thetorontostar--2020-03-31--Wolf places 7 more counties under stay-home order

HARRISBURG , Pa. - Gov .
Tom Wolf added seven more counties Tuesday to his order to stay at home as the new virus expanded its reach and Pennsylvania reported another big jump in confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths .
Wolf told residents of Lebanon , Franklin , Somerset , Lawrence , Cameron , Crawford and Forest counties to stay home at least through April 30 , bringing to 33 the number of counties under the governor ’ s order .
Nearly 11 million Pennsylvania residents , or 85 % of the state ’ s population , have now been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with exceptions that include working at a business that ’ s still open , going to the grocery store or pharmacy , visiting a doctor , caring for a relative or heading outside to exercise .
One day after President Donald Trump declared a major disaster in Pennsylvania , the state ’ s emergency management agency said it would begin contacting potential applicants , which include state , county and municipal governments and eligible nonprofits .
Trump ’ s order allows for federal assistance to supplement state and local pandemic recovery efforts .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take action on short-term rental properties after some of them came under fire for trying to lure fleeing New York and New Jersey residents with coronavirus-themed marketing pitches .
The Department of Health reported more than 750 additional coronavirus cases , bringing the total number to over 4,800 .
There were 14 new deaths for a statewide toll of 63 .
For most people , the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in a couple of weeks .
Older adults and people with existing health problems are at higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pneumonia , or death .
State lawmakers representing the Pocono Mountains are pressing the Wolf administration to crack down on short-term vacation rentals that are trying to entice travellers from virus hotspots New Jersey and New York , and the governor signalled that he plans to take action .
GOP Rep. Rosemary Brown urged Wolf to “ exercise the appropriate authority ” to address “ marketing tactics that encourage people to travel from the ‘ epicenter ’ of the COVID-19 virus to the commonwealth.
” Her letter , which was signed by five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who advertised a “ coronavirus free ” destination , and another that enticed travellers “ looking to escape the epicenter.
” Wolf spokeswoman Lindsay Kensinger said Tuesday night that “ the governor agrees that short-term rental properties should not be in operation and the administration is working on guidance to address this.
“ Separately , Republican Sen. Mario Scavello threatened to refer short-term rental property owners to the state police .
Wolf ’ s order closing businesses that are not considered “ life sustaining ” does not affect vacation rentals and other traveller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a state police spokesman said earlier Tuesday that troopers have no authority to cite short-term rental owners .
Nevertheless , the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau , the region ’ s tourism marketing agency , said it is urging property owners to suspend short-term rentals during the pandemic , noting “ an overall social responsibility to the region ’ s health and economic well-being.
” The tourism agency also noted that federal authorities have urged residents of New York , New Jersey and Connecticut to refrain from nonessential domestic travel .
The state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses appealing Wolf ’ s shutdown order .
The Department of Community and Economic Development has approved 4,925 requests and denied 7,737 , according to the latest agency numbers .
Another 6,757 requests were filed by businesses that did not need them to continue to operate , agency spokeswoman Casey Smith said Tuesday .
Wolf has ordered businesses his administration deemed “ non-life-sustaining ” to close their physical locations indefinitely , but established an appeals process .
Smith said the volume of waiver requests has slowed slightly in recent days .
The pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bank account .
Tax collections in March were about $ 300 million shy of expectations as COVID-19 shut down businesses , put hundreds of thousands out of work and kept consumers home .
The shortfall wipes out a $ 250 million surplus that had been built up over the first eight months of Pennsylvania state government ’ s fiscal year .
The economic slowdown is also expected to have a dramatic effect on tax collections in coming months , promising a difficult budget season for Wolf and the Republican-controlled Legislature .
The Pennsylvania @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organization based in Harrisburg , projected that state revenue could drop by a total of $ 4.5 billion to $ 9 billion in the current fiscal year and the next one .
PennDOT has resumed work on limited number of highway and bridge projects after a statewide pause .
The state Department of Transportation halted all nonemergency construction work on March 17 to minimize coronavirus exposure for its workers , private contractors and others .
PennDOT said Tuesday that 61 highway and bridge projects considered to be emergencies or of critical importance will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it is taking steps to minimize COVID-19 risk , including protocols for social distancing and handling deliveries of materials .
A federal judge ordered the immediate release of 10 people from civil detention as they await resolution of their immigration cases .
The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania and other lawyers filed suit last week .
The lawsuit said the detainees are older or suffer from medical conditions that put them at greater risk of COVID-19 .
U.S. District Judge John E. Jones III ordered the detainees ’ immediate release from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counties , noting : “ At this point , it is not a matter of if COVID-19 will enter Pennsylvania prisons , but when it is finally detected.
“ The lawsuit had initially been filed on behalf of 13 detainees , but U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement released three of them before the judge issued his order .
Allegheny County said it will start sharing addresses of COVID-19 patients with first responders .
The county ’ s health department agreed to provide the addresses , but not the names , of confirmed coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if an emergency call comes in from a flagged address , a dispatcher will alert first responders so they can take appropriate safety precautions .
The flag will be removed from the system after 30 days .
Rubinkam reported from northeastern Pennsylvania .
Associated Press writer Marc Levy in Harrisburg contributed to this report .

Michael Rubinkam And Mark Scolforo - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-31--6 European nations condemn North Korean missile launches

TANZANIA , Tanzania - The U.N. Security Council didn ’ t issue a statement after discussing North Korea ’ s latest missile tests but six European nations on the council are condemning Pyongyang ’ repeated launches , saying they illustrate its ongoing efforts to develop its ballistic missile programs and expand its arsenal .
Belgium , Estonia , France , Germany , Poland , and the United Kingdom said in a statement after a closed council discussion Tuesday that they are deeply concerned by North Korea ’ s continued testing of missiles , using ballistic missile technology .
The Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country ’ s official name , has conducted 17 sets of missile launches since May 2019 including four this month , the latest on March 29 .
“ We condemn such provocative actions , ” the Europeans said .
“ They undermine regional security and stability , as well as international peace and security , and are in clear violation of unanimously adopted UN Security Council resolutions.
” Germany ’ s deputy U.N. ambassador Juergen Schulz told the council it was sad that North Korea is giving priority to its illegal weapons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ co-operation a top priority and working with the World Health Organization and the U.N. on “ the unprecedented global threat faced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
” “ Unfortunately , there seems to be a lack of transparency in DPRK ’ s co-operation with the U.N. over COVID-19 which we find dangerous and cynical , ” he said .
The Security Council committee monitoring sanctions against North Korea which Germany heads has granted “ all COVID-19 related humanitarian exemption requests with unprecedented speed and urgency , ” Schulz said .
“ The sanctions are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the DPRK.
” Talks to rein in North Korea ’ s nuclear program have stalemated since the collapse of the second summit between the North ’ s leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump in early 2019 , where the Americans rejected North Korean demands for major sanctions relief in exchange for a partial surrender of its nuclear capabilities .
Following the breakdown in talks , the North ended a 17-month pause in ballistic activity and resumed weapons launches while pressuring Washington and Seoul for concessions .
The weapons launches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be launched from submarines , a “ super large ” multiple rocket launcher , and a new mobile , solid-fuel missile system .
The joint statement again urged North Korea “ to engage in good faith in meaningful negotiations with the United States aimed at denuclearization , to take concrete steps to abandoning all weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs in a complete , verifiable and irreversible manner , and to refrain from further provocations.
” “ There is no other way to achieve security and stability on the Korean peninsula @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Continued provocations risk undermining the prospect for successful negotiations.
” They called on the Security Council and all countries to implement sanctions against North Korea .
China and Russia have called for the easing of sanctions against North Korea to spur a resumption of talks between Pyongyang and Washington .
But their joint resolution proposing some easing has languished in the Security Council because the U.S. , its Western allies and other members want to see North Korean actions toward denuclearization before any measures are lifted .

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thetorontostar--2020-03-31--Police: Suspect rode bike to scene, shouted ‘I killed him’

CHARLESTON , S.C. - A South Carolina man suspected of shooting and killing another man after a dispute tried to ride his bicycle into the crime scene shouting , “ I killed him , ” police said .
Frederick Lamont Jenkins argued with the man late Sunday , then returned on his bicycle with a gun and shot the victim in the face , Charleston Police said in a sworn statement .
Jenkins left after the shooting , but returned as police officers were investigating the scene , trying to ride his bicycle through the crime tape , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Courier .
“ I killed him , ” Jenkins said , according to the affidavit .
“ I killed Ham .
He pulled a gun on me four times .
Take me to county jail.
” Jenkins , 60 , is charged with murder .
Jail records did not list an attorney .
Kevin “ Big Ham ” Pruitt , 34 , tried to run after being shot but collapsed and was later declared dead at the scene , authorities said .
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thetorontostar--2020-03-31--Viral virus briefing: Where science meets all things Trump

