csmonitor--2020-03-09--Women march for equality and justice worldwide

Women filled the streets of the world 's largest cities Sunday to protest gender violence and inequality on International Women ’ s Day , with the mothers of murdered girls leading a march in Mexico City and participants in Paris inveighing against the “ virus of the patriarchy.
” While many protests were peaceful celebrations , others were marred by tension , with security forces arresting demonstrators at a rally in Kyrgyzstan and police reportedly using tear gas to break up a demonstration by thousands of women in Turkey .
“ In many different ways or forms , women are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Arlene Brosas , the representative of a Filipino advocacy group said during a rally that drew hundreds to the area near the Philippines presidential palace .
Protesters called for higher pay and job security , and demanded that President Rodrigo Duterte respect women ’ s rights .
Turkish riot police fired tear gas to disperse thousands of demonstrators who , in defiance of a government ban , tried to march along Istanbul 's main pedestrian street to mark International Women 's Day , media reports said .
Turkish authorities declared Istiklal street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , off-limits , and said the planned march down the avenue was unauthorized .
Thousands of demonstrators , most of them women , gathered near Istiklal regardless and tried to break through police barricades to reach it , according to the opposition Cumhuriyet newspaper and other media .
The independent T24 news website said police also fired blanks to disperse the crowd .
In Pakistan , however , women managed to rally in cities across the country , despite petitions filed in court seeking to stop them .
The opposition was stirred in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in last year ’ s march : “ My Body , My Choice.
” Some conservative groups had threatened to stop this year 's marches by force .
But Pakistani officials pledged to protect the marchers .
The rallies are notable in a conservative country where women often do not feel safe in public places because of open harassment .
The main Islamic political party , Jamaat-e-Islami , organized its own rallies to counter the march .
Islamists pelted campaigners with stones , shoes , and sticks as they marched through Pakistan 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and women from the Red Mosque brigade , consisting of several local militant groups , and a Taliban allied religious party staged a rival rally just across from the women 's march venue , District Deputy Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat told Reuters .
Tens of thousands of women filled the streets of Mexico 's capital to protest rampant femicides and impunity for the killers .
The country has recently seen a series of rowdy protests by women who have vandalized monuments and metro stations to express their anger in one of the world 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On average , more than 10 women are slain each day in Mexico , often by their male partners .
The mothers of slain women and girls led Sunday 's march , with people cheering them on , chanting : “ You ’ re not alone !
” They were followed by homemakers , students , and mothers with small children wearing purple shirts , bandannas , and hats .
“ I don ’ t want to be the next one , and I don ’ t want my mother to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paula Santos , a 21-year-old public university student .
María de la Luz Estrada , coordinator of the National Citizen ’ s Observatory on Femicide , said more Mexican women have taken to the streets in recent years because the assaults and killings are “ increasingly more alarming.
” Earlier , activists had painted the names of many of the thousands of women killed each year in Mexico on the ground of the capital 's iconic Zocalo plaza .
One of the largest demonstrations occurred in Chile , where thousands flooded the streets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and angry demands for gender equality and an end to violence against women .
“ They kill us , they rape us , and nobody does anything , ” some chanted .
National police estimated 125,000 took part in the capital and nearly 35,000 in other cities , but organizers said the crowds were far larger .
Scattered clashes broke out at points when demonstrators threw rocks at police , who responded with water cannon .
Many protesters demanded that a proposed new constitution strengthen rights for women and thousands wore green @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activists in neighboring Argentina , which is considering a proposal to legalize elective abortion .
Tens of thousands of women also marched through Paris , inveighing against the patriarchy .
“ Enough impunity !
” chanted some activists , who focused on France ’ s unusually high rate of women killed by their husbands .
Last year , one woman was killed every two or three days by a current or former partner , and the government is increasing efforts to crack down on domestic violence .
`` They should provide resources for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , real resources , human resources , also prevention programs for violent men , ” union activist Julia Parbotin said .
Tens of thousands of women also marched in Madrid and other Spanish cities , despite concern over the spread of the new coronavirus .
A massive banner reading , “ With rights , without barriers .
Feminists without frontiers ” in Spanish was carried at the front of the march in the capital .
Spanish health authorities did not put any restrictions on the march , but recommended that anyone with symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay home .
Authorities said 120,000 people participated in Madrid ’ s march , down from 350,000 last year .
At a school in East London , meanwhile , the duchess of Sussex , Meghan Markle , joined students in listening to speeches about women labor activists , and urged both girls and boys to respect the contributions of women every day of the year .
“ For young men ... you have your mothers , sisters , girlfriends , friends in your life – protect them .
Make sure they are feeling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the students .
But safety was in short supply at some events to mark the day .
The detonation of explosives triggered panic at a ceremony in Bamenda , an English-speaking town in the northwest of Cameroon .
Suspicions focused on separatists who had vowed to disrupt the events .
No one was killed or wounded .
Police in Bishek , the capital city of Kyrgyzstan , detained about 60 people after a group of unidentified men broke up what authorities called an unauthorized rally .
About 10 women were released with charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agency reported , citing an attorney .
In Brazil , protests took a political turn , with many of the tens of thousands of protesters in Sao Paulo , Rio de Janeiro , and Brasilia denouncing the administration of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro , who has made comments seen by many as offensive to women .
In Mexico , where activists plan to hold a “ Day Without Women ” on Monday , Natalia Olalde said she marched because she ’ s fed up with the lack of justice for women in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women in Mexico met violent deaths last year , 7 % more than in 2018 .
Authorities seem incapable of preventing or properly investigating the crimes , very few of which result in convictions .
The 18-year-old university student studying business administration worries she ’ ll face sexual harassment once in the workforce .
“ We want to be free and safe , ” said Ms. Olalde .
That ’ s why she plans to join the women ’ s strike as well on Monday .
She vows to stay indoors , not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ story was reported by The Associated Press .

