washingtontimes--2020-05-10--UK expected to stick to lockdown as Johnson outlines future

LONDON ( AP ) - Taking a different tack than most other nations , British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to extend the bulk of the country ’ s coronavirus lockdown restrictions for three weeks or so when he speaks to the nation Sunday evening .
Following a week of mixed messages that started with Johnson indicating that there will be changes to the lockdown beginning Monday , the government has sought to douse speculation that they will amount to much .
That ’ s because the U.K. , which has recorded the most coronavirus-related deaths in Europe at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high number of infections .
“ Extreme caution is actually the watchword on this , ” Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said Saturday .
His comments came as British police warned they are “ fighting a losing battle ” as Londoners headed out to parks , families descended on the pebble beaches of Brighton in southern England and many drivers set out on what are considered unessential journeys amid the lockdown .
“ It ’ s vital that we don ’ t throw away essentially the great work of seven weeks of people respecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , by throwing it away because it happens to be sunny outside this weekend , ” Shapps said .
“ That would be absolutely tragic.
” The worry is that the U.K. lockdown , which began March 23 and has clearly reduced the transmission of the virus , will need to be extended for longer than envisioned .
Johnson has voiced worries of a second spike in infections and deaths - something that infectious disease experts say will happen as nations ease their lockdowns .
Johnson ’ s Conservative government has also faced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ react to the pandemic and for not supplying medical workers with enough protective gear .
Johnson , more than other world leaders , has seen the virus up close .
He returned to work only two weeks ago following a hospitalization for COVID-19 that nearly cost the 55-year-old his life .
Johnson is to announce a “ roadmap ” of how the U.K. can start relaxing some of the lockdown measures , notably on how mothballed sectors of the economy and schools can reopen in an era of social distancing .
Throughout the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.K. - England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland - have moved in lockstep .
Changes may include being able to exercise more than once a day and the reopening of garden centers .
There ’ s also widespread speculation that Johnson will announce a 14-day quarantine for all travellers coming to the U.K. bar those from Ireland , as part of measures aimed at avoiding a second peak of the pandemic .
Any quarantine announcement has the potential to wreck summer holiday plans and prove another devastating economic hit to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it had been told by the government that the plan will be in place by the end of the month or early June .
“ We will be asking for assurances that this decision has been led by the science and that government has a credible exit plan , with weekly reviews to ensure the restrictions are working and still required , ” the organization said .
Karen Dee , the chief executive of the Airport Operators Association , said she has not received any details about any quarantine plan but warned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact ” on the U.K. ’ s aviation industry as well as the wider economy .
Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak

LONDON (AP) - U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday outlined a “conditional plan” for reopening British society in the coming months, including the possible return to school for some young children at the start of June, as well as some easing of the coronavirus lockdown in England.
In a televised address to the nation, Johnson said this is “not the time, simply, to end the lockdown this week,” but that it was appropriate to make some changes, including encouraging people with jobs that cannot be done from home to return to work.
However, his plan of action lacked many details and raised a series of new questions, not least over potentially divergent approaches by the four constituent nations of the U.K. - England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. More details will be unveiled in Parliament on Monday.
Johnson said it would be “madness” to loosen restrictions so much that a second spike in cases emerges. The U.K. recorded as of Sunday almost 32,000 virus-related deaths, the most in Europe and the second-highest pandemic toll worldwide. Johnson said that without the lockdown, in place since March 23, half a million people may have lost their lives.
“We must continue to control the virus and save lives,” the prime minister said from an office at 10 Downing Street. “And yet we must also recognize that this campaign against the virus has come at colossal cost to our way of life.”
The lockdown has reduced the transmission of the novel coronavirus in the community, but has come at a heavy economic cost. Johnson, who returned to work only two weeks ago following his hospitalization for COVID-19, has come under pressure to relieve the pressure on the economy.
He said the government would proceed cautiously but that he could announce “the first careful steps” in relaxing the lockdown in England.
He said people who cannot work from home, such as those in construction or manufacturing, “should be actively encouraged to go to work” starting this week. However, he said they should not commute by public transportation and adhere to social distancing guidelines. It was unclear how those with children can return if schools remain closed and how workplaces can be designated as safe.
And starting Wednesday, the government will also allow people to take “unlimited amounts” of exercise outdoors instead of being limited to once a day, Johnson said. Members of the public will be able to sunbathe, drive to destinations such as beaches, and play sports such as golf and tennis - but only with members of the same household.
The changes permit individuals to sit with a friend in a park provided they keep 2 meters apart, something prohibited during the lockdown. In theory, that means people can meet their mother or father, but not both. No details were provided on when people can meet with friends and family again.
Johnson said fines for violations of the social distancing rules would be increased.
The governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, extended their lockdowns prior to Johnson’s speech and eased restrictions less than the steps the prime minister announced for England. That prompted questions over the potential for divergent approaches across the U.K. in the months ahead. Up until now, they have moved in lockstep on virus regulations.
Johnson is at odds with the leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland after his government replaced its “Stay at Home” public health slogan with a new “Stay Alert” message, wording that raised concerns about the potential danger of mixed messaging. They said they would retain the “Stay at Home” message.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she didn’t know what the new advice meant and has asked the U.K. government not to promote a “vague and imprecise” message in Scotland.
Keir Starmer, leader of the main opposition Labour Party, said he was worried about the four nations “pulling in different directions” and that Johnson failed to provide the necessary “clarity and consensus.”
Health experts also expressed concern about the new slogan.
Professor Til Wykes of the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College London, said it “will just be confusing, be open to misinterpretation and likely to increase risky behavior.”
Johnson also laid out what he called “the first sketch of a road map for reopening society” in coming months, including the potential opening of shops and the return to school for some younger children as early as June 1.
He also expressed hope that segments of the hospitality industry and more public places could reopen a month later.
“Throughout this period of the next two months, we will be driven not by mere hope or economic necessity,” he said. “We are going to be driven by the science, the data and public health, and I must stress again that all of this is conditional, it all depends on a series of big ifs.”
He said the U.K. government was introducing a scale for measuring the threat from the virus. Johnson explained the COVID Alert Level will guide policy - the lower the level, the fewer the measures.
“We will be monitoring our progress locally, regionally, and nationally, and if there are outbreaks, if there are problems, we will not hesitate to put on the brakes,” he said.
Johnson also said it will “soon be the time” to require those arriving in the country by plane to quarantine. No further details were provided but there’s speculation that the quarantine would be 14 days unless travelers are coming from Ireland. Anyone arriving from France will be exempt, Johnson’s office confirmed after a conversation between the prime minister and French President Emmanuel Macron.
___
Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak


washingtontimes--2020-05-10--AP Exchange: Washoe's youngest virus victim, 18, died alone

