upi--2020-04-02--Aircraft carrier captain dismissed after sounding alarm on COVID-19 outbreak

Capt. Brett Crozier, seen here addressing the crew of the USS Theodore Roosevelt in November 2019, has been relieved of his role as the ship's leader, acting secretary of the Navy Thomas B. Modly announced Thursday. Photo by Sean Lynch/U.S. Navy
April 2 (UPI) -- Navy Capt. Brett Crozier, who earlier this week pleaded with Navy officials to provide more resources for sailors amid a coronavirus outbreak on the USS Theodore Rooosevelt, has been relieved of his position, Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas B. Modly said Thursday. Modly's announcement comes one day after he said the Navy was not likely to punish Crozier for writing the letter unless it turned out Crozier had leaked it. Advertisement
That letter, sent to Navy leaders Monday, said the spread of coronavirus on the aircraft carrier was "ongoing and accelerating" and that sailors showing symptoms needed to be off-boarded.
"I don't think I'll ever know who leaked the information," Modly said. "What I will say, he sent it out pretty broadly and in sending it out pretty broadly, he did not take care to ensure that it couldn't be leaked, and that's part of his responsibility, in my opinion."
Advertisement
At a Pentagon press briefing Thursday Modly said Crozier had "allowed the complexity of his challenge with the COVID breakout on the ship to overwhelm his ability to act professionally when acting professionally was what was needed most at the time."
Modly also said Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Michael Gilday has directed Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Robert Burke to conduct an investigation into the "circumstances and the climate across the entire Pacific fleet to help determine what may have contributed to this breakdown in the chain of command."
U.S. copes with COVID-19 pandemic
Bass Pro Shops marketing manager David Smith (R) carries a box of donated face masks into Mercy Health in Chesterfield, Mo., on May 13. The company is donating 1 million FDA-approved ASTM Level 1 Procedure Face Masks to healthcare workers and first responders working on the front lines of the pandemic. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
According to Modly, the Navy had "already mobilized significant resources for days" in response to Crozier's previous requests, and had used "non-secure, unclassified email" to send his message and that he had failed to work through and with his strike group commander to address his concerns.
"Worse, the captain's actions made his sailors, their families and many in the public believe that his letter was the only reason help from our larger Navy family was forthcoming, which was hardly the case," Modly said.
The House Armed Services Committee issued a statement Thursday afternoon saying Crozier's dismissal is a "destabilizing move that will likely put our service members at greater risk and jeopardize our fleet's readiness."
Advertisement
"The COVID pandemic presents a set of new challenges and there is much we still do not know. Captain Crozier was justifiably concerned about the health and safety of his crew, but he did not handle the immense pressure appropriately. However, relieving him of his command is an overreaction," the statement said.
According to Modly, as of Thursday 114 sailors have tested positive for coronavirus.
"I can tell you with great certainty there's probably going to be more. It'll probably be in the hundreds," Modly added, but none of the sailors has been hospitalized.
On Wednesday Navy officials said they were working to isolate and test 1,000 crew members in Guam, where the ship has been docked since last week, with a plan to rotate the ship's crew of nearly 5,000 in shifts as they recover or come out of quarantine.
Thursday Modly said the Navy has "freed up" 1,700 beds for sailors on the island but did not give a detailed update on the efforts to contain the outbreak.


upi--2020-04-02--Trump expands Defense Production Act use to manufacture ventilators

President Donald Trump on Thursday said he would expand use of the Defense Protection Act to allow six domestic manufacturers to make ventilators for COVID-19 patients as FEMA told Congress a promised stock of 100,000 will mostly not be available until June. Photo Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
April 2 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump announced Thursday he will expand use of the Defense Production Act to assist manufacturers in securing supplies to make ventilators for COVID-19 patients. Trump said the order directs the secretaries of Health and Human Services and Homeland Security to help domestic manufacturers -- including General Electric, Hill Rom, Medtronic, ResMed, Royal Philips and Vyaire Medical -- acquire the necessary resources to build the ventilators. Advertisement
"I am grateful to these and other domestic manufacturers for ramping up their production of ventilators during this difficult time," Trump said. "Today's order will save lives by removing obstacles in the supply chain that threaten rapid production of ventilators."
The announcement came as Federal Emergency Management Agency officials told the House Oversight Committee this week that most of the 100,000 ventilators Trump said he would obtain will not be available until June.
FEMA officials said there were 9,500 ventilators in the current national stockpile and 3,200 more were expected by the week of April 13, a time period that is projected to coincide with a peak in the coronavirus outbreak.
Advertisement
Trump said during a briefing of the White House Coronavirus Task Force that he expects to make additional orders for ventilators.
He also signed an order under the Defense Protection Act authorizing the head of FEMA to acquire as many N95 respirator face masks from manufacturer 3M as deemed necessary for the pandemic.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said during a Thursday press conference that the state, which has become a hotspot for the virus with 2,373 deaths and 92,381 confirmed cases of coronavirus, will run out of ventilators in six days.
Cuomo said the state had 2,200 ventilators in its stockpile and about 350 new patients require them each day, adding that the supply decreases "very quickly" at that rate.
"If a person comes in and needs a ventilator and you don't have a ventilator, the person dies," Cuomo said. "That's the blunt equation here. And right now we have a burn rate that would suggest we have about six days in the stockpile."
U.S. copes with COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-04-02--Tennessee Titans RB Derrick Henry signs franchise tender

With the move , Henry is officially under contract for the 2020 season .
Both sides have until July 15 to negotiate a long-term contract to replace the franchise tag .
If no agreement is reached before that deadline passes , Henry would have to play the 2020 campaign under the one-year tag .
On Wednesday , Titans general manager Jon Robinson told the team 's official website there is mutual interest between the franchise and Henry on working out a long-term deal .
`` I think any time a player , when you have to use the tag on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they probably do n't want , '' Robinson said .
`` But still , at the same time , I know that he wants to be a part of this football team and I thought it was good that they communicated back he does want to be here , and does want to keep working on this thing .
`` It was n't something like , 'OK , well , I 'll take the [ tag ] and I 'm done , or I am just going to do whatever . '
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conveyed the message to me , through his agent , that he wants to keep working on this thing and we do , too . ''
Henry , who turned 26 in January , won the NFL rushing title last season after compiling 1,540 yards on the ground .
He has posted back-to-back seasons of more than 1,000 rushing yards .
The former Alabama Crimson Tide star , who was selected to his first Pro Bowl in 2019 , averaged 5.1 yards per carry last season , leading all running backs with at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first tailback to receive the franchise tag after leading the league in rushing yards in the previous season .

Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry won the NFL rushing title with 1,540 yards last season. File Photo by Jason Hanna/UPI | License Photo
April 2 (UPI) -- Tennessee Titans star running back Derrick Henry signed his $10.2 million franchise tender, the team announced Thursday. With the move, Henry is officially under contract for the 2020 season. Both sides have until July 15 to negotiate a long-term contract to replace the franchise tag. If no agreement is reached before that deadline passes, Henry would have to play the 2020 campaign under the one-year tag. Advertisement
On Wednesday, Titans general manager Jon Robinson told the team's official website there is mutual interest between the franchise and Henry on working out a long-term deal.
"I think any time a player, when you have to use the tag on them, that's something that ideally they probably don't want," Robinson said. "But still, at the same time, I know that he wants to be a part of this football team and I thought it was good that they communicated back he does want to be here, and does want to keep working on this thing.
"It wasn't something like, 'OK, well, I'll take the [tag] and I'm done, or I am just going to do whatever.' He wants to be here, and he conveyed the message to me, through his agent, that he wants to keep working on this thing and we do, too."
Advertisement
Henry, who turned 26 in January, won the NFL rushing title last season after compiling 1,540 yards on the ground. He has posted back-to-back seasons of more than 1,000 rushing yards.
The former Alabama Crimson Tide star, who was selected to his first Pro Bowl in 2019, averaged 5.1 yards per carry last season, leading all running backs with at least 200 carries.
Henry became the first tailback to receive the franchise tag after leading the league in rushing yards in the previous season.


upi--2020-04-02--Wireless network helps scientists track small animals

April 2 ( UPI ) -- Researchers have developed a wireless network capable of tracking small animals tagged with sensors .
The new technology -- described Thursday in the journal PLOS Biology -- could help scientists compile tracking data for local populations of small animals without relying on heavy transmitters and satellite communication systems .
Automated tracking methods have made it much easier for scientists to study the behavior and migration patterns of animals species , but monitoring smaller animals still presents problems .
Many tracking sensors are too heavy for smaller bird and mammal species , which account for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Additionally , the use of satellite communication systems for the retrieval of local tracking data requires significant amounts of energy .
It 's also expensive .
To solve these problems , researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science in Germany developed a new kind of wireless biologging network , which automatically fields tracking signals from small , lightweight sensors .
The new system can generate a temporal resolution of animal movements in a matter of seconds .
Researchers built a test system in a small patch of forest in Germany @ @ @ @ @ @ @ localization nodes .
Then , researchers attached light-weight mobile nodes to several specimens from a local mouse-eared bat population .
The wireless network successfully tracked the flights and interactions of all the tagged bats , yielding a map of flight trajectories and a high resolution social network .
Authors of the new study expect their technology to enhance the study of small animal populations that move across confined spaces , especially habitats where the transmission of a wireless signal is difficult .
`` Key to success in this project was the close collaboration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ electrical engineers , '' Simon Ripperger , researcher at the Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science , said in a news release .
`` Thanks to the high level of miniaturization of the animal-borne tags , we can now collect data of unprecedented quantity and quality that allows us studying the behavior of small animals in much greater detail . ''
Data collected during their wireless network 's test run showed bat mothers shepherd their offspring to new roosts , and localized tracking data previously revealed that social relationships in vampire bats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wild .
`` In the future , we plan to expand our work to other taxonomic groups -- a method that allows tracking bats is also likely to work for other small animals such as reptiles or songbirds , '' Ripperger said .