Women filled the streets of the world's largest cities Sunday to protest gender violence and inequality on International Women’s Day, with the mothers of murdered girls leading a march in Mexico City and participants in Paris inveighing against the “virus of the patriarchy.”
While many protests were peaceful celebrations, others were marred by tension, with security forces arresting demonstrators at a rally in Kyrgyzstan and police reportedly using tear gas to break up a demonstration by thousands of women in Turkey.
“In many different ways or forms, women are being exploited and taken advantage of,” Arlene Brosas, the representative of a Filipino advocacy group said during a rally that drew hundreds to the area near the Philippines presidential palace. Protesters called for higher pay and job security, and demanded that President Rodrigo Duterte respect women’s rights.
Turkish riot police fired tear gas to disperse thousands of demonstrators who, in defiance of a government ban, tried to march along Istanbul's main pedestrian street to mark International Women's Day, media reports said.
Turkish authorities declared Istiklal street, near Istanbul's main Taksim square, off-limits, and said the planned march down the avenue was unauthorized. Thousands of demonstrators, most of them women, gathered near Istiklal regardless and tried to break through police barricades to reach it, according to the opposition Cumhuriyet newspaper and other media.
The independent T24 news website said police also fired blanks to disperse the crowd.
In Pakistan, however, women managed to rally in cities across the country, despite petitions filed in court seeking to stop them. The opposition was stirred in part by controversy over a slogan used in last year’s march: “My Body, My Choice.”
Some conservative groups had threatened to stop this year's marches by force. But Pakistani officials pledged to protect the marchers. The rallies are notable in a conservative country where women often do not feel safe in public places because of open harassment. The main Islamic political party, Jamaat-e-Islami, organized its own rallies to counter the march.
Islamists pelted campaigners with stones, shoes, and sticks as they marched through Pakistan's capital on Sunday. Hundreds of men and women from the Red Mosque brigade, consisting of several local militant groups, and a Taliban allied religious party staged a rival rally just across from the women's march venue, District Deputy Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat told Reuters.
The fight against femicides
Tens of thousands of women filled the streets of Mexico's capital to protest rampant femicides and impunity for the killers. The country has recently seen a series of rowdy protests by women who have vandalized monuments and metro stations to express their anger in one of the world's most dangerous countries to be a woman.
On average, more than 10 women are slain each day in Mexico, often by their male partners.
The mothers of slain women and girls led Sunday's march, with people cheering them on, chanting: “You’re not alone!” They were followed by homemakers, students, and mothers with small children wearing purple shirts, bandannas, and hats.
“I don’t want to be the next one, and I don’t want my mother to be the next one,” said Ana Paula Santos, a 21-year-old public university student.
María de la Luz Estrada, coordinator of the National Citizen’s Observatory on Femicide, said more Mexican women have taken to the streets in recent years because the assaults and killings are “increasingly more alarming.”
Earlier, activists had painted the names of many of the thousands of women killed each year in Mexico on the ground of the capital's iconic Zocalo plaza.
AP Photo/Esteban Felix View caption Hide caption Some 125,000 protesters gather near the presidential palace during a march on International Women's Day, in Santiago, Chile, Sunday, March 8, 2020.
One of the largest demonstrations occurred in Chile, where thousands flooded the streets of the capital with dancing, music, and angry demands for gender equality and an end to violence against women.
“They kill us, they rape us, and nobody does anything,” some chanted.
National police estimated 125,000 took part in the capital and nearly 35,000 in other cities, but organizers said the crowds were far larger. Scattered clashes broke out at points when demonstrators threw rocks at police, who responded with water cannon.
Many protesters demanded that a proposed new constitution strengthen rights for women and thousands wore green scarves in a show of support for activists in neighboring Argentina, which is considering a proposal to legalize elective abortion.
March against patriarchy
Tens of thousands of women also marched through Paris, inveighing against the patriarchy.
“Enough impunity!” chanted some activists, who focused on France’s unusually high rate of women killed by their husbands. Last year, one woman was killed every two or three days by a current or former partner, and the government is increasing efforts to crack down on domestic violence.
"They should provide resources for shelters for women, victims of violence, real resources, human resources, also prevention programs for violent men,” union activist Julia Parbotin said.
Tens of thousands of women also marched in Madrid and other Spanish cities, despite concern over the spread of the new coronavirus.
A massive banner reading, “With rights, without barriers. Feminists without frontiers” in Spanish was carried at the front of the march in the capital.
Spanish health authorities did not put any restrictions on the march, but recommended that anyone with symptoms similar to those of the new coronavirus stay home. Authorities said 120,000 people participated in Madrid’s march, down from 350,000 last year.
At a school in East London, meanwhile, the duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, joined students in listening to speeches about women labor activists, and urged both girls and boys to respect the contributions of women every day of the year.
“For young men ... you have your mothers, sisters, girlfriends, friends in your life – protect them. Make sure they are feeling valued and safe,” she told the students.
But safety was in short supply at some events to mark the day.
The detonation of explosives triggered panic at a ceremony in Bamenda, an English-speaking town in the northwest of Cameroon. Suspicions focused on separatists who had vowed to disrupt the events. No one was killed or wounded.
AP Photo/Vladimir Voronin View caption Hide caption Kyrgyz policemen detain an activist of the Femen women's movement during celebration of the International Women's Day in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Sunday, March 8, 2020.
Police in Bishek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan, detained about 60 people after a group of unidentified men broke up what authorities called an unauthorized rally. About 10 women were released with charges of resisting police, the Akipress news agency reported, citing an attorney.
In Brazil, protests took a political turn, with many of the tens of thousands of protesters in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasilia denouncing the administration of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, who has made comments seen by many as offensive to women.
In Mexico, where activists plan to hold a “Day Without Women” on Monday, Natalia Olalde said she marched because she’s fed up with the lack of justice for women in the country.
Government data shows that 3,825 women in Mexico met violent deaths last year, 7% more than in 2018. Authorities seem incapable of preventing or properly investigating the crimes, very few of which result in convictions.
The 18-year-old university student studying business administration worries she’ll face sexual harassment once in the workforce.
“We want to be free and safe,” said Ms. Olalde.
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That’s why she plans to join the women’s strike as well on Monday. She vows to stay indoors, not even leaving for a coffee.
This story was reported by The Associated Press.


csmonitor--2020-05-27--NHL’s next play: getting back on the ice as pandemic wanes

Rosy as the news might sound , Gary Bettman made no promises in announcing the NHL has the framework of a plan in place to return to the ice .
`` We hope , '' the commissioner said , `` that this is a step back toward normalcy . ''
The league and its players overcame a significant hurdle Tuesday when Mr. Bettman formally unveiled a 24-team expanded playoff format in which games could start as early as late July in two yet-to-be-determined cities .
The plan – as with anything involving forming a timetable around the coronavirus pandemic – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there are lots of things to be done , '' Mr. Bettman said , noting health and safety come first .
`` But this marks a very important step along the journey that we 're undertaking . ''
Under the plan , the top four teams in each conference have already qualified for the round of 16 , and will play a round-robin tournament to determine seeding .
The remaining eight teams in each conference will be seeded and take part in best-of-five series to determine the remaining playoff teams .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baseball and the NBA in terms of when and how it might return to action , but numerous questions remain before a puck is dropped in a meaningful game for the first time since hockey was put on pause in March .
`` You have to do these in a sequence .
You have to prepare for what we hope is going to be a consensus that we can and should play , '' NHL Players ' Association executive director Don Fehr told The Associated Press .
`` This is but a meaningful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's only a start . ''
Timing is an issue .
The NHL projects players might be allowed to begin returning for voluntary workouts next week .
Another concern is how long it might take players , including the dozens who have spent the past few months with their families overseas , to return to their home cities and whether they will have to spend two weeks self-quarantining upon their return .
There might be a solution for that .
`` We 've reached an understanding with the Canadian government that players can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ internationally from overseas but also from the United States so they can return to their home city without problem , '' Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said .
The next phase will feature a roughly three-week training camp starting no earlier than July 1 .
The league hopes all 24 teams are cleared to hold full practices based on local health regulations .
There are also outstanding questions on health and safety protocols , and determining which two cities will serve as hubs .
Mr. Bettman announced the NHL has narrowed the list to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Dallas , Las Vegas , Pittsburgh , and Minneapolis/St .
Paul in the United States and Edmonton , Toronto , and Vancouver in Canada .
Should all those issues be resolved , the NHL can then proceed with playing games .
On the bright side , the NHL still has time on its hands in the event of needing contingency plans , with Mr. Bettman saying the 2020-21 season could start as late as January .
`` If it has to slide more , then it 'll slide , '' Mr. Bettman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` There 's a reason that we 're not giving you dates now because anybody who gives you a date is guessing , and we think we 'd rather take a more holistic approach to doing this . ''
Hockey is benefiting from what 's been an effective and collaborative approach conducted by its Return to Play committee , which features player and league representatives .
The committee not only proposed the 24-team format , but also devised a list of protocols for teams to follow once players return to their facilities .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ during workouts and training camp , with the league taking over when games begin .
Mr. Daly said players would be tested for COVID-19 daily and he added that medical advisers contend , for now , `` that one single positive test depending on the circumstance should not necessarily shut the whole operation down . ''
`` Obviously we ca n't be in a situation where we have an outbreak , and that will affect our ability to continue playing , '' Mr. Daly said .
`` But a single positive test or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should not necessarily mean an end to the tournament .
The decision to call off the 189 regular-season games that were not played ends the season for Buffalo , New Jersey , Anaheim , Los Angeles , San Jose , Ottawa , and Detroit .
Those seven teams will now prepare for one of potentially two draft lotteries to determine the top 15 selections .
The lottery will be held June 26 , with another scheduled later depending on which of the remaining eight teams qualify for the 16-team playoff .
Sabres co-owner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was placed on completing the season and ensuring the Stanley Cup will be awarded , even if it came at Buffalo 's expense .
The Sabres extended their playoff drought to a ninth season , finishing just behind Montreal .
`` We 're all trying to find that right chord , what 's best for the league , '' Ms. Pegula told The AP .
`` It 's one of those times when you 've just got to look at it that way . ''
This story was reported by The Associated Press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Editor ’ s note : As a public service , the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .

Rosy as the news might sound, Gary Bettman made no promises in announcing the NHL has the framework of a plan in place to return to the ice.
"We hope," the commissioner said, "that this is a step back toward normalcy."
The league and its players overcame a significant hurdle Tuesday when Mr. Bettman formally unveiled a 24-team expanded playoff format in which games could start as early as late July in two yet-to-be-determined cities.
The plan – as with anything involving forming a timetable around the coronavirus pandemic – comes with no certainties.
"Obviously, there are lots of things to be done," Mr. Bettman said, noting health and safety come first. "But this marks a very important step along the journey that we're undertaking."
Under the plan, the top four teams in each conference have already qualified for the round of 16, and will play a round-robin tournament to determine seeding. The remaining eight teams in each conference will be seeded and take part in best-of-five series to determine the remaining playoff teams.
The NHL might be ahead of Major League Baseball and the NBA in terms of when and how it might return to action, but numerous questions remain before a puck is dropped in a meaningful game for the first time since hockey was put on pause in March.
"You have to do these in a sequence. You have to prepare for what we hope is going to be a consensus that we can and should play," NHL Players' Association executive director Don Fehr told The Associated Press. "This is but a meaningful start, I think. But it's only a start."
Timing is an issue. The NHL projects players might be allowed to begin returning for voluntary workouts next week.
Another concern is how long it might take players, including the dozens who have spent the past few months with their families overseas, to return to their home cities and whether they will have to spend two weeks self-quarantining upon their return. There might be a solution for that.
"We've reached an understanding with the Canadian government that players can cross the Canadian border as well both internationally from overseas but also from the United States so they can return to their home city without problem," Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said.
The next phase will feature a roughly three-week training camp starting no earlier than July 1. The league hopes all 24 teams are cleared to hold full practices based on local health regulations.
There are also outstanding questions on health and safety protocols, and determining which two cities will serve as hubs. Mr. Bettman announced the NHL has narrowed the list to 10: Chicago, Columbus, Ohio, Dallas, Las Vegas, Pittsburgh, and Minneapolis/St. Paul in the United States and Edmonton, Toronto, and Vancouver in Canada.
Should all those issues be resolved, the NHL can then proceed with playing games.
On the bright side, the NHL still has time on its hands in the event of needing contingency plans, with Mr. Bettman saying the 2020-21 season could start as late as January.
"If it has to slide more, then it'll slide," Mr. Bettman said, referring to the timetable. "There's a reason that we're not giving you dates now because anybody who gives you a date is guessing, and we think we'd rather take a more holistic approach to doing this."
Hockey is benefiting from what's been an effective and collaborative approach conducted by its Return to Play committee, which features player and league representatives. The committee not only proposed the 24-team format, but also devised a list of protocols for teams to follow once players return to their facilities.
Teams will be responsible for testing players during workouts and training camp, with the league taking over when games begin.
Mr. Daly said players would be tested for COVID-19 daily and he added that medical advisers contend, for now, "that one single positive test depending on the circumstance should not necessarily shut the whole operation down."
"Obviously we can't be in a situation where we have an outbreak, and that will affect our ability to continue playing," Mr. Daly said. "But a single positive test or isolated positive tests throughout a two-month tournament should not necessarily mean an end to the tournament.
The decision to call off the 189 regular-season games that were not played ends the season for Buffalo, New Jersey, Anaheim, Los Angeles, San Jose, Ottawa, and Detroit.
Those seven teams will now prepare for one of potentially two draft lotteries to determine the top 15 selections. The lottery will be held June 26, with another scheduled later depending on which of the remaining eight teams qualify for the 16-team playoff.
Sabres co-owner and president Kim Pegula said the emphasis was placed on completing the season and ensuring the Stanley Cup will be awarded, even if it came at Buffalo's expense. The Sabres extended their playoff drought to a ninth season, finishing just behind Montreal.
"We're all trying to find that right chord, what's best for the league," Ms. Pegula told The AP. "It's one of those times when you've just got to look at it that way."
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This story was reported by The Associated Press. AP writer Dave Campbell contributed.
Editor’s note: As a public service, the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.


csmonitor--2020-04-10--Daily for April 10, 2020

Daily for April 10, 2020

President Donald Trump calls himself a “ wartime president ” against an “ invisible enemy , ” the novel coronavirus .
Indeed , there is no disputing the warlike nature of the threat , as governments around the globe and at all levels in the United States , along with the private sector , nonprofits , and individuals rally to save as many lives as possible and defeat the adversary .
But in the U.S. , beneath this picture of resolve and shared sacrifice lies a stark reality : The nation ’ s multilayered , federalist form of government is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as states grapple with shortages of equipment and are banding together to do what the federal government can ’ t or won ’ t do for them .
The depletion of the Strategic National Stockpile and the inability of the Federal Emergency Management Agency , or FEMA , to fill these needs has forced such action , governors say .
In the Midwest , a consortium of states is working together on purchasing supplies to avoid competition that drives up prices .
In the West , the governors of Oregon and California have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other states as their case loads recede .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom of California is also using his state ’ s purchasing power to acquire millions of pieces of protective equipment for his own state ’ s use and potentially for neighboring states .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , we ’ ve removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .
To veterans of past public health emergencies , the scramble for supplies reflects a flat-footed U.S. response born of overconfidence after past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thwarted with minimal American casualties .
Delays in testing set back the U.S. response by weeks , and as the outbreak grew , the nation ’ s command-and-control systems were simply not up to the task , says Dr. Elias Zerhouni , former director of the National Institutes of Health under President George W. Bush .
“ You win the war not by heroics , ” Dr. Zerhouni says .
“ You win the war by good logistics.
” And it ’ s logistics that have proved painfully challenging to the U.S. ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in which each piece plays a critical role .
During disasters , states are supposed to take the lead and the federal government is meant to serve as a backup .
But when the disaster is nationwide – in fact , global – the potential for the system being swamped was always high .
“ A statewide or regional disaster is one thing , but an emergency that affects all 50 states is something else , ” says Joshua Sharfstein , a public health expert at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide the framework for the states to act in .
On that , the government has in many ways largely abdicated.
” Even in regional disasters , a strong federal response can prove essential , as it was in 2005 , when Hurricane Katrina slammed the Gulf Coast and state and local authorities proved unable to manage the disaster .
Often , then , it ’ s the leaders involved who can make or break a situation .
Looking at today ’ s pandemic , “ I don ’ t think any disarray @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caused by federalism , ” says Ilya Shapiro , a constitutional scholar at the libertarian CATO Institute in Washington .
The federal government ’ s job is to look out for the country as a whole , while the governors need the flexibility to do what ’ s right for their state , he notes .
New York is not South Dakota .
Part of the challenge today comes with the Trump administration ’ s multiple chains of command : President Trump puts himself out front daily in televised briefings , making himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backed by a White House Coronavirus Task Force that has many coordinators , including Vice President Mike Pence , Dr. Deborah Birx , and various Cabinet members and other presidential advisers who handle different aspects of the response .
Mr. Trump ’ s son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner also has a hand in the task force , and caused a flap recently when he scolded states for not building up their own stockpiles of supplies .
The Strategic National Stockpile , he said , is “ supposed to be our stockpile – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state stockpiles that they then use.
” The Department of Health and Human Services soon changed its website to reflect his comments , adding more tension with states .
When asked about logistics , the president used to point to the director of FEMA , Pete Gaynor .
But more recently , it ’ s been Rear Adm. John Polowczyk , the supply chain task force lead at FEMA , and Adm. Brett Giroir , the coronavirus “ testing czar.
” Even amid a national crisis , Mr. Trump has continued his rampage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be a semi-independent check on federal government activities .
Last week , he fired the inspector general of the intelligence community , fallout from his agitation over impeachment .
On Tuesday , he fired the inspector general meant to oversee the group charged with monitoring the coronavirus relief fund .
The day before , at his briefing , he attacked the acting inspector general of HHS , who had released a report about hospitals facing severe shortages of equipment needed to fight the pandemic .
Veterans of past disasters point to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – such as a high-ranking military figure – who has the president ’ s full confidence and superior organizational skill .
Adm. Thad Allen , former commandant of the Coast Guard , served that function for both the second President Bush , during Katrina , and President Barack Obama , during the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico .
In a podcast with the Partnership for Public Service ’ s Center for Presidential Transition , Admiral Allen notes that the two presidents he served had different styles , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to separate the disaster from political concerns , have the authority to set up the appropriate framework , and execute the plan .
His motto : Every crisis is an exercise in applied civics .
“ Both gave me wide rein to figure out what the problem was , make recommendations to them , speak frankly to the American people , and be held accountable and be removed if I wasn ’ t doing the job , ” Admiral Allen says .
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer has pressed Mr. Trump to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic response , but so far to no avail .
Admiral Allen responds carefully when asked if he ’ d be willing to come out of retirement to lead the U.S. response on COVID-19 .
“ Some of the basic tenets that allowed me to be successful may or may not exist in this current administration , ” the admiral says , noting specifically the ability to speak freely and honestly with the American people .
If the conditions were right , he said , he ’ d “ always consider helping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials are less diplomatic when looking at today ’ s crisis .
“ The federal government has to take ownership of this response , because it ’ s a national level crisis , ” says Jeremy Konyndyk , a senior policy fellow at the Center for Global Development and a former Obama-era foreign aid official .
“ But it can ’ t do that if the president isn ’ t willing to step up .
It seems like the president wants the attention but not the responsibility.
” A depleted Strategic National Stockpile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the federal government for personal protective equipment .
“ They ’ re losing out to the entity that told them to buy it .
It ’ s just bonkers , ” says Mr. Konyndyk .
But faced with the reality of needing to be proactive on supplies , states are rising to the occasion and helping each other .
Last Saturday , Oregon Gov .
Kate Brown tweeted that she was sending 140 ventilators to New York , a global hot spot for the virus , noting that her state was “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vice President Pence applauded the move at that day ’ s briefing .
Oregon , he said , was acting “ in the very highest American tradition of loving your neighbor.
” Editor ’ s note : As a public service , we ’ ve removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .

