buzzfeednews--2020-03-02--I Went To The Salt Bae Restaurant

I Went To The Salt Bae Restaurant

I mean , what was I expecting ?
No one goes to a restaurant predicated on the owner ’ s virality anticipating an impressive culinary experience .
But what ’ s really surprising about # SaltBae , the new restaurant from Turkish chef and human meme Nusret Gökçe , is that the food doesn ’ t even taste bad .
For food to be unpleasant , it has to taste like anything .
Anything at all .
But going to # SaltBae is not really about the food , even though finishing a meal there constitutes some kind of personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and mouth .
This isn ’ t even Gökçe ’ s first American restaurant .
He also owns the Nusr-Et chain , which is expensive and apparently terrible .
His newest culinary experience , located near New York ’ s Union Square , recently opened after being under construction for around a year .
( There are plans to expand to Miami next . )
And the reviews are , like the food , not great .
“ OK , I understand that this is a restaurant based on a meme , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said one Yelp reviewer , “ but the experience I just had far surpassed how bad I ever imagined it could be.
” The Saltbae Baklava Shake ( $ 24.95 ) , which is served in a glass covered with tasteless pistachio shards , doesn ’ t even have the audacity to taste like vanilla , which I suppose it is intended to be , though I only suspect this because it was made into a frothy white substance with the texture of thick water .
The triangle of baklava placed on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is stale but salty , which is great because at least salty is a flavor .
The Wet Burger ( $ 9.95 ) , named thusly because it is very wet , is the size of a McDonald ’ s kids meal hamburger ; the patty smells strongly of cumin but curiously tastes like absolutely nothing .
If you squeeze it , it oozes greasy tears .
The signature Saltbae Burger ( $ 22.50 ) is served in a black bun , and though its name suggests a stunty , high blood pressure–inducing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like anything .
The Veggie Burger — which , in an ill-conceived marketing stunt , was previously listed as free for ladies but is now complimentary for all patrons — tastes like peas and eggs .
The bun is pink , which I guess is meant to make it more appealing for me , a woman , but I suppose now others are allowed to eat it too .
The truffle fries ( HOW CAN YOU RUIN TRUFFLE FRIES ?
?
? )
are aggressively fragrant but taste like blanched potatoes .
Each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filled with flaky salt and a wooden spoon , a blessing since you ’ ll need to cover all your food in it in order to experience anything close to flavor .
The garlic mayo , which cost an extra $ 1.50 , actually tasted like garlic .
I was so overwhelmed I almost wept : hark , a flavor .
Attempting to eat my meal , it became clear that # SaltBae is the opposite of a Guy Fieri restaurant .
This is no flavortown .
But like I was saying , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food , nor should it be .
You go to # SaltBae so you can Instagram your dining experience , or run into the restaurant ’ s namesake and beg him for a selfie , or tell your friends , “ I went to # SaltBae and all I got was indigestion.
” It ’ s like the Museum of Ice Cream all over again — less about the experience itself than about your ability to show people you had the experience .
This despite the fact that the restaurant itself isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a good setting for a TikTok video since the back half was completely empty at lunchtime on a Friday afternoon .
The space itself looks like a half-finished Starbucks Reserve , but with less charm and some of the most ergonomically unpleasant booth seating I ’ ve ever experienced .
Plus : It ’ s just lousy with bros in pea coats .
Did I mention you get a set of black gloves to eat all your food with ?
You do .
I don ’ t know why .
I don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But why begrudge Gökçe for capitalizing off the incredibly stupid way he sprinkles salt on meat ?
What ’ s the point of going viral if you ’ re not able to turn it into something — a business , a profit margin , a brand ?
Should viral stars not be able to profit off their virality — even if in this case the product in question might kill me ?
Lil Nas X made a song about riding a horse and turned it into a career .
Kalen Allen ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing the same thing on Ellen .
That stupid Walmart yodeling kid is 13 and already signed to Atlantic .
The old saying is that when you die , you can ’ t take your money with you , but you can ’ t take your viral fame either .
Might as well open a restaurant while you have it .
Or sell some ugly T-shirts .
“ Make ” an eyeshadow palette shaped like a pizza .
Do your best — or , more accurately , your worst — while you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comically dark glasses wants 20 bucks for a burger that tastes like chewing on your own tongue ?
Fine .
He ’ s earned it .
Shut up and give him your money .
Put on those black gloves that come with every burger as if you ’ re handling something radioactive and worry about potential diarrhea later .
( I did get diarrhea later . )
This is how the world works now , and turning your nose up at the poor quality of the latest money grab from viral stars won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new norm .
The burgers are bad , but that ’ s not really the point .
Go to # SaltBae and have a terrible meal .
Try to have a conversation while they blast a decade-old Jonas Brothers song so loud that you can ’ t hear yourself think .
Laugh at how stupid it is , how dumb you are for going to a restaurant that ’ s just an internet stunt come to life .
Take photos of yourself in the least sexy bathroom in Manhattan , and I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Station in this assessment .
Stand in the middle of the restaurant and gaze upon the ginormous “ # SaltBae ” sign , and think about how poorly a hashtag-based marketing scheme will age when Twitter finally breaks down after we all get the coronavirus .
Ultimately , you just have to accept that the joke ’ s on you .
But whatever you do , just don ’ t get the wet burger .
Generally speaking , avoid buying food where the main selling point is that it ’ s “ damp.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ practical advice .
●

I mean, what was I expecting?
No one goes to a restaurant predicated on the owner’s virality anticipating an impressive culinary experience. But what’s really surprising about #SaltBae, the new restaurant from Turkish chef and human meme Nusret Gökçe, is that the food doesn’t even taste bad. For food to be unpleasant, it has to taste like anything. Anything at all. But going to #SaltBae is not really about the food, even though finishing a meal there constitutes some kind of personal victory over your own body and instincts and mouth. This isn’t even Gökçe’s first American restaurant. He also owns the Nusr-Et chain, which is expensive and apparently terrible. His newest culinary experience, located near New York’s Union Square, recently opened after being under construction for around a year. (There are plans to expand to Miami next.) And the reviews are, like the food, not great. “OK, I understand that this is a restaurant based on a meme, which should be enough to stay away,” said one Yelp reviewer, “but the experience I just had far surpassed how bad I ever imagined it could be.”
The Saltbae Baklava Shake ($24.95), which is served in a glass covered with tasteless pistachio shards, doesn’t even have the audacity to taste like vanilla, which I suppose it is intended to be, though I only suspect this because it was made into a frothy white substance with the texture of thick water. The triangle of baklava placed on top of additional mounds of whipped cream is stale but salty, which is great because at least salty is a flavor.
The Wet Burger ($9.95), named thusly because it is very wet, is the size of a McDonald’s kids meal hamburger; the patty smells strongly of cumin but curiously tastes like absolutely nothing. If you squeeze it, it oozes greasy tears. The signature Saltbae Burger ($22.50) is served in a black bun, and though its name suggests a stunty, high blood pressure–inducing meal, it doesn’t taste like anything. The Veggie Burger — which, in an ill-conceived marketing stunt, was previously listed as free for ladies but is now complimentary for all patrons — tastes like peas and eggs. The bun is pink, which I guess is meant to make it more appealing for me, a woman, but I suppose now others are allowed to eat it too.


buzzfeednews--2020-03-03--The Coronavirus Newsletter: 9 Dead In Washington State

This is the second edition of our new daily newsletter covering the coronavirus outbreak .
If you find it useful , you can sign up for it here .
And please pass it along to anyone else who you think might appreciate it !
There ’ s a lot we still don ’ t know about the coronavirus outbreak .
This newsletter will do its best to put everything we do know in one place each day .
We ’ re not about sensationalizing things , freaking people out , or speculating about how bad it ’ s going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want answered ?
You can always get in touch .
And if you 're someone who is seeing the impact of this firsthand , we ’ d also love to hear from you ( and you can reach out to us via one of our tip line channels ) .
And with that , here ’ s what we know as of Tuesday , March 3 .
Coronavirus in the US As of Tuesday afternoon , there have been 108 confirmed cases and 9 deaths in the US .
These numbers were accurate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can get the latest figures from our live tracker .
The Washington state outbreak may have been spreading for weeks Nine people have died and 19 have tested positive , but the total number might be much higher , according to scientists who studied two separate coronavirus cases there .
The genetic similarities between the two suggest the virus has been jumping from person to person in Washington for some time .
If it has been spreading this way , rather than just being brought back from abroad by infected people , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harder , if not impossible , to contain this virus , ” says Columbia University virologist Angela Rasmussen .
One of the biggest failures in the US response has been the lack of testing China has likely tested millions of people , South Korea can do 10,000 tests per day .
So far , the US has done just hundreds of tests , and scientists say it ’ s a major failure by federal authorities .
Without more tests , it ’ s very hard to know where the outbreak is spreading and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CDC is taking most of the blame for the failure so far , but according to Politico , people within the CDC and the White House are “ increasingly pointing the finger at one leader : Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar , who they say failed to coordinate the response.
” The economic impact is becoming clear The Federal Reserve announced the first emergency interest rate cut since the financial crisis today , saying that while the US economy is still strong , there are “ evolving risks to economic activity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re keeping a running list of all the conferences and events that have already been canceled , and here ’ s an explainer of why the stock market keeps tanking .
And here are images of the supermarkets being emptied by panic shopping across the country .
What to do if you think you have coronavirus Vice has a nice , straightforward guide for what to do if you start feeling sick and are worried it might be coronavirus .
First things first : Don ’ t panic .
Most people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms , don ’ t need aggressive treatment , and quickly make a full recovery .
But that doesn ’ t mean you should ignore it !
If you ’ re experiencing the symptoms — a fever , a cough , and shortness of breath are the most common ones , the CDC says — call a clinic and ask what to do ; you can ’ t just show up and ask to be tested .
They ’ ll talk you through what to do next .
Tip of the day Seriously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touching your face all the time .
It ’ s really hard , but along with regularly washing your hands , it ’ s “ the one behavior that would be better than any vaccine ever created , ” one doctor told the Washington Post .
“ Just stop this simple behavior .
Stop picking , licking , biting , rubbing — it ’ s the most effective way to prevent a pandemic.
” And not just with coronavirus — it ’ s also a pro move in flu season in general .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to destroy the marriages of the rich .
All these husbands and wives who travel will now have to spend time with the person they ’ re married to.
” —Mitchell Moss , who studies urban policy and planning at New York University , in “ How the Rich Are Preparing for Coronavirus ” ( Bloomberg ) The other quote of the day “ To keep ground beef and chicken breasts moving , meat companies need to continually turn over their inventory , which has a limited shelf life even when frozen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it or smell it principle , ” said Christine McCracken , protein analyst for agricultural lender Rabobank .
— “ Meat Stockpiles Surge as Coronavirus Epidemic Curbs Exports ” ( WSJ ) If you 're liking the newsletter , you can sign up for it here and get it straight to your inbox each day .
As of Sunday , March 1 , there have been 92,808 confirmed cases and 3,159 deaths globally .
These numbers are changing by the hour ; you can get the latest figures from our live tracker .

