crew , said in an email .
Even book clubs , game nights and support groups are going virtual .
Brian Koppelman , co-creator of the Showtime series “ Billions , “ said he and his friends played their weekly poker game using an app and chatting over Zoom video conferencing .
“ It was a pretty great way to stay connected despite the distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it ’ s been a way to check in on friends who live across the country and share tips about how to stay sane while staying at home .
Tracy Stallard said a group of her friends from high school caught up over drinks via video chat and talked about their new normal .
“ Have you been going out and taking a walk ?
Do you wear real pants when you get up in the morning ?
How many days did it take before you stopped wearing makeup ?
” they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who lives in New York City .
In Montclair , New Jersey , a group of more than a dozen neighbours is taking a different approach with a nightly happy hour in front of their homes .
It started with a text suggesting they all come outside one night and share a drink from afar , said Gail Stocks .
While each family stays in their own yard , they ’ ve sang happy birthday to those whose celebrations were spoiled by the virus and toast “ to better times , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They plan to keep the tradition going until their lives go back to normal to give everyone a chance to get away from their computers for a bit and a reason to smile , she said .
“ It ’ s keeping everyone ’ s spirits up , “ Stocks said .
“ I was feeling very down around the late afternoon ... And by the time I came in the whole blues had lifted.
” The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The AP is solely responsible for all content .

Alanna Durkin Richer - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-20--1st Ohio coronavirus death; 11 nursing home cases suspected

COLUMBUS , Ohio - Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine confirmed the state ’ s first death from the coronavirus was a 76-year-old attorney from the Toledo area who recently travelled to California .
Near Dayton , 11 residents of a nursing home have tested positive for the virus .
A look at coronavirus-related developments in Ohio on Friday .
The Miami County Health Department said 11 residents of Koester Pavilion , a nursing facility in western Ohio , have tested positive for the virus .
Tests are still pending on an additional 21 people , Health Commissioner Dennis Propes said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state has nearly 170 confirmed cases of the virus , with almost 40 hospitalizations .
DeWine identified the patient who died as Mark Wagoner , Sr. , a well-known attorney in Toledo who died Wednesday .
The state is limiting testing to those who are hospitalized and to health care workers .
The Ohio Health Department says people with suspected symptoms should call a medical provider first , but seek immediate help if symptoms are serious , such as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath .
For most people , the virus causes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as fever and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia , or death .
The vast majority of people recover .
DeWine said he is ordering senior day care centres closed as of Monday .
The centres will deliver food to seniors ’ homes and transportation services to doctors ’ offices will continue .
Teachers unions are lobbying lawmakers to conclude the state ’ s primary by late April or early May , instead of June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly 100 school districts with levies on the ballot know those outcomes before making decisions about future staffing by a June 1 deadline .
DeWine said he ’ s received several reports of businesses failing to properly protect workers through at-home working options and proper distancing and warned if such behaviour continues , “ I will air on the side of protecting people.
” The U.S. Small Business Administration approved Ohio ’ s application for access to low-interest loans of up to $ 2 million for businesses and nonprofits affected by the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ohio Department of Job and Family Services said it received 139,468 unemployment insurance benefit applications online this week , compared to 4,815 last week .
Lt. Gov .
Jon Husted said Ohio employers will be allowed to defer employee insurance premium payments for two months .
And state utility regulators ordered electric , natural gas , water and wastewater distribution utilities to suspend in-person meter reading activities to avoid unnecessary social contact .
Cedar Point and Kings Island amusement parks will delay their openings until at least mid-May , park operators announced Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campgrounds and day-use areas , including golf courses , remain open with visits encouraged with proper social distancing .
DeWine will push lawmakers next week , at the request of local municipalities , to permit live streaming of public meetings as long as sufficient notice is provided .
The Columbus Race for the Cure , the largest in the nationwide series of cancer research fundraisers , postponed its scheduled May 15 race .
With gyms shut down , the YMCA of Greater Cleveland was one of numerous organizations and companies offering online video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We have to be better than that.
” — Lt. Gov .
Jon Husted , responding to a story relayed to him of a fight breaking out in a grocery store over toilet paper .
Associated Press writers Kantele Franko and Julie Carr Smyth in Columbus and John Seewer in Toledo contributed to this report .
The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute ’ s Department of Science Education .
The AP is solely responsible for all content .

Andrew Welsh-Huggins - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-20--Placido Domingo resigns from opera union, donates $500,000

SAN FRANCISCO - Superstar Plácido Domingo has resigned from the U.S. union that represents opera singers and will contribute $ 500,000 to sexual harassment eradication programs and a fund that helps opera employees in crisis , the union said Friday .
The development came weeks after investigations by the American Guild of Musical Artists and Los Angeles Opera found sexual harassment allegations against the famed tenor , now 79 , to be credible .
The investigations were launched after the publication of Associated Press stories last year in which multiple women accused Domingo of harassment and abusing his power while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Washington National Opera .
AGMA announced last month that its four-month investigation found Domingo had “ engaged in inappropriate activity , ranging from flirtation to sexual advances , in and outside of the workplace.
” Details of the allegations were not released , but people familiar with the investigation who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity said investigators found 27 people were sexually harassed or had witnessed inappropriate behaviour by Domingo in the 1990s and 2000s .
LA Opera said its investigators had received 10 accusations that Domingo engaged in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1986 and 2019 , but “ found no evidence Domingo had ever engaged in a quid pro quo or retaliated against any woman by not hiring her at LA Opera.
” Domingo helped found the LA Opera in the 1980s and led the company as general director from 2003 until last October , when he stepped down after the allegations surfaced .
Numerous women who spoke to the AP said Domingo had dangled career opportunities as he pursued sexual relationships with them and then withdrew the offers or stopped hiring them when they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s resignation , AGMA also said the union had withdrawn disciplinary charges filed against singer as a result of its investigation .
Disciplinary action could have ranged from fines to expulsion .
Union officials contacted by the AP said they had no additional comment , and Domingo ’ s representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
The opera world has effectively been shut by the coronavirus pandemic , which has halted travel and led companies across the globe to close theatres indefinitely , leaving much of the industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affected by the crisis to apply for financial assistance to its relief fund .


thetorontostar--2020-03-20--USA Swimming urges USOPC to ask for delay of Tokyo Games