Coronavirus crunch: One city block reveals small businesses at risk Collapse
For a man who has lost 70% of his business, Philip Rand remains remarkably upbeat.
Then again, his company, the Philip A. Rand Wire Rope and Sling Co., has proved remarkably resilient through two world wars, the Spanish flu, the Great Depression, and the Great Recession. A couple of government contracts are currently keeping its four full-time and four part-time workers employed.
“This is a new adventure; it’s a different kind of adventure,” says Mr. Rand, great-grandson of the founder, about the lockdowns that have curtailed or stopped business operations throughout the United States because of the coronavirus threat. “But we are going to survive. ... We have been around since 1911.”
That’s one of the more positive outlooks along this 500-foot stretch of California Street that runs between the Boston suburbs of Watertown and Newton and houses more than 15 small businesses. They are remarkably diverse, including everything from a law office to an Asian restaurant, an air-conditioning contractor to a nail spa. And with the exception of the Stop & Shop grocery store, which is bustling, and maybe one or two others, all of them have been hit by the state’s stay-at-home advisory and orders for “non-essential” businesses to close.
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.
Small businesses are bone and sinew to the U.S. economy. They represent 99% of all firms and employ about half of all working Americans. More than 40% of the nation’s economic activity flows through their ledgers. While any firm with less than 500 workers can be considered “small,” nearly 9 in 10 of these firms have fewer than 20 employees. And with far fewer resources than big corporations, they’re also the most vulnerable to a downturn.
Already last month, when an employment report by payroll firm ADP showed midsize and large companies still adding employees, firms with fewer than 50 employees laid off a combined 90,000 workers. “Small companies got hammered,” says Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody’s Analytics.
And they’re racing against the clock. The longer the lockdowns persist, the more likely they are to close permanently. A survey last week by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) found that about half of small firms say they can survive for two months at the most.
The small businesses along California Street reflect the squeeze and the concern, but they also tell a richer story about how money flows and sometimes doesn’t, the fragile interdependence of local business, and the importance of human connections, even in an era of social distancing.
Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff View caption Hide caption Edamame, an Asian restaurant in Watertown, Massachusetts, tried to stay open offering takeout and delivery. But by April 8, 2020, a note taped to the door told customers the eatery was closed until further notice.
Some stores have been spared closure because they are essential businesses, like grocery stores. Planet Fitness, a workout gym, has shut its doors. But the Jenny Craig weight loss clinic two doors down is still open because it sells food. Still, staying open is no guarantee of profit.
“Open” but in trouble
While the Jenny Craig store offers curbside service for limited hours and is seeing “a steady flow of clients,” according to Faith Hanson, marketing director of the north Boston area for the Jenny Craig corporation, American Dental next door is effectively closed, used only for emergency root canals.
“Everybody’s been affected,” says Dr. Z. Bender, part of the management that operates this location and four others in the Boston area. Three of them are still open, but like many dentists in Massachusetts, Dr. Bender is only handling emergency situations and treatments that require immediate attention. He’s had to lay off roughly half of his 40 employees, while providing bonuses and protective equipment, including face shields, to those still working.
Revenues are down 80% or more, he estimates. So he’s looking to get referrals from other locations and do some promotion to boost business, because the current situation is not sustainable, he says. “If we are going to keep operating this way, we would be able to continue for a few weeks.”
It’s a situation faced by many small businesses. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, among the healthiest firms only 1 in 5 said they had the cash reserves to continue business as usual if revenue dried up for two months, according to a new survey of small business credit by the regional Federal Reserve banks. For all other firms, the figure was less than 1 in 10.
Will aid come in time?
For these reasons, Congress has rushed aid to small businesses. A week ago, firms began applying for $350 billion in forgivable small business loans, part of the $2 trillion coronavirus rescue package. Many of the businesses along California Street – as well as some 70% nationally, according to the NFIB – have already applied.
For some, it’s not clear if the help will come in time. The owner of the Newton Nail Bar & Spa vows in an email to serve customers again soon. But after launching last year, the shop’s phone number no longer accepts calls and, aside from a “Grand Opening” banner still hanging in its window, there’s no sign telling clients the now-darkened store will reopen.
“I got a manicure a week before all this happened,” says Debbie Fredberg, co-owner with her husband of the My Salon Suite just up the street. “They put a lot of money into it. You can tell. At the time, they seemed upbeat.”
SOURCE: Massachusetts Bureau of Geographic Information | Jacob Turcotte/Staff
This is one of the lessons of California Street: In business, timing can be everything. While Newton Nail Bar & Spa opened at the wrong time, Ms. Fredberg’s salon may get some breathing room from being still in the preparation phase. “Coming Soon” posters adorn its windows. Due to open this month, the site is now on hiatus; construction stopped just as workers were beginning to move in the furniture.
“It’s a disappointment,” she says, but hardly a big blow. Unlike a regular hair salon, the franchise rents out fully equipped individual rooms to stylists as well as massage therapists and beauticians. Getting one’s hair styled in a private room may be popular in a post-pandemic world, she adds. Some 80% of the salon rooms are already spoken for.
The economy as an organic web
Another lesson of California Street is that local business owners and workers tend to patronize each other, popping into the Stop & Shop for groceries, or eating at Edamame, the Asian restaurant behind it. Edamame tried to stay open offering takeout and delivery, stocking an outdoor rack of menus that got wet from the rain. But by Wednesday of this week, a note was taped to the door saying the restaurant was temporarily closed. Its customers’ money, presumably, will flow down the block to Stop & Shop, or to other supermarkets.
In a normal year, Americans spend more on food eating out than they do at home. But the lockdowns in the past month have meant a huge diversion of spending from restaurants to grocery stores. The National Restaurant Association estimates the total at some $25 billion since March 1, which has put 3 million people out of work. It figures 15% of restaurants will close permanently within two weeks, if they haven’t already done so.
Other money has stopped flowing at all, and that has a ripple effect. Closed offices mean the cleaning businesses have fewer to clean. Van drivers for the senior center and air-conditioning specialists are now laid off, which means they sit at home and spend less.
Some small businesses appear to be doing just fine. “We are busy and we are also running shorthanded,” writes Arthur Margolis, president of ACC Apothecary, which specializes in custom-made prescriptions for patients. “All I can say is that we are open and we have patients in 8 states that we are taking care of.”
Nationally, 3% of small businesses surveyed by the NFIB were positively affected by the virus. But 92% were adversely affected, even if business owners are hesitant to talk about it.
“Clients are holding on to their money,” says the owner of EnChem Engineering, a remediation specialist for hazardous-waste sites, who doesn’t give his name or take off his face mask. But “we are able to keep going.”
Connections in a “distanced” world
The other aspect of business here on California Street is how personal it is. For all the moves to physically distance people, they still make social connections. It’s the essence of business, exchange among individuals.
Behind EnChem Engineering, Zdorovie Senior Services is closed down. All the employees have been laid off. Even if it was open, it’s unlikely that retirement homes would let their clients travel and congregate. “But I regularly call them to check up,” says a manager, who won’t give her name.
This month, EnChem and the other small-business tenants in the building received an unexpected surprise. The landlord was not collecting rent for April.
“The tenants are the same general type,” says Werner Gossels, who owns the building and others in several communities around Boston. “It’s a family business with one or two or three people.”
It was a decision that cost Mr. Gossels hundreds of thousands of dollars. But “those are the people who have been so good to us over the years,” he says. Now, there’s “the fear that everybody has – suddenly they have no business, they have no knowledge of where they’re going. We can’t do much about food and shelter, but we could say, ‘No rent. Forget this month.’”
“It looks like we may have to do May as well,” he adds.
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.