What we’re reading and watching
What to do if you think you have coronavirus
Vice has a nice, straightforward guide for what to do if you start feeling sick and are worried it might be coronavirus. First things first: Don’t panic. Most people who’ve been infected experience only mild symptoms, don’t need aggressive treatment, and quickly make a full recovery.
But that doesn’t mean you should ignore it! If you’re experiencing the symptoms — a fever, a cough, and shortness of breath are the most common ones, the CDC says — call a clinic and ask what to do; you can’t just show up and ask to be tested. They’ll talk you through what to do next.
Tip of the day
Seriously, try to train yourself to stop touching your face all the time. It’s really hard, but along with regularly washing your hands, it’s “the one behavior that would be better than any vaccine ever created,” one doctor told the Washington Post. “Just stop this simple behavior. Stop picking, licking, biting, rubbing — it’s the most effective way to prevent a pandemic.” And not just with coronavirus — it’s also a pro move in flu season in general.
Quote of the day
“This is going to destroy the marriages of the rich. All these husbands and wives who travel will now have to spend time with the person they’re married to.”
—Mitchell Moss, who studies urban policy and planning at New York University, in “How the Rich Are Preparing for Coronavirus” (Bloomberg)
The other quote of the day
“To keep ground beef and chicken breasts moving, meat companies need to continually turn over their inventory, which has a limited shelf life even when frozen. “It’s the sell it or smell it principle,” said Christine McCracken, protein analyst for agricultural lender Rabobank.
—“Meat Stockpiles Surge as Coronavirus Epidemic Curbs Exports” (WSJ)
If you're liking the newsletter, you can sign up for it here and get it straight to your inbox each day.
Coronavirus around the world
As of Sunday, March 1, there have been 92,808 confirmed cases and 3,159 deaths globally. These numbers are changing by the hour; you can get the latest figures from our live tracker.


buzzfeednews--2020-03-03--Apple Takes WWDC Online-Only As The Coronavirus Spreads

Apple is taking its Worldwide Developers Conference online-only due to coronavirus concerns .
“ The current health situation has required @ @ @ @ @ WWDC 2020 format that delivers a full program with an online keynote and sessions , @ @ @ @ @ for our entire developer community , all around the world , '' Phil Schiller , @ @ @ @ @ president of worldwide marketing , said in a statement , `` We will be sharing @ @ @ @ @ the weeks ahead.
” With businesses across the country limiting travel to keep their employees @ @ @ @ @ of the disease , more cancellations are likely .
These gatherings can cause further transmissions @ @ @ @ @ for instance , linked a single conference to 70 cases in the state .
Here @ @ @ @ @ of all the gatherings that will no longer be going forward .
We ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ hear more .

Apple is taking its Worldwide Developers Conference online-only due to coronavirus concerns.
“The current health situation has required that we create a new WWDC 2020 format that delivers a full program with an online keynote and sessions, offering a great learning experience for our entire developer community, all around the world," Phil Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing, said in a statement, "We will be sharing all of the details in the weeks ahead.”
With businesses across the country limiting travel to keep their employees safe and mitigate further spread of the disease, more cancellations are likely. These gatherings can cause further transmissions. Officials in Massachusetts, for instance, linked a single conference to 70 cases in the state.
Here’s a full list of all the gatherings that will no longer be going forward. We’ll update this list as we hear more.
February
21 WordCamp Asia
24–27 Mobile World Congress
March
3–5 Zendesk Relate
3–7 Expo West
2–6 American Physical Society March Meeting
6–8 Amnesty International Annual General Meeting
9–13 CERAweek Energy Conference
9–12 Facebook Global Marketing Summit
10–12 London Book Fair
13–20 SXSW
14–17 The Inspired Home Show
15–20 Microsoft MVP Global Summit
16–20 Lunar and Planetary Science Conference
16–20 Game Developers Conference (postponed)
22–26 NVIDIA GTC
3/29–4/20 Adobe Summit (online-only)
April
1–2 Oktane20 Live (online-only)
3–6 Society for News Design (postponed)
6–8 Google Cloud Next (online-only)
13–19 The World Bank and International Monetary Fund Spring Meetings
20–24 TED (Either postponed or online-only)
23–25 Lesbians Who Tech & Allies (postponed)
25 A&E Upfront
TBD Ralph Lauren April Fashion Show
May
1–2 Facebook F8 (virtual and local events replace the San Jose gathering)
5–6 Shopify Unite (online-only)
5–7 IBM Think
12–14 Google I/O
13–15 Clear 2020
June
9–11 E3
TBD WWDC (online-only)


buzzfeednews--2020-04-03--If Your Location History Is Turned On, Google Is Using Your Data To See If Coronavirus Lockdowns Are

If Your Location History Is Turned On, Google Is Using Your Data To See If Coronavirus Lockdowns Are Working

The journalists at BuzzFeed News are proud to bring you trustworthy and relevant reporting about the coronavirus .
To help keep this news free , become a member and sign up for our newsletter , Outbreak Today .
Google is using the location data it collects from billions of smartphones to show how people ’ s movements have changed as governments around the world lock down cities and issue shelter in place orders to slow down the spread of the coronavirus .
Reports generated using this data , which is normally used to show how busy a certain location is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says does not identify individual people , are freely available on a brand-new website called COVID-19 Community Mobility Reports .
“ We have heard from public health officials that this same type of aggregated , anonymized data could be helpful as they make critical decisions to combat COVID-19 , ” wrote Google senior vice president Jen Fitzpatrick and Karen DeSalvo , chief health officer for Google Health , in a blog post published Friday .
The data is currently available for 131 countries , and in many locations including the US , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Selecting a region on the website generates the report as a PDF , which shows the increase or decrease in the percentage of people visiting six broad categories of places : retail and recreational spaces such as restaurants , shopping centers , and museums ; grocery and pharmacy stores ; parks and public beaches ; transit stations ; workplaces ; and residences .
According to the COVID-19 Community Mobility Reports website , the change in percentage in each report is a comparison between the most up to date data , retrieved between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an average over five weeks between Jan. 3 and Feb. 6 .
A report for California , where a shelter-in-place order has been in effect since March 19 , for instance , shows a large dip in crowds in places like restaurants and cafés , and public transport hubs like bus and train stations , while showing a small uptick in the number of people staying put at home .

Google is using the location data it collects from billions of smartphones to show how people’s movements have changed as governments around the world lock down cities and issue shelter in place orders to slow down the spread of the coronavirus.
Reports generated using this data, which is normally used to show how busy a certain location is on Google Maps, and which Google says does not identify individual people, are freely available on a brand-new website called COVID-19 Community Mobility Reports.
“We have heard from public health officials that this same type of aggregated, anonymized data could be helpful as they make critical decisions to combat COVID-19,” wrote Google senior vice president Jen Fitzpatrick and Karen DeSalvo, chief health officer for Google Health, in a blog post published Friday.
The data is currently available for 131 countries, and in many locations including the US, you can also access data for individual counties.
Selecting a region on the website generates the report as a PDF, which shows the increase or decrease in the percentage of people visiting six broad categories of places: retail and recreational spaces such as restaurants, shopping centers, and museums; grocery and pharmacy stores; parks and public beaches; transit stations; workplaces; and residences.
According to the COVID-19 Community Mobility Reports website, the change in percentage in each report is a comparison between the most up to date data, retrieved between 48 and 72 hours ago, and an average over five weeks between Jan. 3 and Feb. 6.
A report for California, where a shelter-in-place order has been in effect since March 19, for instance, shows a large dip in crowds in places like restaurants and cafés, and public transport hubs like bus and train stations, while showing a small uptick in the number of people staying put at home.


buzzfeednews--2020-04-03--A Cluster Of Coronavirus Cases Can Be Traced Back To A Single Mosque And Now 200 Million Muslims Are

A Cluster Of Coronavirus Cases Can Be Traced Back To A Single Mosque And Now 200 Million Muslims Are Being Vilified