RENO , Nev. ( AP ) - Ian McElhaney asked his brother at least a dozen times what he wanted for his birthday .
The 18-year-old , who liked video games and dreamed of becoming a police officer , was going to use the money he saved from doing yard work for a neighbor to buy Charles Koons the best birthday present .
It didn ’ t matter that it was all the money he had .
Ian was always the kid who put everyone else first .
“ I just kept telling him , ‘ I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see you , ’ ” Charles told Ian on Monday , April 20 .
They had been quarantined away from each other amid the coronavirus pandemic .
“ You ’ re taking care of yourself , right ?
” Charles asked .
Ian sounded as if he had a stuffy nose .
Charles , who was turning 29 , was a little worried .
Diagnosed with diabetes when he was 9 , Ian struggled .
He was in a coma for week a few years ago after his blood sugar dropped too low @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But he always bounced back .
Always , ” Charles said .
Three days later , Ian ’ s lungs would be taken over by the coronavirus .
When paramedics arrived at his house , he wasn ’ t breathing .
He went into cardiac arrest .
At the hospital he tested positive for COVID-19 .
Ian was pulled off life support on April 23 after doctors said he was brain dead .
His family would say goodbye in a Zoom chat room set up by nurses in the Intensive Care Unit at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begged him not to go , ” Charles said .
“ Then , I told him I loved him.
” Making everyone feel better was what Ian tried to do in the days and weeks after his mother ’ s death .
Ian ’ s mom , Jana McElhaney died Jan. 26 from head injuries in a suspected domestic violence attack in Virginia City .
Her husband of about a year , William Collier , is in jail on murder charges in connection with her death .
He is expected to be arraigned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure his younger brother , Aden , 14 , was OK .
He worried about his older brother Aaron , 20 .
He tried to comfort his sister , Nikkie Holliday , who flew from Cincinnati to Virginia City to help bury their mother .
And Charles flew from Los Angeles to stay and help take care of his brothers .
Ian , who was described by his brothers as shy but brilliant , felt guilty about their mother ’ s death .
“ He felt responsible for seeing things ( Collier ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it wasn ’ t at all his fault , but he wished he could have stopped things , ” Charles said .
The five children of Jana McElhaney looked to each other for support , vowing to get involved in domestic violence causes .
Ian and Aden went from living with their mom in Virginia City , to living with their father in Reno .
Aaron and Charles got an apartment together .
But they were healing .
“ It was us against the world , ” Charles said .
The siblings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christmas at older sister Nikkie ’ s house in Cincinnati .
Christmas was special for their mom , and the first one after her death would be hard .
Nikkie planned to give everyone an ornament , just as their mother had done every year .
“ My mom ’ s death was hard , but she had a chance to live it , ” Nikkie said .
“ My brother doesn ’ t get that chance .
None of us get to see him grown up .
He doesn ’ t get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family.
” Nikkie , who works in a veteran ’ s hospital , says she is frustrated that some aren ’ t taking the coronavirus seriously .
“ There is so much we don ’ t know about this virus , yet , ” she said .
“ One day you ’ re fine and the next day you aren ’ t .
One day Ian was fine , and the next day he wasn ’ t. ” His father , Brett McElhaney , said Ian didn ’ t have any of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said .
“ His symptoms seemed gastrointestinal and like diabetes.
” His father has no idea where he may have contracted the virus .
Ian ’ s younger brother has also tested positive .
Ian ’ s father has tested negative .
Nikkie talked to Ian just days before he died .
“ He was fighting with Aden and I was just telling him he had to get along , ” Nikkie said .
“ Things will get better when quarantine is over , ” she told him Ian was excited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job training program for young adults , in May .
He was studying to get his driver ’ s license .
“ He had gotten pretty good , ” his father said of letting him practice driving a few times .
And Ian was talking more and more about becoming a police officer .
Charles thinks that was because Ian saw the good in law enforcement when he had medical emergencies and how police helped the family after their mother ’ s death .
“ I kept telling him he could do it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t let anything stop you.
” Aden , Charles and Aaron raced to the Renown as paramedics were trying to save their brother ’ s life .
They could only wait outside the hospital - no visitors were allowed in to prevent spread of the coronavirus .
Charles , Aaron and Aden , paralyzed in fear , didn ’ t believe doctors when they said there was little chance Ian would survive .
“ We just hoped they were wrong , ” Aaron said .
“ If we could have been there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side , ” Charles said .
“ We are scared he felt alone .
“ We prayed our mom was there with him.
” They hope there is one takeaway from their brother ’ s death : “ I hope people start taking this seriously , ” Charles said .
“ You don ’ t know what it is like to watch your brother die from a computer screen .
”

RENO, Nev. (AP) - Ian McElhaney asked his brother at least a dozen times what he wanted for his birthday.
The 18-year-old, who liked video games and dreamed of becoming a police officer, was going to use the money he saved from doing yard work for a neighbor to buy Charles Koons the best birthday present.
It didn’t matter that it was all the money he had. Ian was always the kid who put everyone else first.
“I just kept telling him, ‘I don’t need anything. I just want to see you,’” Charles told Ian on Monday, April 20. They had been quarantined away from each other amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“You’re taking care of yourself, right?” Charles asked. Ian sounded as if he had a stuffy nose. Charles, who was turning 29, was a little worried.
Diagnosed with diabetes when he was 9, Ian struggled. He was in a coma for week a few years ago after his blood sugar dropped too low. He also had seizures.
“But he always bounced back. Always,” Charles said.
Ian insisted he was fine.
Three days later, Ian’s lungs would be taken over by the coronavirus. When paramedics arrived at his house, he wasn’t breathing. He went into cardiac arrest. At the hospital he tested positive for COVID-19.
Ian was pulled off life support on April 23 after doctors said he was brain dead.
His family would say goodbye in a Zoom chat room set up by nurses in the Intensive Care Unit at Renown Regional Medical Center.
“I begged him not to go,” Charles said. “Then, I told him I loved him.”
Making everyone feel better was what Ian tried to do in the days and weeks after his mother’s death.
Ian’s mom, Jana McElhaney died Jan. 26 from head injuries in a suspected domestic violence attack in Virginia City. Her husband of about a year, William Collier, is in jail on murder charges in connection with her death. He is expected to be arraigned in June.
Ian wanted to make sure his younger brother, Aden, 14, was OK. He worried about his older brother Aaron, 20. He tried to comfort his sister, Nikkie Holliday, who flew from Cincinnati to Virginia City to help bury their mother. And Charles flew from Los Angeles to stay and help take care of his brothers.
Ian, who was described by his brothers as shy but brilliant, felt guilty about their mother’s death.
“He felt responsible for seeing things (Collier) did in the house. Of course, it wasn’t at all his fault, but he wished he could have stopped things,” Charles said.
The five children of Jana McElhaney looked to each other for support, vowing to get involved in domestic violence causes.
Ian and Aden went from living with their mom in Virginia City, to living with their father in Reno.
Aaron and Charles got an apartment together.
But they were healing.
“It was us against the world,” Charles said.
The siblings agreed they would all be together for Christmas at older sister Nikkie’s house in Cincinnati.
Christmas was special for their mom, and the first one after her death would be hard.
Nikkie planned to give everyone an ornament, just as their mother had done every year.
“My mom’s death was hard, but she had a chance to live it,” Nikkie said. “My brother doesn’t get that chance. None of us get to see him grown up. He doesn’t get to fall in love and have a family.”
Nikkie, who works in a veteran’s hospital, says she is frustrated that some aren’t taking the coronavirus seriously.
“There is so much we don’t know about this virus, yet,” she said. “One day you’re fine and the next day you aren’t. One day Ian was fine, and the next day he wasn’t.”
His father, Brett McElhaney, said Ian didn’t have any of the typical symptoms.
“No fever,” he said. “His symptoms seemed gastrointestinal and like diabetes.”
His father has no idea where he may have contracted the virus. Ian’s younger brother has also tested positive. Ian’s father has tested negative.
Nikkie talked to Ian just days before he died.
“He was fighting with Aden and I was just telling him he had to get along,” Nikkie said.
“Things will get better when quarantine is over,” she told him
Ian was excited to be joining Job Corps, a job training program for young adults, in May. He was studying to get his driver’s license.
“He had gotten pretty good,” his father said of letting him practice driving a few times.
And Ian was talking more and more about becoming a police officer.
Charles thinks that was because Ian saw the good in law enforcement when he had medical emergencies and how police helped the family after their mother’s death.
“I kept telling him he could do it,” Nikkie said. “Don’t let anything stop you.”
Aden, Charles and Aaron raced to the Renown as paramedics were trying to save their brother’s life.
They could only wait outside the hospital - no visitors were allowed in to prevent spread of the coronavirus.
Nikkie prayed for a miracle.
Charles, Aaron and Aden, paralyzed in fear, didn’t believe doctors when they said there was little chance Ian would survive.
“We just hoped they were wrong,” Aaron said.
“If we could have been there none of us would have left his side,” Charles said. “We are scared he felt alone.
“We prayed our mom was there with him.”
They hope there is one takeaway from their brother’s death:
“I hope people start taking this seriously,” Charles said. “You don’t know what it is like to watch your brother die from a computer screen.”


washingtontimes--2020-05-10--Jay-Z's Team Roc calls for fast action in Ahmaud Arbery case