csmonitor--2020-03-16--How houses of worship are adjusting to coronavirus concerns

Pastors across the United States delivered sermons to empty ( or near empty ) pews and online crowds on Sunday as houses of worship adjusted to the coronavirus pandemic , with the Vatican indicating that the holiest week on its calendar will look vastly different next month .
While many religious institutions around the country took to the internet to stream their services this week – including one megachurch that President Donald Trump tweeted he was tuning in to – a few tried to take extra precautions while maintaining a semblance of their Sunday routine .
Mr. Trump , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day of prayer , said he would watch a livestreamed service by Jentezen Franklin , a Georgia-based pastor and long-standing evangelical ally of the president .
The annual National Day of Prayer is May 7 .
During his sermon , Mr. Franklin urged prayers for China and Iran , areas hit particularly hard by the virus .
Franklin also sought to acknowledge the fatal toll that coronavirus is already exacting worldwide while encouraging worshippers not to “ let the fear flu get you ” by falling prey to panic .
Mr. Trump , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a statement from his personal physician , tweeted that Mr. Franklin ’ s service was “ great and beautiful.
” Mr. Franklin held his Sunday services exclusively online , as public health experts and state governors urged the cancellation of big gatherings of all kinds to curtail the spread of coronavirus .
But a few churches kept their doors open .
A hardy few came to mostly empty churches as pastors faced hard decisions about continuing to hold services , and how to maintain the bonds of a congregation during a public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Methodist Episcopal Church in Atlanta , about 100 people dotted a sanctuary built for thousands .
The Rev .
William Watley told members that he would follow official directives on whether to have church after Sunday .
Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp asked faith groups to consider calling off in-person services last week , a concern underlined by the fact that some of Georgia ’ s 99 confirmed cases were spread at a church in Cartersville , northwest of Atlanta .
Reverend Watley told people attending the 11 a.m. service that more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online , even pointing out how people could submit their offering online .
“ Our goal is not to frighten anyone , but reduce public gatherings where there is an increased risk of exposure , ” Mr. Watley told congregants .
There were notes of defiance .
Mr. Watley , warming to his text from II Chronicles about how the people of Judah won a battle thanks to prayer and faith , preached that he wasn ’ t about to shut his church ’ s doors .
“ Some of the younger preachers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ church ?
’ When you think about some of the mess that all of us have been through , the possibility of coronavirus .
...
It ’ s going to take a more than this to stop us from serving and trusting God .
His steadfast love endures !
” Mr. Watley preached .
Although he quickly added : “ You do your part .
You wash your hands like you got sense.
” Archie James , a member of the church board at St. Philip , said more people were at church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We want to squash this thing and get it over with , ” said Mr. James , a Conyers resident .
Vanessa Parson , another St. Philip member , said the church can help ease fears : “ Just keep people believing in the Lord , believing they ’ re going to be safe , that they don ’ t have to be afraid.
” The sanctuary was mostly empty at Cross Lanes United Methodist Church in Cross Lanes , West Virginia , the only state without a confirmed case .
Senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wolfe , said people should “ give thanks that good news still abounds ” and use their unique talents during the coronavirus scare , including offering to share stockpiles of groceries or household supplies with disadvantaged neighbors , reconnecting with family , or assisting schools that are seeking extra help .
At St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Glen Allen , Virginia , just outside Richmond , about 150 parishioners attended the 9:15 a.m. Mass , a service that usually draws 600 to 700 people .
Deacon Andrew Ferguson urged parishioners to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recommendation to stay at least 6 feet away from each other .
Brook Schurman , a private school teacher , said he wasn ’ t disappointed by the Mass , but noticed how different it felt with the smaller crowd .
“ It is a little sad that people – not just here , but throughout the county and state – are pulling back , isolating more , ” he said .
“ It ’ s what ’ s recommended , but the fear behind it is sad.
” Across the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to shield their congregations from the coronavirus .
Measures have included canceling services and banning large funerals and weddings .
A number of Roman Catholic bishops canceled all public worship services for at least two weeks .
Other steps , including sharing of the sign of peace with gestures rather than physical contact , have been in place several weeks .
Comparably strong measures are being taken by leaders of their faiths , ranging from rabbis in New Jersey to Episcopal and Methodist bishops in North Carolina .
The Church of Jesus Christ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and church activities for its 16 million members worldwide .
Episcopal churches in the Washington , D.C. , area , including the Washington National Cathedral , suspended services .
Many churches closed their sanctuaries but continued – or launched – services online or by phone .
Brenthaven Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Brentwood , Tennessee broadcast services on Facebook Live with only a small number of congregation members , staff , and the pastor , Kip Rush , at the church .
Initially the discussion was about communion but as members talked it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also thought about the whole idea that if we can begin to social distance and slow the growth down then maybe we can slow the progression down , ” Mr .
Rush said .
He added that while the congregation is small and could have spread out , he did not want to .
” We have some church members , especially older members , who are very faithful , and if one of them had gotten sick , the guilt and the reasoning behind that , we would not have been able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forced international religious institutions to alter their behavior as well .
In Italy , where the public is severely restricted from leaving their homes , the Vatican announced that Holy Week liturgical celebrations will not be open to the public .
Some churches in Italy are being allowed to stay open for individual prayer , but all public Masses are forbidden during lockdown to discourage crowding .
Although Easter , April 12 , wasn ’ t specified in the Vatican statements , it appeared likely that restrictions on large gatherings might well continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it would decide whether measures , now in effect through April 3 , would need an extension or tightening .
Later Sunday , Pope Francis left the Vatican to visit St. Mary Major Basilica near Rome 's central train station .
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said Francis went there to pray to the Virgin Mary for the sick .
Spain followed Italy into lockdown mode with churches there adopting measures akin to those begun in Italy a few weeks ago .
The Orthodox Church of Cyprus joined others and called on believers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks .
Despite an earlier decision not to discourage the faithful from coming to churches , it said in a statement that `` it can not remain indifferent '' to the public health crisis .
This story was reported by The Associated Press .
Mr. Amy reported from Atlanta , Ms. Schor from New York , and Ms. Lavoie from Glen Allen , Virginia .
AP writers Frances D'Emilio in Rome , Menelaos Hadjicostis in Nicosia , Cyprus , John Raby in Cross Lanes , West Virginia , and Mark Humphrey in Brentwood @ @ @ @