Six COVID-19 deaths have been linked to a religious gathering in March .
It ’ s led to a huge spike in anti-Muslim narratives and misinformation .
NEW DELHI — At the start of March , thousands of people gathered in India for a meeting held by one of the world ’ s largest Muslims groups .
Attendees hitched rides , took trains , boarded buses , and caught flights , crossing state borders and passing through international airports , arriving in thousands in New Delhi from across Asia .
At the time , the world appeared to be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social-distancing measures were being introduced , India , along with most other countries , was still waking up to the coronavirus ; it would not be until March 11 that the World Health Organization ( WHO ) officially declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic , while India itself did not go into lockdown until March 24 .
Now , Indian authorities fear that many thousands of people may have been exposed to the virus as a result of the congregation of the Tablighi Jamaat group at a mosque in the Nizamuddin neighborhood of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , at least 647 attendees have shown symptoms of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the novel coronavirus , while six people have already died .
( India has officially recorded 2,567 cases and 72 deaths . )
The consequences of this outbreak are potentially massive : officials in South Korea tracked an explosion in cases of the coronavirus in that country to a single member of a religious sect .
While the Tablighi Jamaat is far from the only group in India that has ignored social distancing instructions across the country , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been singled out as a scapegoat .
On March 8 , when the New Delhi government had already shut down schools and asked people to avoid large gatherings , Indian President Ram Nath Kovind attended an awards ceremony along with hundreds of other people .
But in India , news channels have focused on the link between the religious gathering in Nizamuddin and the spread of the virus , which in turn has led to a huge increase in anti-Muslim sentiment .
They have been fanning the flames of communal hatred , declaring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ corona-jihadis ” in an act of terrorism .
And anti-Muslim narratives are being turbo-charged by constant disinformation spread online and via WhatsApp .
Making matters worse was an audio clip that emerged last week , shared on WhatsApp and broadcast on some news channels , in which the voice of a man called on Muslims to reject social distancing and continue to gather at mosques .
“ They say that the infection will spread if you gather at a mosque , this is false , ” the voice on the recording says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the mosque , then this is the best place to die.
” Indian news channels and WhatsApp forwards have said the voice belongs to Maulana Saad , the 56-year-old organizer of the religious gathering where thousands of Muslims met in March .
The clip was originally posted on the YouTube page of Saad ’ s mosque in mid-March , according to the Indian news channel NDTV , before later being removed .
Since the clip emerged , Saad has gone into hiding .
Now anyone visiting the mosque ’ s YouTube page @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in quarantine and calling on everyone to follow the government ’ s orders to stay at home .
“ Staying at home is the only way to calm the wrath of God .
It is important that we follow the advice of doctors and the guidelines issued by the administration , ” he said .
“ We must cooperate with the government , wherever our members are .
Quarantine yourself , no matter where you are , it is not against Islam or sharia.
” But for some , this statement was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ television dubs Saad the “ mastermind ” of a terrorist operation meant to infect the whole of India , drawing blame away from the Indian government ’ s missteps in responding to the virus .
While China and the US blame each other for the origin of the virus , and some have even falsely suggested that the coronavirus is a bioweapon , in India , the most popular conspiracy theory is that the spread of the virus can be solely blamed on Muslims .
“ The narrative being spread is Muslims will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of law , which means that they won ’ t follow instructions for their own good or the good of the community , said Karen Rebelo , deputy editor at Boom , an Indian fact-checking website .
“ The other line of thinking is that Islam wants to punish kaffirs ( nonbelievers ) and actively spreading the virus would get rid of them.
” “ The whole world is under a mental siege because of the coronavirus , ” said Nazia Erum , author of Mothering A Muslim .
“ When you add @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even more scary.
” Discrimination against India ’ s 200 million Muslims has been on the rise ever since Narendra Modi was elected as the country ’ s prime minister in 2014 , and reelected in a landslide in 2019 .
Modi , who rose to power on a wave of Hindu nationalism , has been accused of turning India from a secular democracy toward an authoritarian state dominated by Hindus .
During Modi ’ s administrations , violence against Muslims has gone up , and a muscular far right has flourished online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows of opposition .
At the end of last year , millions of Indians took to the streets to protest against a new citizenship law passed by the government that fast-tracks Indian citizenship for immigrants from most major South Asian religions except Islam .
Tablighi Jamaat , which means “ group that propagates the faith ” in Arabic , is a Muslim outreach society with members in over 150 countries .
After members congregate every few months , it is customary for them to travel , knocking on the doors of other Muslims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they consider a truer form of Islam , which involves dressing and living in more traditional ways .
Social media has been awash with misinformation and hate on the unfolding drama around the COVID-19 cases that have been traced back to the Muslim gathering in New Delhi .
Hashtags like # CoronaJihad , # NizamuddinIdiots , and # BanJahilJamat ( “ ban the vile gathering ” ) have dominated Twitter ’ s trending topics section in India .
Top officials from India ’ s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP ) have used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ corona terrorism ” to describe the gathering in Nizamuddin .
Rebelo , from the fact-checking website Boom , said she wasn ’ t surprised at the backlash linking Muslims to the pandemic .
Ever since anti-Muslim riots in New Delhi at the end of February killed more than 50 people , Rebelo said that she has noticed a steady rise in WhatsApp forwards calling for businesses owned by Muslims to be boycotted , and fake videos purporting to show Muslims selling contaminated food .
Despite this , she said that the overall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Indian internet slowed in the weeks between when the riots ended and the coronavirus outbreak started dominating the news in India .
“ There was only health-related misinformation for a long time , ” she said .
But the Tablighi Jamaat outbreak gave fresh impetus to members of the Indian far-right to unleash anti-Muslim propaganda that they had been holding back for some time once again , Rebelo said .
The examples are almost too wild to believe .
One viral video shows a group of men in skullcaps licking utensils , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infecting silverware to spread the coronavirus .
A debunk from Indian fact-checking website AltNews showed that the video , which appears to have originated in 2018 , is actually of a sect of Muslims who believe eating leftovers prevents them from wasting food .
Another video , shared by an editor of a prominent news wire agency , claimed that a mosque in the city of Patna was sheltering 30 people from Italy and Iran , among the countries that have been worst hit by the coronavirus .
An Indian far-right website said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be Uighur Muslims from China .
AltNews found both claims were fake .
“ They ’ re all similar , ” said Pratik Sinha , editor of AltNews .
“ The objective is to vilify Muslims.
” Photos from a crowded Muslim neighborhood in the city of Kolkata , and separate ones from Pakistan , claimed that Muslims weren ’ t following social distancing rules .
The images were shared by prominent Indian politicians , including the governor of Meghalaya , a state in northeast India , but fact-checking websites showed that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Wednesday , a viral video that received thousands of shares and views on Facebook and Twitter purported to show a group of Muslim men breathing out hard in a coordinated fashion .
Far-right accounts claimed that the video was shot at the Hazrat Nizamuddin mosque in New Delhi , proof of Muslims deliberately spreading the coronavirus .
According to Indian fact-checkers , the clip was at least a month old and showed Sufi Muslims practicing a religious custom where they speak Allah ’ s name with their breaths in unison .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it wasn ’ t shot there .
On Thursday , a video showing men in hats blowing into food packets in a kitchen went viral on WhatsApp , Facebook , and Twitter with a Hindi caption that claimed the men were Muslims cooks in a kitchen trying to spread the virus to customers .
“ This is the sick mentality of these people who wear caps , ” said the caption .
It was shared by prominent far-right Indian Twitter accounts , as well as by members of the BJP , one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a boycott of “ such shops.
” A debunk showed that the video was actually from Malaysia and at least a year old .
On Friday , a video of a Muslim man spitting on a police officer went viral on Twitter and Facebook .
The video claimed to be a shot during the coronavirus lockdown .
But Boom found that the video was from February , and the man in question spat on the cop for denying him home-cooked food in custody .
Tying Muslims to the pandemic is about fostering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ population , said Erum , the author .
“ It ’ s about making the general public feel like a certain community is actively trying to put them and their loved ones at risk out of some malicious agenda.
” ●

But in India, news channels have focused on the link between the religious gathering in Nizamuddin and the spread of the virus, which in turn has led to a huge increase in anti-Muslim sentiment. They have been fanning the flames of communal hatred, declaring that the virus is being spread by “corona-jihadis” in an act of terrorism. And anti-Muslim narratives are being turbo-charged by constant disinformation spread online and via WhatsApp.
Making matters worse was an audio clip that emerged last week, shared on WhatsApp and broadcast on some news channels, in which the voice of a man called on Muslims to reject social distancing and continue to gather at mosques.
“They say that the infection will spread if you gather at a mosque, this is false,” the voice on the recording says. “If you die by coming to the mosque, then this is the best place to die.”
Indian news channels and WhatsApp forwards have said the voice belongs to Maulana Saad, the 56-year-old organizer of the religious gathering where thousands of Muslims met in March. The clip was originally posted on the YouTube page of Saad’s mosque in mid-March, according to the Indian news channel NDTV, before later being removed.
Since the clip emerged, Saad has gone into hiding. Now anyone visiting the mosque’s YouTube page can hear Saad saying he is self-isolating in quarantine and calling on everyone to follow the government’s orders to stay at home.
“Staying at home is the only way to calm the wrath of God. It is important that we follow the advice of doctors and the guidelines issued by the administration,” he said. “We must cooperate with the government, wherever our members are. Quarantine yourself, no matter where you are, it is not against Islam or sharia.”
But for some, this statement was not enough. Every night, Indian primetime television dubs Saad the “mastermind” of a terrorist operation meant to infect the whole of India, drawing blame away from the Indian government’s missteps in responding to the virus.
While China and the US blame each other for the origin of the virus, and some have even falsely suggested that the coronavirus is a bioweapon, in India, the most popular conspiracy theory is that the spread of the virus can be solely blamed on Muslims.
“The narrative being spread is Muslims will always follow Islamic laws over the rule of law, which means that they won’t follow instructions for their own good or the good of the community, said Karen Rebelo, deputy editor at Boom, an Indian fact-checking website. “The other line of thinking is that Islam wants to punish kaffirs (nonbelievers) and actively spreading the virus would get rid of them.”


buzzfeednews--2020-04-02--Here Are 8 Quick Tips To Keep You From Getting "Zoombombed" By Trolls