Scientists in Germany used a new type of wireless network to track the movements and interactions of tagged bats within a patch of forest. Photo by National Park Service
April 2 (UPI) -- Researchers have developed a wireless network capable of tracking small animals tagged with sensors. The new technology -- described Thursday in the journal PLOS Biology -- could help scientists compile tracking data for local populations of small animals without relying on heavy transmitters and satellite communication systems. Advertisement
Automated tracking methods have made it much easier for scientists to study the behavior and migration patterns of animals species, but monitoring smaller animals still presents problems. Many tracking sensors are too heavy for smaller bird and mammal species, which account for the majority of the animal kingdom.
Additionally, the use of satellite communication systems for the retrieval of local tracking data requires significant amounts of energy. It's also expensive.
To solve these problems, researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science in Germany developed a new kind of wireless biologging network, which automatically fields tracking signals from small, lightweight sensors. The new system can generate a temporal resolution of animal movements in a matter of seconds.
Researchers built a test system in a small patch of forest in Germany. First, scientists planted 17 wireless localization nodes. Then, researchers attached light-weight mobile nodes to several specimens from a local mouse-eared bat population.
Advertisement
The wireless network successfully tracked the flights and interactions of all the tagged bats, yielding a map of flight trajectories and a high resolution social network.
Authors of the new study expect their technology to enhance the study of small animal populations that move across confined spaces, especially habitats where the transmission of a wireless signal is difficult.
"Key to success in this project was the close collaboration among biologists, computer scientists, and electrical engineers," Simon Ripperger, researcher at the Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, said in a news release. "Thanks to the high level of miniaturization of the animal-borne tags, we can now collect data of unprecedented quantity and quality that allows us studying the behavior of small animals in much greater detail."
Data collected during their wireless network's test run showed bat mothers shepherd their offspring to new roosts, and localized tracking data previously revealed that social relationships in vampire bats that formed in the lab persist in the wild.
"In the future, we plan to expand our work to other taxonomic groups -- a method that allows tracking bats is also likely to work for other small animals such as reptiles or songbirds," Ripperger said.


upi--2020-04-02--Comfort, Mercy take small number of referral patients so far

April 2 ( UPI ) -- The Navy hospital ships deployed in March to help hospital systems cope with an expected influx in patients due to the novel coronavirus have treated fewer than 20 patients combined since they began treating patients this week , officials said Thursday .
The USNS Mercy has treated a total of 15 patients since it began treating patients in Los Angeles Sunday , according to Capt .
John Rotruck , the Mercy 's commanding officer at a Thursday news conference .
Five of the patients treated on the Mercy have already been discharged , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently , according to Rotruck .
The USNS Comfort , which arrived in New York on Monday and accepted it 's first patients on Wednesday , has treated three patients , according to Capt .
Patrick Amersbach , who oversees the Comfort .
Both ships are outfitted with 1,000 beds .
Neither was deployed to treat patients infected with COVID-19 .
Instead they are there to act as what Rotruck called `` a relief valve '' for local hospitals , treating individuals who need hospitalization for other , more routine reasons .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respective cities to focus on caring for patients suffering from the virus .
So far , Rotruck said the Mercy 's staff has seen `` pretty much the gamut '' of injuries and health problems of the sort that would be treated in a community hospital .
`` I think , hopefully , understanding the intent of the DoD 's senior leadership , that they really wanted to get the capability and capacity in place early -- before the hospitals and the local areas were already overwhelmed , '' said Capt .
John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mercy .
That way , Rotruck said , the ships would be able to `` establish relationships and ensure the processes were sound to get patients to the ships , so that when the capacity demand really increases , we 'll be ready . ''
Neither ship is accepting walk-in patients , but instead patients are referred by local hospitals -- and they are screened by those hospitals for COVID-19 before they are sent to the ships , Rotruck said .
Both captains also said they would alter their missions and begin accepting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government to do so .

Sailors practice patient transfer from the pier onto the hospital ship USNS Comfort as they prepare to admit patients in support of the nation's COVID-19 response efforts. Photo by Sara Eshleman/U.S. Navy
April 2 (UPI) -- The Navy hospital ships deployed in March to help hospital systems cope with an expected influx in patients due to the novel coronavirus have treated fewer than 20 patients combined since they began treating patients this week, officials said Thursday. The USNS Mercy has treated a total of 15 patients since it began treating patients in Los Angeles Sunday, according to Capt. John Rotruck, the Mercy's commanding officer at a Thursday news conference. Advertisement
Five of the patients treated on the Mercy have already been discharged, so there are 10 patients on the ship currently, according to Rotruck.
The USNS Comfort, which arrived in New York on Monday and accepted it's first patients on Wednesday, has treated three patients, according to Capt. Patrick Amersbach, who oversees the Comfort.
Both ships are outfitted with 1,000 beds.
Neither was deployed to treat patients infected with COVID-19. Instead they are there to act as what Rotruck called "a relief valve" for local hospitals, treating individuals who need hospitalization for other, more routine reasons. This is meant to allow hospitals in their respective cities to focus on caring for patients suffering from the virus.
Advertisement
So far, Rotruck said the Mercy's staff has seen "pretty much the gamut" of injuries and health problems of the sort that would be treated in a community hospital.
"I think, hopefully, understanding the intent of the DoD's senior leadership, that they really wanted to get the capability and capacity in place early -- before the hospitals and the local areas were already overwhelmed," said Capt. John Rotruck, the commanding officer of USNS Mercy.
That way, Rotruck said, the ships would be able to "establish relationships and ensure the processes were sound to get patients to the ships, so that when the capacity demand really increases, we'll be ready."
Neither ship is accepting walk-in patients, but instead patients are referred by local hospitals -- and they are screened by those hospitals for COVID-19 before they are sent to the ships, Rotruck said.
Both captains also said they would alter their missions and begin accepting COVID-19 patients if directed by the federal government to do so.


upi--2020-04-02--Bodies left in streets as COVID-19 overwhelms Guayaquil, Ecuador

April 2 ( UPI ) -- The climbing death toll from the coronavirus pandemic in Ecuador 's largest city , Guayaquil , has left morgues overwhelmed , causing some bodies to be wrapped in plastic and left lying in the streets .
Other bodies lie unclaimed in the city 's hospitals and clinics as deaths outpace the city 's ability to bury COVID-19 victims .
`` They 're leaving them in the villages , they fall in front of hospitals , '' Mayor Cynthia Viteri said in a video message last week .
`` No one wants to recover them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19 .
Pedro Zavala , a paramedic from Machala , told the Miami Herald that he 's twice had to transport ventilators to Guayaquil .
`` Hospitals are running out of everything , '' he said .
`` People are looking for oxygen tanks , respirators , ventilators , masks , anything . ''
Ecuador had at least 3,100 confirmed cases and 120 deaths as of Thursday afternoon , according to figures from Johns Hopkins University .
That 's more than every other South American country other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials say they 've collected at least 400 bodies in recent days .
`` People are asking that some authority takes charge of the dead , but the lack of response means they are being left in central streets of Guayaquil , '' Juan Carlos Freire , an attorney , told the Los Angeles Times .
Viteri said the city was recovering the unclaimed bodies in refrigerated cargo containers as officials work to plan a new cemetery for the dead .
Hector Galarza , a publicist , told the Times that many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the indigent .

People with facial masks transport a coffin to a cemetery in Guayaquil, Ecuador, on Wednesday. Photo by Marcos Pin/EPA-EFE
April 2 (UPI) -- The climbing death toll from the coronavirus pandemic in Ecuador's largest city, Guayaquil, has left morgues overwhelmed, causing some bodies to be wrapped in plastic and left lying in the streets. Other bodies lie unclaimed in the city's hospitals and clinics as deaths outpace the city's ability to bury COVID-19 victims. Advertisement
"They're leaving them in the villages, they fall in front of hospitals," Mayor Cynthia Viteri said in a video message last week. "No one wants to recover them."
Viteri, herself, is in quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19.
Pedro Zavala, a paramedic from Machala, told the Miami Herald that he's twice had to transport ventilators to Guayaquil.
"Hospitals are running out of everything," he said. "People are looking for oxygen tanks, respirators, ventilators, masks, anything."
Ecuador had at least 3,100 confirmed cases and 120 deaths as of Thursday afternoon, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University. That's more than every other South American country other than Brazil and Chile.
But Guayaquil officials say they've collected at least 400 bodies in recent days.
"People are asking that some authority takes charge of the dead, but the lack of response means they are being left in central streets of Guayaquil," Juan Carlos Freire, an attorney, told the Los Angeles Times.
Advertisement
Viteri said the city was recovering the unclaimed bodies in refrigerated cargo containers as officials work to plan a new cemetery for the dead.
Hector Galarza, a publicist, told the Times that many of the bodies lying in the streets are the indigent.


upi--2020-04-02--U.S. stocks rise as soaring oil prices overshadow unemployment numbers

April 2 ( UPI ) -- After two straight days of losses , stocks on Wall Street gained ground Thursday due to a sharp rise in oil prices .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up 469.93 points , or 2.24 percent , while the S & P 500 rose 2.24 percent and the Nasdaq Composite climbed 1.72 percent as U.S. crude oil prices rose 24 percent in their best session ever .
President Donald Trump wrote on Twitter that he spoke to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Russian President Vladimir Putin , saying he expects both countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I expect and hope that they will be cutting back approximately 10 million barrels and maybe substantially more which , if it happens , will be GREAT for the oil and gas industry ! ''
Trump wrote , adding the reduction `` could be '' as high as 15 million barrels .
The news sent Chevron stock up 11 percent and Exxon Mobil up 7.7 percent , helping to drive the Dow 's rise , while the S & P 500 received a boost as the energy sector rose 9.1 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of record unemployment claims and declining auto sales on Thursday .
About an hour before the New York Stock Exchange opened , the Labor Department reported its weekly unemployment figures , which said 6.6 million Americans filed for jobless benefits last week -- the highest single-week total in history and more than double the number from the previous week .
The Labor Department will release its March jobs report on Friday .
Ford closed down 0.91 percent .
The U.S. automaker 's first-quarter sales fell more than 12 percent compared to the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dropped 36 percent , SUV sales slid 11 percent and trucks were down 6 percent .