DENVER - The head of USA Swimming urged the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee to push for a 12-month postponement of the Tokyo Games , signalling the first fissure between powerful American factions attempting to manoeuvr the U.S. team through the coronavirus crisis .
CEO Tim Hinchey sent a letter Friday to his counterpart at the USOPC , Sarah Hirshland , calling for the delay .
“ Everyone has experienced unimaginable disruptions , mere months before the Olympic Games , which calls into question the authenticity of a level playing field for all , ” Hinchey wrote .
“ Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and anxiety , and their mental health and wellness should be among the highest priorities.
” Only hours before receiving the letter , the USOPC leaders essentially repeated the IOC line — that while athlete safety would always be their top priority , it was too soon to employ drastic measures , and that they would press forward with logistical preparations for a July 24 start .
“ The decision about the games doesn ’ t lie directly with us , ” USOPC board chair Susanne Lyons said .
She and Hirshland showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the postponement issue , which is gaining more steam among athletes , some Olympic leaders and , now , one of America ’ s most high-profile national governing bodies .
Left unsaid was the impact the USOPC ’ s voice could have in moving toward a postponement .
In theory , no national Olympic federation has more power to alter the shape of an Olympics than the one in the U.S. , which brings 550 athletes and its billion-dollar broadcaster , NBC , to the show every two years .
“ We urge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Olympic Movement , to use its voice and speak up for the athletes , ” Hinchey wrote .
After the USA Swimming news , Hirshland and Lyons put out a joint statement , emphasizing the multiple moving parts that are influencing any decision from the IOC , and looking ahead to an important IOC meeting next week , at which leaders will receive feedback from countries .
“ Rest assured we are making your concerns clearly known to them , ” the statement said .
USA Swimming isn ’ t alone .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for more decisive action from Olympic leaders : “ The most infuriating part of this whole thing is it feels like the IOC is going to do what they want , regardless of what the athletes think , ” U.S. Olympic silver-medal pole vaulter Sandi Morris tweeted late Thursday .
A member of the Japanese Olympic Committee , 1988 judo bronze medallist Kaori Yamaguchi , has also been vocal in calling for a postponement .
But there is also a contingent of athletes who are not speaking up as loudly on social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paralympic community to be very intentional about the path forward — and to ensure that we aren ’ t prematurely taking away any athletes ’ opportunity to compete in the Olympic and Paralympic Games until we have better clarity , ” the USOPC leaders said in their statement .
Han Xiao , the chair of the athletes ’ advisory council , said the varying views are why his group has not made any definitive statements encouraging a postponement .
“ We are specifically asking for more transparency around the decision-making process , more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being discussed , and less public emphasis on training and ‘ business as usual , ’ which is putting athletes in a bad position , “ Han said .
Many athletes ’ training regimens have , in fact , disintegrated , as gyms , pools and communal workout spaces around the country have been closed .
The USOPC has closed its Olympic training centres to all but the 180 or so who live at them — and many in those groups have chosen to leave campus .
Hirshland said it needed to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out there that “ as Americans , the No .
1 priority needs to be health and safety , “ and not training .
The USOPC has increased availability of mental and emotional counselling , as anxiety builds over what comes next .
About 190 of 550 spots on the U.S. team are scheduled to be handed out for gymnastics , swimming and track at Olympic trials in June — all of which are in jeopardy .
Both the IOC and the USOPC leadership have acknowledged the realities of a qualification process that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says the federation is working with individual sports , both at the national and international levels , to adapt in the event the Olympics take place without a traditional qualifying structure .
While Hinchey wrote that the chances for a level playing field were becoming more remote , he did say “ our world-class swimmers are always willing to race anyone , anytime and anywhere ; however , pressing forward amidst the global health crisis this summer is not the answer .
”


thetorontostar--2020-03-20--Census Bureau delays deadline for 2020 count by 2 weeks

ORLANDO , Fla. - The U.S. Census Bureau is delaying the deadline for counting everyone in the U.S. by two weeks because of the spreading novel coronavirus , officials said Friday .
The 2020 census had been scheduled to stop at the end of July , but the deadline has now been extended to mid-August , said Tim Olson , an associate director for field operations at the bureau .
Most U.S. residents started being able to respond to the 2020 census last week when the bureau ’ s website went live and people started receiving notices to participate in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18.6 million households had answered the questionnaire , primarily online , said Al Fontenot , the bureau ’ s associate director for decennial programs .
That accounts for 14 % of total households in the U.S. , according to Census Bureau figures released Friday .
Midwestern states — Nebraska , Iowa and Kansas — had the highest response rates in the first week or so that most of the U.S. was able to start taking the census .
Alaska , West Virginia and Montana had the lowest response rates .
This is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are being encouraged to fill out their form online , although people can still respond by telephone or by mailing back a form .
The extension of the deadline came after several lawmakers and advocacy groups asked Trump administration officials to keep the count going past July .
The most recent request was sent Thursday by Democratic U.S. Rep. Grace Meng of New York , who asked for an extension through September .
Earlier this week , the Census Bureau suspended field operations for two weeks out of concern about the health and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public from the novel coronavirus .
This primarily affected several thousands workers who were already dropping off questionnaires in rural areas with no fixed addresses , Puerto Rico and tribal areas .
The Census Bureau also was pushing back by a month its operations to count the homeless , which was supposed to begin at the end of the month , as residents of states encompassing three of the nation ’ s largest cities — New York , Los Angeles and Chicago — faced stay-at-home orders from the governors this week .
Counts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as dormitories , prisons and nursing homes also was pushed back a month to May .
Most census takers won ’ t go out into the field until May when they knock on the doors of homes whose residents haven ’ t yet responded .
The start of that operation also was pushed back two weeks to the end of May because of coronavirus .
“ Of all of our worst nightmares of things that could have gone wrong with the census , we did not anticipate this set of actions , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been extremely resilient about looking for solutions and ways we can still be very effective in terms of reaching out to get a response from every person in the United States.
” The bureau had planned to hire as many as 500,000 workers , primarily to knock on the doors of residents who haven ’ t answered the questions by May , but bureau officials said Friday that the virus outbreak was leading them to consider hiring more temporary workers than previously planned .
As of Friday , more than 600,000 applicants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bureau officials said they realized that some might drop out because of the coronavirus , and the Census Bureau was keeping open its job application process .
The bureau so far has 2.8 million applicants and has switched all training online for new hires .
The Census Bureau is required by law to turn in state population counts to the president by Dec. 31 .
When asked if the bureau would meet that deadline , Fontenot said , “ We don ’ t want to attempt to forecast what will happen in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determine how many congressional seats each state gets , as well as the distribution of $ 1.5 trillion in federal spending .
A coalition of civil rights and advocacy groups on Friday praised the Census Bureau ’ s decision to extend the deadline , saying it would give them more time for outreach efforts to get people to participate .
“ Extending census operations is not the same as delaying the census , “ The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights ’ Census Task Force said in a statement .