Like most things , not tweeting is always a good idea .
More people are turning toward teleconferencing to work from home , connect with friends , or conduct day-to-day meetings while self-isolating during the coronavirus pandemic .
Unfortunately , so are racist trolls .
In the past few days , multiple people have reported uninvited trolls crashing Zoom teleconferencing calls and hijacking meetings with racist or graphic images .
People of color and universities , which have had to resort to online courses , have become frequent targets , prompting local investigations and the FBI to get involved .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a series of tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of `` Zoombombing . ''
The Anti-Defamation League , which has seen white supremacists use the crashing tactic to push hateful messages , has also offered a checklist to safeguard users .
Here 's a list of the best tips on how to avoid `` Zoombombing '' and how to keep control of your meetings once they 're underway .
1 .
Never Tweet .
Do n't Facebook .
Do n't post it on Instagram .
Not on school forums .
Just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is visible to anyone but those you intended to invite to the meeting , then the meeting is no longer a private one .
`` When you share your meeting link on social media or other public forums , that makes your event … extremely public , '' according to Zoom .
That includes not just posts on social media , but on electronic school bulletin boards that can be accessible to anyone .
Log into your Zoom account ( on the web , not the app ) and simply click on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That will open up the password options for all Zoom meetings , including scheduled , instant , and personal ID meetings .
When you create a new meeting , a random password will be assigned to the meeting .
You can use that , or make one up yourself .
Of course , the rule of not making your password something obvious applies .
Make sure that when setting up new meetings , the password setting is on .
You can also go back to your previously scheduled meetings and edit the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are inviting people to a meeting already in progress , the meeting ID and the randomized password will appear in the screen and be sent out in the email invite .
This helps you , the host , control not just who joins the meeting , but when .
With this feature you can allow people in one at a time ( which is fine for smaller groups ) or all at once after reviewing the list of people in there ( probably better for larger groups ) .
You can also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who are not in your Zoom account — guests — in the waiting room , or just place everyone there automatically .
This too can be accessed under the Settings option , under the Meeting tab .
Taking control of the screen is one of the ways that `` Zoombombers '' have hijacked meetings in recent days , using the feature to display racist or pornographic images .
Disabling this feature might not prevent people from crashing your meeting , but it would take away a troll 's ability , and incentive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is especially helpful if the troll might have been able to somehow get on your invite list or gotten their hands on your meeting password .
To do this during the meeting , click on the arrow ( ^ ) which is just to the right of the Share Screen on the bottom of the host control panel .
After the meeting is underway , it is still a good idea to lock it all down to prevent uninvited guests from arriving .
You can do this pretty quickly at the beginning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manage Participants in the bottom menu of the screen .
The list of participants will show up on the screen and , on the bottom right hand side you will see the options to Mute ( also a good idea ) , Unmute All , or More .
Click on More , and then the option to Lock Meeting will show up , blocking any new participants from joining .
Kicking out trolls is probably the simplest solution if someone managed to crash one of your meetings .
All you have to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( bottom of your screen during a meeting ) .
Once you go toward their name , the option to Remove will show up .
However , victims of `` Zoombombing '' told BuzzFeed News they have often seen their meetings infiltrated by dozens of unwanted guests .
Sometimes , including in classes where multiple people are expected to join , up to a 100 unidentified trolls have managed to sneak their way in , suggesting that Zoombombing has regrettably turned into a group activity .
If this happens , kicking out individual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making sure that you have locked down your meeting with passwords and randomized meeting IDs is the best way to go .
Your Personal ID number is like a never-ending meeting .
Using this for any meeting is probably a bad idea , since trolls might use that to crash your meetings .
This is done by clicking on your personal Settings and clicking on the Meeting tab .
Scroll down and disable the option to use your Personal Meeting ID when starting scheduled or instant meetings .

More people are turning toward teleconferencing to work from home, connect with friends, or conduct day-to-day meetings while self-isolating during the coronavirus pandemic.
Unfortunately, so are racist trolls.
In the past few days, multiple people have reported uninvited trolls crashing Zoom teleconferencing calls and hijacking meetings with racist or graphic images.
People of color and universities, which have had to resort to online courses, have become frequent targets, prompting local investigations and the FBI to get involved.
In response, Zoom has offered users a series of tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of "Zoombombing." The Anti-Defamation League, which has seen white supremacists use the crashing tactic to push hateful messages, has also offered a checklist to safeguard users.
Here's a list of the best tips on how to avoid "Zoombombing" and how to keep control of your meetings once they're underway.
1. Never Tweet. Don't Facebook. Don't post it on Instagram. Not on school forums. Just. Don't.


buzzfeednews--2020-04-03--A Conspiracy Theory That 5G Is Causing The Coronavirus Is Spreading Alongside The Pandemic

Even actor Woody Harrelson has succumbed to the baseless hoax that cellphone infrastructure is spreading the coronavirus .
New Agers , right-wingers , and QAnon conspiracy theorists think global elites are using 5G to spread the coronavirus pandemic .
The paranoia about 5G — the industry term for the fifth generation of wireless communications infrastructure — has risen for the last few years , but as the world battles the pandemic , a baseless hoax has spread that the technology that runs cellphones could secretly be causing the outbreak .
On Wednesday , actor Woody Harrelson posted about the conspiracy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ a lot of my friends have been talking about the negative effects of 5G.
” On Thursday , a 5G tower in Birmingham , England , went up in flames after a local Facebook group was flooded with anti-5G comments .
( Local authorities said that it could have possibly been an electrical issue , but are awaiting further information before investigating . )
5G has so far rolled out in about 40 countries worldwide , most notably South Korea and China , but also in dozens of US cities , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus , fears about 5G tended to focus on cancer , the risk of which people feared could be increased from cellphone radiation .
The evidence to support such a fear is weak to nonexistent , although meteorologists have worried that the technology could disrupt weather satellite forecasts .
Misinformation falsely claiming the coronavirus is a bioweapon has circulated since English-language reports of the outbreak began circulating in January .
Depending on which internet rabbit hole you fall down , the coronavirus was created by the Chinese government , is part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CEO Bill Gates , or stemmed from a tainted batch of children ’ s blood that the world ’ s celebrities drink to stay young .
So perhaps it was somewhat inevitable that these two separate conspiracy theories — that 5G had some evil purpose and that the coronavirus was a bioweapon — would graft themselves onto each other .
The ever-changing nature of the global pandemic has meant that groups like New Agers , right-wingers , and conspiracy theorists , along with other misinformation communities , are both seeing huge internet traffic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fit the outbreak .
These parallel news cycles give their followers a twisted , but orderly , sense of control in a genuinely chaotic moment .
According to five years ’ worth of Facebook sharing data via social metrics site BuzzSumo , the majority of the most-shared links on the platform about the “ dangers '' of 5G are YouTube videos that were all published in the last year , starting around the same time that the British telecom company EE announced 5G service in six cities across the United Kingdom .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5G cellular coverage has led to an especially active British anti-5G movement .
In 2018 , the Democrats and Veterans Party , an offshoot of the British far-right political party UKIP , hosted at their party conference British YouTuber and conspiracy theorist Mark Steele , whose speech on the dangers of 5G is featured regularly in conspiracy theory videos .
The dangers of 5G were also a major talking point in the 2019 election for UKIP and its supporters .
One of the largest Facebook groups for the movement is the Stop 5G @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members , where rumors that the tower had been set on fire on purpose spread as soon as Friday .
“ People setting fire to 5G towers in Birmingham , ” one commenter wrote .
“ Get me a saw , I 'll cut the fuckers down , the elite have had this planned for years , people are starting to wonder now , we all need to stand up and be counted , ” another commenter replied .
And a video by a supposed former manager at British telecom company Vodafone , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , claiming COVID-19 was n't a disease caused by a virus but rather the human immune system reacting to 5G radiation .
The most-shared video on Facebook about 5G was published in June 2019 by the YouTube channel Yebo , and it has 3.8 million views on YouTube and 270,000 shares on Facebook .
It purports to be a video leaked from a whistleblower who works on 5G cellular towers — who wears a Make America Great Again hat in the video — warning people about the technology ’ s dangers .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ channel with 6.45 million subscribers called Be Inspired .
The video , which has over 153,000 shares on Facebook , is from May 2019 and collects quotes from British conspiracy theorist David Icke and claims 5G will cause a disaster “ bigger than Chernobyl.
” Be Inspired recently added a new quote to the video : “ 5G is worse than coronavirus.
” Its two biggest referrals are from March 2020 , from the Facebook groups Galactic Federation of Light and the Mindvalley Community .
The uptick in engagement that Be Inspired ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in interest around the conspiracy theory in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak .
The most-watched anti-5G video on YouTube currently , according to BuzzSumo , is a Russian-language video titled “ Here 's Why 5G Is Dangerous.
” Published in January , it has been viewed 1.2 million times .
A YouTube video titled “ 5G Bill Signed Into Law While Everyone Is Distracted By Coronavirus , ” by the channel The Last American Vagabond , has been watched over 800,000 times since it was published last week and has been shared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biggest referral being a chemtrails Facebook group .
The video claimed that the coronavirus quarantines are being used to secretly install 5G technology in schools in California .
“ They have just set off phase 2 of their depopulation AGENDA , ” one commenter wrote beneath the video .
“ This is a MILITARY WEAPON PERIOD !
” There are countless more of these kinds of videos being shared on Facebook right now , with commenters connecting the supposed dangers of 5G to the real dangers of the coronavirus .
Eight out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last six months about 5G were either a video or article warning people that 5G was dangerous and relating it to the pandemic .
Earlier this week , conspiracy theorist Alex Jones connected 5G to a popular QAnon theory that April 1 , 2020 , would be the start of `` 10 days of darkness '' — or an electricity , internet , and social media outage signaling the end of the world .
Almost nothing QAnon supporters believe is original .
Their sprawling conspiracy theory that the president is waging a secret @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of repurposed and contradictory beliefs lifted from other communities .
Q followers have recently latched on to 5G in the same way .
One QAnon influencer tweeted a thread last week sharing a screenshot from an article about the health effects of electromagnetic radiation , claiming they are similar to the symptoms of COVID-19 ( they are not ) , and arguing that Italy ’ s high infection rate is because the country has the most 5G-enabled cities in Western Europe .
“ The media will tell you it is a conspiracy theory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should indicate you are on the right path .
Live in a higher mind and research !
” British hotelier John Mappin , who , in January , raised a QAnon flag over his castle , has tweeted about his desire to see the world health community investigate the 5G–coronavirus connection ( which does not exist ) .
On Thursday , Mappin shared the same video as Woody Harrelson .
Both Mappin and Harrelson claimed it was footage of Chinese citizens destroying 5G towers .
It was n't .
It was footage from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hong Kong .
That didn ’ t stop Mappin from tagging President Trump and a slew of other right-wing influencers in his tweet .
“ The Chinese are destroying their 5G towers , ” he wrote .
“ They know .
”