Wearing a face mask to guard against the coronavirus, a man walks past the famous Charging Bull statue on Wall Street in New York City on March 20. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
April 2 (UPI) -- After two straight days of losses, stocks on Wall Street gained ground Thursday due to a sharp rise in oil prices. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up 469.93 points, or 2.24 percent, while the S&P 500 rose 2.24 percent and the Nasdaq Composite climbed 1.72 percent as U.S. crude oil prices rose 24 percent in their best session ever. Advertisement
President Donald Trump wrote on Twitter that he spoke to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying he expects both countries to make significant cuts to oil production.
"I expect and hope that they will be cutting back approximately 10 million barrels and maybe substantially more which, if it happens, will be GREAT for the oil and gas industry!" Trump wrote, adding the reduction "could be" as high as 15 million barrels.
The news sent Chevron stock up 11 percent and Exxon Mobil up 7.7 percent, helping to drive the Dow's rise, while the S&P 500 received a boost as the energy sector rose 9.1 percent.
The rising oil prices overshadowed reports of record unemployment claims and declining auto sales on Thursday.
Advertisement
About an hour before the New York Stock Exchange opened, the Labor Department reported its weekly unemployment figures, which said 6.6 million Americans filed for jobless benefits last week -- the highest single-week total in history and more than double the number from the previous week.
The Labor Department will release its March jobs report on Friday.
Ford closed down 0.91 percent. The U.S. automaker's first-quarter sales fell more than 12 percent compared to the same quarter a year ago as car sales dropped 36 percent, SUV sales slid 11 percent and trucks were down 6 percent.


upi--2020-04-02--FDA relaxes blood donation restrictions for gay, bisexual men

April 2 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday lessened restrictions that prevent many gay and bisexual men from donating blood as the country faces blood shortages because of the COVID-19 pandemic .
The agency made the changes at the urging of several Democratic lawmakers and gay rights activists who said earlier this week that the outbreak of the new coronavirus provided an opportunity to revisit policies made during the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis in the 1980s .
Earlier this month , the FDA had announced that blood may be in short supply in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing measures and cancelled drives as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic had `` dramatically reduced '' donations .
The new guidelines shorten the donation deferral period for sexually active gay and bisexual men from 12 months to three , so they will now have to abstain from same-sex sexual activity for 90 days before they can donate blood .
In a call with reporters , Surgeon General Jerome Adams said it 's `` critically important '' that HIV-positive people do n't give blood .
Men who have sex with other men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , however , Adams said the change in policy lines up with the time it takes to detect the virus in blood following infection .
`` These changes are based on the best science that we have today regarding the time that it takes to test positive for HIV , '' he told reporters .
Deferral periods have also been reduced for other `` at-risk '' groups , including those who have traveled to areas with certain endemic diseases , those who use injection drugs and those who are sex workers .
Donor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have recently gotten tattoos or piercing .
Many of these restrictions had been in place since the mid-1980s , the height of the AIDS epidemic .
At the time , the federal government imposed a lifetime ban on blood donations by any man who had ever had sex with another man .
The rule was designed to keep HIV out of the nation 's blood supply at a time when far less was known about the disease .
It was replaced in 2015 with the 12-month abstinence requirement .

April 2 (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday lessened restrictions that prevent many gay and bisexual men from donating blood as the country faces blood shortages because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The agency made the changes at the urging of several Democratic lawmakers and gay rights activists who said earlier this week that the outbreak of the new coronavirus provided an opportunity to revisit policies made during the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis in the 1980s.
Advertisement
Earlier this month, the FDA had announced that blood may be in short supply in some areas across the country, as social distancing measures and cancelled drives as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic had "dramatically reduced" donations.
The new guidelines shorten the donation deferral period for sexually active gay and bisexual men from 12 months to three, so they will now have to abstain from same-sex sexual activity for 90 days before they can donate blood.
In a call with reporters, Surgeon General Jerome Adams said it's "critically important" that HIV-positive people don't give blood. Men who have sex with other men are at greater risk of acquiring HIV, however, Adams said the change in policy lines up with the time it takes to detect the virus in blood following infection.
Advertisement
"These changes are based on the best science that we have today regarding the time that it takes to test positive for HIV," he told reporters.
Deferral periods have also been reduced for other "at-risk" groups, including those who have traveled to areas with certain endemic diseases, those who use injection drugs and those who are sex workers. Donor requirements have also changed for people who have recently gotten tattoos or piercing.
Many of these restrictions had been in place since the mid-1980s, the height of the AIDS epidemic. At the time, the federal government imposed a lifetime ban on blood donations by any man who had ever had sex with another man.
The rule was designed to keep HIV out of the nation's blood supply at a time when far less was known about the disease. It was replaced in 2015 with the 12-month abstinence requirement.


upi--2020-04-02--Colorado Lottery winner collects another jackpot in Nebraska

April 2 ( UPI ) -- A man won a $ 280,000 jackpot from the Nebraska Lottery years after collecting @ @ @ @ @ Lottery scratch-off ticket .
Brian Pearson of Kimball told Nebraska Lottery officials he bought his @ @ @ @ @ March 28 drawing at Vince 's Corner in Kimball .
The winner said the numbers @ @ @ @ @ -- they 're a combination of his late wife 's birthday and the date of @ @ @ @ @ 's my guardian angel , '' he said .
Pearson said he previously encountered lottery @ @ @ @ @ $ 25,000 jackpot from a Colorado Lottery scratch-off ticket .

A Nebraska man collected a lottery jackpot years after winning his first big prize in Colorado. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe April 2 (UPI) -- A man won a $280,000 jackpot from the Nebraska Lottery years after collecting $25,000 from a Colorado Lottery scratch-off ticket. Brian Pearson of Kimball told Nebraska Lottery officials he bought his Pick 5 ticket for the March 28 drawing at Vince's Corner in Kimball. Advertisement
Pearson matched all five numbers: 04-07-11-13-29.
The winner said the numbers hold special significance for him -- they're a combination of his late wife's birthday and the date of her death.
"She's my guardian angel," he said.
Pearson said he previously encountered lottery luck when he won a $25,000 jackpot from a Colorado Lottery scratch-off ticket.


upi--2020-04-02--Bird of prey found dangling from broken swingball cord

April 2 ( UPI ) -- Animal rescuers in Britain were called to a home to rescue a bird of prey that became entangled in the cord of a broken swingball set .
The RSPCA said a Saunderton , Buckinghamshire , England , family contacted the RSPCA when they spotted the red kite dangling from the swingball cord suspended from a tree branch Tuesday .
RSPCA Animal Collection Officer Kate Wright responded to the home to rescue the bird .
`` The poor bird was hanging from a broken swingball cord which I believe was already stuck high up in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The ball was still attached to the cord , '' Wright said .
`` I tied a knife to a series of poles to cut the line from the tree , and was then able to catch the bird in my reach and rescue net .
He looked in pretty good shape , though I could see that the cord had rubbed part of his wing , so decided to take him to a specialist center to recover , '' she said .
Wright said the red kite will eventually be returned @ @ @ @

A red kite was rescued after being spotted entangled in a family's broken swingball set. Photo courtesy of the RSPCA
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe April 2 (UPI) -- Animal rescuers in Britain were called to a home to rescue a bird of prey that became entangled in the cord of a broken swingball set. The RSPCA said a Saunderton, Buckinghamshire, England, family contacted the RSPCA when they spotted the red kite dangling from the swingball cord suspended from a tree branch Tuesday. Advertisement
RSPCA Animal Collection Officer Kate Wright responded to the home to rescue the bird.
"The poor bird was hanging from a broken swingball cord which I believe was already stuck high up in the tree when he flew into it. The ball was still attached to the cord," Wright said.
"I tied a knife to a series of poles to cut the line from the tree, and was then able to catch the bird in my reach and rescue net. He looked in pretty good shape, though I could see that the cord had rubbed part of his wing, so decided to take him to a specialist center to recover," she said.
Wright said the red kite will eventually be returned to the wild.


upi--2020-04-02--Twitter removes more than 5,000 accounts tied to Saudi Arabia

April 2 ( UPI ) -- Twitter said Thursday it has removed more than 5,000 pro-government accounts linked with Saudi Arabia .
The social networking site removed 5,350 accounts `` associated with Saudi Arabia , '' Twitter Safety tweeted .
These accounts operating out of the kingdom , Egypt and the United Arab Emirates `` were amplifying content praising Saudi leadership , and critical of Qatar and Turkish activity in Yemen , '' it added .
Thousands of other pro-government accounts from other countries were also removed .
Twitter had also `` removed 2,541 accounts in an Egypt-based network , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Safety tweeted in a separate post .
`` The media group created inauthentic accounts to amplify messaging critical of Iran , Qatar and Turkey , '' the post read .
`` Information we gained externally indicates it was taking direction from the Egyptian government . ''
In Honduras , Twitter removed 3,104 fake accounts `` heavily retweeting the president 's account , '' after finding out that a staffer created it on behalf of the government .
In Indonesia , `` 795 fake accounts pushing content from suspicious 'news ' websites and promoting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report from the investigative Bellingcat website `` on an information operation in Indonesia targeting the West Papuan independence movement , '' Twitter Safety tweeted .
In Serbia , Twitter removed 8,558 pro-government accounts after finding `` clusters of accounts engaged in inauthentic coordinated activity , '' according to Twitter Safety .
`` These behaviors are in violation of our policies and are a targeted attempt to undermine the public conversation , '' Twitter Safety posted .
The list of accounts removed have been made publicly available `` to improve public understanding of alleged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media company said in a Transparency report .
Twitter released the information this month on all of the above accounts being removed .
The move follows Twitter announcing last month removal of 71 accounts based in Ghana and Nigeria tied with Russia and trying to `` sow discord by engaging in conversations about social issues , like race and civil rights . ''
Back in December it also announced it was taking down 5,929 Saudi accounts it deemed state-backed .