Pastors across the United States delivered sermons to empty (or near empty) pews and online crowds on Sunday as houses of worship adjusted to the coronavirus pandemic, with the Vatican indicating that the holiest week on its calendar will look vastly different next month.
While many religious institutions around the country took to the internet to stream their services this week – including one megachurch that President Donald Trump tweeted he was tuning in to – a few tried to take extra precautions while maintaining a semblance of their Sunday routine.
Mr. Trump, who had declared on Sunday a special national day of prayer, said he would watch a livestreamed service by Jentezen Franklin, a Georgia-based pastor and long-standing evangelical ally of the president. The annual National Day of Prayer is May 7.
During his sermon, Mr. Franklin urged prayers for China and Iran, areas hit particularly hard by the virus. Franklin also sought to acknowledge the fatal toll that coronavirus is already exacting worldwide while encouraging worshippers not to “let the fear flu get you” by falling prey to panic.
Mr. Trump, who tested negative for the coronavirus according to a statement from his personal physician, tweeted that Mr. Franklin’s service was “great and beautiful.”
Mr. Franklin held his Sunday services exclusively online, as public health experts and state governors urged the cancellation of big gatherings of all kinds to curtail the spread of coronavirus. But a few churches kept their doors open.
A hardy few came to mostly empty churches as pastors faced hard decisions about continuing to hold services, and how to maintain the bonds of a congregation during a public health crisis.
At St. Philip African Methodist Episcopal Church in Atlanta, about 100 people dotted a sanctuary built for thousands. The Rev. William Watley told members that he would follow official directives on whether to have church after Sunday. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp asked faith groups to consider calling off in-person services last week, a concern underlined by the fact that some of Georgia’s 99 confirmed cases were spread at a church in Cartersville, northwest of Atlanta.
Reverend Watley told people attending the 11 a.m. service that more than 500 people had viewed an earlier one online, even pointing out how people could submit their offering online.
“Our goal is not to frighten anyone, but reduce public gatherings where there is an increased risk of exposure,” Mr. Watley told congregants.
There were notes of defiance. Mr. Watley, warming to his text from II Chronicles about how the people of Judah won a battle thanks to prayer and faith, preached that he wasn’t about to shut his church’s doors.
“Some of the younger preachers said, ‘You going to have church?’ When you think about some of the mess that all of us have been through, the possibility of coronavirus. ... It’s going to take a more than this to stop us from serving and trusting God. His steadfast love endures!” Mr. Watley preached.
Although he quickly added: “You do your part. You wash your hands like you got sense.”
Archie James, a member of the church board at St. Philip, said more people were at church on Sunday than he had expected. “We want to squash this thing and get it over with,” said Mr. James, a Conyers resident.
Vanessa Parson, another St. Philip member, said the church can help ease fears: “Just keep people believing in the Lord, believing they’re going to be safe, that they don’t have to be afraid.”
The sanctuary was mostly empty at Cross Lanes United Methodist Church in Cross Lanes, West Virginia, the only state without a confirmed case. Senior pastor, the Rev. Krysta Rexrode Wolfe, said people should “give thanks that good news still abounds” and use their unique talents during the coronavirus scare, including offering to share stockpiles of groceries or household supplies with disadvantaged neighbors, reconnecting with family, or assisting schools that are seeking extra help.
At St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Glen Allen, Virginia, just outside Richmond, about 150 parishioners attended the 9:15 a.m. Mass, a service that usually draws 600 to 700 people.
Deacon Andrew Ferguson urged parishioners to “honor that distance,” the recommendation to stay at least 6 feet away from each other.
Brook Schurman, a private school teacher, said he wasn’t disappointed by the Mass, but noticed how different it felt with the smaller crowd.
“It is a little sad that people – not just here, but throughout the county and state – are pulling back, isolating more,” he said. “It’s what’s recommended, but the fear behind it is sad.”
Across the United States, religious leaders have taken unprecedented steps to shield their congregations from the coronavirus. Measures have included canceling services and banning large funerals and weddings. A number of Roman Catholic bishops canceled all public worship services for at least two weeks. Other steps, including sharing of the sign of peace with gestures rather than physical contact, have been in place several weeks.
Comparably strong measures are being taken by leaders of their faiths, ranging from rabbis in New Jersey to Episcopal and Methodist bishops in North Carolina. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints halted all worship services and church activities for its 16 million members worldwide. Episcopal churches in the Washington, D.C., area, including the Washington National Cathedral, suspended services.
Many churches closed their sanctuaries but continued – or launched – services online or by phone. Brenthaven Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Brentwood, Tennessee broadcast services on Facebook Live with only a small number of congregation members, staff, and the pastor, Kip Rush, at the church.
Initially the discussion was about communion but as members talked it was clear there other concerns. “We also thought about the whole idea that if we can begin to social distance and slow the growth down then maybe we can slow the progression down,” Mr. Rush said. He added that while the congregation is small and could have spread out, he did not want to. ”We have some church members, especially older members, who are very faithful, and if one of them had gotten sick, the guilt and the reasoning behind that, we would not have been able to deal with it.”
The coronavirus forced international religious institutions to alter their behavior as well.
In Italy, where the public is severely restricted from leaving their homes, the Vatican announced that Holy Week liturgical celebrations will not be open to the public. Some churches in Italy are being allowed to stay open for individual prayer, but all public Masses are forbidden during lockdown to discourage crowding.
Although Easter, April 12, wasn’t specified in the Vatican statements, it appeared likely that restrictions on large gatherings might well continue in Italy. The Italian government has said it would decide whether measures, now in effect through April 3, would need an extension or tightening.
Later Sunday, Pope Francis left the Vatican to visit St. Mary Major Basilica near Rome's central train station. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said Francis went there to pray to the Virgin Mary for the sick.
Spain followed Italy into lockdown mode with churches there adopting measures akin to those begun in Italy a few weeks ago.
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The Orthodox Church of Cyprus joined others and called on believers to refrain from attending services for three weeks. Despite an earlier decision not to discourage the faithful from coming to churches, it said in a statement that "it cannot remain indifferent" to the public health crisis.
This story was reported by The Associated Press. Mr. Amy reported from Atlanta, Ms. Schor from New York, and Ms. Lavoie from Glen Allen, Virginia. AP writers Frances D'Emilio in Rome, Menelaos Hadjicostis in Nicosia, Cyprus, John Raby in Cross Lanes, West Virginia, and Mark Humphrey in Brentwood, Tennessee contributed.


csmonitor--2020-03-16--Europe emerges as new frontline in fight against coronavirus

Daily life came to a grinding halt around much of the world Sunday amid new travel restrictions , border shutdowns and sweeping closures of restaurants and bars aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus pandemic .
The numbers of cases and deaths continued to rise , including in hard-hit Italy where the overall toll rose to 1,809 .
With the country under a nearly week-old lockdown , Pope Francis ventured out of the Vatican to visit two churches in Rome to pray for the sick , a spokesman said .
Public worship was curtailed in many places as faith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moved to online services .
Muslim authorities announced that the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem 's Old City would be closed indefinitely , and the Vatican said next month 's Holy Week services would not be open to the public .
Americans returning from abroad found historic closures in cities and faced chaos at airports as overwhelmed border agents tried to screen passengers for illness .
In Spain , long lines for food and police patrols marked the first day of a nationwide quarantine .
In the Philippines , soldiers and police sealed off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most domestic travelers .
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz announced plans to limit movement nationwide , and Lebanon 's government ordered a lockdown in the country , closing down Beirut 's famed seaside corniche .
Ireland ordered all pubs and bars to close for two weeks — including on Tuesday , St. Patrick 's Day — and urged people not even to hold house parties .
Two pub industry groups had warned of the “ real difficulty ” in keeping people apart in the country 's famous watering holes .
With new infections dwindling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ main front line of the fight against COVID-19 .
The virus has infected 162,000 people and killed over 6,000 , but more than 75,000 people have recovered .
China , Italy , Iran , South Korea , and Spain have the most infections .
People should go out “ only alone or with the people who live in their apartment , '' said Austria 's Kurz , whose country has 800 infections .
That was echoed by one of America 's top infectious disease experts .
“ I think Americans should be prepared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hunker down significantly more than we as a country are doing , ’ ’ Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health told NBC ’ s ” Meet the Press.
’ ’ Governors in California , Illinois , and Ohio on Sunday told all bars and restaurants to close or reduce their number of customers .
New York City will shutter the nation 's largest public school system as early as Tuesday , sending over 1.1 million children home .
With fears increasing that the viral outbreak will depress economic growth across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Federal Reserve took emergency action by slashing its benchmark interest rate to near zero and deciding to buy $ 700 billion in Treasury and mortgage bonds .
Travelers returning to the U.S. after the Trump administration imposed a wide-ranging ban on people entering from Europe faced hourslong waits for medical screenings .
Images on social media showed packed arrival halls and winding lines .
“ This is unacceptable , counterproductive and exactly the opposite of what we need to do to prevent # COVID19 , '' Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth tweeted .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ passengers from taking ferries to the island of Sardinia and halted overnight train trips , which many in the north had used to reach homes and families in the south .
Even as authorities pleaded for people to stay home , Pope Francis visited St. Mary Major Basilica , near Rome ’ s central train station , to pray for the sick , Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said .
The 83-year-old pontiff then walked to another church with a crucifix that in 1522 was carried in a procession during a plague afflicting Rome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ ’ invoked the end of the pandemic that has stricken Italy and the world , implored healing for the many sick , recalled the many victims of these days ” and asked for consolation for their family and friends .
The Vatican said it would close all Holy Week ceremonies to the public starting with Palm Sunday on April 5 .
Although the statement did not specify Easter , which is celebrated on April 12 , it appeared likely that restrictions on large gatherings might well continue in Italy .
Holy Week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rome but , with Italy at the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak , tourism has vanished .
Spain was under lockdown amid a two-week state of emergency .
“ From now , we enter into a new phase , ” said Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez , whose wife tested positive .
“ We won ’ t hesitate in doing what we need must to beat the virus .
We are putting health first.
” In Barcelona , there were long lines to buy bread .
Police patrolled parks and told people who were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Las Ramblas promenade , the heart of the city and a tourist magnet , was eerily empty .
Spain 's Health Ministry said the country has recorded 288 deaths , up from 136 on Saturday .
The number of infections rose to 7,753 from 5,700 .
The Czech Republic will launch a nationwide lockdown Monday , and Netherlands ordered all schools , day-care centers , restaurants , and bars to close until April 6 .
Elsewhere , Morocco suspended all international flights , and Turkey set aside quarantine beds for more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holy sites in Saudi Arabia .
In China , where the virus was first detected in December , those arriving on overseas flights were routed to an exhibition center for initial checks before being shuttled to their homes or other quarantine locations .
Even as social life largely halted – the German capital of Berlin has closed bars , cinemas and other facilities – some attempts at keeping up public life persisted .
France went ahead Sunday with nationwide elections to choose mayors and other local leaders despite a crackdown on gatherings .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 3-foot gap between people and provide soap or sanitizing gel and disinfectant wipes for voting machines .
In Germany , the state of Bavaria also held municipal elections , with poll workers wearing protective gloves .
Germany will partially close its borders with France , Switzerland , Austria , Luxembourg , and Denmark on Monday , and Interior Minister Horst Seehofer said people will no longer be allowed to cross those borders without a valid reason , such as for work .
Britain , which has not yet restricted everyday activities , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ powers this week , including potentially requiring people over 70 to self-isolate for up to four months and banning mass gatherings .
“ We will do the right thing at the right time , ” Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the BBC .
Puerto Rico ordered nearly all businesses to close for next two weeks and set a nighttime curfew following confirmation of a fifth case .
Even Montenegro , with no confirmed cases , preemptively banned foreigners and ordered the closure of cafes , restaurants , shopping malls , fitness centers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25 of Africa 's 54 countries , sweeping restrictions were announced .
Kenya is banning travelers from countries with infections and closing all schools for three weeks .
Senegal and Mauritania also are closing schools .
Senegal also banned all public gatherings for a month , stopping cruise ships from docking and suspending Muslim and Christian pilgrimages .
Muslim authorities announced that Jerusalem 's Al-Aqsa Mosque , Islam 's third-holiest site , would be closed indefinitely , with prayers being held on the sprawling esplanade outside .
Dalia Samhouri , a regional official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both Iran and Egypt , two of the most populous countries in the Mideast , were likely underreporting cases because infected people can still show no visible symptoms .
Iran says it has nearly 14,000 virus cases and 724 deaths , while Egypt has reported 110 cases , including two fatalities .
This story was reported by The Associated Press .
Joseph Wilson reported from Barcelona , Spain .
AP writers Geir Moulson in Berlin , Iain Sullivan in Madrid , Sylvie Corbet in Paris , Yanan Wang in Beijing , Andrew Taylor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manila contributed .