WASHINGTON - For a few moments in the Rose Garden , the coronavirus pandemic is a bucking bronco with President Donald Trump on its back .
His arm swings an invisible rope .
He seems to be hanging on for dear life .
“ Ride it like a cowboy , “ he growls .
” Just ride it .
Ride that sucker right through.
” This rodeo riff came during the daily White House coronavirus task force briefing , where science meets all things Trump .
It ’ s where the teetotaling president serves a 5 o ’ clock cocktail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ invented achievements , performance art , hectoring , cheerleading , erraticism , improvisation , self-praise , pet theories and a dash of eloquence .
Shaken not stirred .
Late in starting , finished when he feels like it .
The self-styled “ wartime president ” is , at least , a showtime president .
He ’ s enjoying the high ratings of his briefings and boasting they ’ re up there with “ The Bachelor.
” Meantime on the streets of the country , people are recoiling in the wake of each passing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitals , patients are fighting for life .
The death toll arcs upward .
Still the show must go on .
Trump is the animated star of his production .
Dr. Anthony Fauci is the stoic straight man , a venerated infectious disease scientist whose facial expressions are closely watched as if he is one oddball Trump remark away from losing it .
He doesn ’ t .
But he ’ s very tired on four hours of sleep .
Day after day , Trump free-associates , harangues reporters , assails critics and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis , at times overshadowing the fact-based information that public health officials have come to deliver , in the moments when Trump steps aside to let them speak .
It was here one day that Fauci broke ranks in Trump ’ s presence to refute his claims about a drug treatment for COVID-19 .
On this bright Sunday , the briefing was moved to the resplendent garden from the clammy confines of the press briefing room , a long-ago indoor swimming pool that still feels like one .
With social-distancing signs posted on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken on the character of a hazmat zone .
It gives literal meaning to the pandemic ’ s cliche that we ’ re all in this together .
Out in the garden , Trump shoos away gnats and begins in buoyant fashion .
The news is going to turn dark but he will take his sweet time getting there .
“ Beautiful day in the Rose Garden , ” he tells the press corps .
“ Tremendous distance between chairs .
Social distancing .
You practice it very well .
We appreciate it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up is word about a coming diagnostic test , almost instant , he says , and you don ’ t have to get a swab shoved so far up your nose like he did when he submitted to a virus test a few weeks back .
He ’ s complained about it ever since .
The new test is so easy that he said he just might get another one .
Executives step up to say what their companies are doing about producing and shipping critical medical supplies .
Praise for Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remarks .
This is a president who wants a public display of appreciation and has said he may not call people back if he doesn ’ t get that .
We hear some basics about the world : “ Think of it : 151 countries .
Somebody said to me today ... they didn ’ t know that we had that many countries .
A hundred and fifty-one countries .
That ’ s something.
” We hear a series of unverified statements : about an unidentified New York hospital he ’ s been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ theory that the fatality rate in the U.S. is lower than in other countries , his conviction that the speedy new tests will be “ a whole new ballgame.
” He trots out the rhetorical bronco , saying some aides wanted him to just hang on and ride it out until the crisis passed but he felt he should do more .
Trump ’ s doggedly positive spin , evident for several months , begins to fray when he announces a month-long extension of social distancing guidelines that were to expire Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he says of distancing , “ the faster this whole nightmare will end.
” As the briefing slips into its second hour , it becomes apparent that Trump is conditioning Americans to expect far more deaths from COVID-19 than anyone would think from his history of minimizing the crisis .
Gone is the talk about the virus maybe going away like magic in the warmth of spring .
Fauci and other public-health authorities had told him 100,000 to 200,000 people could die in this country from the virus if not enough is done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then invokes a far grimmer number , 2.2 million , an estimated death toll if no steps were taken to fight the pandemic , and summons Dr. Deborah Birx of the task force to explain it .
Why introduce an even starker scenario than the already scary one ?
Because if 100,000 to 200,000 end up dying , Trump still wants history — and voters in the fall — to judge his effort a success .
If the toll is in that range , he says , “ We all , together , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Behind such bravado , though , is a president seeing the pandemic — “ the viciousness of it ” — in increasingly personal and sober terms .
“ A lot of people are dying , ” he says , “ so it ’ s very unpleasant.
” He says a friend , “ a little older , and he ’ s heavy , but he ’ s a tough person , “ landed in a hospital .
“ I call : ‘ How ’ s he doing ?
’ ‘ Sir , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s unconscious.
’ He ’ s not doing well.
” He speaks at length of body bags and “ freezer trucks ” he ’ s seen on TV taking the dead from Elmhurst Hospital in Queens .
The building is so familiar from his New York childhood that “ I can tell you the colour on the outside , the size of the windows .
I mean , I know it very well , right ?
“ “ I ’ ve seen things that I ’ ve never seen before .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but I ’ ve seen them on television in faraway lands .
I ’ ve never seen them in our country.
“ The sun is slanting low in the garden as Trump brings this briefing to a close .
“ I want our life back again , ” he says .
“ I want the world to get rid of this.
” Associated Press writers Zeke Miller and Jill Colvin contriibuted to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-03-31--COVID-19 deaths climb in NY; Chris Cuomo tests positive

NEW YORK - More than 300 new deaths in New York from the coronavirus have been reported in the last 24 hours , a sombre-sounding Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday as temporary hospital beds were made available in a city where some hospitals are already struggling .
City officials announced Tuesday that 250 more ambulances and 500 paramedics and EMTs are headed to New York to help manage record numbers of calls for assistance .
The latest coronavirus developments in New York : Deaths from the coronavirus continued to climb steeply in New York , topping 1,500 by Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of deaths , which includes the first fatality of a person under 18 years old in New York City , jumped by more than 300 from Monday .
The New York City region continues to be a hotspot for the virus , accounting for the lion ’ s share of the state ’ s 75,795 confirmed cases .
The outbreak hit close to home for the governor , who spoke of his brother and “ best friend , ” CNN anchor Chris Cuomo , testing positive for the disease .
“ Luckily we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s my family , it ’ s your family , it ’ s all of our families , ” the governor said .
The news is certain to get worse in New York City as the outbreak is expected to peak in the next month .
The virus , which causes the disease COVID-19 , has spread rapidly across the globe .
It causes mild symptoms in many of those infected , but it can cause severe symptoms or death for some , including older adults and those with underlying medical conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths among children have been reported .
A temporary hospital built inside a New York City convention centre began accepting patients , and a nearby Navy hospital ship was expected to take in patients soon .
Beds at the Jacob Javits Convention Center and the USNS Comfort are designed to take pressure off New York City hospitals as coronavirus cases spike .
The combined 2,000 beds were added to handle non-coronavirus patients .
Hospitals in the city were already showing signs of stress .
Elmhurst Hospital in Queens was so busy that critically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ room for beds to become available , according to an administrator .
Outside other hospitals , workers in protective gear have been loading bodies of coronavirus victims into refrigerated trailers .
The emergency hospital sites at the convention centre began taking patients Monday night , according to the governor ’ s office .
The Navy said Tuesday that the ship docked off Manhattan was expected to accept patients soon .
There were more than 10,900 people in New York hospitalized for COVID-19 , with at least 2,700 in intensive care .
The number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a high since the outbreak : 1,412 .
Also , the National Tennis Center in Queens , where the U.S. Open is played , will start housing coronavirus patients next week and will eventually hold 350 coronavirus patients , New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said .
He said patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 but are not in intensive care will be treated at the tennis centre to relieve pressure from the overtaxed Elmhurst Hospital , where 13 people died of the virus in one 24-hour period last week .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are arriving in the city to meet an expected surge in coronavirus cases next week but more health care workers , equipment and supplies are needed , and he asked anyone who might have a ventilator lying around to contribute it including oral surgeons , plastic surgeons and veterinarians .
“ This is a war effort , everyone needs to contribute , ” the mayor said .
“ You ’ ll get it back when this battle is over.
” Cuomo apologized to laid off New Yorkers having trouble trying to file for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unemployment site is so deluged it keeps crashing , Cuomo said .
“ It is not working as smoothly as I would like to see it , ” Cuomo said .
“ It ’ s compounding people ’ s stress.
” The state labour agency received 1.2 million calls Monday ; it used to average 10,000 calls a day , according to the administration .
The governor said hundreds of people are working to fix the problem .
MORE AMBULANCES ON THE WAY New York City is bringing in 250 out-of-town ambulances and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help its swamped EMS system respond to the coronavirus crisis .
The city ’ s ambulances are responding to about 6,000 calls a day — 50 % more than average .
Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said a five-day stretch last week was the busiest in the history of the city ’ s EMS operation .
So far , 100 ambulances have arrived and the rest are expected by the end of the week , said Omar Bourne , a spokesman for the city ’ s emergency management agency .
They ’ re supplied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Officials say the surge in coronavirus cases has delayed responses to lower-level calls .
Oren Barzilay , head of the city ’ s EMS workers union , said some people are waiting up to six hours for help .
— Cuomo and lawmakers are trying to find their way forward on a state budget despite uncertainty about the size of the financial toll the coronavirus outbreak will take .
— U.S. Rep. Max Rose will deploy to the National Guard Wednesday to help with the COVID-19 response in his native Staten Island .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Army National Guard and will serve as an operations officer .
Associated Press writers Larry Neumeister and Karen Matthews contributed from New York , Marina Villeneuve , Mary Esch and Hill contributed from Albany , N.Y .