ATLANTA ( AP ) - The social justice arm of Jay-Z ’ s Roc Nation entertainment company on Sunday called on Georgia officials to take quick action in the case of Ahmaud Arbery , a black man who authorities say was killed by two white men as he ran through a Georgia neighborhood .
Musicians Shawn “ Jay-Z ” Carter , Alicia Keys , Mario “ Yo Gotti ” Mims , Robert “ Meek Mill ” Williams and two attorneys signed Team Roc ’ s open letter published in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and directed at state officials .
The letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recused from the case due for a conflict of interest since Gregory McMichael , one of the two men charged with murder , was a former police officer .
The letter urges state Attorney General Christopher Carr to instead appoint a special prosecutor to help achieve a fair trial .
It also says a neighbor should be charged as an armed accomplice .
“ We are all Ahmaud Arbery , ” rapper Yo Gotti said in a statement .
“ Everyday activities should not end in death sentences .
We must hold people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was unarmed and innocent and his killers must be brought to justice.
” Arbery was fatally shot on Feb. 23 in Brunswick but no charges were brought for more than two months .
National outrage over the case swelled last week after video surfaced that appeared to show the shooting .
Shortly after the video ’ s leak , Gregory McMichael , 64 , and his son Travis McMichael , 34 , were arrested and charged with murder and aggravated assault .
The father and son said they thought Arbery matched the appearance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been recorded on a surveillance camera some time before .
Arbery ’ s mother , Wanda Cooper Jones , has said she thinks her 25-year-old son , a former high school football player , was just jogging in the neighborhood before he was killed .
“ If anybody saw that horrifying video of his killing , it is heartbreaking , unbelievably unacceptable and inhumane , ” singer Alicia Keys said in a statement to The Associated Press .
“ No human being should be murdered and not receive justice .
I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go on a jog or anywhere they want without the risk of being killed .
”

ATLANTA (AP) - The social justice arm of Jay-Z’s Roc Nation entertainment company on Sunday called on Georgia officials to take quick action in the case of Ahmaud Arbery, a black man who authorities say was killed by two white men as he ran through a Georgia neighborhood.
Musicians Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, Alicia Keys, Mario “Yo Gotti” Mims, Robert “Meek Mill” Williams and two attorneys signed Team Roc’s open letter published in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and directed at state officials.
The letter said District Attorney Tom Durden should be recused from the case due for a conflict of interest since Gregory McMichael, one of the two men charged with murder, was a former police officer. The letter urges state Attorney General Christopher Carr to instead appoint a special prosecutor to help achieve a fair trial. It also says a neighbor should be charged as an armed accomplice.
“We are all Ahmaud Arbery,” rapper Yo Gotti said in a statement. “Everyday activities should not end in death sentences. We must hold people responsible for their actions. Ahmaud Arbery was unarmed and innocent and his killers must be brought to justice.”
Arbery was fatally shot on Feb. 23 in Brunswick but no charges were brought for more than two months. National outrage over the case swelled last week after video surfaced that appeared to show the shooting. Shortly after the video’s leak, Gregory McMichael, 64, and his son Travis McMichael, 34, were arrested and charged with murder and aggravated assault.
The father and son said they thought Arbery matched the appearance of a burglary suspect who they said had been recorded on a surveillance camera some time before.
Arbery’s mother, Wanda Cooper Jones, has said she thinks her 25-year-old son, a former high school football player, was just jogging in the neighborhood before he was killed.
“If anybody saw that horrifying video of his killing, it is heartbreaking, unbelievably unacceptable and inhumane,” singer Alicia Keys said in a statement to The Associated Press. “No human being should be murdered and not receive justice. I have black sons and they should be able to go on a jog or anywhere they want without the risk of being killed.”


washingtontimes--2020-05-10--Profits up for Emirates Air, but revenue down amid pandemic

DUBAI , United Arab Emirates ( AP ) - The Middle East ’ s biggest carrier , Emirates , announced on Sunday profits of $ 288 million over the past year even as revenue declined due to flight suspensions sparked by the coronavirus , offering a glimpse of the financial toll now facing airlines around the world .
The Dubai-based carrier said that although profits were up by 21 % , revenue had dipped by 6 % to $ 25 billion over the past fiscal year , which ended March 31 .
The airline said the erosion of its revenue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flights in March due to the pandemic and planned runway closures at its hub in Dubai International Airport , which is the world ’ s busiest for international passengers .
“ From mid-February things changed rapidly as the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the world , causing a sudden and tremendous drop in demand for international air travel as countries closed their borders and imposed stringent travel restrictions , ” said Emirates Group chairman and chief executive Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum .
The airline ’ s parent company Emirates Group , meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million compared to last year ’ s $ 631 million , a 28 % decline .
Revenue , however , was up by $ 1.7 billion reaching $ 28.3 billion .
The airline ’ s success is seen as a bellwether for Dubai ’ s own economy , which draws heavily from tourism and aviation .
Before the pandemic , Dubai ’ s economic growth had already slowed down , with real estate prices in decline and companies freezing hiring of firing employees .
Dubai had been looking to Expo 2020 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new visitors and ignite its sluggish economic growth .
It was set to host the six-month-long fair starting this fall , but like other major events around the world , it has been pushed back to next year as the world grapples with the virus and stay-at-home orders .
In a sign of just how important Emirates Air is to Dubai , the government announced in late March it will inject equity into the carrier , crediting its “ strategic importance ” to the economy of the United Arab Emirates .
Like other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s economy is in recession this year due to double blows from the pandemic and low oil prices .
The state-owned airline said it would not pay a dividend for this financial year after last year ’ s dividend of $ 136 million to the Investment Corporation of Dubai .
To trim costs , the airline has reduced salaries for its staff , with cuts ranging from 25-50 % .
Over the past 12 months , the airline said passenger traffic declined from 58.6 million passengers to 56.2 million .
Emirates was forced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ orders from the UAE government .
Limited flights have resumed since , mostly outbound for visitors and expatriate residents wishing to leave the country .
Emirates Group operates the global dnata - or Dubai National Air Transport Association - ground and travel services provider .
That division of the company had revenue of $ 4 billion and profits of $ 168 million .

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - The Middle East’s biggest carrier, Emirates, announced on Sunday profits of $288 million over the past year even as revenue declined due to flight suspensions sparked by the coronavirus, offering a glimpse of the financial toll now facing airlines around the world.
The Dubai-based carrier said that although profits were up by 21%, revenue had dipped by 6% to $25 billion over the past fiscal year, which ended March 31. The airline said the erosion of its revenue was mainly because of the suspension of flights in March due to the pandemic and planned runway closures at its hub in Dubai International Airport, which is the world’s busiest for international passengers.
“From mid-February things changed rapidly as the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the world, causing a sudden and tremendous drop in demand for international air travel as countries closed their borders and imposed stringent travel restrictions,” said Emirates Group chairman and chief executive Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
The airline’s parent company Emirates Group, meanwhile, posted lower profits at $456 million compared to last year’s $631 million, a 28% decline. Revenue, however, was up by $1.7 billion reaching $28.3 billion.
The airline’s success is seen as a bellwether for Dubai’s own economy, which draws heavily from tourism and aviation. Before the pandemic, Dubai’s economic growth had already slowed down, with real estate prices in decline and companies freezing hiring of firing employees.
Dubai had been looking to Expo 2020, the World’s Fair, to attract new visitors and ignite its sluggish economic growth. It was set to host the six-month-long fair starting this fall, but like other major events around the world, it has been pushed back to next year as the world grapples with the virus and stay-at-home orders.
In a sign of just how important Emirates Air is to Dubai, the government announced in late March it will inject equity into the carrier, crediting its “strategic importance” to the economy of the United Arab Emirates. Like other Gulf Arab states, the UAE’s economy is in recession this year due to double blows from the pandemic and low oil prices.
The state-owned airline said it would not pay a dividend for this financial year after last year’s dividend of $136 million to the Investment Corporation of Dubai. To trim costs, the airline has reduced salaries for its staff, with cuts ranging from 25-50%.
Over the past 12 months, the airline said passenger traffic declined from 58.6 million passengers to 56.2 million. Emirates was forced to ground passenger flights in March on orders from the UAE government. Limited flights have resumed since, mostly outbound for visitors and expatriate residents wishing to leave the country.
Emirates Group operates the global dnata - or Dubai National Air Transport Association - ground and travel services provider. That division of the company had revenue of $4 billion and profits of $168 million.