Daily life came to a grinding halt around much of the world Sunday amid new travel restrictions, border shutdowns and sweeping closures of restaurants and bars aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
The numbers of cases and deaths continued to rise, including in hard-hit Italy where the overall toll rose to 1,809. With the country under a nearly week-old lockdown, Pope Francis ventured out of the Vatican to visit two churches in Rome to pray for the sick, a spokesman said.
Public worship was curtailed in many places as faith leaders gave sermons to empty pews or moved to online services. Muslim authorities announced that the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem's Old City would be closed indefinitely, and the Vatican said next month's Holy Week services would not be open to the public.
Americans returning from abroad found historic closures in cities and faced chaos at airports as overwhelmed border agents tried to screen passengers for illness.
In Spain, long lines for food and police patrols marked the first day of a nationwide quarantine. In the Philippines, soldiers and police sealed off the densely populated capital of Manila from most domestic travelers. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz announced plans to limit movement nationwide, and Lebanon's government ordered a lockdown in the country, closing down Beirut's famed seaside corniche.
Ireland ordered all pubs and bars to close for two weeks — including on Tuesday, St. Patrick's Day — and urged people not even to hold house parties. Two pub industry groups had warned of the “real difficulty” in keeping people apart in the country's famous watering holes.
With new infections dwindling in Asia, Europe has become the main front line of the fight against COVID-19. The virus has infected 162,000 people and killed over 6,000, but more than 75,000 people have recovered.
China, Italy, Iran, South Korea, and Spain have the most infections.
People should go out “only alone or with the people who live in their apartment," said Austria's Kurz, whose country has 800 infections.
That was echoed by one of America's top infectious disease experts.
“I think Americans should be prepared that they are going to have to hunker down significantly more than we as a country are doing,’’ Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health told NBC’s ”Meet the Press.’’
Governors in California, Illinois, and Ohio on Sunday told all bars and restaurants to close or reduce their number of customers. New York City will shutter the nation's largest public school system as early as Tuesday, sending over 1.1 million children home.
With fears increasing that the viral outbreak will depress economic growth across the U.S. in the coming months, the Federal Reserve took emergency action by slashing its benchmark interest rate to near zero and deciding to buy $700 billion in Treasury and mortgage bonds.
Travelers returning to the U.S. after the Trump administration imposed a wide-ranging ban on people entering from Europe faced hourslong waits for medical screenings. Images on social media showed packed arrival halls and winding lines.
“This is unacceptable, counterproductive and exactly the opposite of what we need to do to prevent #COVID19," Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth tweeted.
In Italy, the Transport Ministry banned passengers from taking ferries to the island of Sardinia and halted overnight train trips, which many in the north had used to reach homes and families in the south.
Even as authorities pleaded for people to stay home, Pope Francis visited St. Mary Major Basilica, near Rome’s central train station, to pray for the sick, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said.
The 83-year-old pontiff then walked to another church with a crucifix that in 1522 was carried in a procession during a plague afflicting Rome. In his prayer, Francis has ‘’invoked the end of the pandemic that has stricken Italy and the world, implored healing for the many sick, recalled the many victims of these days” and asked for consolation for their family and friends.
The Vatican said it would close all Holy Week ceremonies to the public starting with Palm Sunday on April 5. Although the statement did not specify Easter, which is celebrated on April 12, it appeared likely that restrictions on large gatherings might well continue in Italy. Holy Week services usually draw tens of thousands to Rome but, with Italy at the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak, tourism has vanished.
Spain was under lockdown amid a two-week state of emergency.
“From now, we enter into a new phase,” said Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, whose wife tested positive. “We won’t hesitate in doing what we need must to beat the virus. We are putting health first.”
In Barcelona, there were long lines to buy bread. Police patrolled parks and told people who were not walking their dogs to go home. The Las Ramblas promenade, the heart of the city and a tourist magnet, was eerily empty.
Spain's Health Ministry said the country has recorded 288 deaths, up from 136 on Saturday. The number of infections rose to 7,753 from 5,700.
The Czech Republic will launch a nationwide lockdown Monday, and Netherlands ordered all schools, day-care centers, restaurants, and bars to close until April 6.
Elsewhere, Morocco suspended all international flights, and Turkey set aside quarantine beds for more than 10,000 people returning from Islam's holy sites in Saudi Arabia.
In China, where the virus was first detected in December, those arriving on overseas flights were routed to an exhibition center for initial checks before being shuttled to their homes or other quarantine locations.
Even as social life largely halted – the German capital of Berlin has closed bars, cinemas and other facilities – some attempts at keeping up public life persisted.
France went ahead Sunday with nationwide elections to choose mayors and other local leaders despite a crackdown on gatherings. The government ordered election organizers to keep a 3-foot gap between people and provide soap or sanitizing gel and disinfectant wipes for voting machines.
In Germany, the state of Bavaria also held municipal elections, with poll workers wearing protective gloves. Germany will partially close its borders with France, Switzerland, Austria, Luxembourg, and Denmark on Monday, and Interior Minister Horst Seehofer said people will no longer be allowed to cross those borders without a valid reason, such as for work.
Britain, which has not yet restricted everyday activities, said it plans to set out emergency powers this week, including potentially requiring people over 70 to self-isolate for up to four months and banning mass gatherings.
“We will do the right thing at the right time,” Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the BBC.
Puerto Rico ordered nearly all businesses to close for next two weeks and set a nighttime curfew following confirmation of a fifth case.
Even Montenegro, with no confirmed cases, preemptively banned foreigners and ordered the closure of cafes, restaurants, shopping malls, fitness centers and playgrounds.
With the virus having reached 25 of Africa's 54 countries, sweeping restrictions were announced. Kenya is banning travelers from countries with infections and closing all schools for three weeks.
Senegal and Mauritania also are closing schools. Senegal also banned all public gatherings for a month, stopping cruise ships from docking and suspending Muslim and Christian pilgrimages.
Muslim authorities announced that Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam's third-holiest site, would be closed indefinitely, with prayers being held on the sprawling esplanade outside.
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Dalia Samhouri, a regional official with the World Health Organization, said both Iran and Egypt, two of the most populous countries in the Mideast, were likely underreporting cases because infected people can still show no visible symptoms. Iran says it has nearly 14,000 virus cases and 724 deaths, while Egypt has reported 110 cases, including two fatalities.
This story was reported by The Associated Press. Joseph Wilson reported from Barcelona, Spain. AP writers Geir Moulson in Berlin, Iain Sullivan in Madrid, Sylvie Corbet in Paris, Yanan Wang in Beijing, Andrew Taylor in Washington, and Jim Gomez in Manila contributed.