New Agers, right-wingers, and QAnon conspiracy theorists think global elites are using 5G to spread the coronavirus pandemic.
The paranoia about 5G — the industry term for the fifth generation of wireless communications infrastructure — has risen for the last few years, but as the world battles the pandemic, a baseless hoax has spread that the technology that runs cellphones could secretly be causing the outbreak.
On Wednesday, actor Woody Harrelson posted about the conspiracy theory on his Instagram, writing, “a lot of my friends have been talking about the negative effects of 5G.” On Thursday, a 5G tower in Birmingham, England, went up in flames after a local Facebook group was flooded with anti-5G comments. (Local authorities said that it could have possibly been an electrical issue, but are awaiting further information before investigating.)
5G has so far rolled out in about 40 countries worldwide, most notably South Korea and China, but also in dozens of US cities, including Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio.
Before the coronavirus, fears about 5G tended to focus on cancer, the risk of which people feared could be increased from cellphone radiation. The evidence to support such a fear is weak to nonexistent, although meteorologists have worried that the technology could disrupt weather satellite forecasts.
Misinformation falsely claiming the coronavirus is a bioweapon has circulated since English-language reports of the outbreak began circulating in January. Depending on which internet rabbit hole you fall down, the coronavirus was created by the Chinese government, is part of a human depopulation scheme by former Microsoft CEO Bill Gates, or stemmed from a tainted batch of children’s blood that the world’s celebrities drink to stay young.
So perhaps it was somewhat inevitable that these two separate conspiracy theories — that 5G had some evil purpose and that the coronavirus was a bioweapon — would graft themselves onto each other.
The ever-changing nature of the global pandemic has meant that groups like New Agers, right-wingers, and conspiracy theorists, along with other misinformation communities, are both seeing huge internet traffic and need to reinvent their belief systems to fit the outbreak. These parallel news cycles give their followers a twisted, but orderly, sense of control in a genuinely chaotic moment.


buzzfeednews--2020-04-03--Sailors Gave Their Captain A Resounding Farewell When The Navy Fired Him After His Vocal Concerns Ab

Sailors Gave Their Captain A Resounding Farewell When The Navy Fired Him After His Vocal Concerns About The Coronavirus Outbreak On His Ship

Videos showed hundreds chanting Capt .
Brett Crozier ’ s name as he walked off his ship after being fired for voicing concerns for his crew following a COVID-19 outbreak on the USS Theodore Roosevelt .
Captain Brett Crozier received a resounding farewell from sailors aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier after the US Navy fired him for voicing concerns for his crew amid an outbreak of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , on his ship .
Crozier was relieved of command Thursday after he wrote a letter to Navy officials — subsequently leaked and published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for resources to isolate his crew members off the warship that is docked in Guam following a COVID-19 outbreak less than a week ago .
`` Keeping over 4,000 young men and women on board the TR is an unnecessary risk and breaks faith with those Sailors entrusted to our care , '' Crozier wrote in the letter .
The US Navy dismissed him as the ship 's commander Thursday , saying that his letter was sent outside the chain of command over unclassified email and that his actions made people believe that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect sailors .
However , Crozier will keep his rank and remain in the Navy .
Several videos posted on social media Friday showed a large crowd of sailors cheering , clapping , and chanting `` Captain Crozier ! ''
as he walked alone down the gangway of the USS Theodore Roosevelt on Thursday .
`` Farwell Sir it 's been a pleasure # WEARETRSTRONG # MYCO # TR , '' Michael Washington wrote in a Facebook post sharing one video .
More than 86,000 people have signed a Change.org petition demanding Crozier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the USS Theodore Roosevelt .
`` He is a hero who should be rewarded , '' the petition said .
In his four-page letter , Crozier had warned the Navy that the lack of space on the warship meant that most of the crew who remained aboard could not follow the official guidelines for 14-day quarantines and social distancing after the outbreak .
“ The spread of the disease is ongoing and accelerating , '' Crozier wrote .
He urgently requested for `` compliant quarantine rooms '' in Guam for his crew so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will require a political solution but it is the right thing to do , ” Crozier wrote .
“ We are not at war .
Sailors do not need to die .
If we do not act now , we are failing to properly take care of our most trusted asset — our Sailors . ''
In a press conference Thursday , acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly said that while Crozier `` was absolutely correct '' in raising concerns in his letter , it was `` the way in which he did this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terminate him .
He said that Crozier sent his letter outside the chain of command and over `` non- secure , unclassified email '' even as the Navy was `` fully responding '' to 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 .
He said he had lost his confidence in Crozier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 outbreak .
`` The responsibility for this decision rests with me , '' Modly said .
`` I expect no congratulations for it , and it gives me no pleasure in making it .
CAPT Crozier is an honorable man , who despite this uncharacteristic lapse of judgment , has dedicated himself throughout a lifetime of incredible service to our nation . ''
Modly also addressed the Theodore Roosevelt crew , acknowledging their love and affection for their captain .
`` I am entirely convinced that your Commanding Officer loves you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the center of his heart and mind in every decision that he has made , '' Modly said .
`` I also know that you have great affection , and love , for him as well .
But it is my responsibility to ensure that his love and concern for you is matched , if not exceeded by , his sober and professional judgement under pressure . ''

Captain Brett Crozier received a resounding farewell from sailors aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier after the US Navy fired him for voicing concerns for his crew amid an outbreak of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, on his ship.
Crozier was relieved of command Thursday after he wrote a letter to Navy officials — subsequently leaked and published in the San Francisco Chronicle – pleading for resources to isolate his crew members off the warship that is docked in Guam following a COVID-19 outbreak less than a week ago.
"Keeping over 4,000 young men and women on board the TR is an unnecessary risk and breaks faith with those Sailors entrusted to our care," Crozier wrote in the letter.
The US Navy dismissed him as the ship's commander Thursday, saying that his letter was sent outside the chain of command over unclassified email and that his actions made people believe that the Navy was not doing enough to protect sailors. However, Crozier will keep his rank and remain in the Navy.
Several videos posted on social media Friday showed a large crowd of sailors cheering, clapping, and chanting "Captain Crozier!" as he walked alone down the gangway of the USS Theodore Roosevelt on Thursday.
"Farwell Sir it's been a pleasure #WEARETRSTRONG #MYCO #TR," Michael Washington wrote in a Facebook post sharing one video.


buzzfeednews--2020-04-03--Jazz Musicians Are Mourning The Legends Among Them Who Died From The Coronavirus