washingtontimes--2020-05-10--With schools closed, Tallahassee teens tutor others

TALLAHASSEE , Fla. ( AP ) - Rohan Davidi and Tanmay Haldiya believe people have a right to quality education - even during a global pandemic .
The Rickards High School students went home for spring break and won ’ t return to their classrooms for the remainder of the school year .
This is Rohan ’ s junior year and Tanmay ’ s freshman year .
As it became clear Leon County Schools was moving to online education models , the teenagers decided to create a website to offer themselves as tutors during the pandemic .
“ Tutoring should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free , ” Tanmay , 15 , told the Tallahassee Democrat .
“ In essence , we believe education is a civil right.
” The teenagers reached out to friends of theirs they thought would be interested , who reached out to others .
Right now , ViralTeach.com , as they ’ ve named the website , has 12 high school students signed up as tutors .
They launched the first week of April .
“ We seek to fill the shoes of a teacher who would stay after school to teach students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his teachers are working hard to connect with students and keep up with instruction while schools are shuttered .
But the group at ViralTeach steps into the cracks that have opened up in local education as students learn from home , he said .
Because remote teaching has its limits , students are “ not getting the free public education they ’ re dependent upon , despite the best efforts ” of teachers , the 16-year-old said .
Rohan is president of the programming club at Rickards , where Tanmay is a member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school .
The week after spring break , the boys chatted in an video call to discuss their idea that became ViralTeach .
“ Distance learning is definitely much harder to come to grips with than regular physical interaction , ” Rohan said .
Tutoring hours depend on the demand for help , Rohan said .
He estimated that seven tutors currently host regular one-on-one sessions and a couple of tutors have group lessons .
Rohan himself has responded to students in Wakulla County who messaged him asking if he could teach lessons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to teach younger Spanish-speaking students .
For Leon County student Jenna Jeon , ViralTeach is a good way to keep up with classes and socialize with peers online .
Jenna , a 14-year-old freshman at Rickards , signed up as a pupil about three weeks ago .
She first heard about the website from Tanmay , who is a classmate .
Her younger sister is in fourth grade and also takes lessons through the website .
Jenna now has applied to be a tutor for younger kids in elementary school .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially since we ’ re all quarantined , ” she said .
“ We get to learn something and also see other people that are not your family members.
” She said it ’ s helpful to learn from fellow high school students who can relate to what she ’ s going through , she said .
Some of the older tutors may have had her current teachers and will give her advice for navigating assignments .
And seeing that her classmates are not sick is uplifting during a global crisis , Jenna @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less lonely since we ’ re all isolated , ” she said .
“ And also the fact that everyone else is doing well , too .
That makes me feel better.
” Rohan said the group of tutors want to help “ as many students as possible , ” which is why they are not charging for their time .
Tanmay and Rohan sought guidance from Rickards teachers , including International Baccalaureate Coordinator Joe Williams , to set up ViralTeach .
The teens developed a Code of Conduct for tutors to follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concepts and not filling out homework .
“ Tutors are NOT to simply provide answers or allow the student to violate the integrity code of their academic establishment by submitting work that is not their own , ” the code reads .
Tanmay and Rohan hope the website gains traction throughout the district .
Various schools , including Fairview Middle School , have emailed parents a link to the website .
Once a student signs up with ViralTeach , a tutor will meet with him or her to assess academic needs and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person .
“ Having students within our own community helping each other out , that ’ s the most reliable resource , ” Rohan said .
Part of ViralTeach ’ s code of conduct also includes parent or guardian permission for a student to sign up .
Right now , the group is requiring students who want to become tutors to be in high school .
The number of tutors who can sign up to volunteer their time will depend on the number of students who sign up .
“ We will see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goes , ” Rohan said .
Tanmay echoed his co-founder ’ s words but said they hope the website takes off : “ We eventually want it to escape and grow , virally , ” he said .

CD DAVIDSON-HIERS, The Tallahassee Democrat

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Rohan Davidi and Tanmay Haldiya believe people have a right to quality education - even during a global pandemic.
The Rickards High School students went home for spring break and won’t return to their classrooms for the remainder of the school year. This is Rohan’s junior year and Tanmay’s freshman year.
As it became clear Leon County Schools was moving to online education models, the teenagers decided to create a website to offer themselves as tutors during the pandemic.
“Tutoring should be free because public education is also free,” Tanmay, 15, told the Tallahassee Democrat. “In essence, we believe education is a civil right.”
The teenagers reached out to friends of theirs they thought would be interested, who reached out to others. Right now, ViralTeach.com, as they’ve named the website, has 12 high school students signed up as tutors. They launched the first week of April.
“We seek to fill the shoes of a teacher who would stay after school to teach students,” Tanmay explained.
Rohan said his teachers are working hard to connect with students and keep up with instruction while schools are shuttered. But the group at ViralTeach steps into the cracks that have opened up in local education as students learn from home, he said.
Because remote teaching has its limits, students are “not getting the free public education they’re dependent upon, despite the best efforts” of teachers, the 16-year-old said.
Rohan is president of the programming club at Rickards, where Tanmay is a member. They met through the club at school. The week after spring break, the boys chatted in an video call to discuss their idea that became ViralTeach.
“Distance learning is definitely much harder to come to grips with than regular physical interaction,” Rohan said.
Tutoring hours depend on the demand for help, Rohan said. He estimated that seven tutors currently host regular one-on-one sessions and a couple of tutors have group lessons.
Rohan himself has responded to students in Wakulla County who messaged him asking if he could teach lessons in Spanish. Rohan is proficient enough to teach younger Spanish-speaking students.
For Leon County student Jenna Jeon, ViralTeach is a good way to keep up with classes and socialize with peers online. Jenna, a 14-year-old freshman at Rickards, signed up as a pupil about three weeks ago.
She first heard about the website from Tanmay, who is a classmate. Her younger sister is in fourth grade and also takes lessons through the website.
Jenna now has applied to be a tutor for younger kids in elementary school.
“I think it’s very helpful, especially since we’re all quarantined,” she said. “We get to learn something and also see other people that are not your family members.”
She said it’s helpful to learn from fellow high school students who can relate to what she’s going through, she said. Some of the older tutors may have had her current teachers and will give her advice for navigating assignments.
And seeing that her classmates are not sick is uplifting during a global crisis, Jenna added.
“It makes me feel less lonely since we’re all isolated,” she said. “And also the fact that everyone else is doing well, too. That makes me feel better.”
Rohan said the group of tutors want to help “as many students as possible,” which is why they are not charging for their time.
Tanmay and Rohan sought guidance from Rickards teachers, including International Baccalaureate Coordinator Joe Williams, to set up ViralTeach. The teens developed a Code of Conduct for tutors to follow that includes a paragraph about tutors teaching concepts and not filling out homework.
“Tutors are NOT to simply provide answers or allow the student to violate the integrity code of their academic establishment by submitting work that is not their own,” the code reads.
Tanmay and Rohan hope the website gains traction throughout the district. Various schools, including Fairview Middle School, have emailed parents a link to the website.
Once a student signs up with ViralTeach, a tutor will meet with him or her to assess academic needs and the student will be assigned to the right person.
“Having students within our own community helping each other out, that’s the most reliable resource,” Rohan said.
Part of ViralTeach’s code of conduct also includes parent or guardian permission for a student to sign up. Right now, the group is requiring students who want to become tutors to be in high school.
The number of tutors who can sign up to volunteer their time will depend on the number of students who sign up.
“We will see it through and see how far it goes,” Rohan said.
Tanmay echoed his co-founder’s words but said they hope the website takes off: “We eventually want it to escape and grow, virally,” he said.


washingtontimes--2020-05-10--Canine therapy during COVID-19: A virtual wag, a window kiss