csmonitor--2020-03-16--'Hate has lost': New Zealand marks mosque shooting anniversary

People in the New Zealand city of Christchurch honored the 51 worshipers who were killed in a mass shooting a year ago in small but poignant ways on Sunday , after a planned national memorial event was canceled due to fears it might spread the new coronavirus .
Outside the Al Noor mosque , dozens of leather-clad bikers from the Tu Tangata club performed a traditional Maori haka .
They were welcomed by mosque imam Gamal Fouda , who said people of all beliefs and cultures were stopping to pay their respects , and they were all united as New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the shooting at the Linwood mosque was Mazharuddin Syed Ahmed , who said that marking anniversaries was not typically a Muslim tradition but they were doing it so the wider community could grieve and remember .
He said the shootings had provoked an outpouring of love and compassion .
“ Of course , we lost our loved friends , family , people , and community , ” he said .
“ But we are also seeing so much good has come out of it .
So looking at the positive part of that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ privilege to be in this country.
” Temel Atacocugu , who survived after being shot nine times at the Al Noor mosque , said the anniversary had provoked strong feelings .
`` We are sad more than we are angry , ” he said .
“ It ’ s very emotional .
When I woke up this morning , I ’ m speechless .
I can ’ t explain what I feel.
” “ The biggest change after the attack was that I can ’ t be free the same as before , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very limited moving around .
And I was feeling like a little baby , because somebody has to look after me all the time.
” Yet his physical recovery a year later is remarkable .
The wheelchair and cane are gone .
His left arm remains weakened , but when he walks down the street or plays with his Labradoodle dog , Max , Mr. Atacocugu ’ s limp is barely noticeable .
A few weeks ago , he started playing soccer again with a group of his friends , joking that these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fit men in their 70s .
In one game , he showed off his skills by tackling , spot kicking , and back-heeling a pass .
He says he doesn ’ t want to keep working at the kebab shop he ran with a business partner at the time of the attack and is now trying to sell his stake .
Mr. Atacocugu says he ’ s thinking instead of turning back to his skills as a painter and decorator .
It ’ s more peaceful , he says , working alongside a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deal with at any one time .
He ’ s also recently put in an offer to buy a new home in Christchurch , which he hopes will help him make a fresh start .
He plans to attend the trial of the Australian white supremacist who is accused of carrying out last year ’ s massacre .
Brenton Tarrant has pleaded not guilty to charges of terrorism , murder , and attempted murder ; and his trial is scheduled to start in June .
Over the past year , Mr. Atacocugu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overseas trips .
One was to Turkey , where he spent time with his mother and other family members and friends .
The other was a trip to Saudi Arabia for the hajj , the annual pilgrimage that most Muslims are required to perform during their lifetime .
Mr. Atacocugu was among 200 survivors and relatives from the Christchurch attacks who traveled to Saudi Arabia as guests of King Salman .
“ Pretty much my whole life is upside down and changed , ” Mr. Atacocugu says .
“ But spiritually , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much stronger than I used to be.
” That newfound strength has filtered through into other aspects of his life .
Mr. Atacocugu recalls watching the “ Jaws ” movies when he was a boy , an experience that for months left him terrified of swimming .
Years later , he drew up a list of new things to experience during his life , including diving with sharks .
Still , he could never quite get over that childhood fear .
But he says that after he was shot , he began to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couple of months ago , he drove to the southern end of New Zealand and , on a picture-perfect day , went on a tour boat and was submerged in a protective metal cage among great white sharks that swam within a body length of him .
The experience left him exhilarated .
“ I faced my fear , ” he says .
Mr. Atacocugu says the way that New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and people throughout the country came together in unity after the shooting shows the gunman has already failed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hate , he says , has lost and love has won .
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Saturday the decision to cancel the memorial event planned for Horncastle Arena was pragmatic and precautionary .
New Zealand has had eight confirmed cases of COVID-19 .
All of those cases have been connected to people returning from abroad and so far there haven ’ t been signs of a local outbreak .
Ms. Ardern has enacted strict border rules in an attempt to prevent the disease from taking hold in New Zealand .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

People in the New Zealand city of Christchurch honored the 51 worshipers who were killed in a mass shooting a year ago in small but poignant ways on Sunday, after a planned national memorial event was canceled due to fears it might spread the new coronavirus.
Outside the Al Noor mosque, dozens of leather-clad bikers from the Tu Tangata club performed a traditional Maori haka. They were welcomed by mosque imam Gamal Fouda, who said people of all beliefs and cultures were stopping to pay their respects, and they were all united as New Zealanders.
One of those who survived the shooting at the Linwood mosque was Mazharuddin Syed Ahmed, who said that marking anniversaries was not typically a Muslim tradition but they were doing it so the wider community could grieve and remember. He said the shootings had provoked an outpouring of love and compassion.
“Of course, we lost our loved friends, family, people, and community,” he said. “But we are also seeing so much good has come out of it. So looking at the positive part of that. Today, it is such a privilege to be in this country.”
Temel Atacocugu, who survived after being shot nine times at the Al Noor mosque, said the anniversary had provoked strong feelings. "We are sad more than we are angry,” he said. “It’s very emotional. When I woke up this morning, I’m speechless. I can’t explain what I feel.”
“The biggest change after the attack was that I can’t be free the same as before,” Mr. Atacocugu says. “Because very limited moving around. And I was feeling like a little baby, because somebody has to look after me all the time.”
Yet his physical recovery a year later is remarkable. The wheelchair and cane are gone. His left arm remains weakened, but when he walks down the street or plays with his Labradoodle dog, Max, Mr. Atacocugu’s limp is barely noticeable.
A few weeks ago, he started playing soccer again with a group of his friends, joking that these days he’s being outrun by fit men in their 70s. In one game, he showed off his skills by tackling, spot kicking, and back-heeling a pass.
He says he doesn’t want to keep working at the kebab shop he ran with a business partner at the time of the attack and is now trying to sell his stake.
Mr. Atacocugu says he’s thinking instead of turning back to his skills as a painter and decorator. It’s more peaceful, he says, working alongside a trusted crew with only a single customer to deal with at any one time. He’s also recently put in an offer to buy a new home in Christchurch, which he hopes will help him make a fresh start.
He plans to attend the trial of the Australian white supremacist who is accused of carrying out last year’s massacre. Brenton Tarrant has pleaded not guilty to charges of terrorism, murder, and attempted murder; and his trial is scheduled to start in June.
Over the past year, Mr. Atacocugu has found moments of peace during two overseas trips. One was to Turkey, where he spent time with his mother and other family members and friends. The other was a trip to Saudi Arabia for the hajj, the annual pilgrimage that most Muslims are required to perform during their lifetime. Mr. Atacocugu was among 200 survivors and relatives from the Christchurch attacks who traveled to Saudi Arabia as guests of King Salman.
“Pretty much my whole life is upside down and changed,” Mr. Atacocugu says. “But spiritually, in a religious way, I’m much stronger than I used to be.”
That newfound strength has filtered through into other aspects of his life. Mr. Atacocugu recalls watching the “Jaws” movies when he was a boy, an experience that for months left him terrified of swimming. Years later, he drew up a list of new things to experience during his life, including diving with sharks. Still, he could never quite get over that childhood fear.
But he says that after he was shot, he began to think about it a lot.
A couple of months ago, he drove to the southern end of New Zealand and, on a picture-perfect day, went on a tour boat and was submerged in a protective metal cage among great white sharks that swam within a body length of him. The experience left him exhilarated.
“I faced my fear,” he says.
Mr. Atacocugu says the way that New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and people throughout the country came together in unity after the shooting shows the gunman has already failed in his quest to sow division. Hate, he says, has lost and love has won.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Saturday the decision to cancel the memorial event planned for Horncastle Arena was pragmatic and precautionary.
Get stories that
empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
New Zealand has had eight confirmed cases of COVID-19. All of those cases have been connected to people returning from abroad and so far there haven’t been signs of a local outbreak. Ms. Ardern has enacted strict border rules in an attempt to prevent the disease from taking hold in New Zealand.
This story was reported by The Associated Press.