thetorontostar--2020-03-20--Lebanon FM summons US envoy over American being flown out

BEIRUT - Lebanon ’ s foreign minister summoned the U.S. ambassador Friday after an American on trial in Beirut was taken out of the country by a U.S. warplane — a move that the powerful militant group Hezbollah called a “ blatant violation ” of Lebanese sovereignty and laws .
The Lebanese-American man , Amer Fakhoury , was ordered released Monday by a judge in Lebanon because more than 10 years had passed since he allegedly tortured prisoners at a jail run by an Israel-backed Lebanese militia .
Fakhoury has denied the charges .
Another military tribunal contested the release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaving the country until its appeal was heard .
But Fakhoury was transferred on Thursday amid unclear circumstances , and U.S. officials later confirmed that he was aboard a U.S. Marine V-22 Osprey seen taking off from the U.S. Embassy compound northeast of Beirut .
The officials said he was being returned to the United States .
U.S. President Donald Trump thanked the Lebanese government for working with his administration to release Fakhoury , further muddying the waters over the circumstances of his removal from the country , which has come under strong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official National News Agency said Foreign Minister Nasif Hitti sought an explanation from U.S .
Ambassador Dorothy Shea for the circumstances of Fakhoury ’ s exit .
Meanwhile , Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah sought to distance himself and his group from the decision to let Fakhoury leave .
He said Hezbollah was incorrectly and unfairly criticized in Lebanon for letting it happen .
Nasrallah said there was no deal made to secure the release of Fakhoury , adding that numerous Lebanese politicians , judges and security and military figures had come under intense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some who he alleged were threatened with sanctions .
Nasrallah didn ’ t name those who were pressured but said that when he was asked internally and privately about how to respond to the pressure , he said it was not proper to “ succumb to such pressure ” because it would open the door for more U.S. interference in domestic affairs .
Nasrallah said he learned of the tribunal ’ s decision to release Fakhoury from the media .
He added that Lebanese security forces at the country ’ s airport had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through Beirut International Airport because of the pending appeal over his release .
“ The smuggling happened from the embassy ( in northeast Beirut ) in that manner that you saw , a blatant violation of the Lebanese sovereignty , the Lebanese judiciary and the Lebanese law , ” Nasrallah said in an 80-minute televised speech , more than half of which was devoted to the matter .
Nasrallah said he supports an investigation into the issue to determine responsibility .
Fakhoury ’ s case had put a significant strain on already troubled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lawmakers in Washington had threatened to withhold critical aid to the country and impose sanctions on the Lebanese military , which is seen by the Trump administration as a bulwark against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah movement .
Fakhoury , a New Hampshire restaurant owner who received U.S. citizenship last year , had been imprisoned in Lebanon since September , when he returned to visit family .
Fakhoury was diagnosed with Stage 4 lymphoma and had been hospitalized in Lebanon .
A senior US official , speaking to reporters on condition of anonymity because he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ publicly , said there was no deal made to secure Fakhoury ’ s release .
The official ruled out the possibility that a promise was made to send aid or to release Lebanese prisoners held in the U.S .
The official also denied Washington is in talks with Hezbollah .
A Lebanese businessman accused of financing Hezbollah has been serving a five-year sentence in the U.S. since 2018 .
The U.S. official said Fakhoury ’ s release was ensured by “ competent judicial authorities , “ adding that Fakhoury was “ wrongfully ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Israel-backed militia known as the South Lebanon Army and had been accused of torturing prisoners at a jail run by the militia during Israel ’ s 18-year occupation of southern Lebanon .
His family and lawyer say that while he did work at the prison , he did not have any contact with inmates .
Former inmates at Khiam prison , where Fakhoury was allegedly a warden until Israel withdrew in 2000 , protested the decision to free him .
On Friday , representatives of the former prisoners filed a case before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violating the travel ban on Fakhoury .
Lebanon and Israel have been officially at war since Israel ’ s creation in 1948 .
Lebanon bans its citizens from travelling to Israel or having contact with Israelis .
Fakhoury ’ s lawyer and family say he fled Lebanon in 2001 through Israel and eventually to the United States because of death threats he and many other members of the South Lebanon Army received after Israel ended its occupation .
Associated Press writer Matthew Lee in Washington contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-03-20--Trump vs Fauci: President and doctor spar over unproven drug