April 2 (UPI) -- Twitter said Thursday it has removed more than 5,000 pro-government accounts linked with Saudi Arabia.
The social networking site removed 5,350 accounts "associated with Saudi Arabia," Twitter Safety tweeted.
Advertisement
These accounts operating out of the kingdom, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates "were amplifying content praising Saudi leadership, and critical of Qatar and Turkish activity in Yemen," it added.
Thousands of other pro-government accounts from other countries were also removed.
Twitter had also "removed 2,541 accounts in an Egypt-based network, known as El-Fagr network," Twitter Safety tweeted in a separate post.
"The media group created inauthentic accounts to amplify messaging critical of Iran, Qatar and Turkey," the post read. "Information we gained externally indicates it was taking direction from the Egyptian government."
In Honduras, Twitter removed 3,104 fake accounts "heavily retweeting the president's account," after finding out that a staffer created it on behalf of the government.
In Indonesia, "795 fake accounts pushing content from suspicious 'news' websites and promoting pro-government content" were removed following a report from the investigative Bellingcat website "on an information operation in Indonesia targeting the West Papuan independence movement," Twitter Safety tweeted.
Advertisement
In Serbia, Twitter removed 8,558 pro-government accounts after finding "clusters of accounts engaged in inauthentic coordinated activity," according to Twitter Safety.
"These behaviors are in violation of our policies and are a targeted attempt to undermine the public conversation," Twitter Safety posted.
The list of accounts removed have been made publicly available "to improve public understanding of alleged foreign influence campaigns," the social media company said in a Transparency report.
Twitter released the information this month on all of the above accounts being removed.
The move follows Twitter announcing last month removal of 71 accounts based in Ghana and Nigeria tied with Russia and trying to "sow discord by engaging in conversations about social issues, like race and civil rights."
Back in December it also announced it was taking down 5,929 Saudi accounts it deemed state-backed.


upi--2020-04-02--Coronavirus cases worldwide top 1 million; 10,000 deaths in Spain

Pope Francis , isolated in front of an empty square from the sagrato of St. Peter 's Basilica in St. @ @ @ @ @ City , offers an extraordinary moment of prayer in time of pandemic , the adoration @ @ @ @ @ on March 27 .
The `` Salus Populi Romani '' icon and the crucifix of @ @ @ @ @ in front of the central door of the basilica .
Vatican media broadcast the ceremony @ @ @ @ @ it could also be followed in several languages on Facebook and YouTube .
Photo by @ @ @

Travelers wears masks and gloves for protection against the coronavirus after arriving at Ben Gurion Airport in Lod, Israel, on Wednesday. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI | License Photo
April 2 (UPI) -- The number of coronavirus cases worldwide surpassed the 1 million mark Thursday as hard-hit Spain reached 10,000 deaths from the disease. The global number of confirmed cases has doubled over the past nine days, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University. Advertisement
"In the next day or two, we will reach more than 1 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 globally, and 50,000 deaths," World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Thursday.
"This virus, which was unknown to us three months ago, has exposed the weaknesses and inequities in our health systems and societies, our lack of preparedness, and the gaps in our supply chains and other essential systems."
The United States has the most cases, but deaths in European centers like Italy, Spain and France have far surpassed the rest of the world, with a combined toll of more than 28,500. WHO said more than 95 percent of the European coronavirus deaths have involved patients over age 60.
Spain's dire situation grew worse on Thursday. Health officials in Madrid reported a new daily high of 950 coronavirus deaths, pushing the nation's toll past 10,000.
Advertisement
Some 8,100 new infections were reported, taking Spain's total caseload to more than 110,000. More than 54,000 have been hospitalized, with nearly 27,000 recoveries.
Doctors, though, said fewer patients have come into hospital emergency rooms, raising hopes that the worst of the crisis could be over.
Russia reported 771 new cases -- a 28 percent rise over Tuesday's total -- taking its total caseload to more than 3,500. The vast majority are in Moscow. Thirty have died.
A Kremlin spokesman said President Vladimir Putin shook hands recently with a doctor who later tested positive. On Wednesday, he signed a new law imposing a seven-year prison sentence for those who violate quarantine rules and whose actions cause two deaths or more.
Scenes from a pandemic: World copes with COVID-19


upi--2020-04-02--Scenes from a pandemic: World copes with COVID-19

The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus , COVID-19 , a pandemic , reaching around @ @ @ @ @ , which surfaced in December in Wuhan , China , has killed thousands .
Streets @ @ @ @ @ , as large gatherings are canceled and people are quarantined .
Here 's a look @ @ @ @ @ world .

The French authorities started lifting the coronavirus lockdown on May 11, but people living in regions that are most at risk, notably in Paris, still face tight restrictions. Photo by Eco Clement/UPI


upi--2020-04-02--Colorado State University predicts above-normal hurricane season

April 2 ( UPI ) -- A team of meteorologists in Colorado said Thursday that the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season will have above-normal activity , with 16 named storms .
The Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project predicted that of the 16 storms , eight will become hurricanes .
Four of the storms will strengthen into major hurricanes , which means they 'll be Category 3 or higher .
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30 .
The average season typically features 12.1 named storms , 6.4 hurricanes and 2.7 major hurricanes .
The meteorology project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least one major hurricane will make landfall on the United States and a 95 percent chance a hurricane of any strength will strike the coast .
Forecasters blamed the above-normal hurricane season on a predicted lack of an El Niño this year .
The Atlantic is also warmer .
`` The tropical and subtropical Atlantic generally is warmer than normal , '' CSU meteorologist Philip Klotzbach tweeted .
`` The region with above-normal [ sea surface temperatures ] in Atlantic correlates fairly well with typical March SST pattern associated with above-normal # @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anomaly in far North Atlantic .
The World Meteorological Organization 's list of names for the 2020 hurricane season include : Arthur , Bertha , Cristobal , Dolly , Edouard , Fay , Gonzalo , Hanna , Isaias , Josephine , Kyle , Laura , Marco , Nana , Omar , Paulette , Rene , Sally , Teddy , Vicky and Wilfred .

Hurricane Dorian caused damage in Treasure Cay in the Bahamas on September 9. Colorado State University forecasters said the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season will be above-normal. File Photo by Joe Marino/UPI | License Photo
April 2 (UPI) -- A team of meteorologists in Colorado said Thursday that the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season will have above-normal activity, with 16 named storms. The Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project predicted that of the 16 storms, eight will become hurricanes. Four of the storms will strengthen into major hurricanes, which means they'll be Category 3 or higher. Advertisement
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. The average season typically features 12.1 named storms, 6.4 hurricanes and 2.7 major hurricanes.
The meteorology project said there's a 69 percent chance at least one major hurricane will make landfall on the United States and a 95 percent chance a hurricane of any strength will strike the coast.
Forecasters blamed the above-normal hurricane season on a predicted lack of an El Niño this year. The Atlantic is also warmer.
"The tropical and subtropical Atlantic generally is warmer than normal," CSU meteorologist Philip Klotzbach tweeted. "The region with above-normal [sea surface temperatures] in Atlantic correlates fairly well with typical March SST pattern associated with above-normal #hurricane seasons. Exception is current cold anomaly in far North Atlantic.
Advertisement The tropical and subtropical Atlantic generally is warmer than normal. The region with above-normal SSTs in Atlantic correlates fairly well with typical March SST pattern associated with above-normal #hurricane seasons. Exception is current cold anomaly in far North Atlantic. pic.twitter.com/2rzfTN8nKK- Philip Klotzbach (@philklotzbach) April 2, 2020
The World Meteorological Organization's list of names for the 2020 hurricane season include: Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly, Edouard, Fay, Gonzalo, Hanna, Isaias, Josephine, Kyle, Laura, Marco, Nana, Omar, Paulette, Rene, Sally, Teddy, Vicky and Wilfred.


upi--2020-04-02--Look: Ohio police find alligator in resident's closet

April 2 ( UPI ) -- Police in Ohio said they were investigating a reported robbery at a home when @ @ @ @ @ -- an alligator in a closet .
Columbus Police said they were called to an @ @ @ @ @ p.m. Sunday on a report of a gun being pulled during an argument over the @ @ @ @ @ .
The department said officers were collecting evidence and conducting interviews at the home when @ @ @ @ @ the closet .
The Ohio Department of Agriculture was called in to take custody of @ @ @ @ @ said it is legal to own an alligator in Ohio with the proper permits , @ @ @ @ @ did not have the required paperwork .