OAKLAND PARK , Fla. ( AP ) - There is nothing like a big smooch , gentle touch or a wet nose nuzzle with a happy dog .
But social distancing rules , due to the impact of COVID-19 , has created a barrier between those in need of canine therapy visits and those special pups that can give them a little TLC .
Recognizing the need for these services doesn ’ t stop , the nonprofit Canine Assisted Therapy has launched the TeleDog program to bring people and therapy dogs face to face , either virtually , or through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this was going to impact us , ” said Courtney Trzcinski , executive director and CEO of the Oakland Park-based organization .
About 120 volunteer certified pet therapy teams , consisting of a dog and its human , help children and adults by achieving specific physical , cognitive , social or emotional goals through interaction .
The organization impacts about 300,000 people annually from events such as presentations and informational booths , workplace and facility visits and individual engagements .
An otherwise nonverbal senior talks during puppy time , with a paw in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skills improve as the dog lays or sits to listen attentively .
A stressed individual ’ s blood pressure lowers as he or she gently pets or strokes the canine .
Trzcinski ’ s team of staff and volunteers brainstormed for a solution .
That ’ s when a new window of opportunity was realized .
To build morale in the workplace , a pup can be the top dog at a business Zoom meeting .
A child can read to a dog on FaceTime .
During a linkup , a resident at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pup at a window .
Virtual visits take some camera creativity , said volunteer Jahmila Boswell , who , with her 4-year-old Great Dane Dalis , have been making in-person calls to schools and facilities until “ it all came to a halting stop.
” “ Right now , there are no parades through hospital halls , there ’ s no Therapy Dog Thursdays , ” she said .
But there is technology .
“ I have her focus on me but I reverse the camera , ” Boswell said , about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ participating in .
“ She ’ ll give a paw and roll over .
The client was holding out her hand , smiling and reaching for Dalis ’ paw.
” Like many South Floridians , Karen Mizrachi , a mother of three children , the oldest in third grade , is faced with additional at-home school duties .
Looking to boost morale , she arranged a virtual reading visit with therapy dog Jessie for her son Sam , who is in first grade .
“ Sam already knew Jessie from the therapy dog @ @ @ @ @ @ @ class last year , ” Mizrachi said .
Holly Rosenberg , engagement director at YourLife of Coconut Creek Memory Care , said the residents , viewing a large-screen television , responded to the Zoom connection to canine therapy dogs .
“ It worked well for us .
The dogs did tricks , one even balanced a biscuit on his nose , ” she said .
As for the learning curve to master a variety of social media platforms , “ it ’ s getting easier , ” Rosenberg said .
“ We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that lately so our residents can connect with their loved ones.
” Boswell and Dalis made a recent facility visit in which the dog made eye contact through the front glass doors with residents inside .
“ You can not underestimate the value of this service , ” said Boswell , who works as a counselor .
“ Dogs help you.
” The dog-human therapy teams also thrive on the engagement .
While there is certainly a future for virtual and window visits , Boswell said her dog sits by the door ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ client .
But Boswell also misses the person-to-person interaction .
“ Personally , I get so much joy , it ’ s indescribable , ” she said .
Visit catdogs.org/to learn more about Canine Assisted Therapy , its services and how to request a visit .

OAKLAND PARK, Fla. (AP) - There is nothing like a big smooch, gentle touch or a wet nose nuzzle with a happy dog.
But social distancing rules, due to the impact of COVID-19, has created a barrier between those in need of canine therapy visits and those special pups that can give them a little TLC.
Recognizing the need for these services doesn’t stop, the nonprofit Canine Assisted Therapy has launched the TeleDog program to bring people and therapy dogs face to face, either virtually, or through window visits.
“We realized how this was going to impact us,” said Courtney Trzcinski, executive director and CEO of the Oakland Park-based organization.
About 120 volunteer certified pet therapy teams, consisting of a dog and its human, help children and adults by achieving specific physical, cognitive, social or emotional goals through interaction. The organization impacts about 300,000 people annually from events such as presentations and informational booths, workplace and facility visits and individual engagements. An otherwise nonverbal senior talks during puppy time, with a paw in hand. A child’s reading skills improve as the dog lays or sits to listen attentively. A stressed individual’s blood pressure lowers as he or she gently pets or strokes the canine.
Trzcinski’s team of staff and volunteers brainstormed for a solution. That’s when a new window of opportunity was realized. To build morale in the workplace, a pup can be the top dog at a business Zoom meeting. A child can read to a dog on FaceTime. During a linkup, a resident at an assisted living facility reaches out for the pup at a window.
Virtual visits take some camera creativity, said volunteer Jahmila Boswell, who, with her 4-year-old Great Dane Dalis, have been making in-person calls to schools and facilities until “it all came to a halting stop.”
“Right now, there are no parades through hospital halls, there’s no Therapy Dog Thursdays,” she said.
But there is technology.
“I have her focus on me but I reverse the camera,” Boswell said, about a virtual session she and Dalis were participating in. “She’ll give a paw and roll over. The client was holding out her hand, smiling and reaching for Dalis’ paw.”
Like many South Floridians, Karen Mizrachi, a mother of three children, the oldest in third grade, is faced with additional at-home school duties. Looking to boost morale, she arranged a virtual reading visit with therapy dog Jessie for her son Sam, who is in first grade.
“Sam already knew Jessie from the therapy dog’s weekly visits to his kindergarten class last year,” Mizrachi said.
Holly Rosenberg, engagement director at YourLife of Coconut Creek Memory Care, said the residents, viewing a large-screen television, responded to the Zoom connection to canine therapy dogs.
“It worked well for us. The dogs did tricks, one even balanced a biscuit on his nose,” she said.
As for the learning curve to master a variety of social media platforms, “it’s getting easier,” Rosenberg said. “We’ve certainly been doing a lot of that lately so our residents can connect with their loved ones.”
Window visits are a thing too.
Boswell and Dalis made a recent facility visit in which the dog made eye contact through the front glass doors with residents inside.
“You cannot underestimate the value of this service,” said Boswell, who works as a counselor. “Dogs help you.”
The dog-human therapy teams also thrive on the engagement.
While there is certainly a future for virtual and window visits, Boswell said her dog sits by the door ready to go into action with the next client. But Boswell also misses the person-to-person interaction.
“Personally, I get so much joy, it’s indescribable,” she said.
Visit catdogs.org/to learn more about Canine Assisted Therapy, its services and how to request a visit.


washingtontimes--2020-05-10--Virus delay, early ice melt challenge Arctic science mission

BERLIN ( AP ) - They prepared for icy cold and trained to be on the watch for polar bears , but a pandemic just wasn ’ t part of the program .
Now dozens of scientists are waiting in quarantine for the all-clear to join a year-long Arctic research mission aimed at improving the models used for forecasting climate change , just as the expedition reaches a crucial phase .
For a while , the international mission looked like it might have to be called off , as country after country went into lockdown because of the virus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crew to the German research vessel Polarstern that ’ s been moored in the high Arctic since last year .
News of the pandemic caused jitters among those already on board , said Matthew Shupe , an atmospheric scientist at the University of Colorado and co-leader of the MOSAiC expedition .
“ Some people just wanted to be home with their families , ” he told The Associated Press in a video interview from the German port of Bremerhaven , where he and about 90 other scientists and crew have been kept in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Organizers at the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Ocean Research managed to fly out a handful of people via Canada last month .
The rest of the crew will be exchanged with the help of two other German research ships that will meet the Polarstern on the sea ice edge .
That upcoming rendezvous will force the Polarstern to abandon its current position for three weeks at a critical time in the Arctic cycle .
“ We are on the cusp right now of the onset of the sea ice melt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important transition , ” said Shupe .
“ That could happen when the ship is gone , ” he said .
“ It ’ s a distinct risk we face.
” To avoid missing out on key data , researchers will leave some instruments behind , including an 11-meter ( 36-foot ) tower used for atmospheric measurements , and hope that it ’ s still there when they return .
“ The ice could just come together and destroy everything , ” said Shupe .
“ Hopefully that doesn ’ t happen.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the sea ice is cracking up and moving about earlier than anticipated , a sign of possible future changes to the Arctic if global warming continues .
“ It ’ s challenging , ” said Shupe .
“ But we need to face that challenge in order to get these kind of measurements.
” Scientists on the 140-million-euro ( $ 158 million ) expedition have already gathered valuable data since setting out last September with 100 researchers and crew from 17 nations including the United States , France , China and Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were able to perform during the long Arctic winter will improve the models they use to calculate how snow insulates sea ice and affects the movement of energy .
“ Conceptually we know that , of course , but we actually have observations now that will tell us how that ’ s working , ” he said .
Measurements of tiny airborne particles can also help shed light on the role they play in trapping heat or reflecting sunlight , especially if there ’ s less ice and more open ocean as temperatures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The intense interest into research about the coronavirus could have a positive knock-on effect for fields such as climate science , said Shupe .
“ Everybody is now looking at the new for models of how this ( virus ) spreads , ” he said .
“ Perhaps this actually opens the door to more people to understand the climate problem.
” Still , the researchers on MOSAiC are hoping to deal with one problem at a time , hence the strict quarantine to avoid any chance of carrying the coronavirus into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t want anybody getting sick and we don ’ t want to take that out to the ship , ” said Shupe .
“ Realistically , it ’ s actually one of the safest places on Earth right now .
”