WASHINGTON - In an extraordinary exchange , President Donald Trump and the government ’ s top infectious disease expert , Dr. Anthony Fauci , publicly sparred Friday on whether a malaria drug would work to treat people with coronavirus disease .
The scene played out on national television during the daily White House briefing on the outbreak .
Anxious for answers , Americans heard conflicting ones from a just-the-facts scientist and a president who operates on gut instinct .
Reporters asked both men — first Fauci then Trump — if a malaria drug called hydroxychloroquine could be used to prevent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
A day earlier , when Fauci wasn ’ t with him at that briefing , Trump had called attention to the drug .
On Friday , Fauci took the reporter ’ s question and got right to the point .
“ No , ” he said .
“ The answer ... is no .
“ The information that you ’ re referring to specifically is anecdotal , ” Fauci added firmly .
“ It was not done in a controlled clinical trial , so you really can ’ t make any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on to explain that the Food and Drug Administration is looking for a way to make the drug available for emergency use , but in a manner that gives the government data about whether it ’ s safe and effective .
Fauci is director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at NIH and in more than 30 years has handled HIV , SARS , MERS , Ebola and now the new coronavirus .
Currently , there is no medicine specifically approved for treating COVID-19 .
But Trump stuck to what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the two men took turns at the podium , Trump said he disagreed with the notion that there is no magic drug for the coronavirus disease .
“ Maybe and maybe not , ” he said .
“ Maybe there is , maybe there isn ’ t .
We have to see.
” He struck an upbeat note , while trying not to directly challenge Fauci .
“ I think without seeing too much , I ’ m probably more of a fan of that , ” he said , referring to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand what the doctor said is 100 % correct.
” Then the president added , “ It ’ s a strong drug .
So , we ’ ll see.
” Hydroxychloroquine and a similar drug — chloroquine — are sold around the world under a variety of brand and generic names .
They can be prescribed off-label by doctors in the United States .
They may interfere with the coronavirus being able to enter cells , and some scientists have reported possible encouraging signs in test-tube and other small studies .
Other scientists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will translate to benefits for patients .
Fauci has a track record of being the fact-based counterpoint to the Trump administration ’ s upbeat assessments of the coronavirus outbreak .
For much longer than that , he ’ s specialized in the same calm and persistent repetition of the information he thinks his audience — whether the public or physicians — needs to know .
Weeks ago , after Fauci said that even with all deliberate speed a vaccine could take a year to 18 months , Trump told a political rally one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As administration officials repeatedly assured the public that coronavirus tests were rapidly becoming available , Fauci at a congressional hearing said the lack of widespread testing was “ a failing ” of the system .
Although Fauci has publicly supported Trump ’ s travel restrictions to try to keep the virus out , he warned the worst was coming even as Trump suggested the crisis was under good control .
Rather than fighting with Trump , he stepped up to the podium Friday to say he ’ s not ruling the drug out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before making any promises .
“ Look , it may work and it may not work and I agree with the doctor , “ Trump said .
“ I feel good about it .
That ’ s all it is .
Just a feeling .
You know , I ’ m a smart guy .
I feel good about it ... You ’ re going to see soon enough.
” The two even debated the safety of the malaria drug , with Trump saying it has a proven record and Fauci cautioning that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the end , the scientist seemed to be trying to find a way to avoid a direct confrontation with the president .
“ You know , I ’ m not dismissing it at all , and I hope that that interpretation wasn ’ t widespread , ” Fauci said later on Fox News .
“ What I said is that we don ’ t have definitive proof that it works.
” It wasn ’ t just Trump with whom Fauci took issue .
In answer to a reporter ’ s question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a suggestion by Republican Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin that the administration was overreacting , given that thousands die on the highways every year , a “ false equivalency.
“ He added : “ I don ’ t think with any moral conscience you can say , ‘ Why don ’ t we just let it rip and happen and let X per cent of the people die ?
’ ” And asked about economist Kevin Hassett ’ s suggestion that all Americans be tested so that uninfected people can get back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t connect the dots there.
“ It will take social distancing to slow the spread .
For most people , the virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia .
Associated Press writers Nancy Benac and Lauran Neergaard contributed to this report .
The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute ’ s Department of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsible for all content .

Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-20--Virus prompts US and Mexico to restrict border travel

WASHINGTON - Mexico and the U.S. announced Friday that they would prohibit all “ non-essential ” travel across their shared border as part of efforts to control the spread of the coronavirus .
Both countries and Canada also agreed to immediately turn back anyone trying to cross their borders illegally , with U.S. officials saying that the unchecked entry of people from around the world poses a potential health risk because of the rapidly spreading virus .
“ The actions we are taking together with our North American partners will save countless lives , “ President Donald Trump said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Mexican Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard outlined restrictions similar to those put in place earlier this week along the U.S. and Canadian border .
The ban would apply to people who cross for tourism or recreation and other activities deemed “ non-essential.
” “ Everyone else is not expected to have any difficulties , “ Ebrard told reporters in Mexico City .
” We ’ re not talking about closing it.
” The ban , which takes effect at 11:59 p.m. Friday , does not include commercial traffic and remains in place as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ By excluding commercial traffic from the ban , the two governments substantially softened the economic effects .
Also , fewer Americans are heading south because of a statewide stay-at-home order in California and a State Department warning advising Americans not to travel abroad .
Still , the restrictions are a major development along the world ’ s most heavily crossed border .
Mexican shoppers are the lifeblood of smaller U.S. border towns , and it is common for people in both countries to cross frequently to visit family and friends .
As news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 68-year-old El Paso resident Silvia Shadden rushed to cross even if her reason could meet the definition of essential .
Walking with a crutch , she returned from getting a weekly vitamin injection from a doctor in Mexico ’ s Ciudad Juarez that costs a fraction of what it does in the U.S. “ I went to Juarez to see the doctor and get my injection , ” Shadden , who suffers from a vitamin deficiency that causes muscle atrophy , said as she returned from the U.S. border checkpoint .
In San @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shoppers at the nation ’ s busiest border crossing was closed and people made the last of what would be considered non-essential trips under the new rules .
Robert Booker , a lifelong San Diego resident , returned from a quick trip to his tailor in Tijuana before the shutdown .
“ I wanted to make sure I have my clothes , ” he said with a laugh .
Turning serious , he said he understood the rationale for the new restrictions .
“ We want the pandemic to be eradicated , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the people , that ’ s what we have to do , ” Booker said .
Christina Rodriguez , a college student from Washington state , returned from a visit with family in Mexico — a trip that wouldn ’ t be allowed as of Saturday .
“ Everything ’ s up in the air , ” she said .
“ People are just trying to go where they need to be during the isolated time.
” Acting U.S .
Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf told reporters at the White House that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel while “ preserving essential economic activity “ at the border .
American citizens and permanent legal residents would still be allowed to return to the United States .
“ We want to make sure that cargo continues , trade continues , heath care workers continue to be able to traverse that border , “ Wolf said .
“ But tourism , some recreational activities and other things needs to stop during this crisis.
” Trump said the border restrictions and the plan to immediately return anyone detained while illegally crossing are intended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in detention facilities as well as a “ mass global migration that would badly deplete the health care resources needed for our people.
” The measure to quickly turn back migrants would include those crossing illegally into the United States as well as into Canada , where some people have fled to escape U.S. enforcement efforts .
Ebrard , reacting to reports that the U.S. planned to send people from elsewhere into his country , including asylum seekers , said Mexico would only accept the return of migrants from his country and Central @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. would send non-Mexicans “ back to their own countries , not to Mexico.
“ Wolf said the U.S. would send people back to their homelands but was also “ working with Mexico to send additional populations back there as well.
” The Department of Homeland Security did not address the apparent contradiction .
Trump also said that Mexico would suspend flights from Europe .
Ebrard said his government had not yet made that decision .
Mexico has reported fewer than 170 cases while the U.S. count has reached almost 11,000 .
U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long list of “ essential ” workers would be unaffected going to and from their jobs , including farm workers , restaurant and grocery store employees and bus drivers .
Keeping trade flowing , as the U.S. and Canada also agreed to do , contains the economic damage .
Mexico is the U.S. ’ s largest trading partner , just ahead of Canada .
The U.S. accounts for about 75 % of Mexican exports , including autos , computers and medical devices .
Even with the exceptions , it ’ s a major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 40,000 cars enter the U.S. daily from Tijuana , Mexico , at the busiest crossing in San Diego , which has a second crossing that funnels about 19,000 cars a day .
About 30,000 cars enter El Paso daily from Ciudad Juarez .
The State Department on Thursday issued a new travel alert urging Americans not to go abroad under any circumstances and to return home if they are already abroad unless they plan to remain overseas .
California Gov .
Gavin Newsom ordered the state ’ s 40 million residents to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Spagat reported from San Diego .
Associated Press writers Maria Verza in Mexico City ; Cedar Attanasio in El Paso , Texas ; and Jill Colvin in Washington contributed to this report .