Police in Ohio responded to a home on investigation of robbery and discovered an alligator being kept in the closet. Photo courtesy of the Columbus Police Department
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe April 2 (UPI) -- Police in Ohio said they were investigating a reported robbery at a home when they made an unexpected discovery -- an alligator in a closet. Columbus Police said they were called to an east side home about 3:45 p.m. Sunday on a report of a gun being pulled during an argument over the return of Xbox gaming console. Advertisement
The department said officers were collecting evidence and conducting interviews at the home when they found the alligator in the closet.
The Ohio Department of Agriculture was called in to take custody of the 2-year-old animal.
Investigators said it is legal to own an alligator in Ohio with the proper permits, but the home's resident did not have the required paperwork.


upi--2020-04-02--Watch: Changmin shares 'mood sampler' ahead of 'Chocolate' release

April 2 ( UPI ) -- South Korean singer Changmin is gearing up for the release of his debut solo @ @ @ @ @ star , a member of the music duo TVXQ !
, shared a new `` @ @ @ @ @ of the release of his EP Chocolate .
The video features mysterious visuals , including @ @ @ @ @ flower blooming , a cheetah running and other animals .
Changmin also shared teaser photos @ @ @ @ @ !
official Twitter account .
Changmin released another `` mood sampler '' Wednesday that features @ @ @ @ @ .
Changmin came to fame with TVXQ !
, which presently consists of Changmin and @ @ @ @ @ released their eighth studio album , New Chapter # 1 : The Chance of Love @ @ @ @

April 2 (UPI) -- South Korean singer Changmin is gearing up for the release of his debut solo EP.
The 32-year-old K-pop star, a member of the music duo TVXQ!, shared a new "mood sampler" Thursday ahead of the release of his EP Chocolate.
Advertisement
The video features mysterious visuals, including clips of Changmin, a flower blooming, a cheetah running and other animals.
Changmin also shared teaser photos for Chocolate on the TVXQ! official Twitter account.
Changmin released another "mood sampler" Wednesday that features a snippet of new music.
Chocolate will be released Monday.
Changmin came to fame with TVXQ!, which presently consists of Changmin and U-Know Yunho. The pair released their eighth studio album, New Chapter #1: The Chance of Love, in 2018.


upi--2020-04-02--Watch: Police chase moose through Idaho city

April 2 ( UPI ) -- Residents of an Idaho neighborhood watched an unusual police chase unfolding outside their homes @ @ @ @ @ a run through town .
Rexburg residents said they noticed police outside their homes Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ their windows to see the officers were chasing after a loose moose .
The Rexburg @ @ @ @ @ and Game conservation officers chased the moose through multiple neighborhoods until it was finally tranquilized @ @ @ @ @ a.m. '' Moose are large animals and can become aggressive and dangerous when they wander @ @ @ @ @ Fish and Game spokesman James Brower told the East Idaho News .
`` Our primary @ @ @ @ @ human safety followed by the safety of the moose .
When a moose comes into @ @ @ @ @ , it is in the best interest of the public and the moose to relocate @ @ @ @ @ location . ''
Brower said the moose will be released about 25 miles outside of @ @ @ @ @ Canyon area .

Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe
April 2 (UPI) -- Residents of an Idaho neighborhood watched an unusual police chase unfolding outside their homes when a moose went for a run through town.
Rexburg residents said they noticed police outside their homes Wednesday morning and they looked out their windows to see the officers were chasing after a loose moose.
Advertisement
The Rexburg Police Department and Idaho Fish and Game conservation officers chased the moose through multiple neighborhoods until it was finally tranquilized behind a church about 11:30 a.m.
"Moose are large animals and can become aggressive and dangerous when they wander into populated areas," Fish and Game spokesman James Brower told the East Idaho News. "Our primary concern in these situations is human safety followed by the safety of the moose. When a moose comes into town as this one did, it is in the best interest of the public and the moose to relocate the animal to a safe location."
Brower said the moose will be released about 25 miles outside of town, in the Green Canyon area.


upi--2020-04-02--SXSW to hold canceled film festival on Amazon streaming

April 2 ( UPI ) -- South By Southwest and Amazon announced Thursday that they would provide a chance for filmmakers scheduled for the 2020 festival to stream their films on Amazon Prime .
Officials in Austin , Texas , canceled the SXSW Film , Music and Interactive Festival scheduled for March 13-22 due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Prime Video presents the SXSW 2020 Film Festival Collection will be a one-time streaming version of the festival , according to a SXSW press release .
It will be accessible for free to anyone with an Amazon account .
Subscription to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The SXSW 2020 Film Festival Collection will be live for 10 days to be determined , but it is expected to be in late April .
Filmmakers whose films were scheduled to screen in Austin will have the chance to opt in to the streaming festival .
The will receive a screening fee for participating in the event .
Amazon and SXSW opened the opportunity to filmmakers Thursday .
Janet Pierson , SXSW director of film , said the festival has been looking for an opportunity to support the filmmakers who lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order .
`` We were delighted when Amazon Prime Video offered to host an online film festival , and jumped at the opportunity to connect their audiences to our filmmakers , '' Pierson said in the press release .
`` We 're inspired by the adaptability and resilience of the film community as it searches for creative solutions in this unprecedented crisis . ''
`` We are supporters of SXSW and other independent film festivals , and hope this online film festival can help give back some of that experience , and showcase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not have had the chance to see , '' Salke said .

South by Southwest films will have a chance to screen on Amazon Prime Video. Photo courtesy of SXSW
April 2 (UPI) -- South By Southwest and Amazon announced Thursday that they would provide a chance for filmmakers scheduled for the 2020 festival to stream their films on Amazon Prime. Officials in Austin, Texas, canceled the SXSW Film, Music and Interactive Festival scheduled for March 13-22 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Prime Video presents the SXSW 2020 Film Festival Collection will be a one-time streaming version of the festival, according to a SXSW press release. It will be accessible for free to anyone with an Amazon account. Subscription to the Prime premium service is not required. Advertisement
The SXSW 2020 Film Festival Collection will be live for 10 days to be determined, but it is expected to be in late April.
Filmmakers whose films were scheduled to screen in Austin will have the chance to opt in to the streaming festival. The will receive a screening fee for participating in the event. Amazon and SXSW opened the opportunity to filmmakers Thursday.
Janet Pierson, SXSW director of film, said the festival has been looking for an opportunity to support the filmmakers who lost out on their premieres since the cancellation order.
Advertisement
"We were delighted when Amazon Prime Video offered to host an online film festival, and jumped at the opportunity to connect their audiences to our filmmakers," Pierson said in the press release. "We're inspired by the adaptability and resilience of the film community as it searches for creative solutions in this unprecedented crisis."
Amazon Studios Head Jennifer Salke hopes Amazon's platform can provide filmmakers a valuable forum.
"We are supporters of SXSW and other independent film festivals, and hope this online film festival can help give back some of that experience, and showcase artists and films that audiences might otherwise not have had the chance to see," Salke said.


upi--2020-04-02--Google to allow some coronavirus ads after broad ban

April 2 (UPI) -- Google will lift a broad ban on coronavirus advertisements, phasing in some advertisers with a priority on those working directly on the pandemic.
The company started blocking coronavirus-related ads in January, placing them under its "sensitive events policy," which blocks ads that exploit people during events such as natural disasters, public health emergencies or tragedies by advertising fake or hoarded products.
Advertisement
Axios first reported that Google's head of industry, Mark Beatty, sent a memo to clients that it will start to run some coronavirus ads.
Advertisements to run this week will include public service announcements from "government entities, hospitals, medical providers, and NGOs who want to get relevant information out to the public," according to the memo.
The advertisements will be prioritized "to ensure that we are protecting users while prioritizing critical information," the company said.
Democratic political action committees staffers had said that the ban on such advertising on Google platforms had shielded President Donald Trump from ads criticizing his handling of the coronavirus crisis.
Google said it will make an announcement in the next few days about political ads related to the coronavirus.
Advertisement
Google's YouTube also reversed its policy and started allowing ads on some videos discussing the coronavirus in March.
Despite the ban, CNBC had reported that Google was showing ads and shopping lists for products claiming to protect against the virus, such as hand sanitizers, gloves and masks, with supplies limited.
Amid some people hoarding supplies, Facebook last week banned ads claiming cures for the coronavirus.
Economic analysts predict online advertising for Facebook and Google will slow down due to advertisers limiting their spending because of businesses closing to curb the outbreak.
Meanwhile, White House experts predicted Tuesday that the coronavirus has the potential to kill 100,000 to 200,000 even with mitigation efforts, including "stay-at-home" orders and between 1.5 million and 2.2 million without mitigation.
The number of COVID-19 cases worldwide was over 980,000 with more than 50,000 deaths, according to the John Hopkins global tracker update at midday Thursday. In the United States alone, there were more than 200,000 cases and 5,000 deaths.
U.S. copes with COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-04-02--Coronavirus cases spike in ultra-Orthodox Israeli city of Bnei Brak

1/7
An ultra-Orthodox Jew wears a protective mask against the coronavirus in the Mea Shearim neighborhood in Jerusalem, Israel, on Thursday. Officials say cases have spiked in ultra-Orthodox communities. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI | License Photo
April 2 (UPI) -- About 14 percent of Israel's confirmed coronavirus patients live in the ultra-Orthodox Bnei Brak, health officials said Thursday, warning that the real number of those sick in the city could be 80 times greater. The Health Ministry said the Tel Aviv suburb reported 900 confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, a 25 percent jump over the previous day. Overall, Israel had about 6,000 cases and 34 deaths as of midday Thursday, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University. Advertisement
Ultra-Orthodox communities in Israel are experiencing some of the highest numbers of COVID-19 cases per capita in Israel. Bnei Brak has the second highest number of cases, yet is the ninth-largest city in the country with a population of about 200,000. Its infection rate is four times higher than that of Jerusalem, which has the most cases in Israel.
Dr. Ran Saar, head of the Maccabi health maintenance organization, told a Knesset committee Thursday the true number of cases in the city could be much higher -- as many as 75,000. A healthy ministry review of the figures showed, however, the figures cited by Saar were probably miscalculated, Haaretz reported.
Advertisement
Ofer Shelah, a Knesset member from the Yesh Atid Party, called on police to be deployed to the city over the Passover holiday, which begins Wednesday. He also wants increased testing there.
"From different healthcare providers, it appears the ultra-Orthodox public is afraid of getting tested before Passover, and the decisions on the matter at the government level are lacking and are influenced by political considerations," he said.
Interior Minister Arye Dery and Defense Minister Naftali Bennett on Thursday ordered the evacuation of all persons over the age of 80 from Bnei Brak. Some 4,500 were to be transferred to live in a hotel outside the city during the outbreak.
Those between the ages of 60 and 80 were placed on strict home quarantine and members of the Israel Defense Forces were expected to help residents and distribute food and medicine.
Scenes from a pandemic: World copes with COVID-19


upi--2020-04-02--Look: Netflix gives glimpse of Ryan Murphy's 'Hollywood'