BERLIN (AP) - They prepared for icy cold and trained to be on the watch for polar bears, but a pandemic just wasn’t part of the program.
Now dozens of scientists are waiting in quarantine for the all-clear to join a year-long Arctic research mission aimed at improving the models used for forecasting climate change, just as the expedition reaches a crucial phase.
For a while, the international mission looked like it might have to be called off, as country after country went into lockdown because of the virus, scuppering plans to bring fresh supplies and crew to the German research vessel Polarstern that’s been moored in the high Arctic since last year.
News of the pandemic caused jitters among those already on board, said Matthew Shupe, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Colorado and co-leader of the MOSAiC expedition.
“Some people just wanted to be home with their families,” he told The Associated Press in a video interview from the German port of Bremerhaven, where he and about 90 other scientists and crew have been kept in isolation to ensure they’re virus-free.
Organizers at the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Ocean Research managed to fly out a handful of people via Canada last month. The rest of the crew will be exchanged with the help of two other German research ships that will meet the Polarstern on the sea ice edge.
That upcoming rendezvous will force the Polarstern to abandon its current position for three weeks at a critical time in the Arctic cycle.
“We are on the cusp right now of the onset of the sea ice melt season and that’s a really important transition,” said Shupe.
“That could happen when the ship is gone,” he said. “It’s a distinct risk we face.”
To avoid missing out on key data, researchers will leave some instruments behind, including an 11-meter (36-foot) tower used for atmospheric measurements, and hope that it’s still there when they return.
“The ice could just come together and destroy everything,” said Shupe. “Hopefully that doesn’t happen.”
Adding to the problem is the fact that the sea ice is cracking up and moving about earlier than anticipated, a sign of possible future changes to the Arctic if global warming continues.
“It’s challenging,” said Shupe. “But we need to face that challenge in order to get these kind of measurements.”
Scientists on the 140-million-euro ($158 million) expedition have already gathered valuable data since setting out last September with 100 researchers and crew from 17 nations including the United States, France, China and Britain.
Shupe said the measurements that scientists were able to perform during the long Arctic winter will improve the models they use to calculate how snow insulates sea ice and affects the movement of energy.
“Conceptually we know that, of course, but we actually have observations now that will tell us how that’s working,” he said.
Measurements of tiny airborne particles can also help shed light on the role they play in trapping heat or reflecting sunlight, especially if there’s less ice and more open ocean as temperatures in the Arctic continue to rise.
The intense interest into research about the coronavirus could have a positive knock-on effect for fields such as climate science, said Shupe.
“Everybody is now looking at the new for models of how this (virus) spreads,” he said. “Perhaps this actually opens the door to more people to understand the climate problem.”
Still, the researchers on MOSAiC are hoping to deal with one problem at a time, hence the strict quarantine to avoid any chance of carrying the coronavirus into the Arctic.
“We definitely don’t want anybody getting sick and we don’t want to take that out to the ship,” said Shupe. “Realistically, it’s actually one of the safest places on Earth right now.”
___
Follow AP pandemic coverage at http://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak
___
Follow AP coverage of climate change issues at http://apnews.com/Climate.


washingtontimes--2020-05-10--The Latest: Restrictions eased in least-hit areas of Spain