Ben Fox And Elliot Spagat - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-21--Confined by virus, Frenchman runs marathon on his balcony

PARIS - In the age of confinement , Elisha Nochomovitz figured out a way to run a marathon anyway – back and forth on his balcony .
That ’ s right .
He ran 42.2 kilometres ( 26.2 miles ) straight , never leaving his 7-meter-long ( 23-foot ) balcony .
He saw it as a physical and mental challenge , but he also shared the images online as a way “ to extend my support to the entire medical personnel who are doing an exceptional job , “ he told The Associated Press from his apartment in Balma , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Toulouse .
Like athletes who ran around their Wuhan apartments or cyclists who found ways to train in their locked-down Abu Dhabi hotel rooms , Nochomovitz wanted to show others that it ’ s possible to stay fit as virus containment measures tighten around the world .
He also wanted to lighten the mood .
“ It was about launching a bit of a crazy challenge and bringing a bit of humour , to de-dramatize the confinement situation , ” he said .
He didn ’ t exactly make record time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ minutes .
He got nauseous , and got worried the neighbours would complain about the pounding of his footsteps .
But he did it .
Technically the French authorities still allow people to go outside for “ individual sports ” like running , if they sign a special form explaining why .
But the number of joggers in French streets has multiplied in recent days , amid exceptionally balmy weather .
And that has authorities worried that too many people are still out in the streets , threatening efforts to contain the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way and does the same thing , we ’ ll all find ourselves outside and that won ’ t help anything , and the message that we need to stay confined at home will have had no impact , ” he said .
Nochomovitz had been training for a marathon , and said “ I needed to assure myself that I could still run 40 kilometres whatever the condition.
” He lost track of how many laps he did , but his pedometer kept track while his mind wandered .
“ I thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to happen , when I see that the world has stopped , sports , economy , finance , ” he said .
“ We learned in history about wars between nations , men and weapons , but this is something that is beyond us.
” He especially thought about medics , “ the real everyday heroes.
” And he had a key helper .
“ I had my girlfriend here who was giving me drinks and M & Ms. “ Outside , some onlookers stared in confusion .
And his neighbours ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-03-21--Jordan goes on virus lockdown as Iran’s death toll mounts

AMMAN , Jordan - Air raid sirens echoed across Jordan ’ s capital on Saturday to mark the start of a three-day curfew , the latest mass lockdown in the Middle East aimed at containing the coronavirus , which has claimed another 123 lives in Iran , home to the region ’ s worst outbreak .
The latest deaths bring Iran ’ s overall toll to 1,556 amid 20,610 confirmed cases , according to figures released by the Health Ministry .
Iran has faced widespread criticism for its lagging response to the outbreak , which has even infected and killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the strictest measures yet , Jordan has ordered all shops to close and all people to stay off the streets until at least Tuesday , when it plans to announce specific times for shopping .
Anyone caught violating the curfew faces up to one year in prison .
Several countries in the Middle East have closed schools , universities and nonessential businesses .
Many are threatening fines or jail time to those caught violating the decrees .
Egypt announced that all museums and archaeological sites , including the famed pyramids at Giza , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of March .
Mostafa Waziri , head of the Supreme Council of Antiquities , said authorities would sterilize all sites during the closure .
The council initially said the closure would begin Sunday before issuing a corrected statement .
Iran has been much slower to take action against the virus .
It has urged people not to travel during the Persian New Year , a major national holiday , but many appear to be ignoring the guidance .
Health Ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said the number of cases has increased in many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ordered businesses to close , though many have done so on their own .
Authorities only began closing popular religious pilgrimage sites earlier this week , long after the first virus cases were detected .
There are concerns the country ’ s healthcare infrastructure , weakened by severe U.S. sanctions , could be overwhelmed .
Most people only experience minor flu-like symptoms from the coronavirus and recover within a few weeks , but the virus is highly contagious and can be spread by those who appear well .
It can cause severe illness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , particularly the elderly and those with underlying health problems .
More than 275,000 people have been infected worldwide .
The virus has killed more than 11,000 people , while more than 88,000 have recovered .
Saturday is Mother ’ s Day in the Middle East , and many took to social media to lament the fact that they would not be able to visit family members .
Iraq , which has reported 193 cases and 14 deaths , has struggled to maintain a weeklong curfew in Baghdad as religious pilgrims have continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Muslim shrine in the capital .
The tiny , energy-rich nation of Qatar is warning citizens and residents to honour home quarantine rules .
The state-run Qatar News Agency said authorities “ captured 10 people ” who broke the rules .
It said those who disobey the orders could face prosecution .
In the Israeli-occupied West Bank , Palestinian security forces arrested 20 Muslim preachers for allegedly violating a ban on holding Friday prayers , the Voice of Palestine reported .
The Palestinian Authority , which governs parts of the West Bank , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prayers .
Abdallah Kmail , the governor of Salfit , said a village in the northern West Bank was locked down after a man who returned from Pakistan and tested positive for the virus participated in prayers held in violation of the ban .
The man was an adherent of Salafism , an ultra-conservative interpretation of Islam , Kmail told the Voice of Palestine .
The governor said 250 people from the village of Qarawa Bani Hassan will be tested Saturday .
The Palestinian Authority has reported 52 confirmed cases , including 17 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infections , including one who recovered .
Qatar has reported 460 cases , including 10 who recovered .
Even the authorities in eastern Libya , who have yet to report any cases , suspended all public transportation and ordered the closure of nonessential businesses .
The government there is allied with Khalifa Hifter , whose forces control much of the war-torn country .
In Egypt , which has reported 285 cases and eight deaths , there are growing calls for a more general lockdown .
Health Minister Hala Zayed urged the public to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after large crowds gathered for Friday prayers in different parts of the country .
Such gatherings “ are very serious , ” she said in televised remarks late Friday .
“ People should do their part .
It ’ s not only their lives , but also the life of the community and the state itself.
“ Religious authorities have already restricted Friday prayers — which in normal circumstances can last an hour or more — to 15 minutes or less .
They have also urged people to avoid mosques .
On Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imam of Al-Azhar , suspended prayers and all congregations at the famed Cairo mosque for two weeks .
The Coptic Orthodox Church on Saturday announced the closure of all churches and cancelled all services and wedding parties .
It said funeral possessions would be limited to the family of the deceased .
The Catholic Church also cancelled all services in Egypt .
Coptic Christians make up around 10 % of the population in Muslim-majority Egypt , which has smaller communities from other Christian denominations .
Lawmaker Mohammed Fouad called on the government to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most populous Arab country , with more than 100 million people .
Cairo , the capital , is one of the most densely populated cities on earth , with more than 20 million residents .
Karimi reported from Tehran , Iran .
Associated Press writers Joseph Krauss in Jerusalem , Mohammed Daraghmeh in Ramallah , West Bank , Samy Magdy in Cairo and Jon Gambrell in Dubai , United Arab Emirates , contributed .
The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute ’ s Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solely responsible for all content .
Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak .

Omar Akour And Nasser Karimi - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-21--Lockdowns multiply globally as virus strains health systems

BERLIN - Streets , squares and highways were deserted in large parts of the world Saturday as curfews and lockdowns multiplied in the face of a rapidly advancing virus that is severely straining many health systems .
Three American states with a combined population of 70 million are moving to restrict residents to their homes to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus .
California started Friday and New York and Illinois were to follow this weekend .
Connecticut and Oregon were preparing to do the same .
Once-bustling outdoor plazas fell quiet in Bavaria after it became the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home , except to go to work , buy food , visit the doctor or exercise .
Police reported fewer people breaching the curfew than in previous nights .
Colombia became the latest South American country to announce a lockdown , and Sri Lanka closed all expressways for a weekend curfew .
The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 recorded in Africa rose above 1,000 Saturday , according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
At least 40 of Africa ’ s 54 countries now have cases .
More than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including over 11,000 deaths , according to a running tally by Johns Hopkins University .
At least 88,000 have recovered .
For most people , the new virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia .
The vast majority recover .
But with hospitals already under pressure , officials in many countries are desperate to prevent — or at least limit — a repeat of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Europe .
The coronavirus outbreak overwhelmed medical services in the central Chinese city of Wuhan earlier this year and now is pushing them to the limit in Italy and Spain .
Germany ’ s southwestern state of Baden-Wuerttemberg on Saturday offered to take in patients from the neighbouring region of eastern France that ’ s struggling with a surge of infections overwhelming hospitals .
In Britain , which still lags behind Italy , Spain and France in the spread of the virus , the country ’ s overstretched health system is creaking .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4,000 critical-care beds and some 5,000 ventilators , and officials say that ’ s far fewer than will be needed as the number of cases spikes in the coming weeks .
Britain has already asked 65,000 retired nurses and doctors to return to work .
Lisa Anderson , a consultant cardiologist at St George ’ s Hospital in London , sad “ there is a lack of protection for us which extends to a lack of plan of how to segregate patients clean and dirty , how to protect us and keep us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have no faith in what is going on , ” she told the BBC .
Britain has recorded 3,983 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 177 deaths .
China has been sending aid to several European countries , promoting its expertise and experience gained from fighting the outbreak at home .
An Air China flight carrying 18 tons of medical supplies including hundreds of thousands of surgical and protection masks landed in the Greek capital , Athens , Saturday morning .
As the pandemic has eased in Asia , China and other parts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ importing cases from Europe , the U.S. and elsewhere .
China reported Saturday that its mainland had no new home-grown cases of the disease for the third straight day , but 41 imported ones in the previous 24-hour period .
That followed a surge in cases in the territory of Hong Kong on Friday , including 35 imported ones .
Restrictions on movement are being eased gradually in China as it tries to restart the economy without bringing back the disease .
Officials in Wuhan are permitting supermarkets , convenience stores and some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a.m. to 6 p.m. if they are in areas with no confirmed or suspected cases .
One person from each household is allowed to go out daily for a shopping trip of up to two hours .
The Beijing Zoo said its outdoor areas would reopen Monday , but visitors have to wear masks and make reservations at least one day in advance .
Most major museums and attractions in China have been closed for nearly two months to stop the spread of the virus .
In the U.S. , the restrictions on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday in New York .
All workers in nonessential businesses will be required to stay home and gatherings of any size are banned in New York .
Exceptions will be made for important errands , such as buying groceries and medicine , and for exercise .
The lockdowns in California and other states sent stock markets tumbling again .
Wall Street had its worst week since the 2008 financial crisis , with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling more than 900 points and down 17 % for the week .
Car maker BMW @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manufacturing complex in South Carolina from April 3 to 19 and Nissan said it would suspend vehicle production at its two Mexican assembly plants from next Wednesday through April 14 .
Auto production has resumed in China , but only partially .
A member of Vice-President Mike Pence ’ s staff has tested positive for the coronavirus , the White House said .
A spokeswoman said the person did not have close contact with either Pence or President Donald Trump .
Colombian President Iván Duque announced Friday night that everyone would be required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks starting Tuesday .
The capital , Bogota , began its own lockdown Friday , leaving the city ’ s usually traffic-filled streets largely empty .
Colombia has 158 confirmed cases , and officials are hoping that drastic measures now will limit the number of new cases in the weeks ahead .
Peru , Ecuador and Venezuela already are in lockdown .
Spain was approaching one week of tight restrictions on free moment and the closure of most shops Saturday , as hospitals and nursing homes buckled under the burden of the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some intensive care units in the hardest-hit areas , led by hospitals in Madrid , are reaching their limits .
By Friday , Spain had the third-highest number of infections worldwide , with nearly 20,000 confirmed cases , and 1,002 deaths .
Some privately owned factories in the country have joined in the effort to combat the national emergency by converting their production lines to make much-needed masks , gloves and disinfectant gels for hospitals .
Spanish soldiers were deployed to disinfect airports and nursing homes , while police intensified their efforts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patrols to stop city-dwellers with second homes in the country from leaving town for the weekend .
But there was concern about the possible unwanted side-effects that extended curfews around the world might have , including increased instances of domestic violence .
“ The authorities know or should know that confinement measures will also cause casualties , among women and children , ” Agnes Callamard , a U.N. appointed human rights expert , said on Twitter .
“ An emergency plan to protect them is needed.
“ Moritsugu reported from Beijing .
Associated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

Frank Jordans And Ken Moritsugu - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-21--Fire in Serbian capital Belgrade kills 6, injures 6 more