Michael R. Sisak And Michael Hill - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-31--Alaskans get more time to apply for this year’s dividend

JUNEAU , Alaska - Alaskans will have more time to apply for a Permanent Fund dividend this year .
Anne @ @ @ @ @ state division that determines dividend eligibility , on Tuesday said applications submitted before midnight on @ @ @ @ @ timely for the 2020 filing season .
She said by email the action is related @ @ @ @ @ weekend by lawmakers .
The filing deadline had been Tuesday .
But a bill passed @ @ @ @ @ Gov .
Mike Dunleavy ’ s public health disaster emergency declaration over the coronavirus to @ @ @ @ @ provision extending the application period for this year ’ s dividend to April 30 .
@ @ @ @ @ bill was a rewrite of an initial proposal by Dunleavy and awaits his review .
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thetorontostar--2020-03-31--US appeals court: Attack on gay man enough for asylum claim

PHILADELPHIA - An asylum seeker from Ghana who said he was attacked by a mob led by his father because of his sexuality has shown a valid fear of persecution , a U.S. appeals case said in a case argued by two law students .
The petitioner , a gay man in his late 20s from Accra , said he had a secret relationship with a friend from his Muslim school days when his father found out in 2016 and flew into a rage .
He said he was beaten , doused with kerosene and threatened with being beheaded before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later made his way to the U.S. , where immigration judges rejected his case , in part because it involved only a single attack .
The initial judge suggested he could avoid further prosecution back home if he kept his sexuality a secret , according to the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals ruling .
Same-sex male relationships are misdemeanours in Ghana and can bring up to three years in prison , the ruling said .
The Associated Press is not naming the petitioner at the request of his lawyer , Adrian Roe of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s safety if he is deported and hopes to have his name redacted from court records .
“ ( He ) was threatened with death by fire or decapitation while being assaulted , doused with fuel and exposed to a cutlass .
All that was left for the mob to do was to cut off his head or set him on fire , ” U.S .
Circuit Judge L. Felipe Restrepo wrote in directing the immigration court to reconsider the claim .
The case was argued last year by then-students Paige Beddow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Law Clinic at West Virginia University College of Law .
Justice Department lawyers in Washington , who opposed the asylum bid , did not immediately return a message left Tuesday with the press office .
“ The government was arguing that one ( attack ) does not create a significant incident , or does not constitute past persecution .
And the court said that one incident can be enough , ” Roe said .
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thetorontostar--2020-03-31--Finances hurting? Watch ‘Let’s Make a Deal’

NEW YORK - Instead of watching their own finances crater , shut-in television viewers tuned in to the game show “ Let ’ s Make a Deal ” in record numbers last week .
TV programs across the dial recorded superlatives last week with a captive audience of millions of Americans told to stay home because of the coronavirus .
Few were as interesting as the newfound fervour for CBS ’ “ Let ’ s Make a Deal , ” which recorded its most-watched week since the show was brought back 11 years ago with Wayne Brady as host , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also gave “ The Price is Right , ” now hosted by Drew Carey , its biggest audience in four years , Nielsen said .
It was also a terrific week for television uber-producer Dick Wolf , whose Windy City-based trilogy of dramas dominates NBC ’ s lineup .
Excluding special crossover episodes , “ Chicago Fire ” recorded its most popular episode in six years , while “ Chicago Med ” and “ Chicago PD ” had their largest audiences in four years , Nielsen said .
The Wolf-produced dramas “ FBI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” on CBS did have a crossover last week , leading both relatively new shows to their highest ratings ever .
Nielsen hasn ’ t computed the numbers for last week yet , but during the previous week , television usage overall was up 18 per cent over the same week a year ago .
It was up 43 per cent among viewers aged 12 to 17 , which leads to questions about how much home schooling was being accomplished .
Increased usage was even more striking in Nielsen ’ s measurements of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 16 , Nielsen said that U.S. consumers streamed 156.1 billion minutes of content .
That was more than double the 71.3 billion minutes streamed during the same week a year earlier , and up from the 116.4 billion minutes for the week of March 2 this year .
Twenty-nine per cent of the streaming two weeks ago was Netflix programming , and 20 % was YouTube , Nielsen said .
CBS was the most popular network in prime time , averaging 6.3 million viewers and led by the best ratings for “ NCIS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million viewers in prime time , ABC had 4.66 million , Fox had 3.4 million , Univision had 1.7 million , ION Television had 1.3 million , Telemundo had 1.2 million and the CW had 600,000 viewers .
News dominated the cable world again , with Fox News Channel averaging 4.23 million viewers in prime time .
MSNBC had 2.32 million viewers , CNN had 2.19 million , HGTV had 1.26 million and TLC had 1.13 million .
ABC ’ s “ World News Tonight ” led the evening newscasts with an average @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s “ Nightly News ” had 11 million viewers and the “ CBS Evening News ” had 7.4 million .
The week ’ s top 20 shows in prime time , their networks and viewers :


thetorontostar--2020-03-31--New Trump mileage standards to gut Obama climate effort

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump is poised to roll back ambitious Obama-era vehicle mileage standards and raise the ceiling on damaging fossil fuel emissions for years to come , gutting one of the United States ’ biggest efforts against climate change .
The Trump administration is expected to release a final rule Tuesday on mileage standards through 2026 .
The change — making good on the rollback after two years of Trump threatening and fighting states and a faction of automakers that opposed the move — waters down a tough Obama mileage standard that would have encouraged automakers to ramp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fuel-efficient gas and diesel vehicles .
“ When finalized , the rule will benefit our economy , will improve the U.S. fleet ’ s fuel economy , will make vehicles more affordable , and will save lives by increasing the safety of new vehicles , “ EPA spokeswoman Corry Schiermeyer said Monday , ahead of the expected release .
Opponents contend the change — gutting his predecessor ’ s legacy effort against climate-changing fossil fuel emissions — appears driven by Trump ’ s push to undo regulatory initiatives of former President Barack Obama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had difficulty pointing to the kind of specific , demonstrable benefits to drivers , public health and safety or the economy that normally accompany standards changes .
The Trump administration says the looser mileage standards will allow consumers to keep buying the less fuel-efficient SUVs that U.S. drivers have favoured for years .
Opponents say it will kill several hundred more Americans a year through dirtier air , compared to the Obama standards .
Even “ given the catastrophe they ’ re in with the coronavirus , they ’ re pursuing a policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health and kill people , “ said Chet France , a former 39-year veteran of the Environmental Protection Agency , where he served as a senior official over emissions and mileage standards .
“ This is first time that an administration has pursued a policy that will net negative benefit for society and reduce fuel savings , “ France said .
Delaware Sen. Tom Carper , the senior Democrat on the Senate Environmental and Public Works Committee , called it “ the height of irresponsibility for this administration to finalize a rollback that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country is working around the clock to respond to a respiratory pandemic whose effects may be exacerbated by air pollution .
“ We should be enacting forward-looking environmental policy , not tying our country ’ s future to the dirty vehicles of the past , “ Carper said .
In Phoenix , Arizona , meanwhile , resident Columba Sainz expressed disappointment at the prospect of losing the Obama-era rule , which she had hoped would allow her preschool age children to break away from TV indoors and play outside more .
Sainz reluctantly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the park daily , after the girl developed asthma , at age 3 , at their home a few minutes from a freeway .
“ I cried so many times , “ Sainz said .
“ How do you tell your daughter she can ’ t be outside because of air pollution ?
” Trump ’ s Cabinet heads have continued a push to roll back public health and environment regulations despite the coronavirus outbreak riveting the world ’ s attention .
The administration — like others before it — is facing procedural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last six months of Trump ’ s current term tougher to throw out , even if the White House changes occupants .
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration , which has been the main agency drawing up the new rules , did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday .
The standards have split the auto industry with Ford , BMW , Honda and Volkswagen siding with California and agreeing to higher standards .
Most other automakers contend the Obama-era standards were enacted hastily and will be impossible to meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efficient cars to SUVs and trucks .
California and about a dozen other states say they will continue resisting the Trump mileage standards in court .
Last year , 72 % of the new vehicles purchased by U.S. consumers were trucks or SUVS .
It was 51 % when the current standards went into effect in 2012 .
The Obama administration mandated 5 % annual increases in fuel economy .
Leaked versions of the Trump administration ’ s latest proposal show a 1.5 % annual increase , backing off from its initial proposal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efficiency after 2020 .
The transportation sector is the nation ’ s largest source of climate-changing emissions .
John Bozzella , CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation , a trade group representing automakers , said the industry still wants middle ground between the two standards , and it supports year-over-year mileage increases .
But he says the Obama-era standards are outdated due to the drastic shift to trucks and SUVs .
The Trump administration standards are likely to cause havoc in the auto industry because due to expected legal challenges , automakers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have to obey .
“ It will be extraordinarily disruptive , ” said Richard J .
Pierce Jr. , a law professor at the George Washington University who specializes in government regulations .
States and environmental groups will challenge the Trump rules , and a U.S. District Court likely will issue a temporary order shelving them until it decides whether they are legal .
The temporary order likely will be challenged with the Supreme Court , which in recent cases has voted 5-4 that a District judge can ’ t issue such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the nation ’ s highest court could also keep the order in effect if it determines the groups challenging the Trump standards are likely to win .
“ We ’ re talking quite a long time , one to three years anyway , before we can expect to get a final decision on the merits , ” Pierce said .