April 2 ( UPI ) -- Netflix is giving a glimpse of the new Ryan Murphy series Hollywood .
The streaming service shared first look photos Thursday featuring Darren Criss , Jeremy Pope , David Corenswet , Jake Picking , Samara Weaving and Laura Harrier .
One photo shows Criss , Pope , Corenswet and Picking wearing matching uniforms .
Another depicts Weaving and Harrier wearing furs and red ensembles at a gas station .
`` A limited series about a group of aspiring actors and filmmakers ( @ DarrenCriss @ corenswet @ jrmypope @ LauraHarrier @ Sweaving & Jake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to make it in Tinseltown -- no matter the cost , '' the post reads .
Netflix also posted other photos featuring Patti LuPone , Holland Taylor , Dylan McDermott and Jim Parsons , saying the show `` offers a unique glimpse inside Hollywood 's Golden Age and spotlights the unfair systems and biases across race , gender , and sexuality that continue to this day . ''
Another post features other scenes from the series .
`` Hollywood aims to expose and examine decades-old power dynamics , and reveal what the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they had been dismantled , '' the caption reads .
Netflix previously shared a poster and a premiere date , May 1 , for Hollywood .
Hollywood is a limited series that Murphy has described as `` a love letter to the Golden Age of Tinseltown . ''
Criss previously said the show is a `` period piece '' that is `` young and optimistic . ''
Murphy is known for creating the series Glee , American Horror Story , Scream Queens and Pose .
He was to receive the Vito Russo Award @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were canceled in March due to the coronavirus outbreak .

FIRST LOOK: Hollywood A limited series about a group of aspiring actors and filmmakers (@DarrenCriss @corenswet @jrmypope @LauraHarrier @Sweaving & Jake Picking) in post-World War II Hollywood trying to make it in Tinseltown - no matter the cost. pic.twitter.com/MmDYV0lOyC— See What's Next (@seewhatsnext) April 2, 2020
April 2 (UPI) -- Netflix is giving a glimpse of the new Ryan Murphy series Hollywood.
The streaming service shared first look photos Thursday featuring Darren Criss, Jeremy Pope, David Corenswet, Jake Picking, Samara Weaving and Laura Harrier.
Advertisement
One photo shows Criss, Pope, Corenswet and Picking wearing matching uniforms. Another depicts Weaving and Harrier wearing furs and red ensembles at a gas station.
"A limited series about a group of aspiring actors and filmmakers (@DarrenCriss @corenswet @jrmypope @LauraHarrier @Sweaving & Jake Picking) in post-World War II Hollywood trying to make it in Tinseltown -- no matter the cost," the post reads.
Netflix also posted other photos featuring Patti LuPone, Holland Taylor, Dylan McDermott and Jim Parsons, saying the show "offers a unique glimpse inside Hollywood's Golden Age and spotlights the unfair systems and biases across race, gender, and sexuality that continue to this day."
.@PattiLuPone @HollandTaylor @DylanMcDermott & Jim Parsons co-star in the series from Ryan Murphy & Ian Brennan that offers a unique glimpse inside Hollywood's Golden Age and spotlights the unfair systems and biases across race, gender, and sexuality that continue to this day. pic.twitter.com/BDiDu6KxUp— See What's Next (@seewhatsnext) April 2, 2020
Advertisement
Another post features other scenes from the series.
"Hollywood aims to expose and examine decades-old power dynamics, and reveal what the entertainment landscape might look like today if they had been dismantled," the caption reads.
Hollywood aims to expose and examine decades-old power dynamics, and reveal what the entertainment landscape might look like today if they had been dismantled. All episodes premiere May 1 pic.twitter.com/aKNSQxPMuS— See What's Next (@seewhatsnext) April 2, 2020
Netflix previously shared a poster and a premiere date, May 1, for Hollywood.
Hollywood is a limited series that Murphy has described as "a love letter to the Golden Age of Tinseltown." Criss previously said the show is a "period piece" that is "young and optimistic."
Murphy is known for creating the series Glee, American Horror Story, Scream Queens and Pose. He was to receive the Vito Russo Award at the GLAAD Media Awards, which were canceled in March due to the coronavirus outbreak.


upi--2020-04-03--Internet shutdowns disrupt human rights for millions of Ethiopians

April 3 ( UPI ) -- The people of Wollega province in the western part of Ethiopia did not have access to the Internet from January to the end of March .
Wollega province is endowed with natural resources such as coffee , gold , platinum , coal and precious stones .
It is also one of the largest provinces in Oromia region , where rebel forces such as the Oromo Liberation Front once agitated to create their own independent state .
This is the rebel group responsible for the latest attacks on government forces .
The Internet and telecommunications @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crackdown in the area , which has seen conflict between government forces and rebels .
The chief executive officer of Internet provider Ethio-Telecom said the shutdown was a result of insecurity in the province .
She apologized for the disruptions and said the company would defer to the decision of the authorities , who have announced a reconnection in western Oromia -- that is , in Kelem , west and east Wollega , and Horo Guduru Wollega .
The three-month shutdown affected the region in a number of ways .
It prevented families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the region , and contributed to an information blackout .
This significantly affected the human rights of citizens in Wollega province .
For example , the shutdown made it difficult to locate students who were abducted from a local university in January by effectively ending an online campaign for their rescue .
They have yet to be traced .
As my research shows , Internet shutdowns are not unusual in Ethiopia .
Since 2016 the Internet has been shut down at least six times .
In 2019 alone , Ethiopia experienced three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One was an attempt to protect the country from cyberattacks ; the other was to prevent leakage of school exams over the Internet ; and the third in response to high-profile assassinations in the country 's Amhara region .
I have also found that Internet shutdowns are used as a tool to muzzle freedom of expression .
When Internet access is blocked or disrupted there is an immediate impact on free speech .
Internet shutdowns interfere with the flow of information .
Internet access is especially pertinent during the current COVID-19 pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ health information .
Over the years , the Ethiopian government has given different justifications for shutting down the Internet .
Between 2016 and 2018 , when former Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn was still in power , the Internet was shut down at least three times to control cheating during exams , for national security and to quell civil disobedience .
Similar reasons have been given by the government under Abiy Ahmed , including the need to control a palace strike .
Online connectivity is relatively new in Ethiopia .
The country has one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and use .
Data from late last year show that there were just under 23 million Internet subscribers -- 20.65 percent of a the population of 115 million .
Figures from last year show Kenya with an internet penetration rate of 87.2 percent , Uganda 40.4 percent .
Nonetheless , in the past few years , Ethiopia has experienced a steady growth in Internet penetration from 0.02 percent in 2000 to 22.74 percent in 2019 .
One of the aims of Ethiopia 's second growth and transformation plan is to build a robust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a decisive role in transforming the lives of millions in Ethiopia .
Private companies and mobile telecommunication rely on it to support technology-driven services .
This includes essential banking services .
In the agricultural sector , the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange launched a gateway for direct online trading of agricultural products among farmers .
In the transport sector , the Ride app , known as the `` Ethiopian version of Uber , '' simplified the lives of many Ethiopians by offering affordable and accessible taxi services .
All these services rely on Internet connectivity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic impact .
It 's estimated that the monthlong shutdown in 2016 under Desalegn cost the country $ 8 million .
The two-week blackout in 2019 under Abiy is estimated to have cost the country $ 66.87 million .
Shutting down the Internet also has a profound impact on digital rights .
These have been recognized as human rights since 2012 when the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a landmark resolution affirming that the same rights that people have offline must also be protected online .
While many conversations on digital rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights , Internet shutdowns also have an impact on rights to education , housing , health and even social security .
Although Abiy 's administration is typically praised for human rights advancement in Ethiopia , when it comes to freedom of speech , the regime has maintained the status quo by repressing dissent offline and online .
Amid the current COVID-19 pandemic , residents in Oromia were denied access to health-related information .
Situations such as these prove that Internet shutdowns can not be the go-to solution to solve political crises .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process of shutdown and restoration should be lawful and transparent .
Ethiopia does not have comprehensive Internet regulatory laws and this must be addressed urgently .
If and when those laws are passed , they must be fair , precise and unambiguous .
The government should stipulate compensation provisions for the Internet subscribers who were affected by this latest shutdown and should issue a public apology .
Moreover , it must pay attention to the U.N. Human Rights Council Resolution of 2016 urging states to observe online rights as human rights .
Yohannes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monash University .
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license .
Read the original article .