`` It ’ s very scary to see some of these people go .
Because that ’ s our last connection to that .
To the beginnings of our music . ''
First , it was saxophonist Marcelo Peralta , who turned 59 just days before he died after contracting the coronavirus on March 10 in Madrid .
Then it was Manu Dibango , 86 , a Cameroonian afro-jazz saxophone icon .
Then Mike Longo , 83 , a pianist and musical director for Dizzy Gillespie .
Then , on April 1 , two deep blows : 85-year-old Ellis Marsalis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and patriarch of an illustrious jazz family , and jazz guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli , 94 , whose acclaimed work crossed genres .
The sudden and ongoing string of deaths of legendary jazz musicians from COVID-19 , the disease caused by the novel coronavirus , has devastated the sprawling but close-knit community around the world .
`` This has really been a bad few days , '' Arturo O'Farrill , a Grammy-winning pianist and founder of the Afro Latin Jazz Academy of Music , told BuzzFeed News .
`` It was really difficult , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a number of musicians he knew and played with had fallen to the virus .
`` It ’ s unbelievable to me — so many people .
Day after day , it 's someone else new , '' Waldron Ricks , a trumpet player in New York City who learned under Roney and played with Longo , told BuzzFeed News .
Ricks , now 52 , took trumpet lessons with Roney when he moved from Detroit to New York City as a teenager .
Roney was a deeply inspiring musician , Ricks said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teacher .
`` He would make sure you do it right or you 'd be repeating the lesson ... No slack .
No messing around , '' Ricks said .
`` Wallace pretty much exposed me to what the possibilities were as a jazz musician .
He kept talking about how it was an honor to be a jazz musician ... Not just a musician , but a jazz musician . ''
Roney , who was Miles Davis 's protégé , died of complications from COVID-19 in Paterson , New Jersey on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus cases in the US nearing a quarter of a million and the death toll surpassing 6,000 as of Friday morning , officials continue to scramble to contain the spread of the disease .
That giants in the jazz world are falling to the coronavirus , bassist Christian McBride said , `` is proving that everybody can be touched by this .
Everybody is eligible . ''
`` I have to worry that this very well may hit more musicians , but particularly elderly musicians , '' he told BuzzFeed News .
McBride @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tour with pianist Chick Corea was canceled due to the pandemic , said he 's checking in with as many musicians as he can , especially the older ones .
`` I certainly have tried to keep a closer eye on the elders , '' he said .
`` Our treasures , like Roy Hanes who ’ s in his nineties , Lou Donaldson , and George Wein and Lee Konitz and Chick Corea .
Wayne Shorter .
Sonny Rollins .
We got ta bubble-wrap them cats . ''
Like service and gig @ @ @ @ @ @ @ battle to survive as events are postponed indefinitely and nonessential businesses remain closed for the foreseeable future .
In the past week , a stunning 6.6. million people in the US have filed for unemployment benefits .
`` Being a jazz musician means you ’ re self-employed , '' McBride said .
`` And a lot of self-employed people out there who have lost a lot of income , they ’ re sitting at home with no work .
They ’ re trying to figure out how to make it . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` have set themselves up in some way or another for later in their life , '' Antonio Sanchez , a jazz drummer , told BuzzFeed News .
But not everyone can or does do that .
Ricks said getting health insurance `` was a big deal '' for him — it was one of the reasons he went into teaching .
For Sanchez , one of his concerns is how long it will take for people to feel safe being out in a large crowd again .
`` When are people going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like we do in order to work ?
And then for a bunch of people to get together in one place , very close together , to listen to music ? ''
Sanchez said .
`` That ’ s going to take a long time .
Understandably so . ''
Though jazz musicians live and perform around the world , the community is nonetheless an intimate one .
Sanchez , whose work on the Birdman soundtrack earned him a Grammy , said he often ran into Longo and Roney in the festival circuit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million times at different jazz festivals and stuff .
It ’ s a very small community , '' he said .
`` That ’ s why even though you do n't necessarily have to have direct interaction with them , it just feels very close to home . ''
As a longtime sideman in NYC , Ricks had a more personal relationship with Longo , a renowned pianist who worked alongside Gillespie , `` the ambassador of jazz , '' for years .
`` Mike was funny , '' Ricks , who played @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` He always had a joke , always had an anecdote . ''
Even when the band was n't playing at its tightest , Longo found ways to motivate them .
`` We 'd end up playing the music better because we wanted to play it for him , '' Ricks said .
`` We were all heavily invested because Mike made us feel that way . ''
The news that both Marsalis and Pizzarelli had died on Wednesday plunged a community already hurting from the spate of deaths among their elders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many older musicians — `` the creators of what we do , '' Sanchez said — die from COVID-19 has been disheartening .
`` It ’ s very scary to see some of these people go , '' he added .
`` Because that ’ s our last connection to that .
To the beginnings of our music . ''
O'Farrill said hearing the news about Pizzarelli and Marsalis , who were instrumental in shaping his work , `` was a little bit like watching a beloved uncle or father or mother die @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the community as they were successful , O'Farrill recalled .
`` They were such nice people too ...
They were examples to me of humanity and gentleness and generosity , '' he said .
`` I feel like we lost more than musicians and icons .
We lost a high bar for one should behave as a human being . ''
On top of their exalted statuses in the jazz world , Marsalis and Pizzarelli were fathers to acclaimed musicians in their own right .
Pizzarelli 's son , John , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marsalis , along with his sons Brandon , Wynton , Delfeayo , and Jason Marsalis , are hailed as the `` first family of jazz . ''
`` You could really sense from talking to Ellis or Bucky where their sons got so much information , so much of their mannerisms , and so much of their abilities and their grace , '' O'Farrill said .
On Thursday , Wynton posted a moving tribute to his dad on Facebook .
`` Ironically , when we spoke just five or six days ago about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the many warnings he received ‘ to be careful , because it wasn ’ t his time to pass from COVID ’ , he told me , 'Man , I don ’ t determine the time .
A lot of people are losing loved ones .
Yours will be no more painful or significant than anybody else ’ s , ' '' he wrote .

The list kept growing.
First, it was saxophonist Marcelo Peralta, who turned 59 just days before he died after contracting the coronavirus on March 10 in Madrid.
Then it was Manu Dibango, 86, a Cameroonian afro-jazz saxophone icon.
Then Mike Longo, 83, a pianist and musical director for Dizzy Gillespie.
Then revered trumpeter Wallace Roney, 59.
Then, on April 1, two deep blows: 85-year-old Ellis Marsalis Jr., a pianist, educator, and patriarch of an illustrious jazz family, and jazz guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, 94, whose acclaimed work crossed genres.
The sudden and ongoing string of deaths of legendary jazz musicians from COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, has devastated the sprawling but close-knit community around the world.
"This has really been a bad few days," Arturo O'Farrill, a Grammy-winning pianist and founder of the Afro Latin Jazz Academy of Music, told BuzzFeed News.
"It was really difficult," he said, to learn that a number of musicians he knew and played with had fallen to the virus.


buzzfeednews--2020-02-27--Public Health Experts Answer Your Burning Questions About How to Avoid The Coronavirus

Should you run out and buy a mask ?
Why is everyone telling you to wash your hands ?
And are you gon na have to shave that beautiful beard ?
!
COVID-19 , the disease caused by the novel coronavirus , has led to outbreaks across the US and created a global emergency that is having far-reaching impacts on people 's day-to-day lives .
Millions of people have been ordered to stay home and businesses have been shut down indefinitely to help slow the spread of COVID-19 as officials confirm more and more positive cases of the disease .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to spread , BuzzFeed News asked several public health experts to answer some of the most frequently asked questions — and explain why it 's so important to wash your hands .
Can face masks protect you from the coronavirus ?
Whenever there are outbreaks of respiratory illnesses , one of the first things you see is more people wearing face masks .
As more coronavirus cases have been reported , demand for face masks has increased — as have their prices ( there 's been some serious price gouging going on on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for health care workers on the frontlines of fighting the disease .
But do face masks actually protect you ?
`` The fact is , your typical surgical mask is not going to protect or prevent infection , '' Erin Sorrell , a Center for Global Health Science and Security member and assistant research professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Georgetown University , told BuzzFeed News .
Sorrell said there 's no reason to use a surgical mask if you 're healthy and not infected .
`` The virus itself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mask , '' she said .
The only reason to wear a surgical mask is if you 're already infected with the virus and are quarantined , according to Sorrell .
Hence , if you 're staying at home from work or from school , and you 're trying not to infect your family members , you should wear a mask .
Stanley Perlman , a professor of microbiology and immunology at Carver College of Medicine at University of Iowa and a longtime coronavirus researcher , said surgical masks are n't as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have larger pores .
`` They also allow virus around the sides because they do n't form a great seal around your face , '' he told BuzzFeed News .
Surgical masks are flat and pleated , but one you 'll see people wearing often is the N95 respirator , too .
The N95 masks can block up to 95 % of the airborne particles , but considering the high demand for these masks , Sorrell said health care workers should have priority to use them .
`` There is an extreme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipment ( PPE ) , '' Sorrell said in an email .
`` Those supplies should be going to first responders , health care workers and those who are infected and being cared for at home or in hospitals . ''
Amesh Adalja , a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security who works on emerging infectious disease and pandemic preparedness , told BuzzFeed News that face masks are most effective in health care settings because those officials are in closest contact with patients , and they 're trained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care providers often wear face masks because those face masks can block some of those large droplets ... from your sneezes and coughs , from hitting your mouth , '' he said .
The general public , he added , `` often do n't use them properly — stick their fingers underneath them , do n't include their nose in the mask , and do n't wear them meticulously . ''
Sorrell also pointed out that the N95 mask `` has to sit close to your face in order to [ work as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of times people purchase them , they do n't fit correctly , and there 's a false sense of security on the effectiveness of the mask , '' she said .
Can hand sanitizers prevent you from getting the coronavirus ?
While it has not been proven that hand sanitizers are a guaranteed method to prevent infection , it is a good practice to keep your hands clean to prevent the spread of germs .
`` Anything that 's equivalent to washing your hands is probably useful , '' Perlman said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are antiviral , that kill viruses . ''
Adalja said alcohol-based hand sanitizers are `` expected to be effective '' against the coronavirus .
`` Any kind of skin product can increase allergies , '' he cautioned .
`` But we know that coronavirus does n't infect you through your skin , it infects you through your respiratory tract . ''
Still , hand washing is `` the gold standard , '' Sorrell said .
In situations where soap and running water are not readily available , people should use hand sanitizer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and cover their entire hand and let it air dry .
How about washing your hands ?
Health officials have emphasized that the best way to protect yourself is to wash your hands and avoid touching your face .
`` You tend to touch what we consider mucosal surfaces , your nose , your eyes , your mouth and that is an entryway for the virus to infect , '' Sorrell explained .
`` If you [ are ] touching surfaces that can be contaminated , or close to someone who has coughed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your nose or your mouth , you 're ultimately bringing that virus closer to contact with parts of your body that can get infected . ''
Sorrell said washing your hands for at least 20 seconds , which is also a recommendation for preventing common colds and influenza , is crucial .
`` The virus is sensitive to detergents , meaning soap will inactivate the virus , '' she said .
The most important way to protect yourself from the coronavirus right now , Sorrell said , is washing your hands properly and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are coughing or sneezing , as you would during flu season .
Could I have no symptoms and still spread the disease ?
While people are thought to be the most contagious when they are experiencing the most symptoms , public health experts have said that asymptomatic people are also contributing to the spread of COVID-19 .
That 's why it 's important to heed officials ' orders to stay home even if you are n't sick and practice social distancing when you have to go outside by keeping at least 6 feet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing will help limit both symptomatic and asymptomatic transmission of the disease , but everyone has to practice social distancing for it to be effective .
`` There is a role for everyone to play in order to keep ourselves , our families , and our communities safe , '' she said .
`` Actions now can prevent cases in the near future , and we have to stick to our plan and listen to the public health experts . ''
Does having facial hair make someone more likely to get infected ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have facial hair does not make you more likely to contract the coronavirus .
But how much facial hair you have — or what style you 're wearing — can make it harder to wear a mask properly .
`` Obviously if you have a hillbilly beard , you can ’ t fit a mask on it , '' said Adalja .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released an infographic showing which styles are less suitable for face masks , but they were n't necessarily saying you have to get rid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , what we said about masks above . )
Coronaviruses are common in almost every species of animal .
What 's different about this new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is that it seems to have recently adapted to humans .
However , it 's still not clear which species was the source .
So does this mean you need to worry about your pets getting sick and infecting you ?
So far , Perlman said , `` there 's no evidence '' that your pup can infect you with the new coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ no evidence that companion animals like dogs and cats can be infected with the virus , however , people who are sick with COVID-19 should limit contact with animals out of extreme precaution .
`` When possible , have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick , '' the CDC says .
`` If you are sick with COVID-19 , avoid contact with your pet , including petting , snuggling , being kissed or licked , and sharing food .
If you must care for your pet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sick , wash your hands before and after you interact with pets . ''
Is it `` safe '' to go to Chinatown or a Chinese restaurant ?