Ellen Knickmeyer And Tom Krisher - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-31--Hospitals overflowing with bodies in US epicenter of virus

NEW YORK - It has become a grim ritual outside New York City ’ s hospitals : workers in protective gear loading the bodies of coronavirus victims into refrigerated trailers .
A surge in deaths in the epicenter of the crisis in the U.S. has overwhelmed the city ’ s permanent morgues and filled storage spaces in many hospitals to capacity .
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is sending 85 refrigerated trucks to serve as temporary morgues , the city said .
It ’ s been that way for days at Brooklyn Hospital Center , where a worker Tuesday wheeled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in white plastic , a forklift operator carefully raised a body into the trailer and undertakers came to claim the remains of yet another of the city ’ s nearly 1,000 coronavirus dead .
The hospital said in a statement that the “ unprecedented crisis calls for extraordinary measures ” and that extra storage is needed “ to accommodate the tragic spike in deaths , placing a strain on the entire system of care — from hospitals to funeral homes.
” “ Grieving families can not quickly make arrangements , and their loved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitals longer , thus the need for this accommodation , ” the hospital in Brooklyn ’ s Fort Greene neighbourhood said .
The city ’ s medical examiner ’ s office has also started operating a makeshift morgue , as it did after the Sept. 11 attacks , to provide emergency capacity as the city ’ s permanent facilities fill up .
The city ’ s coronavirus death toll more than doubled in the past four days , surging from 450 on Friday to 932 as of Tuesday morning .
For most people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms , such as fever and cough .
But for others , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , the virus can cause severe symptoms like pneumonia and can be fatal .
The city and FEMA have delivered refrigerated trucks to various hospitals , while the Office of Chief Medical Examiner has been guiding them on how to properly move and store bodies , officials said .
“ To see the scenes of trailers out there and what they ’ re doing with those trailers — they ’ re freezers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” President Donald Trump said Tuesday .
At some hospitals , like Lenox Hill in Manhattan , the trailers are being parked on city streets , along sidewalks and in front of apartments .
Cars and buses passed by as bodies were loaded Tuesday outside Brooklyn Hospital Center .
Cellphone videos posted on social media over the weekend drew attention to hospitals using trailers to store bodies .
An image from one video of the activity outside Brooklyn Hospital Center appeared on the front page of Tuesday ’ s New York Post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe this , but this is for real , ” said the man shooting the video , his voice quaking .
“ Lord have mercy , help us Lord , this is for real .
”

Robert Bumsted And Michael R. Sisak - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-31--Too little too late? Experts decry Mexico virus policy delay

MEXICO CITY - Mexico has started taking tougher measures against the coronavirus after weeks of its president hugging followers and saying religious medals would protect him .
Some experts warn the sprawling country of 129 million is acting too late and testing too little to prevent the type of crisis unfolding across the border in the United States .
Last week Mexico banned non-essential government work as confirmed cases climbed , but took until late Monday to extend that to other business sectors and to bar gatherings of more than 50 people .
By Tuesday , Mexico had reported more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 28 deaths .
Experts say those figures greatly understate the true number of infections .
Mexico has done far less testing than many other countries — fewer than 10,000 tests .
New York state alone had performed more than 205,000 tests by Tuesday .
There were also signs the disease may be far more advanced in Mexico than the limited testing shows — three state governors have already tested positive for coronavirus .
“ Politics is very , very much involved in the decision-making going on right now , “ said Janine Ramsey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Mexico ’ s National Public Health Institute , a federal research agency , and has spent 35 years of her public health career in Mexico .
“ Mexico , politically , does not value scientific evidence .
Why ?
Because it takes decision-making away from the politicians , “ Ramsey said .
“ For most of us , especially those of us who work with infectious pathogens , there is absolutely no excuse not to test because you can not predict a ) the response , b ) the velocity of transmission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people “ to becoming infected or to infecting others , she said .
“ February and March is when we should have been testing everybody.
” Dr. Joseph Eisenberg , chair of the Epidemiology Department at the University of Michigan ’ s School of Public Health , agreed .
“ Testing is really our eyes , otherwise we ’ re kind of blind , ” he said .
“ The only way you can really understand where the disease is and where you really need to focus your energies with respect to control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the infections are .
And the only way to know that is through testing.
” The Mexican government has defended its policies , saying that its robust health surveillance system gives it a good idea of how the epidemic is evolving and that health experts are charting the country ’ s fight against the virus .
It ’ s focus now , it says , is keeping people at home to avoid a rapid spread that would quickly overwhelm the health care system .
“ We ’ re making an energetic , emphatic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ’ ’ said Hugo López-Gatell , the government ’ s coronavirus spokesman .
“ It ’ s urgent , it ’ s our last opportunity to do it , and do it now.
” Still , despite some tougher measures by Mexican states that have imposed quarantines enforced by police , the federal call to stay home remains voluntary with no talk of penalties .
And although Mexico and the U.S. agreed earlier this month to restrict traffic at their shared border , the ban applies only to people who cross for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mexican border communities have complained that Mexico was not restricting anyone from entering , and residents in one city even blocked the border crossing with their vehicles to try to stop traffic from the U.S. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has maintained a relaxed public attitude despite the increasing alarm sounded by his health officials .
He flew commercial to the western state of Sinaloa on Sunday , where he shook hands with residents , including the mother of convicted drug lord Joaquín “ El Chapo ” Guzmán Loera .
“ Coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ the president declared in a video message on social media .
And although he has met with people diagnosed weeks later with the virus , he hasn ’ t been tested because he hasn ’ t experienced symptoms , his spokesman said .
“ Ideally we ’ d see all public figures taking the actions that health authorities are calling for , ’ ’ said Mauricio Rodriguez , a professor of medicine and spokesman for the coronavirus commission of the National Autonomous University of Mexico .
The measures announced Monday are “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , president of the Mexican Society of Public Health .
Those moves should have come two weeks earlier when the curve of infections began to steepen .
“ We still have time to avoid an outbreak that grows out of control but we all have to do our part , ’ ’ he said .
While for most people , the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough , for others , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can lead to severe symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stay home , many said they couldn ’ t comply because like more than half of Mexicans , if they don ’ t work , they don ’ t eat .
“ What other option are they offering ?
’ ’ asked Susana Ruiz , who was selling vegetables in a market in northern Mexico City over the weekend .
Others said the government didn ’ t appear to think coronavirus was a grave threat to Mexico .
“ If this virus were so dangerous , I think they would have already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rivas , a 50-year-old resident of the capital , where street markets and public transportation remain open .
And many are taking their cues from the president himself , who had this to say at a news conference Tuesday : “ Soon , very soon there ’ s going to be the day of hugs and kisses in all the public plazas.
“ “ We ’ re going to hug because we ’ re going to overcome this coronavirus crisis and the economic crisis and the social welfare crisis , ” he said @

MaríA Verza And Christopher Sherman - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-31--Nursing homes have too few body bags, many uncounted dead

PARIS - One by one , elderly residents of French nursing homes are going into forced isolation into their rooms .
Their caregivers are walling themselves in as well .
They are running out of body bags .
But no one knows for sure how many people have become sick .
Governments in Europe ’ s hardest-hit countries — Italy , Spain and France — are not routinely testing for coronavirus among elderly residents who fall ill in nursing homes or even those who eventually die there , including those who suffered from symptoms of the disease .
The three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the global pandemic ’ s confirmed cases , and the lack of testing leaves hundreds , potentially thousands , of victims of the disease uncounted as health authorities try to trace its path .
The heavy dependency upon hospitals to count coronavirus fatalities poses particular problems for evaluating the spread of COVID-19 among the oldest citizens .
Hospitals are increasingly reluctant to admit elderly coronavirus patients judged to have little chance of successful treatment .
Indications are they have paid a steep toll in anonymity .
In France , the two regions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 30 % increase in the number of deaths from March 1-16 compared to the previous year , according to the national statistics agency , which released the figures for the Haut-Rhin and southern Corsica regions late last week .
Spain and Italy have not yet released initial death statistics for the month .
In Madrid , one of the most affected cities in Europe , a leading regional official acknowledged that the coronavirus infection of one elderly woman was confirmed after her death only because the nursing home ’ s physician “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bergamo , the epicenter of the country ’ s outbreak , 400 people died in a single week in early March — four times the number who died the same week the previous year , according to the Bergamo mayor ’ s office .
Only 91 of those had tested positive for the virus .
In France , once two residents of the same nursing home test positive , any other residents who fall sick and ultimately succumb to the disease are “ assumed ” to have the illness , but they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national toll , which so far only includes those who have sought care in a hospital .
The government has promised to include nursing home residents early this week but has yet to implement widespread testing of residents .
The supply of body bags is dwindling , according to Marc Bourquin of the French hospital federation , an umbrella organization for half of the country ’ s 7,000 nursing homes .
The challenge of tracking deaths is not unique to COVID-19 .
Many of the world ’ s fatal illnesses are not counted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death tallies are drawn from mathematical models that rely on data taken at a network of hospitals .
In the developing world , such estimates can be even cruder .
About half of the 60 million people who die in the world each year have no death certificates or other records describing what killed them .
A study by Italy ’ s national health institute used sampling to approach the question of how many elderly in nursing homes died with the coronavirus .
In the hardest-hit region of Lombardy , half of all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Feb. 1 either had the virus or its flu-like symptoms , but most of the deaths only cited flu because tests were carried out irregularly .
About 1 in 10 Italian nursing homes said they struggled to get residents into hospitals , and 1 in 4 had problems properly isolating those who tested positive for the virus .
Britain , too , is trying to trace the disease among those who never make it to the hospital .
The Office for National Statistics added 40 deaths Tuesday for a toll of 210 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who died in nursing homes and other settings .
In Germany , where deaths so far have been much lower than elsewhere in Europe and the United States , testing is routine for anyone with flu-like symptoms who visited a high-risk area or had contact with someone confirmed to have the virus .
So if a case appears in a nursing home and patients or staff fall ill , testing is available to everyone .
France , where the government is bracing for a wave of sickness in the next 14 days , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on March 11 to asking the facilities to take even sharper measures last weekend .
“ I ’ m asking the establishments to isolate residents in their rooms , ” Olivier Véran , France ’ s health minister , said Saturday .
“ We have to give priority to testing personnel.
” At many nursing homes , staff members are also volunteering to confine themselves with their charges .
“ This is not something we do lightly .
It ’ s just that we have no choice , ” Eric-Angelo Bellini , director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vienne region , told Europe 1 radio .
“ Test us !
Test all the staff , the residents !
” It is an especially sensitive subject in France , where every worker is required by law to dedicate a day of “ solidarity ” pay annually to the elderly and disabled after a heat wave in 2003 left 15,000 vulnerable people dead across the country .
While most people suffer only mild or moderate symptoms from COVID-19 , the elderly are vulnerable to more severe illnesses , including pneumonia , which can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disinfecting nursing homes last week discovered that residents at several facilities were living among the bodies of people suspected of dying from the virus .
In the United States , several facilities have seen unusually high death tolls .
Federal officials found that staff at multiple long-term care facilities contributed to the spread of COVID-19 among the elderly in the Seattle area .
In multiple nursing homes in France , including one for Holocaust survivors in Paris , the number of dead reaches into the double-digits , with far more believed infected .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ go unremarked .
“ For the nursing homes , there will always be uncertainty , ” Bouquin said .
“ The procedure is a doctor has to indicate the cause of death .
And for that , there has to be tests.
” Parra reported from Madrid .
Associated Press writers Colleen Barry in Soave , Italy , and Frank Jordans in Berlin also 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Follow AP news coverage of the coronavirus pandemic at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak

Lori Hinnant And Aritz Parra - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-04-01--Hospital closures complicate coronavirus care in rural areas

CARROLLTON , Ala. - As the coronavirus spread across the United States , workers at the lone hospital in one Alabama county turned off beeping monitors for good and padlocked the doors , making it one of the latest in a string of nearly 200 rural hospitals to close nationwide .
Now Joe Cunningham is more worried than ever about getting care for his wife , Polly , a dialysis patient whose health is fragile .
The nearest hospital is about 30 miles away , he said , and that ’ s too far since COVID-19 already has been confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Mississippi state line .
Cunningham is trusting God , but he ’ s also worried the virus will worsen in his community , endangering his wife without a hospital nearby .
“ It can still find its way here , ” said Cunningham , 73 .
The pandemic erupted at an awful time for communities trying to fill health care gaps following the closure of 170 rural hospitals across the nation in the last 15 years .
2019 was the worst year yet , with 19 closures , and eight more have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Sheps Center for Health Services Research at the University of North Carolina .
While the nation ’ s coronavirus hot spots so far have been big cities like New York and New Orleans , officials fear inadequate testing and the lack of medical resources linked to hospital failures will catch up with smaller population centres .
The reasons for the closures vary , but experts and administrators cite factors including declining rural populations , rising medical costs , insufficient Medicare reimbursements , large numbers of uninsured patients , state decisions against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of the counties and towns that have lost hospitals are in the South , an analysis by the Sheps Center showed .
Other communities are trying to keep hundreds of endangered hospitals afloat as resources are stretched thinner than ever and moneymaking services like elective surgeries are curtailed during the outbreak .
“ It ’ s a scary time to be thinking about losing a hospital when you ’ ve got a pandemic going on , ” said Scott Graham , chief executive officer of Three Rivers and North Valley Hospitals in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 26,000 people in a wide-open area that Graham describes as so remote it ’ s more frontier than rural .
In North Conway , New Hampshire , a physician at the 25-bed Memorial Hospital already is among the county ’ s seven confirmed cases of coronavirus , said CEO Art Mathisen .
The hospital is preparing for the worst as it tries to triple the number of beds and spends upward of $ 100,000 on rooms with air flow aimed at limiting the spread of contagions , he said .
About 15 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 46 million people , lives in rural areas , according to the Census Bureau .
They are more likely than urban dwellers to die from chronic respiratory illnesses , heart disease and other problems that put people more at risk for COVID-19 , the illness caused by the virus , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
For most people , the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks .
For some , especially older adults @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia , and death .
In West Virginia , where no city has a population of more than 50,000 and 20 % of residents are senior citizens , frustration has mounted over two recent hospital closings that forced patients to seek help farther away , and a third hospital that filed for bankruptcy in October announced Monday it was shutting down in April .
There has been talk but no immediate action to open new facilities to deal with coronavirus cases in one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our local hospital .
We need the beds .
We need the equipment , and we need it locally , ” said Michael Angelucci , a state lawmaker who operates an ambulance service in rural Fairmont , West Virginia , where a hospital closed this month .
The pandemic could actually hasten more rural hospital closures , said Michael Topchik of the Maine-based Charter Center for Rural Health .
He co-authored a study released in February that found about 450 rural hospitals were vulnerable to shutting down .
Most rural hospitals make money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which are on hold as health care workers try to ration masks and other protective gear in anticipation of COVID-19 infections , he said .
“ Our study predicts the worse is yet to come if something ’ s not done to stabilize the safety net , ” he said .
In northern Missouri , Sullivan County Memorial Hospital ’ s chief executive , Tony Keene , said that on top of the recent drop in revenue linked to reduced services , he has been pumping money into preparation for a possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iowa border where the hospital is .
“ We need an infusion of cash , like now , ” Keene said .
“ If we go a couple more weeks , we are going to have to make very serious decisions on whether we pay our vendors or pay our people.
” The $ 2.2 trillion coronavirus package approved by Congress last week includes $ 100 billion for hospitals , but it ’ s unclear how much of that will go toward rural health care centres .
As Pickens County Medical Center prepared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mickey Walker organized a protest outside the public hospital that drew around 70 people — a big crowd in a town of only 950 people .
The facility shut down anyway .
A building beside the shuttered , tan-brick hospital houses medical offices , including the dialysis clinic that treats Joe Cunningham ’ s wife , but Walker said that ’ s not enough .
The old folks Walker talks to through church are getting more worried by the day about the new virus .
“ Everybody ’ s just real panicky , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all this virus stuff going on , and we don ’ t have a hospital to go to.
” Associated Press writers Summer Ballentine in Jefferson City , Missouri ; John Raby in Charleston , West Virginia ; Michael Casey in Concord , New Hampshire ; Kim Chandler in Montgomery , Alabama ; Amy Forliti in Minneapolis ; and Gillian Flaccus in Portland , Oregon , contributed to this report .
Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak


thetorontostar--2020-04-01--Virus gives asylum-seekers chance to thank Dutch villagers

TER APEL , Netherlands - Raffat Altekrete is battling the coronavirus one shopping cart at a time .
The 34-year-old electrical engineer from Iraq is also expressing gratitude and hoping to win hearts in a village that hosts the Netherlands ’ biggest residential reception centre for asylum-seekers .
Altekrete , armed with latex gloves , a cleaning cloth and a spray bottle of disinfectant , volunteered to wipe down customers ’ carts outside a supermarket in the small Dutch community of Ter Apel this week .
His enthusiastic efforts -- he also ran his cloth over an elderly woman ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keys -- were not only aimed at combating the virus outbreak in the Netherlands , which had reported over 12,600 cases and more than 1,030 deaths as of Wednesday .
Teams of refugees and migrants are helping out at stores in Ter Apel as a token of appreciation for the nation that took them in and where they have applied for asylum .
About 1,900 migrants stay at the centre situated on the edge of the village close to Germany ’ s border .
“ As refugees , the least we can do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have done everything toward us at Camp Ter Apel , ” Altekrete said in Arabic .
The disinfecting , by teams of asylum-seekers at stores is also a way of improving the image of refugees and migrants in Ter Apel , a village some 200 kilometres ( 120 miles ) northeast of Amsterdam .
Storekeepers and locals have in the past complained of theft and disrespectful behaviour by some of migrants .
All newly arrived migrants have to register at the centre when they enter the Netherlands .
Some are housed there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far longer as they await decisions on their asylum applications .
School teacher Karina Zuidinga welcomed the initiative as she headed into the Jumbo supermarket to do her shopping .
“ I ’ m happy they ’ re doing it , ” she said .
“ They are often in the news for the wrong reasons and that ’ s a shame because 95 % are doing really well here , and I ’ m glad they can show that in this way to the rest of the village.
” While Altekrete is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shopping centre , people in the Netherlands are finding new ways to help migrant children get through the days as coronavirus containment measures further limit their already restricted lives .
Gisele Azad , a Dutch-Iranian former asylum-seeker who has lived in the Netherlands for 24 years , co-ordinates art projects for children in the Ter Apel migrant centre .
She said people working for a foundation called “ The Happiness ” are finding new ways to help children even as visits are banned .
“ We see so many different initiatives that are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ karaoke system where you can do karaoke at home , “ she said .
” We see people starting YouTube channels with different kinds of art projects like building stuff out of paper or spoken word -- the possibilities are really endless .
”


thetorontostar--2020-04-01--The Latest: State orders adult day care centres to close

ST. PAUL , Minn. - The Latest on the coronavirus outbreak in Minnesota ( all times local ) : The state has closed adult day care centres across Minnesota to prevent the coronavirus from spreading among thousands of seniors and disabled people they serve .
The Minnesota Department of Human Services in a letter to 220 licensed providers this week said the people who staff the centres are not considered critical care workers and need to stay at home .
The letter instructs the centres to close immediately .
The Star Tribune says the centres provide activities , meals and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disabled adults across the state .
DHS officials said some of the centres closed before the stay-at-home order went into effect , but that the agency issued the notice because it was learning some were still operating .
The centres must remain closed through the duration of the stay-at-home order , which ends on April 10 .
For most people , the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
But for others , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause severe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
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thetorontostar--2020-04-01--Olympic flame to stay a month in Fukushima; Next stop Tokyo?