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali's administration cited the need to control a palace strike as justification for an Internet shutdown. File Photo by Rune Hellestad/ UPI | License Photo
April 3 (UPI) -- The people of Wollega province in the western part of Ethiopia did not have access to the Internet from January to the end of March. Wollega province is endowed with natural resources such as coffee, gold, platinum, coal and precious stones. It is also one of the largest provinces in Oromia region, where rebel forces such as the Oromo Liberation Front once agitated to create their own independent state. This is the rebel group responsible for the latest attacks on government forces. Advertisement
The Internet and telecommunications blackout was connected to an ongoing security crackdown in the area, which has seen conflict between government forces and rebels. The chief executive officer of Internet provider Ethio-Telecom said the shutdown was a result of insecurity in the province. She apologized for the disruptions and said the company would defer to the decision of the authorities, who have announced a reconnection in western Oromia -- that is, in Kelem, west and east Wollega, and Horo Guduru Wollega.
Advertisement
The three-month shutdown affected the region in a number of ways.
It prevented families from communicating, severely affected humanitarian services in the region, and contributed to an information blackout. This significantly affected the human rights of citizens in Wollega province. For example, the shutdown made it difficult to locate students who were abducted from a local university in January by effectively ending an online campaign for their rescue. They have yet to be traced.
As my research shows, Internet shutdowns are not unusual in Ethiopia. Since 2016 the Internet has been shut down at least six times. In 2019 alone, Ethiopia experienced three major Internet disruptions across the country.
One was an attempt to protect the country from cyberattacks; the other was to prevent leakage of school exams over the Internet; and the third in response to high-profile assassinations in the country's Amhara region.
I have also found that Internet shutdowns are used as a tool to muzzle freedom of expression.
When Internet access is blocked or disrupted there is an immediate impact on free speech. Internet shutdowns interfere with the flow of information. Internet access is especially pertinent during the current COVID-19 pandemic. This is because people need access to health information.
Advertisement
Ethiopia's digital economy
Over the years, the Ethiopian government has given different justifications for shutting down the Internet. Between 2016 and 2018, when former Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn was still in power, the Internet was shut down at least three times to control cheating during exams, for national security and to quell civil disobedience.
Similar reasons have been given by the government under Abiy Ahmed, including the need to control a palace strike.
Online connectivity is relatively new in Ethiopia. The country has one of the lowest levels of Internet penetration and use. Data from late last year show that there were just under 23 million Internet subscribers -- 20.65 percent of a the population of 115 million. Figures from last year show Kenya with an internet penetration rate of 87.2 percent, Uganda 40.4 percent.
Nonetheless, in the past few years, Ethiopia has experienced a steady growth in Internet penetration from 0.02 percent in 2000 to 22.74 percent in 2019. One of the aims of Ethiopia's second growth and transformation plan is to build a robust digital infrastructure.
Reliance on the Internet
The Internet has played a decisive role in transforming the lives of millions in Ethiopia. Private companies and mobile telecommunication rely on it to support technology-driven services. This includes essential banking services.
Advertisement
In the agricultural sector, the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange launched a gateway for direct online trading of agricultural products among farmers. In the transport sector, the Ride app, known as the "Ethiopian version of Uber," simplified the lives of many Ethiopians by offering affordable and accessible taxi services.
All these services rely on Internet connectivity, which is why shutdowns have immense economic impact. It's estimated that the monthlong shutdown in 2016 under Desalegn cost the country $8 million. The two-week blackout in 2019 under Abiy is estimated to have cost the country $66.87 million.
Digital rights
Shutting down the Internet also has a profound impact on digital rights. These have been recognized as human rights since 2012 when the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a landmark resolution affirming that the same rights that people have offline must also be protected online.
While many conversations on digital rights tend to center around civil and political rights, Internet shutdowns also have an impact on rights to education, housing, health and even social security.
Although Abiy's administration is typically praised for human rights advancement in Ethiopia, when it comes to freedom of speech, the regime has maintained the status quo by repressing dissent offline and online.
Advertisement
Legal protections
Amid the current COVID-19 pandemic, residents in Oromia were denied access to health-related information. Situations such as these prove that Internet shutdowns cannot be the go-to solution to solve political crises. And that where they are necessary, the process of shutdown and restoration should be lawful and transparent.
Ethiopia does not have comprehensive Internet regulatory laws and this must be addressed urgently. If and when those laws are passed, they must be fair, precise and unambiguous.
The government should stipulate compensation provisions for the Internet subscribers who were affected by this latest shutdown and should issue a public apology. Moreover, it must pay attention to the U.N. Human Rights Council Resolution of 2016 urging states to observe online rights as human rights.
Yohannes Eneyew Ayalew is a PhD candidate at Monash University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Advertisement


upi--2020-04-03--NFL Draft: Tua Tagovailoa has medical recheck with input from all 32 teams

April 3 ( UPI ) -- Tua Tagovailoa had a medical recheck , with all 32 NFL teams providing input on what tests they wanted to see performed on the former Alabama star quarterback before the 2020 NFL Draft .
Sources told NFL Network , ESPN and USA Today Tagovailoa underwent the voluntary exam Thursday in Nashville .
NFL Combine representatives facilitated the event .
His representatives -- Steinberg Sports and Entertainment -- said the results of the exams were `` overwhelmingly positive '' and shared with all NFL teams .
Independent doctors -- selected by NFL team physicians -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doctors and trainers were allowed to request which types of exams they wanted to see performed .
Tagovailoa dislocated and fractured his hip during an Alabama win against Mississippi State on Nov. 16 .
He had hip surgery Nov. 18 .
He was medically cleared on March 9 .
He told NFL Network Wednesday that he feels `` 100 percent . ''
Tagovailoa did not work out at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine but has posted and shared videos of his progress on social media and with NFL teams .
`` I feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I 'd be able to go out and perform the same way I was able to perform in previous years , '' Tagovailoa said .
`` I feel as mobile as possible . ''
Tagovailoa is expected to be the second quarterback selected in the 2020 NFL Draft , behind former LSU star Joe Burrow .
He was considered the top quarterback in the draft prior to the 2019-2020 college football season .
NFL teams are not allowed to evaluate prospects in typical fashion this off-season due to the coronavirus pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent out to examine the prospects due to new league rules in response to the outbreak .
Prospects are also not allowed to visit team facilities before the draft .
The 2020 NFL Draft is set for April 23 to 25 .

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) is expected to be one of the first players selected in the 2020 NFL Draft. File Photo by Gary I Rothstein/UPI | License Photo
April 3 (UPI) -- Tua Tagovailoa had a medical recheck, with all 32 NFL teams providing input on what tests they wanted to see performed on the former Alabama star quarterback before the 2020 NFL Draft. Sources told NFL Network, ESPN and USA Today Tagovailoa underwent the voluntary exam Thursday in Nashville. NFL Combine representatives facilitated the event. His representatives -- Steinberg Sports and Entertainment -- said the results of the exams were "overwhelmingly positive" and shared with all NFL teams. Advertisement
Independent doctors -- selected by NFL team physicians -- performed the recheck. All NFL team doctors and trainers were allowed to request which types of exams they wanted to see performed.
Tagovailoa dislocated and fractured his hip during an Alabama win against Mississippi State on Nov. 16. He had hip surgery Nov. 18. He was medically cleared on March 9.
He told NFL Network Wednesday that he feels "100 percent." Tagovailoa did not work out at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine but has posted and shared videos of his progress on social media and with NFL teams.
"I feel like if there was a game today, I'd be able to go out and perform the same way I was able to perform in previous years," Tagovailoa said. "I feel as mobile as possible."
Advertisement
Tagovailoa is expected to be the second quarterback selected in the 2020 NFL Draft, behind former LSU star Joe Burrow. He was considered the top quarterback in the draft prior to the 2019-2020 college football season.
NFL teams are not allowed to evaluate prospects in typical fashion this off-season due to the coronavirus pandemic. Team doctors and trainers can't be sent out to examine the prospects due to new league rules in response to the outbreak. Prospects are also not allowed to visit team facilities before the draft.
The 2020 NFL Draft is set for April 23 to 25.


upi--2020-04-03--Libyan forces kill 20 militants loyal to opposition leader

April 3 ( UPI ) -- The Libyan government said Friday it killed 20 rebels loyal to opposition Gen. Khalifa Haftar in Sirte after accusing the militants of violating a cease-fire .
Airstrikes by the Government of National Accord , of GNA , targeted an airbase held by Haftar forces west of Tripoli .
GNA forces said it destroyed warplanes , tanks and other armored vehicles and artillery belonging to the militants .
The GNA , backed militarily by Turkey , has support from the United Nations while Haftar 's forces are allied with Egypt and the United Arab Emirates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ war since the death of Moammar Gadhafi in 2011 left a leadership vacuum in Libya .
Amid the fighting , Libya 's National Center for Disease Control reported its first death connected with the coronavirus pandemic on Thursday .
Health officials said an 85-year-old woman tested positive after her death .
The United Nations has called for both sides in the Libyan conflict to begin a cease-fire so efforts can be made to slow the disease there .
The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said it needs $ 12.5 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other safety equipment for Libya 's healthcare workers .

Vehicles and militants gather in Tripoli, Libya, on April 6, 2019. File Photo by EPA-EFE
April 3 (UPI) -- The Libyan government said Friday it killed 20 rebels loyal to opposition Gen. Khalifa Haftar in Sirte after accusing the militants of violating a cease-fire. Airstrikes by the Government of National Accord, of GNA, targeted an airbase held by Haftar forces west of Tripoli. GNA forces said it destroyed warplanes, tanks and other armored vehicles and artillery belonging to the militants. Advertisement
The GNA, backed militarily by Turkey, has support from the United Nations while Haftar's forces are allied with Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. The two sides have been at war since the death of Moammar Gadhafi in 2011 left a leadership vacuum in Libya.
Amid the fighting, Libya's National Center for Disease Control reported its first death connected with the coronavirus pandemic on Thursday.
Health officials said an 85-year-old woman tested positive after her death. The United Nations has called for both sides in the Libyan conflict to begin a cease-fire so efforts can be made to slow the disease there.
The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said it needs $12.5 million for isolation units, personal protective equipment and other safety equipment for Libya's healthcare workers.
Advertisement


upi--2020-04-03--Google promotes staying at home with new Doodle

April 3 ( UPI ) -- Google is telling users to stay home amid the COVID-19 pandemic in a new @ @ @ @ @ of the company 's name is shown inside a home , doing an activity on @ @ @ @ @ are reading a book , talking on the phone , playing music and working out @ @ @ @ @ Save lives , '' Google said alongside a link that provides steps from the World @ @ @ @ @ stop the spread of COVID-19 .
The steps include staying at home as much as @ @ @ @ @ safe distance , washing hands often , covering your cough and calling ahead if you @ @ @ @ @ in March , promoted hand washing and Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis who discovered the medical benefits @ @ @ @ @ with a new Doodle .
The internet giant provided a printable poster featuring Semmelweis explaining @ @ @ @ @ help with the COVID-19 pandemic .