The N95 masks can block up to 95% of the airborne particles, but considering the high demand for these masks, Sorrell said health care workers should have priority to use them.
"There is an extreme shortage of masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE)," Sorrell said in an email. "Those supplies should be going to first responders, health care workers and those who are infected and being cared for at home or in hospitals."
Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security who works on emerging infectious disease and pandemic preparedness, told BuzzFeed News that face masks are most effective in health care settings because those officials are in closest contact with patients, and they're trained to wear them properly.
"Health care providers often wear face masks because those face masks can block some of those large droplets ... from your sneezes and coughs, from hitting your mouth," he said.
The general public, he added, "often don't use them properly — stick their fingers underneath them, don't include their nose in the mask, and don't wear them meticulously."
Sorrell also pointed out that the N95 mask "has to sit close to your face in order to [work as intended]."
"So a lot of times people purchase them, they don't fit correctly, and there's a false sense of security on the effectiveness of the mask," she said.
Can hand sanitizers prevent you from getting the coronavirus?


buzzfeednews--2020-02-28--BTS Have Canceled Their South Korea Tour Dates Over The Coronavirus Outbreak

K-pop superstars BTS have canceled their South Korean tour dates over the coronavirus outbreak , the band ’ s agency @ @ @ @ @ we hope that the situation will improve , we must take into consideration the health @ @ @ @ @ thousands of guests as well as our artists and the dire impact a last-minute cancellation @ @ @ @ @ overseas , production companies , and staff , '' Big Hit Entertainment said in a @ @ @ @ @ scheduled to launch its Map of the Soul tour in South Korea 's capital city @ @ @ @ @ 11 , 12 , 18 , and 19 .
Big Hit Entertainment said the more @ @ @ @ @ expected to attend the four Seoul dates will be refunded for their tickets .
`` @ @ @ @ @ was made after extensive and careful consideration , '' the band 's agency said .
@ @ @ @ @ , the tour will now begin in California .

K-pop superstars BTS have canceled their South Korean tour dates over the coronavirus outbreak, the band’s agency said Thursday.
"While we hope that the situation will improve, we must take into consideration the health and safety of hundreds of thousands of guests as well as our artists and the dire impact a last-minute cancellation may have on guests from overseas, production companies, and staff," Big Hit Entertainment said in a statement.
The band was scheduled to launch its Map of the Soul tour in South Korea's capital city with performances on Apr. 11, 12, 18, and 19.
Big Hit Entertainment said the more than 200,000 concertgoers who were expected to attend the four Seoul dates will be refunded for their tickets.
"Please understand that this decision was made after extensive and careful consideration," the band's agency said.
Per the official BTS website, the tour will now begin in California.


buzzfeednews--2020-02-28--Police In The US Spread A False Claim That Meth Is Contaminated With Coronavirus

Two dozen police departments , 10 journalists and radio stations , one Army substance abuse program , and a candidate for local sheriff have spread a claim on Facebook about meth possibly being contaminated with the novel coronavirus .
Some spread the false claim in an attempt at humor or to trick people into turning in their drugs , while others appear to have believed it was real .
“ P.S.A WARNING : If you have recently purchased Meth , it may be contaminated with the Corona Virus .
Please take it to the Merrill Police Department and we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most popular post from the Merrill Police Department in Wisconsin , which has been shared over 6,500 times and further spread through screenshots .
The police department later updated the post , saying it was made in an attempt to trick people into bringing their meth to the station .
The department said that “ this attempt , although a long shot , still had some possibility behind it.
” “ We have no comment , ” Corey Bennett , chief of the Merrill Police Department , told BuzzFeed News in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the department spread false information about the coronavirus and the disease it causes , COVID-19 , during a critical time .
The Washington Post reported that some police department Facebook pages have spread straightforward news headlines , like “ Texas Police Say Local Meth Is Contaminated With Coronavirus , Offer to Test It.
” COVID-19 has killed over 2,800 people so far , the vast majority in China ’ s Hubei province , and has spread to 48 countries .
Online misinformation has been a big concern , prompting the World Health Organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and advise caution when sharing news online .
“ Giving mythological information and being tongue-in-cheek about something that 's really serious , where there 's been a lot of loss and a lot of deaths seems just problematic coming from a state agency , ” former CDC epidemiologist Jon Zibbell of RTI International told BuzzFeed News .
“ There 's absolutely no evidence for this.
” Police departments aren ’ t the only reputable organizations spreading the false claim .
Local news anchors and radio stations also shared versions of the post to @ @ @

Two dozen police departments, 10 journalists and radio stations, one Army substance abuse program, and a candidate for local sheriff have spread a claim on Facebook about meth possibly being contaminated with the novel coronavirus.
Some spread the false claim in an attempt at humor or to trick people into turning in their drugs, while others appear to have believed it was real.
“P.S.A WARNING: If you have recently purchased Meth, it may be contaminated with the Corona Virus. Please take it to the Merrill Police Department and we will test it for free,” said the most popular post from the Merrill Police Department in Wisconsin, which has been shared over 6,500 times and further spread through screenshots.
The police department later updated the post, saying it was made in an attempt to trick people into bringing their meth to the station. The department said that “this attempt, although a long shot, still had some possibility behind it.”
“We have no comment,” Corey Bennett, chief of the Merrill Police Department, told BuzzFeed News in an email in response to questions about why the department spread false information about the coronavirus and the disease it causes, COVID-19, during a critical time.
The Washington Post reported that some police department Facebook pages have spread straightforward news headlines, like “Texas Police Say Local Meth Is Contaminated With Coronavirus, Offer to Test It.”
COVID-19 has killed over 2,800 people so far, the vast majority in China’s Hubei province, and has spread to 48 countries. Online misinformation has been a big concern, prompting the World Health Organization to call it an “infodemic” and advise caution when sharing news online.
“Giving mythological information and being tongue-in-cheek about something that's really serious, where there's been a lot of loss and a lot of deaths seems just problematic coming from a state agency,” former CDC epidemiologist Jon Zibbell of RTI International told BuzzFeed News. “There's absolutely no evidence for this.”
Police departments aren’t the only reputable organizations spreading the false claim. Local news anchors and radio stations also shared versions of the post to their audiences.


buzzfeednews--2020-02-27--New York Is Making Its Own Coronavirus Test After The CDC’s Tests Failed

Federal health officials met with state and city public health labs on Wednesday to fix a crippling lack of options to diagnose the novel coronavirus , a shortfall driven by botched CDC testing kits .
As a result , New York state and New York City are moving forward with developing their own test to detect the virus .
The lack of adequate testing capabilities was spotlighted on Wednesday evening , when the CDC announced delayed results of the first potential case of a person contracting COVID-19 from “ community spread , ” meaning they got sick without traveling to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have the virus .
Early in February , the CDC released a US genetic test for the virus , sent to about 100 state and major city labs as well as overseas ones .
Test kits contained enough ingredients to test a few hundred people for the novel coronavirus .
The test proved unreliable in validation tests run by labs , however , leaving fewer than a dozen of the labs nationwide confident of the results .
Only the CDC and labs in Illinois , Idaho , Tennessee , California , Nevada @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to ProPublica .
The shortfall figured in the extended diagnosis of the Solano County , California , woman reported Wednesday night as the first person in the US with COVID-19 from community exposure .
UC Davis Medical Center said that her test results were delayed because neither the county or state lab could run them , and because her symptoms did not initially meet federal diagnostic criteria .
The test took four days to approve , and a week later , the CDC announced that the patient had tested positive .
California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the test shortfall at a news conference on Thursday .
The episode is spurring concern over US testing capabilities among public health officials , as cities and states gear up for possible outbreaks across the country .
As the CDC scrambles to fix its original test , officials in New York have decided to push forward on developing their own .
The CDC did not respond to a request for comment for this story , but the agency 's Chris Braden spoke late on Thursday at a Solano County news conference , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients had changed between Feb. 19 and Feb. 23 when the decision was made to actually test the suspected community spread patient .
“ What I can say is that there were multiple people involved in the decision over those four days , '' said Braden .
`` It wasn ’ t necessarily CDC . ''
On Thursday , the New York Times reported that the CDC and other federal scientists would no longer be allowed to make public addresses about the outbreak without the approval of Vice President Mike Pence , following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all coronavirus-related responses .
The novel coronavirus is now responsible for more than 80,000 cases worldwide and over 2,800 deaths , with 60 cases in the US .
South Korea has run about 30,000 tests , and Hong Kong is testing over a thousand people a day , while the US has only tested a total of 445 .
`` The case from yesterday is obviously giving the CDC a lot to consider in terms of revising those protocols so that more individuals will be tested with symptoms that might be identified as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Mark Ghaly , secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency , at the news conference .