TOKYO - The Olympic flame will be on display until the end of April in Japan ’ s northeastern prefecture of Fukushima .
Tokyo Olympic and prefecture officials held an official “ handover ceremony ” on Wednesday at the J-Village National Training Center in Fukushima .
The public will have limited access to view the flame , and organizers hope to limit the crowd size because of restrictions in place for the coronavirus .
The flame arrived in Japan from Greece on March 20 and the torch relay was to have started last week from Fukushima .
The flame has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s event merely ceremonial .
“ After this , nothing has been decided yet , ” said Yukihiko Nunomura , the chief operating officer of the Tokyo organizing committee .
“ We have to consider the coronavirus situation and such , but I think for now the basic assumption is that it will return to the host city of Tokyo.
” The Fukushima prefecture is the region of Japan that was devastated in 2011 by an earthquake , tsunami , and the subsequent meltdown of three nuclear reactors .
Olympic officials have postponed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the opening now set for July 23 , 2021 .
The flame was to help put a focus on the region ’ s struggle to recover from the events nine years ago .
However , the emphasis of the Olympics next year is likely to shift to the recovery from the coronavirus pandemic .
Get more of the Star in your inbox Never miss the latest news from the Star .
Sign up for our free newsletters to get today 's top stories , your favourite columnists and lots more in your email @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-04-01--Trump allies warn against feud with swing state governor

LANSING , Mich. - President Donald Trump ’ s allies are trying to contain a politically risky election year fight with Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer as he struggles to balance presidential politics with a global pandemic in one of the nation ’ s most important swing states .
Both sides have tried to de-escalate the feud this week , although Trump ’ s supporters in particular sought to downplay tensions that ratcheted up over the weekend when the Republican president unleashed a social media broadside against Whitmer , a Democrat who had been critical of the federal government ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump has clashed with other Democratic governors as well , but he saved his most aggressive insults for the first-term female governor , who is considered a leading vice-presidential prospect for his opponent .
“ Everyone should be shedding the partisanship and coming together , ” Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said in an interview when asked about Trump ’ s attacks , suggesting that some of his criticism had been mischaracterized .
“ I am rooting for Gov .
Whitmer , ” said McDaniel , who lives in Michigan .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things .
...
I just didn ’ t like her trying to lay every problem at the president ’ s feet.
” The backpedaling underscores the nature of the dispute , which comes seven months before Election Day in a state that could make or break Trump ’ s reelection bid .
Michigan is an elite presidential battleground that has historically celebrated bipartisanship and pragmatism while rewarding candidates who rally behind key institutions in crisis .
Four years ago , Trump eked out a win by about 11,000 votes out of more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mitt Romney , the 2012 Republican presidential nominee and McDaniel ’ s uncle , lost his home state of Michigan in 2012 after opposing federal efforts to rescue the automotive industry .
And Trump , by unleashing a personal attack against the state ’ s governor in the midst of a pandemic , has sparked new fears that he , too , may be hurting himself and his party on the eve of the next election .
Michigan Rep. Paul Mitchell , a Republican , said he raised concerns about Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I did relay to the administration that I didn ’ t think it was helpful and why play that game , ” Mitchell said in an interview .
“ These are times when the American people look for leaders .
Leaders don ’ t whine .
Leaders don ’ t blame.
“ He said he raised similar concerns with Whitmer ’ s office , suggesting that her criticisms about the federal response have not necessarily been accurate .
“ This is not the time where we need more drama in this country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fights are common for Trump , Whitmer ’ s rise in Democratic politics has been defined by her decision usually not to attack the president .
Whitmer , a 48-year-old longtime state legislator and attorney , ran for governor as a pragmatic liberal , emphasizing her bipartisan work while pledging to fix Michigan ’ s crumbling roads .
She rarely talked about Trump before the election or after .
But as a frequent guest on national media in recent weeks , Whitmer has criticized the federal response while pleading for ventilators , personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has emerged as one of the hardest-hit states .
Republicans were especially upset after she implied during a Friday radio interview that the Trump administration was intentionally withholding medical supplies from Michigan .
In a weekend tweet storm as the coronavirus death toll surged , Trump called her “ Gretchen ‘ Half ’ Whitmer , “ charging that she was “ way over her head ” and “ doesn ’ t have a clue ” about how to handle the health crisis .
Two days earlier , Trump said publicly that he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the White House ’ s pandemic response , not to call “ the woman in Michigan.
“ Trump has since deleted the tweet .
And in a press briefing on Tuesday , he said he had a productive conversation with Whitmer earlier in the day .
The governor , too , has backed away from the feud this week as the state grapples with the escalating crisis .
Michigan reported more than 7,600 cases of coronavirus and 259 deaths as of Tuesday .
In a statement , Whitmer declared that her “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families from the spread of COVID-19.
“ “ I don ’ t care about partisan fights or getting nicknames from the president , “ she said .
Yet Trump ’ s initial fiery response — and the scramble to contain it — is nothing if not consistent .
The former New York real estate magnate has showed he can not help but respond with force when criticized .
As first lady Melania Trump noted almost exactly four years ago , “ When you attack him he will punch back 10 times harder.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quietly note that he did not consider the likely political ramifications in a state he badly needs to win in November .
“ Anyone with half a brain can see that attacking an incredibly popular governor who ’ s showing real leadership during a crisis is not a net plus , ” said John Anzalone , whose firm handles polling for Whitmer and former Vice-President Joe Biden ’ s presidential campaign .
Biden has stood up for Whitmer repeatedly in recent days .
On Tuesday evening , Biden ’ s senior adviser Anita @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the governor , who she said “ is fighting hard for her state and setting an example for leaders across the nation.
” “ Joe Biden prays that Donald Trump can find the strength to live up to her example , ” Dunn said .
Meanwhile , it was difficult to find a Michigan Republican willing to defend Trump ’ s behaviour .
A spokeswoman for Republican state Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey had this to say when asked about Trump ’ s declaration that Pence should not call Whitmer : “ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with an unusual amount of stress during this time.
“ The clash was particularly sensitive because of the evolving nature of gender politics in the Trump era .
Suburban women , including many Republicans , have increasingly fled Trump ’ s GOP , enabling major Democratic victories across the country in 2018 and 2019 .
His decision to single out Whitmer came the same week he attacked another high-profile Michigan woman , General Motors CEO Mary Barra , whom he jabbed for not working fast enough to help the government produce ventilators .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the relationship with suburban women before Election Day , at least somewhat , in a state that matters more than most .
Democrats will not make it easy .
“ It ’ s sad but not shocking that President Trump has attacked Gov .
Whitmer for doing her job .
He clearly has a problem with strong , competent women , ” said Stephanie Schriock , president of the group EMILY ’ S List , which helps elect women who support abortion rights .
Meanwhile , Republican Bill Schuette , whom Whitmer defeated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership managing the pandemic but also said “ we need to lay down the politics “ in response to questions about the president ’ s divisive comments and her performance during the crisis .
“ This is not a time for partisanship , ” Schuette said .
“ This is a time of working together in an open , honest fashion .
That ’ s what people expect and deserve , particularly in a time of crisis.
” Catch up on the 2020 election campaign with AP experts on our weekly politics podcast @ @ @ @ @ @

Steve Peoples And David Eggert - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-04-01--Trump says ‘life and death’ at stake in following guidelines