Google says that staying at home can save lives amid the COVID-19 pandemic in a new Doodle. Image courtesy of Google
April 3 (UPI) -- Google is telling users to stay home amid the COVID-19 pandemic in a new Doodle. Each individual letter of the company's name is shown inside a home, doing an activity on the homepage. Advertisement
The letters are reading a book, talking on the phone, playing music and working out.
"Stay home. Save lives," Google said alongside a link that provides steps from the World Health Organization on how to stop the spread of COVID-19.
The steps include staying at home as much as you can, keeping a safe distance, washing hands often, covering your cough and calling ahead if you're sick.
Google, in March, promoted hand washing and Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis who discovered the medical benefits of hand washing in 1847 with a new Doodle.
The internet giant provided a printable poster featuring Semmelweis explaining proper hand washing techniques to help with the COVID-19 pandemic.


upi--2020-04-03--Mexican brewer halts production of Corona beer during coronavirus crisis

April 3 ( UPI ) -- Grupo Modelo , the brewer of Corona beer , will temporarily halt production and marketing operations in Mexico to comply with a coronavirus health emergency declared by the government .
Grupo Modelo , a subsidiary of Belgium-based AB InBev , said late Thursday it will stop production of its popular Corona brand and other beers beginning Sunday and is already in the process of scaling down operations to a minimal level .
The brewer operates eight plants in Mexico producing 46 national brands .
it said it considers itself part of Mexico 's agricultural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ essential service during the emergency .
Brewers are considered non-essential .
`` The government recognizes agro-industry as an essential activity , with beer being one of the most important components of this industry and the main agro-industrial export product , '' Grupo Modelo said .
`` More than 15,000 families benefit from the sowing of 150,000 hectares a year of malted barley . ''
Should the government reconsider its classification of the brewing industry , the brewer said it 's ready to resume operations with more than 75 percent of its staff working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world 's largest brewer , reported a $ 170 million decline in profits during the first two months of 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Mexican health officials declared a national emergency Monday as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases surpassed 1,000 .
Under the order , all non-essential businesses were ordered closed until April 30 .

Mexican brewer Grupo Modelo, maker of Corona beer, is temporarily halting production due to the coronavirus pandemic. File photo by Hannah McKay/EPA-EFE
April 3 (UPI) -- Grupo Modelo, the brewer of Corona beer, will temporarily halt production and marketing operations in Mexico to comply with a coronavirus health emergency declared by the government. Grupo Modelo, a subsidiary of Belgium-based AB InBev, said late Thursday it will stop production of its popular Corona brand and other beers beginning Sunday and is already in the process of scaling down operations to a minimal level. Advertisement
The brewer operates eight plants in Mexico producing 46 national brands. it said it considers itself part of Mexico's agricultural sector, which has been deemed an essential service during the emergency. Brewers are considered non-essential.
"The government recognizes agro-industry as an essential activity, with beer being one of the most important components of this industry and the main agro-industrial export product," Grupo Modelo said. "More than 15,000 families benefit from the sowing of 150,000 hectares a year of malted barley."
Should the government reconsider its classification of the brewing industry, the brewer said it's ready to resume operations with more than 75 percent of its staff working from home.
AB InBev, the world's largest brewer, reported a $170 million decline in profits during the first two months of 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Advertisement
Mexican health officials declared a national emergency Monday as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases surpassed 1,000. Under the order, all non-essential businesses were ordered closed until April 30.


upi--2020-04-03--Raiders deal for CB Eli Apple falls through; linked to Damarious Randle

April 3 ( UPI ) -- The Las Vegas Raiders ' previously agreed to contract with cornerback Eli Apple has fallen through .
Sources informed ESPN and the Las Vegas Review-Journal Thursday that the Raiders and Apple could not complete their one-year pact .
Apple will remain a free agent after initially agreeing to the deal with the Raiders on March 18 .
Former Cleveland Browns safety Damarious Randle sent a text message to ESPN Thursday saying that he has agreed to join the Raiders on a one-year contract after the news of Apple 's failed agreement surfaced .
Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , four passes defensed and a forced fumble in 15 starts last season for the New Orleans Saints .
The No .
10 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft spent his first two full seasons with the New York Giants before being traded to the Saints in 2018 .
Apple has 233 career combined tackles , 33 passes defensed , six fumble recoveries , three forced fumbles and three interceptions in 55 games .
Randall , 27 , has played at cornerback and safety during his five-year NFL tenure .
The No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NFL Draft spent his first three seasons with the Green Bay Packers before being traded to the Cleveland Browns in 2018 .
Randall had 61 total tackles , six passes defensed and 2.5 sacks in 11 starts last season for the Browns .

The Las Vegas Raiders agreed to a one-year contract with former New Orleans Saints cornerback Eli Apple (R) on March 18 before the deal fell through on Thursday. File Photo by Michael Goulding/UPI | License Photo
April 3 (UPI) -- The Las Vegas Raiders' previously agreed to contract with cornerback Eli Apple has fallen through. Sources informed ESPN and the Las Vegas Review-Journal Thursday that the Raiders and Apple could not complete their one-year pact. Apple will remain a free agent after initially agreeing to the deal with the Raiders on March 18. Advertisement
Former Cleveland Browns safety Damarious Randle sent a text message to ESPN Thursday saying that he has agreed to join the Raiders on a one-year contract after the news of Apple's failed agreement surfaced.
Apple, 24, had 58 total tackles, four passes defensed and a forced fumble in 15 starts last season for the New Orleans Saints. The No. 10 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft spent his first two full seasons with the New York Giants before being traded to the Saints in 2018. Apple has 233 career combined tackles, 33 passes defensed, six fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles and three interceptions in 55 games.
Randall, 27, has played at cornerback and safety during his five-year NFL tenure. The No. 30 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft spent his first three seasons with the Green Bay Packers before being traded to the Cleveland Browns in 2018. Randall had 61 total tackles, six passes defensed and 2.5 sacks in 11 starts last season for the Browns.


upi--2020-04-03--'The Last of Us Part II' delayed indefinitely due to COVID-19 pandemic

April 3 ( UPI ) -- PlayStation 4 exclusive titles The Last of Us Part II and Iron Man VR have been delayed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic , Sony has announced .
`` SIE has made the difficult decision to delay the launch of The Last of Us Part II and Marvel 's Iron Man VR until further notice .
Logistically , the global crisis is preventing us from providing the launch experience our players deserve , '' Sony said on Twitter .
`` Currently , there are no other delays to report , but we 'll keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a second tweet .
The Last of Us Part II , a highly-anticipated sequel to 2013 's The Last of Us , was set to be released on May 29 after it was delayed from Feb. 21 .
Iron Man VR , which can played with the PlayStation VR headset , was set to be released on May 15 after being delayed from Feb. 28 .
The game puts players directly into the role of the Marvel hero .
The Last of Us Part II developer Naughty Dog discussed the delay further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is , we 're nearly done with development of The Last of Us Part II .
We are in the midst of fixing our final bugs , '' the studio said .
`` However , even with us finishing the game , we were faced with the reality that due to logistics beyond our control , we could n't launch The Last of Us Part II to our satisfaction .
We want to make sure everyone gets to play The Last of Us Part II around the time , ensuring that we 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience for everyone .
This meant delaying the game until such a time where we can solve these logistic issues '' Naughty Dog continued .
HBO announced in March that a Last of Us television series was in development .
The adaptation is being written and executive produced by the writer and creative director of the game Neil Druckmann alongside Chernobyl creator Craig Mazin .

Update: SIE has made the difficult decision to delay the launch of The Last of Us Part II and Marvel's Iron Man VR until further notice. Logistically, the global crisis is preventing us from providing the launch experience our players deserve.— PlayStation (@PlayStation) April 2, 2020
April 3 (UPI) -- PlayStation 4 exclusive titles The Last of Us Part II and Iron Man VR have been delayed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sony has announced.
"SIE has made the difficult decision to delay the launch of The Last of Us Part II and Marvel's Iron Man VR until further notice. Logistically, the global crisis is preventing us from providing the launch experience our players deserve," Sony said on Twitter.
Advertisement
"Currently, there are no other delays to report, but we'll keep you updated," the company continued in a second tweet.
The Last of Us Part II, a highly-anticipated sequel to 2013's The Last of Us, was set to be released on May 29 after it was delayed from Feb. 21.
Iron Man VR, which can played with the PlayStation VR headset, was set to be released on May 15 after being delayed from Feb. 28. The game puts players directly into the role of the Marvel hero.
The Last of Us Part II developer Naughty Dog discussed the delay further on Twitter.
"The good news is, we're nearly done with development of The Last of Us Part II. We are in the midst of fixing our final bugs," the studio said.
Advertisement
"However, even with us finishing the game, we were faced with the reality that due to logistics beyond our control, we couldn't launch The Last of Us Part II to our satisfaction. We want to make sure everyone gets to play The Last of Us Part II around the time, ensuring that we're doing everything possible to preserve the best experience for everyone. This meant delaying the game until such a time where we can solve these logistic issues" Naughty Dog continued.
A message from us about the delay of The Last of Us Part II: pic.twitter.com/aGsSRfmJ8a— Naughty Dog (@Naughty_Dog) April 2, 2020
HBO announced in March that a Last of Us television series was in development. The adaptation is being written and executive produced by the writer and creative director of the game Neil Druckmann alongside Chernobyl creator Craig Mazin.