Federal health officials met with state and city public health labs on Wednesday to fix a crippling lack of options to diagnose the novel coronavirus, a shortfall driven by botched CDC testing kits. As a result, New York state and New York City are moving forward with developing their own test to detect the virus.
The lack of adequate testing capabilities was spotlighted on Wednesday evening, when the CDC announced delayed results of the first potential case of a person contracting COVID-19 from “community spread,” meaning they got sick without traveling to China or being exposed to anyone known to have the virus.
Early in February, the CDC released a US genetic test for the virus, sent to about 100 state and major city labs as well as overseas ones. Test kits contained enough ingredients to test a few hundred people for the novel coronavirus. The test proved unreliable in validation tests run by labs, however, leaving fewer than a dozen of the labs nationwide confident of the results. Only the CDC and labs in Illinois, Idaho, Tennessee, California, Nevada and Nebraska, could run tests, according to ProPublica.
The shortfall figured in the extended diagnosis of the Solano County, California, woman reported Wednesday night as the first person in the US with COVID-19 from community exposure. UC Davis Medical Center said that her test results were delayed because neither the county or state lab could run them, and because her symptoms did not initially meet federal diagnostic criteria. The test took four days to approve, and a week later, the CDC announced that the patient had tested positive.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom expressed frustration with the test shortfall at a news conference on Thursday.
The episode is spurring concern over US testing capabilities among public health officials, as cities and states gear up for possible outbreaks across the country. As the CDC scrambles to fix its original test, officials in New York have decided to push forward on developing their own.
The CDC did not respond to a request for comment for this story, but the agency's Chris Braden spoke late on Thursday at a Solano County news conference, where he said that the criteria for testing patients had changed between Feb. 19 and Feb. 23 when the decision was made to actually test the suspected community spread patient.
“What I can say is that there were multiple people involved in the decision over those four days," said Braden. "It wasn’t necessarily CDC."
On Thursday, the New York Times reported that the CDC and other federal scientists would no longer be allowed to make public addresses about the outbreak without the approval of Vice President Mike Pence, following President Donald Trump appointing him to oversee all coronavirus-related responses.
The novel coronavirus is now responsible for more than 80,000 cases worldwide and over 2,800 deaths, with 60 cases in the US. South Korea has run about 30,000 tests, and Hong Kong is testing over a thousand people a day, while the US has only tested a total of 445.
"The case from yesterday is obviously giving the CDC a lot to consider in terms of revising those protocols so that more individuals will be tested with symptoms that might be identified as common pneumonia without a clear source," said Mark Ghaly, secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency, at the news conference.


buzzfeednews--2020-02-28--Coronavirus Fears Are Causing Tech Giants To Cancel Conferences, Curb Travel, And Take Hits To Suppl

Coronavirus Fears Are Causing Tech Giants To Cancel Conferences, Curb Travel, And Take Hits To Supply Chains

Although the coronavirus has barely touched down in the US , it ’ s already disrupting operations at all five of the world ’ s most powerful technology companies .
“ It ’ s on everyone ’ s mind , ” one Microsoft employee told BuzzFeed News .
“ How could it not be ?
” Much is still unknown about COVID-19 , but leaders at Google , Microsoft , Facebook , Apple , and Amazon are already limiting travel , urging employees to use caution , and canceling conferences as they prepare for a possible pandemic .
Google , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it can still go forward with its I/O developer conference in May but is monitoring the virus ’ s progression closely .
Microsoft pulled out of this year ’ s Game Developers Conference in San Francisco .
Facebook on Thursday canceled its annual F8 developer conference in San Jose , its most significant event of the year , opting for smaller local gatherings instead .
Apple is sprinting to get its supply chain back in order after slowdowns in China .
And Amazon announced it would be limiting its employees ' travel within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , employees at the tech giants told BuzzFeed News their companies are operating with caution and uncertainty .
“ Everyone realizes there ’ s going to be an impact , ” the Microsoft employee said .
“ It all depends on how long this lasts for , and what the implication is downstream on supply chains , business investments , and infrastructure.
” On Friday , Google confirmed an employee in its Zurich office had been infected with COVID-19 .
But the company told BuzzFeed News that its big developer conference is still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planned for May 12–14 , ” a spokesperson said .
“ We 'll continue to monitor developments around COVID-19 and follow the best practices laid out by the CDC , WHO , and other relevant entities.
” The spokesperson said the company has a coronavirus plan but declined to go into details .
But some tech companies have canceled their participation in major conferences .
Microsoft not only pulled out of the Game Developers Conference , a significant move for the company that develops the Xbox — it ’ s also canceled some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We have risk management scenarios we prepare for , ” a Microsoft spokesperson told BuzzFeed News .
“ We have been in close , regular contact with the relevant authorities relating to COVID-19 and have a range of measures we are prepared , should it become necessary.
” At Facebook , the F8 cancellation surprised some employees .
“ I have n't seen much of a disruption until I saw the post about F8 , which came as a surprise and seems premature to me as the conference is over two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told BuzzFeed News , adding , ” I do n't think it really impacts FB 's product launch strategy.
” Facebook has restricted travel to Italy , South Korea , and to and from mainland China , a company spokesperson told BuzzFeed News .
The virus has also affected its ability to produce Oculus VR headsets .
“ Oculus Quest has been selling out in some regions due to high demand , ” the spokesperson said .
“ That said , like other companies , we 're expecting some additional impact to our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After shutting down some factories earlier in February , Apple is now “ getting back to normal , '' Tim Cook claimed in an interview with Fox Business on Thursday .
“ I ’ m very optimistic , ” he added .
Still , inside Apple , not everything is back to normal .
An increasing number of new hires haven ’ t received work equipment from China , someone who works at Apple told BuzzFeed News .
And the company has restricted travel to some counties in the Asia-Pacific region , leading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home and video conferencing .
Some workers have changed the way they commute to avoid coronavirus risks .
“ Driving to work , ” the person who works at Apple said .
“ Not riding the commuter shuttles to decrease exposure.
” It is not yet clear if Apple will hold its Worldwide Developers Conference in San Jose this year .
An Apple spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment about the company ’ s plans to respond to the outbreak .
A spokesperson for San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo declined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel , both inside the US and outside .
“ We 're asking employees to defer nonessential travel during this time , ” a spokesperson told BuzzFeed News .
The US restriction was added this week , following restrictions in China , South Korea , and Europe .
Amazon has also been busy keeping ahead with coronavirus scammers and profiteers .
It ’ s banned more than 1 million products from its website for false coronavirus claims .
It ’ s also removed thousands of products for price gouging , though this remains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , suspended all non-critical business travel for its employees .
It also banned visitors from entering its offices .
These disruptions will inevitably impact the tech giants ’ businesses , but the extent of what will happen is unclear .
Two analysts declined to comment on what might happen to the industry .
“ Sorry , we have not even started framing this ourselves yet , ” one said .
“ Have to pass .
”

Although the coronavirus has barely touched down in the US, it’s already disrupting operations at all five of the world’s most powerful technology companies.
“It’s on everyone’s mind,” one Microsoft employee told BuzzFeed News. “How could it not be?”
Much is still unknown about COVID-19, but leaders at Google, Microsoft, Facebook, Apple, and Amazon are already limiting travel, urging employees to use caution, and canceling conferences as they prepare for a possible pandemic.
Google, with one employee already infected, hopes it can still go forward with its I/O developer conference in May but is monitoring the virus’s progression closely. Microsoft pulled out of this year’s Game Developers Conference in San Francisco. Facebook on Thursday canceled its annual F8 developer conference in San Jose, its most significant event of the year, opting for smaller local gatherings instead. Apple is sprinting to get its supply chain back in order after slowdowns in China. And Amazon announced it would be limiting its employees' travel within the US and internationally.
For now, employees at the tech giants told BuzzFeed News their companies are operating with caution and uncertainty. “Everyone realizes there’s going to be an impact,” the Microsoft employee said. “It all depends on how long this lasts for, and what the implication is downstream on supply chains, business investments, and infrastructure.”
On Friday, Google confirmed an employee in its Zurich office had been infected with COVID-19. But the company told BuzzFeed News that its big developer conference is still on. “Google I/O is currently planned for May 12–14,” a spokesperson said. “We'll continue to monitor developments around COVID-19 and follow the best practices laid out by the CDC, WHO, and other relevant entities.” The spokesperson said the company has a coronavirus plan but declined to go into details.
But some tech companies have canceled their participation in major conferences. Microsoft not only pulled out of the Game Developers Conference, a significant move for the company that develops the Xbox — it’s also canceled some meetings for employees that require global travel. “We have risk management scenarios we prepare for,” a Microsoft spokesperson told BuzzFeed News. “We have been in close, regular contact with the relevant authorities relating to COVID-19 and have a range of measures we are prepared, should it become necessary.”
At Facebook, the F8 cancellation surprised some employees. “I haven't seen much of a disruption until I saw the post about F8, which came as a surprise and seems premature to me as the conference is over two months away,” one Facebook employee told BuzzFeed News, adding, ”I don't think it really impacts FB's product launch strategy.”
Facebook has restricted travel to Italy, South Korea, and to and from mainland China, a company spokesperson told BuzzFeed News. The virus has also affected its ability to produce Oculus VR headsets. “Oculus Quest has been selling out in some regions due to high demand,” the spokesperson said. “That said, like other companies, we're expecting some additional impact to our hardware production due to the coronavirus.”
After shutting down some factories earlier in February, Apple is now “getting back to normal," Tim Cook claimed in an interview with Fox Business on Thursday. “I’m very optimistic,” he added.
Still, inside Apple, not everything is back to normal. An increasing number of new hires haven’t received work equipment from China, someone who works at Apple told BuzzFeed News. And the company has restricted travel to some counties in the Asia-Pacific region, leading to an increase of people working from home and video conferencing. Some workers have changed the way they commute to avoid coronavirus risks. “Driving to work,” the person who works at Apple said. “Not riding the commuter shuttles to decrease exposure.”
It is not yet clear if Apple will hold its Worldwide Developers Conference in San Jose this year. An Apple spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment about the company’s plans to respond to the outbreak. A spokesperson for San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo declined to comment.
Amazon has canceled some travel, both inside the US and outside. “We're asking employees to defer nonessential travel during this time,” a spokesperson told BuzzFeed News. The US restriction was added this week, following restrictions in China, South Korea, and Europe.
Amazon has also been busy keeping ahead with coronavirus scammers and profiteers. It’s banned more than 1 million products from its website for false coronavirus claims. It’s also removed thousands of products for price gouging, though this remains an ongoing battle.
Twitter, meanwhile, suspended all non-critical business travel for its employees. It also banned visitors from entering its offices.
These disruptions will inevitably impact the tech giants’ businesses, but the extent of what will happen is unclear. Two analysts declined to comment on what might happen to the industry. “Sorry, we have not even started framing this ourselves yet,” one said. “Have to pass.”