BELGRADE , Serbia - A fire early on Saturday in a residential building in the Serbian capital , Belgrade , @ @ @ @ @ injured six more , police said .
The firefighters received the alarm call around 4 @ @ @ @ @ RTS reported .
The time falls within an overnight curfew imposed in Serbia from 8 @ @ @ @ @ part of measures designed to curb the spread of the new coronavirus .
It was @ @ @ @ @ the fire .
Footage from the scene showed smoke billowing from the eighth floor of @ @ @ @ @ the new part of Belgrade .
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thetorontostar--2020-03-21--Quake hits northwest Greece, causing damage but no injuries

ATHENS , Greece - An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.6 struck northwestern Greece in the early hours of Saturday , causing damage to buildings but no reported injuries .
The Athens Geodynamic Institute said the quake occurred at 2:49 a.m. local time ( 0049 GMT ) , with an epicenter 11 kilometres ( 7 miles ) from the western seaside town of Parga , and 316 kilometres ( 196 miles ) west northwest of the capital , Athens .
Local media said the quake sent people running into the street , while several old and uninhabited houses were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ village of Kanalaki .
Less severe damage was also reported in newer houses , with broken windows and plaster falling off walls .
Greece is located in a highly seismically active area and experiences hundreds of quakes each year .
The vast majority are small and do not cause damage or injuries .
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thetorontostar--2020-03-21--Endangered gray wolf population on the rise in southwest US

THE EDGE OF THE GILA WILDERNESS , N.M. - A voice interrupted the crackle of the radio at basecamp : “ Starting pursuit.
” The rest of the team on the ground was anxious to hear those words after the low-flying helicopter crew had been working all morning to get close to one of the Mexican gray wolves that had been targeted as part of an annual survey of the endangered predators .
For months , crews combed the rugged mountains of the southwestern United States , tracking collared wolves and looking for evidence of new packs to build the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many wolves are roaming the wild in New Mexico and Arizona .
The results of the painstaking effort were finally released Wednesday , revealing there are more wolves in the wild than at any time since federal wildlife managers initiated efforts to conserve the animals decades ago .
Since the first wolves were released in 1998 , the program aimed at re-establishing the species across its historic range has had its share of fits and starts due to illegal shootings , courtroom battles and politics .
The challenges are mounting as ranchers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has become untenable as 2019 marked a record year for livestock kills .
At least 163 wolves were counted during the recent survey .
That marks a nearly 25 % jump in the population from the previous year and puts wildlife managers about half way to meeting the goal that has been set for declaring the species recovered .
Officials say the population has increased an average of 15 % annually over the last decade , marking what they consider to be a healthy pace .
“ This is the second year we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wild population of Mexican wolves , a success that is directly tied to the science-based , on-the-ground management efforts of the Interagency Field Team , ” said Amy Lueders , the U.S .
Fish and Wildlife Service ’ s Southwest regional director .
The recent count found there were 42 packs in the wild and half of them had pups last spring .
In all , about 90 pups were born last year and nearly 60 % of them survived , beating the average survival rate for Mexican wolf pups .
The recovery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five wild dens to boost the genetic variability of the wild population .
The cross-fostering technique has been used for a few years now and appears to be paying off as four fostered wolves have survived to breeding age , resulting in multiple litters of pups born in the wild .
Three more fostered wolves will reach breeding age this spring .
“ You ’ ve got wild wolves raising those pups , teaching them to be wild rather than taking a captive adult that ’ s used to people and not used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you put those adults out in the wild , they ’ re the ones that tend to cause problems , ” said Brady McGee , the Mexican gray wolf recovery co-ordinator .
“ The last few years , we ’ ve shied away from doing the adult releases for that reason and working more with the pups.
” No matter the number of wolves on the landscape , ranchers say the threat to their livelihood is becoming more dire .
They point to the recent spike in the number of cattle kills .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with more livestock being killed than in any year since the first captive-bred wolves were released in 1998 .
Federal wildlife officials have been poring over the data to determine the reason for the increase and to develop potential strategies to reverse the upward trend .
Megan Richardson runs a cattle ranch with her husband near Beaverhead , in the heart of the wolf recovery zone .
She said the predators have harassed her horses and that packs like to nibble on the back ends of her cattle , leaving them with open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are more wolves in the wild than what the annual count turns up .
She says she and her neighbours are the boots on the ground and see them regularly .
“ Almost daily we pass volunteers who have the trackers who go out and track the wolves , ” she said .
“ They won ’ t even stop and speak with us .
It ’ s come to the point where it ’ s like they hate us , we hate them , they don ’ t want us there .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ make a living and support our families so it ’ s beyond frustrating.
” Audrey McQueen , a single mother of four young children , said her ranch southwest of Reserve , New Mexico , has been hit hard over the last year as there are three packs that roam the mountainous area that includes her spread .
She said her losses due to cattle and calf kills average about $ 50,000 annually but it could be more than a year before ranchers see any money from the claims they file with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the financial effects of the reintroduction .
“ We can ’ t even have a normal life , ” McQueen said .
“ We work all day and at night we ’ re driving up and down , shining the light just trying to haze off wolves .
Everyone is worn out .
Normal stuff is building fence and riding and we ’ re not even able to do that because all we are is wolf patrol.
” Richardson and McQueen say they ’ ve tried to work with federal officials to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Unlike wolf reintroductions in Yellowstone and the northern United States , wildlife managers in the Southwest are faced with a climate that has encouraged a year-round calving season , meaning conflicts between livestock and wolves are constant rather than just a few months out of the year .
“ The ranching culture is passed on from one generation to the next and they ’ ve always done it this way .
With the wolves here , they do need to do things a little different , ” McGee said .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the ranchers and throwing a few ideas out.
” Those include calving in the late spring or early summer when there are also elk calves in the wild to lessen the pressure on livestock herds .
McGee also has suggested moving herds further from wolf den sites during calving season .
Ranchers say that ’ s not always possible since the cattle need to be where feed is available and there are certain pastures that need to be avoided at certain times of the year due noxious weeds , making the chess @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 184 livestock kills were confirmed across New Mexico and Arizona and ranchers say some cases went unreported .
Wildlife managers acknowledge the problems and are trying to determine what might be behind the spike .
“ Every partner that ’ s engaged , that ’ s our top priority going into 2020 — figuring out some really good solutions for the depredation because it ’ s not a sustainable level for anybody , ” said Fish and Wildlife Service spokeswoman Aislinn Maestas .
There already are a lot of tools in the chest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scare the wolves away with cracker shots to flagging along fence lines and sometimes feeding caches to draw the wolves away from the cattle .
In December alone , the wolf team conducted more than two dozen days and nights of hazing in problem areas and maintained one diversionary food cache .
The work has continued this year and there are regular calls and meetings with ranchers .
Still , McGee said it ’ s been hard overcoming the lore attached to the predators .
“ There ’ s still a huge misconception @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
” People think wolves are big bad dangerous animals.
” Once common throughout the Southwest U.S. and northern Mexico , the Mexican gray wolf is now the rarest subspecies of gray wolf in North America .
It was all but eliminated by the 1970s , prompting the federal government to develop a captive breeding program .
Environmentalists have pushed for years for releasing more captive wolves into the wild , saying the current population is not sustainable without constant human intervention and can not withstand current mortality rates .
There were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2019 , far less than the 21 documented the year before .
“ Ensuring that wolves and people can coexist is an essential part of long-term success , ” said Bryan Bird with Defenders of Wildlife .
“ The Mexican gray wolf is an integral part of southwestern ecosystems and we must do everything we can to ensure the species is given the protections they need to survive.
“ Back at basecamp on the edge of the Gila National Forest , it looks like a NASCAR pit stop .
All hands are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process the wolf that had just been darted and captured .
They have to work quickly .
The young male is weighed and measured .
Teeth are checked .
Blood is drawn .
Vaccines are given .
Its temperature is taken repeatedly to ensure it ’ s not in distress .
A new collar is affixed as it ’ s stretched out on the bed of a pickup truck .
Activity swirls all about , but the wolf is nearly motionless , except for the occasional lick of its tongue .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biologist Maggie Dwire says .
“ A lot of these people have been doing it for a really long time so it ’ s a pretty well-oiled machine when an animal comes in .
It may look like chaos , but it ’ s organized chaos.
” With a collective breath , the team then loads the wolf back onto the helicopter , the blades spin up and away it goes .