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump warned Americans to brace for a “ hell of a bad two weeks ” ahead as the White House projected there could be 100,000 to 240,000 deaths in the U.S. from the coronavirus pandemic even if current social distancing guidelines are maintained .
Public health officials stressed Tuesday that the number could be less if people across the country bear down on keeping their distance from one another .
“ We really believe we can do a lot better than that , ” said Dr. Deborah Birx , the co-ordinator of the White House coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans to take seriously their role in preventing the spread of disease , she said .
Added Dr. Anthony Fauci , the government ’ s top infectious disease expert , “ This is a number that we need to anticipate , but we don ’ t necessarily have to accept it as being inevitable.
” Trump called it “ a matter of life and death ” for Americans to heed his administration ’ s guidelines and predicted the country would soon see a “ light at the end of the tunnel ” in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has infected about 190,000 people and killed about 4,000 , according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University .
“ I want every American to be prepared for the hard days that lie ahead , ” Trump said .
“ This is going to be one of the roughest two or three weeks we ’ ve ever had in our country , ” Trump added .
“ We ’ re going to lose thousands of people.
” The jaw-dropping projections were laid out during a grim , two-hour White House briefing .
Officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best-case scenario would likely be greater than the more than 53,000 American lives lost during World War I .
And the model ’ s high end neared the realm of possibility that Americans lost to the virus could approach the 291,000 Americans killed on the battlefield during World War II .
“ There ’ s no magic bullet , ” Birx said .
“ There ’ s no magic vaccine or therapy .
It ’ s just behaviours .
Each of our behaviours , translating into something that changes the course of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ sobering ” and urged Americans to “ step on the accelerator ” with their collective mitigation efforts .
“ We are continuing to see things go up , ” Fauci said .
“ We can not be discouraged by that because the mitigation is actually working and will work.
“ Birx said pandemic forecasts initially predicted 1.5 million to 2.2 million deaths in the U.S .
But that was a worst-case scenario , without efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus through social distancing .
She added that states that have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as New York has could take action to flatten the curve of rising hospitalizations and deaths .
It ’ s not only social distancing that could make a difference but also the frantic efforts by hospitals around the country to prepare for an onslaught of seriously ill patients .
The better prepared hospitals are , the greater the chances of lives being saved .
There ’ s also a wild card when it comes to treatment : whether the experimental drug combination Trump has touted — a medicine for malaria and an antibiotic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That combination is already being used on thousands of patients , and Fauci said he would want to see a rigorous test of its effectiveness .
Trump ’ s comments came after he announced Sunday that he was extending to April 30 the social distancing guidelines that advise Americans to cease large gatherings , work from home , suspend onsite learning at schools and more in a nationwide effort to stem the spread of the virus .
It was an abrupt reversal for the Republican president , who spent much of last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted to see Americans “ pack the pews ” for Easter Sunday services .
Trump called the data “ very sobering , ” saying it was his understanding that 100,000 deaths was a minimum that would be difficult to avoid .
He also sought to rewrite his past minimization of the outbreak , saying he rejected those who compared the new coronavirus to the flu when in fact he repeatedly did so publicly .
“ This could be hell of a bad two weeks , ’ ” Trump said .
He added : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to modeling , a very low number .
In fact , when I first saw the number ... they said it was unlikely you ’ ll be able to attain that .
We have to see but I think we ’ re doing better than that.
” Trump played down concerns from New York ’ s Andrew Cuomo and other governors that their states ’ hospitals don ’ t have enough ventilators to treat an anticipated crush of patients .
Trump said the federal government currently has a stockpile of 10,000 ventilators that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Now , when the surge occurs , if it occurs fairly evenly , we ’ ll be able to distribute them very quickly before they need them , ” Trump said .
“ But we want to have a reserve right now .
It ’ s like having oil reserves.
” Birx said the experiences of Washington state and California give her hope that other states can keep the coronavirus under control through social distancing .
That ’ s because they moved quickly to contain the early clusters of coronavirus by closing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home , banning large gatherings and taking other measures now familiar to most Americans , she noted .
“ I am reassured by looking at the Seattle line , ” she added .
“ California and Washington state reacted very early to this.
” Many other states and local governments already have stiff controls in place on mobility and gatherings .
Trump said he would also ask Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis to allow the docking of two cruise ships with passengers who have had contact with patients suffering from COVID-19 .
Passengers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Florida , but DeSantis said the state ’ s health care resources are already stretched too thin to take on a ship ’ s coronavirus caseload .
“ They ’ re dying on the ship , ” Trump said .
“ I ’ m going to do what ’ s right , not only for us for but humanity.
” Trump also said he planned to curtail his travel for the month ahead and stay close to the White House to safeguard his health .
The president hasn ’ t held one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and it ’ s unlikely he ’ ll be holding another one anytime soon .
“ I think it ’ s important that I remain healthy .
I really do , ” Trump said .
“ So for the most part we ’ re staying here.
” Trump spoke after another troubling day for the stock market , which has been in a free fall as the coronavirus ground the economy to a near-halt and left millions of people unemployed .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged more than 400 points , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the worst first-quarter finish of its 135-year history .
This story has been corrected to say Tuesday , not Wednesday .

Aamer Madhani, Kevin Freking And Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-04-01--Saudi official urges Muslims to delay hajj plans over virus

DUBAI , United Arab Emirates - A senior Saudi official urged more than 1 million Muslims intending to perform the hajj to delay making plans this year — comments suggesting the pilgrimage could be cancelled due to the new coronavirus pandemic .
In February , the kingdom took the extraordinary decision to close off the holy cities of Mecca and Medina to foreigners over the virus , a step which wasn ’ t taken even during the 1918 flu epidemic that killed tens of millions worldwide .
Restrictions have tightened in the kingdom as it grapples with over 1,500 confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kingdom has reported 10 deaths so far .
The Middle East has over 75,000 confirmed cases of the virus , most of those in Iran , and over 3,400 deaths .
Iran ’ s health ministry spokesman , Kianoush Jahanpour , said Wednesday that the virus had killed another 138 people , pushing the country ’ s death toll to 3,036 amid 47,593 confirmed cases .
“ The kingdom of Saudi Arabia is prepared to secure the safety of all Muslims and nationals , ” Saudi Hajj and Umrah Minister Muhammad Saleh bin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s why we have requested from all Muslims around the world to hold onto signing any agreements ( with tour operators ) until we have a clear vision.
” He spoke as the sound of crickets echoed in the background late Tuesday night at the Grand Mosque of Mecca , which normally draws thousands of worshippers throughout the day and night , circling it and praying toward it .
Saudi Arabia has barred people from entering or exiting three major cities , including Mecca and Medina , and imposed a nighttime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries around the world and in the Middle East , the kingdom also suspended all inbound and outbound commercial flights .
Each year , up to 2 million Muslims perform the hajj , a physically demanding and often costly pilgrimage that draws the faithful from around the world .
The hajj , required of all able-bodied Muslims to perform once in their lifetime , is seen as a chance to wipe clean past sins and bring about greater humility and unity among Muslims .
Standing in Mecca in front of the cube-shaped Kaaba @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Banten also said the kingdom was already providing care for 1,200 pilgrims stuck in the holy city due to global travel restrictions .
A number of them are being quarantined in hotels in Mecca , he said .
The state-run Saudi Press Agency cited Banten ’ s remarks in stories early Wednesday , saying that Muslims should “ be patient ” in making their plans for the hajj .
The pilgrimage was expected to begin in late July this year .
The kingdom ’ s Al Saud ruling family stakes its legitimacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protecting the hajj sites .
Saudi King Salman , whose country is presiding over the Group of 20 nations this year , has said his government will cover the costs treatment of all coronavirus patients in the country , including visitors , foreign residents and those residing illegally .
Meanwhile , Iranian President Hassan Rouhani again slammed the U.S. sanctions on his country Wednesday .
He said now would have been “ the best time ” for the Trump administration to ease sanctions on Iran , reeling from the region ’ s worst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the best historical opportunity for America , “ Rouhani said in remarks at the weekly Cabinet meeting .
“ They ( the U.S. ) could have apologized .
This was a human issue and no one would criticize them for backing off , ” President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from Iran ’ s 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers and reimposed sweeping sanctions .
The U.S. has offered humanitarian aid to Iran but authorities in Tehran have refused .
Iran has been urging the international community to lift sanctions , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the International Monetary Fund for the first time in decades .
Associated Press writer Amir Vahdat in Tehran , Iran , contributed to this report .

Aya Batrawy And Jon Gambrell - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-04-01--Roadside bombing in Afghanistan kills 8, mostly children

KABUL - A roadside bombing in southern Afghanistan on Wednesday killed at least eight civilians , including six children .
The victims were all from a single family , according to Helmand police spokesman Zaman Hamdard .
The family had just left the southern district to Greshk when the bomb hit their car , Hamdard added .
Two more family members were wounded , he said .
No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack , but both the Taliban and the Islamic State militants are active in the province .
On Tuesday , the Taliban sent a three-member technical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Taliban prisoners as part of a peace deal signed by the insurgents and the U.S. at the end of February .
That deal calls for the Afghan government to release of 5,000 Taliban prisoners and for the Taliban to free 1,000 government personnel and Afghan troops they hold captive .
The deal is also supposed to be followed by intra-Afghan peace talks that would include the Taliban .
Kabul said Wednesday that discussions between the government and the Taliban ’ s technical team would continue under the observation of the International Committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not known when the prisoner release process would start .
Kabul had previously announced its 21-member team for peace negotiations with the Taliban .
It also remains unclear when those negotiations would begin .
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thetorontostar--2020-04-01--UN General Assembly to decide on rival COVID-19 resolutions