Susan Montoya Bryan - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-21--Kickboxing match in Bangkok leads to spike in infections

BANGKOK - Kickboxing aficionados came from all over Thailand to attend a major Muay Thai match at Bangkok ’ s indoor Lumpini Stadium on March 6 .
More than 100 went home unknowingly carrying the coronavirus .
The wayward boxing fans led an inevitable rise in infections this month that forced the government to abandon its hesitant approach to combating COVID-19 that failed to inspire public confidence .
As of Saturday , confirmed cases from three boxing stadiums in Bangkok totalled 104 , just over a quarter of the national toll of 411 .
An actor , a major-general , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a slew of ordinary fans are among the coronavirus cases from the March 6 event .
It ’ s feared hundreds more in all corners of the country could be viral time bombs .
Health officials take the threat seriously .
“ The more people who report themselves , the easier it is for us to track down others with the virus before it ’ s too late.
” said Dr. Thaveesin Visanuyothin , a spokesman for the Public Health Ministry .
But even as Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha this past week announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — including postponing a major three-day holiday , shutting down schools and allowing provincial governors to close any gathering spaces — he insisted the country was not going into shutdown .
He told his countrymen the crisis had not yet reached Phase 3 , an epidemic involving significant domestic transmission of the virus that would trigger more radical restrictions .
How and when that would be determined is hard to judge , especially because Prayuth ’ s government has been criticized for a lack of transparency and consistency in releasing information .
Even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sends a mixed message .
Instead of banning international flights , as several nations have done , foreign visitors must have health certificates affirming they are free of the virus .
The requirement is impractical , because in many if not most countries , it ’ s hard to even get tested without showing symptoms of the illness .
Any illusion that Thailand would somehow avoid a spike in infections was dispelled this month with the discovery of a cluster case from a single discrete source .
The infected people were a group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been partying at an upmarket Bangkok nightspot with a visitor from Hong Kong .
Health authorities scolded the partygoers for sharing drinks and cigarettes .
Just days later , a local celebrity in Muay Thai circles posted a message on his Instagram account .
Muay Thai is the national sport , with a devoted fan base nationwide spanning social classes .
“ This is NOT a joke , for those that have been in close contact with me the last few days please take precautions .
I have the Covid-19 virus # covid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ message from Matthew Deane Chanthavanij , next to a video of him wearing a black surgical mask .
Some people initially derided his post as a publicity stunt , bogus information for which he could be criminally prosecuted .
In fact , it exposed a second , potentially more dangerous cluster : the Lumpini Stadium boxing crowd .
Matthew Deane , as he is usually called , is an actor , model , singer and athlete .
The Australian-born 41-year-old is also a serious devotee of Muay Thai , and even owns a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of ceremonies at the Lumpini Stadium match , stepping into the ring to interview boxers and promoters and hand out prizes to winners of a raffle .
The air-conditioned hall was hosting the first big Muay Thai event of the season .
Eleven bouts started at 6 p.m and ended just after midnight .
The crowd of about 5,000 roared every time punches and kicks were exchanged .
“ We were squeezed against each other .
Normally the place isn ’ t that crowded , ” said Suwan Jitpinit , who travelled from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 420-kilometre ( 260-mile ) drive .
“ At other regular events , there would be about 1,500 to 2,000 people in the stadium but because this was a special match , there were many more people , ” recalled the 37-year-old boxing writer .
He stayed in Bangkok for a match at another stadium before going home on March 10 .
On the drive home , he began to feel feverish and was shivering so much he had to ask someone else to drive .
When he arrived that evening , he went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with tonsillitis .
Not feeling any better three days later , he sought help from a bigger hospital in nearby Phitsanulok .
After hearing the news about Matthew Deane , he asked to be tested for coronavirus .
The result came back positive .
His wife was infected too , and their village in Sukhothai is now under quarantine .
Ordinary boxing fans from other provinces , both near Bangkok and in the north , the northeast and the south , have also tested positive for the disease .
Among them : a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attending to his constituents in a province east of Bangkok .
According to reports in the Thai media , between the time he attended the Lumpini match and when he tested positive , Kitti Paopiamsap , head of the Chachoengsao provincial administration organization , attended six weddings , six funerals , three community meetings ( two of them with the elderly ) , three Buddhist ordinations , three fairs and at least four other public meetings .
“ It is sad that the boxing event has aggravated the situation , ” said Pinit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matthew Deane and like him caught the virus .
“ Certainly , the boxing industry is taking a hard hit , and the whole country as well.
” Associated Press writer Busaba Sivasomboon contributed to this report .

Tassanee Vejpongsa And Grant Peck - The Associated Press