TANZANIA , Tanzania - How should the U.N. General Assembly and its 193 member states respond to the coronavirus pandemic ?
Members have been sent two rival resolutions for consideration — and under new voting rules instituted because the global body isn ’ t holding meetings , if a single country objects a resolution is defeated .
One resolution , which has more than 135 co-sponsors , calls for “ intensified international co-operation to contain , mitigate and defeat the pandemic , including by exchanging information , scientific knowledge and best practices and by applying the relevant guidelines recommended by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sponsored by Russia with support from Central African Republic , Cuba , Nicaragua and Venezuela , also recognizes the leading role of WHO in combating the pandemic , but it calls for abandoning trade wars and implementing protectionist measures , and not applying unilateral sanctions without U.N. Security Council approval .
General Assembly President Tijjani Muhammad-Bande sent both resolutions to all member states late Monday afternoon under a so-called “ silence procedure , ” saying they had 72 hours until 6 p.m. EDT on Thursday to send an objection , or break @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are adopted by majority votes or by consensus .
But in this case , because ambassadors are working from their missions or from home as a result of COVID-19 , the new rule calls for silence procedures for all votes .
Under the procedure , if a country supports a resolution , it does nothing .
If it opposes a resolution , it sends an email breaking silence , which scuttles a resolution ’ s approval even if it has overwhelming support .
In this case , both resolutions could be adopted or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the other defeated .
The resolution calling for international co-operation is sponsored by Ghana , Indonesia , Liechtenstein , Norway , Singapore and Switzerland and has over 130 co-sponsors .
It would also reaffirm the General Assembly ’ s “ commitment to international co-operation and multilateralism and its strong support for the central role of the United Nations system in the global response to the coronavirus disease 2019 ( COVID-19 ) pandemic.
” It would also emphasize the need to respect human rights and oppose “ any form of discrimination , racism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic.
” The draft also recognizes “ the unprecedented effects of the pandemic , including the severe disruption to societies and economies , as well as to global travel and commerce , and the devastating impact on the livelihood of people , ” and that “ the poorest and most vulnerable are the hardest hit.
” Norway ’ s U.N .
Ambassador Mona Juul told AP : “ In this moment of great uncertainty and global anxiety caused by COVID-19 , it is important for the voice of the United Nations General Assembly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – to be heard loud and clear.
” “ Our wish is that the assembly urgently send a strong message of unity , solidarity and international co-operation , ” she said .
“ People around the world expect no less from the United Nations.
” The Russian draft resolution is drafted as a “ declaration of solidarity of the United Nations in the face of the challenges posed by the coronavirus disease 2019 ( COVID-19 ) .
” It pledges “ to take a comprehensive , science-based approach in elaborating , implementing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of , reverse and eventually defeat COVID-19 , ” following WHO rules and recommendations and supports those people and countries most affected .
“ We are resolved to prevent financial speculations which hinder access for all to essential health-care services and quality , safe , effective and affordable essential medicines , vaccines , personal protection and food items , ” the draft says .
“ We are resolved to co-operate in addressing the disruptions to international trade and the market uncertainty due to the pandemic , mitigating the damage caused to the global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and promoting economic growth throughout the world , especially in developing countries , ” the draft says .
Fedor Strzhizhovskiy , spokesman for Russia ’ s U.N. Mission , said : “ We consider the Russian draft declaration ... to be more result-oriented than the alternative draft declaration that we believe is too general.
“ “ We were also ready to work on merging the two drafts , “ he said .
“ However , authors of the other initiative declined such a scenario .
”


thetorontostar--2020-04-01--Kids under threat: Virus hitting juvenile detention centres

MINNEAPOLIS - For the tens of thousands of kids locked up in juvenile detention centres and other correctional facilities across America , experts have issued a gloomy warning : The coronavirus is coming .
Already this week , Louisiana confirmed that a staff member and three children in state custody had contracted the virus , including one living in a group home in Baton Rouge .
Delaware , Minnesota , New York , Texas and Connecticut are among the other states that have reported positive tests among youth or staff .
Worried about the virus spreading in crowded facilities , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and even hand sanitizer , more than 30 correctional administrators and rights advocates called Tuesday for the release of vulnerable youth and for the stoppage of all new admissions .
They also want a clear safety plan for those who remain inside , including access to adequate protective measures and better contact with loved ones .
“ Even though these kids are hidden from view , they are still part of our community and their health affects the health of all of us , as we affect them , ” said Renee Slajda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Children ’ s Rights .
“ Imagine what would happen if one school were allowed to stay open , even when students began testing positive for the virus .
Hundreds of people would be exposed — the children , staff , and communities they go home to every night.
” When adults are counted , there are more than 2.2 million people behind bars nationwide , more than any other country in the world .
Prisons and jails are considered possible incubators for the virus .
Once inside , the number of infections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Rikers Island jail complex and nearby lockups alone have seen number of positive cases jump tenfold to more than 320 in just two weeks , according to the Department of Corrections .
Some states have started releasing inmates at adult facilities , including the elderly and others with chronic health conditions .
But the 43,000 minors in America ’ s detention centres and correctional facilities “ seem to be an afterthought , ” said Gina Womack , executive director of the non-profit Families and Friends of Louisiana ’ s Incarcerated Children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough , that typically clear up in two to three weeks .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia or death .
Homer Venters , a physician and epidemiologist who oversees an organization that tries to help build partnerships between jails and community health care providers , said when the virus first started spreading , there was a myth that young people could not get severely ill. “ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ said the former chief medical officer for New York City ’ s jails .
He added that detention centres are disproportionately made up of kids with serious health problems , putting them at special risk .
“ So we can not proceed on the basis of a real misconception that people who are there , even if they get infected , can not die , because they can and they will.
” But physical health concerns aren ’ t the only issue with youth .
When he was young , Hernan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Juvenile Center in New York , where there have already been three confirmed cases .
The pandemic carries a heavy emotional toll , he said .
Many educational programs have been cut back or suspended , and visitation from family has been totally cut off in most cases , leaving children feeling isolated and vulnerable .
Kids who are locked up already have a far higher risk of suicide than those in the general population , often linked to drug dependency , mental illness or traumatic childhood experiences and frequently involving physical and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of itself puts a tremendous amount of hardship on their mental health , ” said Martinez , who now works for the Youth First Initiative , a non-profit that aims to close youth prisons and end juvenile incarceration .
“ There is that fear that you ’ re going to be caught by the crisis and then ultimately have to deal with it while being away from your family and everyone you love.
” This story has been corrected to accurately spell Homer Venters .

Robin McDowell And Margie Mason - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-04-01--Thoroughbred retirement farm offering virtual tours

GEORGETOWN , Ky. - A popular thoroughbred retirement farm in Kentucky is reaching out to its supporters through virtual farm tours that showcase its equine retirees .
Old Friends debuted the virtual tours on Monday .
The series is called “ Monday Mornings with Michael ” and is hosted by Old Friends founder Michael Blowen .
Each week , he will offer short visits with a few equine residents of the Georgetown farm .
The farm says its virtual tours will be posted on Old Friends ’ social media platforms on Monday mornings .
The tours will enable fans to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s retirees during the coronavirus outbreak .
The first video showcases Old Friends ’ oldest retirees — multiple stakes winner Dinard , who is 32 , and one-time claimer Archie ’ s Echo , who is 31 .
There ’ s no charge for viewing the video , but donations are welcome and can be made on Facebook .
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thetorontostar--2020-04-01--US again accused of killing civilians in Somalia airstrikes

JOHANNESBURG - The U.S. military is facing more allegations of killing civilians with airstrikes in Somalia , and now says it will address the issue more fully in upcoming public reports .
Amnesty International said in a new report Wednesday that the U.S. Africa Command , or AFRICOM , killed two civilians and injured three others in two airstrikes in February as it strikes back at the Somalia-based , al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab extremist group .
One airstrike on Feb. 2 struck a home in the Middle Juba region as a family sat down to dinner , the Amnesty report says , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Her sisters , aged 12 and 7 , and their grandmother were wounded .
The other airstrike , on Feb. 24 near Jilib , killed a farmer who also worked for Hormuud Telecom , Somalia ’ s largest telecom company .
At the time , Hormuud officials told The Associated Press that an employee had been killed .
After both airstrikes , the U.S. military said al-Shabab fighters had been killed .
The group controls parts of central and southern Somalia and often targets the capital , Mogadishu , with suicide bombings .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 airstrikes against al-Shabab this year , well on pace to surpass the 63 airstrikes carried out in 2019 .
“ The U.S. military should not be allowed to continue to paint its civilian victims as ‘ terrorists ’ while leaving grieving families in the lurch , ” Abdullahi Hassan , Amnesty International ’ s Somalia researcher , said in a statement .
The human rights group has been investigating U.S. airstrikes in Somalia for years .
In a report a year ago , it described how 14 civilians had been killed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
AFRICOM has carried out hundreds of airstrikes against al-Shabab in the past decade , with the rate rising sharply under President Donald Trump , but it has acknowledged killing civilians in just one of them , a 2018 strike that killed a woman and a small child , Amnesty International said .
Hours before the rights group ’ s new report was released , the U.S. Africa Command announced that to increase transparency it would begin this month issuing a quarterly report on allegations and its assessments of civilian deaths and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. “ commitment to protecting civilians from unnecessary harm , ” AFRICOM commander Gen. Stephen Townsend said .
The airstrikes explored in the new Amnesty report were carried out weeks after a devastating al-Shabab attack on an airstrip in neighbouring Kenya used by U.S. forces .
A U.S. serviceman and two American contractors were killed and several U.S. military aircraft were destroyed .