The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic .
The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness or death .
- Germany to allow cross-border entry so children can visit on Mother ’ s Day .
- More than 200 workers at German slaughterhouse test positive for COVID-19 .
- Italian Premier says its too soon to tell when travel restrictions can be lifted .
BERLIN - Germany ’ s interior minister is making an exception for cross-border entry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to enter the country for a Mother ’ s Day visit .
The country ’ s pandemic restrictions currently forbid entry into the country except for “ compelling reasons ” such as work .
This would have prevented families that live across the border from visiting Sunday on Mother ’ s Day .
But Interior Minister Horst Seehofer approved a decision by border police to include filial visits on Mother ’ s Day to the list .
Like cross-border commuters , they will also be exempt from the rule that requires people entering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BERLIN - The number of workers who tested positive for COVID-19 at a slaughterhouse in western Germany has risen to 205 .
Authorities in Coesfeld county near the Dutch border say they have so far received results for half of the 950 staff at the slaughterhouse .
Most of the workers are migrants from Eastern Europe and living in shared accommodation .
The outbreak in Coesfeld , at a sister plant in a neighboring county and a separate slaughterhouse in norther Germany , have contributed to a spike in new cases in Germany @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agency said 1,251 new infections had been recorded over the past 24 hours .
It said the so-called reproduction rate that reflects the number of people each person with COVID-19 infects has risen to 1.1 from 0.65 on Wednesday .
ROME - Italians are eagerly waiting to travel from one region to another during the warm spring weather but the country continues to work on containing the spread of COVID-19 .
Premier Giuseppe Conte says it ’ s too soon to set a date for unrestricted travel .
Tourism is a major industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guides , beach establishments and others who depend heavily on the summer holiday season are pressing to know when citizens can travel across the country .
Under lockdown rules , foreigners can ’ t travel into Italy for vacation .
Visitors can only enter for work for a few days , so domestic travel is crucial for the industry ’ s revenues .
In an interview published Sunday in Corriere della Sera , Conte promised that the restriction on inter-regional movement would be lifted .
“ This summer , we won ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Italy ’ s beauty won ’ t stay in quarantine , ” Conte said .
“ We ’ ll be able to go to the sea , in the mountains , enjoy our cities , and it would be lovely that the Italians spend their holidays in Italy.
” But he said authorities need to better determine how the virus outbreak evolves in an epidemiological sense before exact dates and other details can be given .
MADRID – Roughly half of Spain ’ s 47 million inhabitants will be able to enjoy their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrace on Monday , but residents of Madrid and Barcelona have to wait .
The two major cities have been hardest hit by the coronavirus outbreak .
Spain ’ s government is allowing other areas to further loosen restrictions that have been in place for nearly two months .
Bar and restaurant owners in cities like Sevilla and Bilbao will be able to open 50 % of their outdoor seating for customers , while residents there will be allowed meet in groups of up to 10 people , and go to church , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Small shops will be able to open without the requirement for an appointment .
Officials are under pressure to revive a flagging economy amid rocketing unemployment .
Spain ’ s health minister reported 143 new confirmed fatalities from the virus on Sunday , the lowest daily increase since March 19 .
The total death toll for Spain is 26,621 since the start of the outbreak .
More than 136,000 have recovered .
SEOUL , South Korea – The mayor of a city near Seoul has ordered the temporary closing of clubs , discos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a second wave of coronavirus cases in the country .
Mayor Park Namchoon of Incheon city to the west of Seoul says the closing of nightlife facilities will last for two weeks and that anyone violating the order can be punished by up to two years in prison or a 20 million won ( $ 16,380 ) fine .
Seoul and its surrounding Gyeonggi province have already taken similar steps after new cases associated to nightclubs in Seoul ’ s Itaewon entertainment district were detected in recent days .
South Korea reported 34 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first day that its daily tally was over 30 in about a month .
Officials said that 24 out the 34 cases were linked to Itaewon nightclubs .
ISTANBUL – Turkey ’ s senior citizens have been allowed to leave their homes for the first time in seven weeks under relaxed coronavirus restrictions .
Those aged 65 and over , deemed most at risk from the virus , had been subjected to a curfew since March 21 , but they were permitted outside Sunday for four hours as part of a rolling program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed outside for a similar period later in the week .
Health Minister Fahrettin Koca tweeted his thanks to the elderly for their “ great support ” in fighting the outbreak by staying at home , and he reminded them to wear masks outside .
The government announced a “ normalization plan ” as the number of new cases dropped last week , but warned of tougher measures if infections go up again .
Entry and exit restrictions have been lifted for seven provinces where the outbreak is under control .
They remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including Istanbul and Ankara .
Shopping malls , barbers , hairdressers and beauty salons can open under strict conditions on Monday , while domestic and some international flights will resume at the end of May .
Turkey has recorded 137,115 cases of the virus and 3,739 deaths attributed to COVID-19 , according to a tally by John Hopkins University .
The true number is likely much higher because many people have not been tested , and studies suggest people can be infected with displaying symptoms .
VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis is calling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work together to deal with the social and economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic .
The pope noted in his Sunday blessing that 75 years have passed since Europe began the challenging process of reconciliation after World War II .
He said the process spurred both European integration and “ the long period of stability and peace which we benefit from today.
” He prayed that the same spirit that inspired European integration efforts “ not fail to inspire all those who have responsibility in the European Union ” to deal with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harmony and collaboration.
” Throughout his papacy , the pope has urged European countries to resist nationalism and instead pull together on issues like migration .
During the pandemic , hard-hit countries like Italy and Spain have that insisted EU leaders demonstrate solidarity .
JAKARTA , Indonesia – Indonesia ’ s daily tally of confirmed COVID-19 cases has been fluctuating as testing capability has improved .
Health ministry official Achmad Yurianto has declared 387 new cases , taking the country ’ s total to 14,032 .
Yurianto said in his daily video conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths attributed to COVID-19 and that 2,698 patients have recovered .
Indonesia recorded 533 new cases on Saturday for its highest daily tally , likely due to a significant increase in testing .
However , testing remains a major problem in the archipelago nation , which is home to about 270 million people .
Indonesia has so far conducted fewer than 120,000 tests – less than 500 per million people .
BEIRUT – Lebanon ’ s churches have welcomed worshippers for the first time in nearly two months .
Most churches were closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus , but Lebanese authorities have started easing restrictions that were imposed in March .
Churches and mosques are now permitted to welcome worshippers for congregational prayers on Sundays and Fridays as long as capacities are limited and other safety guidelines including social distancing measures are respected .
Many worshippers entering churches around Lebanon on Sunday were sprayed with disinfectant and had their temperatures checked before they were allowed in to sit at a distance from others .
Masses including the Easter prayers were held in empty churches for the first time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month .
Even during the country ’ s civil war from 1975-90 did not stop its people from going to places of worship .
Lebanon has the largest percentage of Christians in the Middle East , about a third of the country ’ s five million people .
The country has registered 809 cases of the coronavirus with 26 deaths attributed to COVID-19 , according to Johns Hopkins University .
MOSCOW – Russia ’ s count of coronavirus infections has climbed above 200,000 after its highest daily tally of new cases .
Figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus for a total of 209,688 , with 1,915 deaths attributed to COVID-19 .
Russian officials say the sharp rise in numbers can be attributed to increased testing , at least in part .
More than half the infection cases and deaths are recorded in Moscow , which will remain under a lockdown for the rest of the month .
KUALA LUMPUR , Malaysia – Movement restrictions in Malaysia are to be extended by four weeks until June 9 despite a sharp drop in infections in the country .
Prime Minister Muhyiddin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end on Tuesday must continue to prevent infections from flaring up in the absence of a vaccine .
The government had already let most businesses reopen with strict conditions from May 4 to help revive its hard-hit economy .
But mass gatherings remain barred with schools , cinemas and worship houses staying shut , while group sports are prohibited and interstate travel banned .
Muhyiddin says 6.6 million people , nearly half of the country ’ s labor force , has returned to work with the number expected to increase .
He apologized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to return to their hometowns to celebrate the Eid festival at the end of the fasting month , but said gatherings of up to 20 people will be allowed within the same state .
He said the government also plans to let worship houses operate with strict measures soon .
JOHANNESBURG – Africa has more than 60,000 confirmed coronavirus cases , according to a tally from the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
The Africa CDC says that all but one of the continent ’ s 54 countries , tiny Lesotho @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
South Africa has the most with more than 9,400 registered .
The widespread shortage of testing capacity continues to be a challenge and means the true figures are likely to be much higher .
Some countries are easing lockdowns even as cases rise , arguing people have to make a living and feed their families despite the risks .
Follow AP news coverage of the coronavirus pandemic at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak .

The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic. The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.
TOP OF THE HOUR:
- India’s trains get ready to roll again amid steep rise in infections.
- New Zealand set to re-open economy and schools over next 10 days.
- 1918 flu survivor battling COVID-19.
- Shanghai Disneyland reopens with anti-virus controls.
- China reports 17 new coronavirus cases, South Korea 35.
___
NEW DELHI, India - India’s train network, one of the world’s largest, will gradually restart operations on Tuesday as the country eases its coronavirus lockdown amid a steep rise in infections.
The country reported 4,213 new COVID-19 cases over the past 24 hours, its biggest single-day spike. India has had more than 67,000 cases, including 2,206 deaths.
The rise in infections comes on a day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet various state heads to discuss the country’s lockdown exit strategy.
India’s train network, closed in late March when a strict nationwide lockdown was implemented, will be the first mode of transport to resume in the country of 1.3 billion people.
Passengers would have to wear masks and undergo health screenings before being permitted to board, the railway ministry has said. Only asymptomatic passengers will be allowed on trains, which will make fewer stops than usual.
The announcement comes after the government arranged for trains to transport thousands of migrant workers stranded in Indian cities back to their homes.
The railway system is often described as India’s lifeline, transporting 23 million people across the vast subcontinent each day, some 8.4 billion passengers each year.
India’s 54-day coronavirus lockdown is expected to end on May 17.
___
WELLINGTON, New Zealand - New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Monday announced a plan to re-open the economy and the nation’s schools over the next 10 days.
Life is expected to resemble what it was like before the coronavirus outbreak in many respects, although social distancing rules will still apply, and social gatherings will be limited to 10 people at events like weddings and funerals. The nation’s borders will also remain closed.
Under the plan, almost all businesses will be able to re-open beginning Thursday, including retail stores, malls, restaurants, hair salons and gyms. People will also be able to take flights around the country. Schools will then re-open starting next Monday. Bars will be the last businesses allowed to reopen, on May 21.
Ardern said bars pose a high risk: “We don’t want to be South Korea - to open our bars only to close them again,” she said.
New Zealand has been successful in reducing new cases of the virus to a trickle, including two days last week when no new cases were recorded. In total, the country has reported close to 1,500 cases and 21 deaths.
Ardern said New Zealanders need to remain cautious: “We may have won a few battles but we have not won the war,” she said.
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GALLUP, N.M. - A 105-year-old New Mexico woman who beat back the 1918 flu that killed millions, including her mother and infant sister, is battling COVID-19.
The Gallup Independent reports Lubica “Luby” Grenko, who will turn 106 in August, has been fighting the new coronavirus since being diagnosed April 29 at the Little Sisters of the Poor in Gallup, New Mexico.
Grenko was born when World War I began and survived the 1918 flu before enduring the Great Depression and World War II.
The flu took the lives of her mother, Marijeta Kauzlaric, 28, and younger sister, Annie Kauzlaric, 1 month old.
Grenko’s granddaughter, Misty Tolson, says her grandmother remembers her mother going into the hospital and never coming out.
Tolson says she doesn’t think her grandmother understands the current virus because she told one of the aides who walked in with protective gear on, “What the heck do you have on?”
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SHANGHAI - Visitors wearing face masks streamed into Shanghai Disneyland as China’s most prominent theme park reopened Monday in a new step toward rolling back anti-coronavirus controls that shut down its economy.
The park, which closed Jan. 25, will limit visitors and is keeping some attractions closed in line with social distancing guidelines. Disney guests, many wearing Mickey Mouse ears, and children dressed as movie characters were checked for fevers at the gate, and decals were used to designate a safe distance between visitors.
China, where the pandemic began in December, was the first economy to shut down and the first to reopen in early March. Factories and shops have reopened but cinemas, karaoke parlors, gyms and other businesses remain closed.
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BEIJING - China reported another rise in coronavirus cases Monday, amid government reminders for people to “remain alert and step up personal protection against the virus.”
The warning from Mi Feng, spokesperson for the National Health Commission, came as 17 new cases were reported, up from 14 the day before, which had represented the first double-digit increase in 10 days. Of the 17 new cases, seven were listed as imported, while five were in the city of Wuhan, where a strict lockdown was lifted last month.
At a Sunday news conference, Mi renewed calls for people to avoid social gatherings and to “seek medical advice or testing in designated hospitals if they exhibit symptoms such as fever, cough or fatigue.” Despite that, Beijing on Monday sent 82,000 third-year middle school students back to classes to prepare for their high school entrance exams.
Also on Monday, the National Health Commission said there had been no new COVID-19 deaths, extending that streak to almost a month, and 141 people remained hospitalized in treatment. Another 783 people were under isolation and observation for being suspected cases or for having tested positive without showing any symptoms.
China has reported 4,633 deaths from the virus among 82,918 cases.
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SEOUL, South Korea - South Korea has reported 35 additional coronavirus cases over the past 24 hours, the second day in a row its daily jump was above 30.
The figures released Monday by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention pushed the country’s total to 10,909 cases with 256 deaths. The agency says 9,632 people have recovered and been released from quarantine.
The center says 29 of the 35 new cases were locally transmitted, while six came from overseas.
Worries about a second wave of virus infections are growing in South Korea after dozens of new cases linked to nightclubs in Seoul’s Itaewon entertainment district have been confirmed in recent days. South Korea on Sunday reported 34 additional cases, 24 associated with the Itaewon clubs.
Authorities in the Seoul metropolitan area subsequently ordered the temporary closing of clubs, discos and other nightlife establishments to guard against a possible new surge in virus outbreaks.
South Korean health authorities and police are combing through credit-card and mobile-phone records and security camera footage to track thousands of people who visited the popular entertainment district in recent weeks.
The slew of transmissions in the densely populated Seoul metropolitan area, where about half of South Korea’s 51 million people live, have been a rude awakening to a country that had eased up on social distancing and could force officials to push back the reopening of schools.
Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon said in a virus briefing Monday that 85 infections nationwide, including 51 cases in the capital, have so far been linked to people who went to clubs in the Itaewon district in recent weeks while the government was relaxing its social distancing guidelines.
Health workers have been attempting to contact some 5,500 people who visited clubs and other nightspots in Itaewon between April 24 and May 6, but more than 3,110 have been out of contact, Park said. He said every one of them should get tested regardless of whether they are exhibiting symptoms, and those who refuse to do so could face a 2 million won ($1,640) fine.
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WASHINGTON - Sen. Lamar Alexander will not return to Washington this week and will self-quarantine in his home state of Tennessee after a member of his staff tested positive for COVID-19.
The Republican senator will be working remotely and will chair the Senate health committee hearing on Tuesday morning by video conference. Witnesses will include Dr. Anthony Fauci, Dr. Robert Redfield, Dr. Brett Giroir and Dr. Stephen Hahn, according to Alexander Chief of Staff David Cleary.
Fauci, Redfield and Hahn have also self-quarantined after exposure to an infected staffer. The witnesses will testify from remote locations as well.
Cleary said the staff member tested positive Sunday and is home recovering, and doing well. Alexander consulted with his physician and decided not to go back to Washington. He will self-quarantine for 14 days “out of an abundance of caution.”
Cleary said almost all of the senator’s Washington staff are working from home, and there is no need for any other staff member to self-quarantine.
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WASHINGTON - Vice President Mike Pence is self-isolating after an aide tested positive for the coronavirus last week.
An administration official says Pence is voluntarily limiting his exposure. He has repeatedly tested negative for COVID-19 since his exposure but is following the advice of medical officials.
Pence’s move comes after three members of the White House’s coronavirus task force placed themselves in quarantine after coming into contact with the aide, Pence spokeswoman Katie Miller.
Pence was informed of the positive test Friday morning before he left Washington for a day trip to Iowa.
“Vice President Pence will continue to follow the advice of the White House Medical Unit and is not in quarantine,” said Pence spokesperson Devin O’Malley.
“Additionally, Vice President Pence has tested negative every single day and plans to be at the White House tomorrow.”
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LONDON - U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a modest easing of the country’s coronavirus lockdown Sunday and outlined his government’s road map for further lifting restrictions in the coming months.
In a televised address to the nation, Johnson said people in Britain who can’t work from home, such as those in construction or manufacturing jobs, “should be actively encouraged to go to work” this week.
He said that starting Wednesday, a restriction limiting outdoor exercise to once a day will be lifted and that people will be able to take “unlimited amounts.”
The prime minister, who spent a week in the hospital receiving treatment for COVID-19, stressed that social distancing guidelines still will have to be observed and said it would be “madness” to allow a second spike in infections.
Johnson also laid out a “conditional plan” for relaxing other lockdown restrictions in the coming months, including the possible return to school for some younger children on June 1. He said he hopes some of the hospitality industry can reopen a month later.
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BERLIN - The World Health Organization has dismissed as “false allegations” a media report that it withheld information about the new coronavirus following pressure from China.
The U.N. agency said in a statement late Saturday that a German magazine’s report about a telephone conversation between WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Jan. 21 was “unfounded and untrue.”
Weekly Der Spiegel reported that Xi asked Tedros during the call to hold back information about human-to-human transmission of the virus and delay declaring a pandemic. The magazine quoted Germany’s foreign intelligence agency, BND, which declined to comment Sunday.
Der Spiegel also claimed that the BND concluded up to six weeks of time to fight the outbreak had been lost due to China’s information policy.
The U.N. agency said Tedros and Xi “have never spoken by phone” and added that “such inaccurate reports distract and detract from WHO’s and the world’s efforts to end the COVID-19 pandemic.”
It said that China confirmed human-to-human transmission of the new coronavirus on Jan. 20.
WHO officials issued a statement two days later saying there was evidence of human-to-human transmission in Wuhan, but more investigation was necessary. The global body declared COVID-19 a pandemic on Feb. 11.
U.S. President Donald Trump has been among the strongest critics of WHO’s handling of the pandemic, accusing it of deference to China and ceasing payments to the agency.
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ROME - Italy has registered its lowest total of daily new COVID-19 cases since the start of the nationwide lockdown in early March.
According to Health Ministry data, 802 coronavirus infections were confirmed in the 24-hour period ending Sunday evening.
That’s also the first time daily new cases have dropped below 1,000 since very early in the country’s outbreak. Italy now totals 219,070 known cases.
There were 165 deaths because of the virus since Saturday evening, raising the number of known deaths of infected patients to 30,560.
Authorities say the real total is surely much higher, as deaths at home or nursing care facilities or personal residences aren’t counted if COVID-19 testing isn’t done, although many of those deceased may well have had the illness.
Helping to account for such a lower daily new case total was Lombardy, Italy’s most stricken region. That northern region registered 282 infections in the 24-hour period. In recent days it had registered several hundred fresh cases daily.
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NEW YORK - New York nursing homes must start twice-weekly coronavirus testing for all staffers and will no longer be sent COVID-19 patients leaving hospitals, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced after facing growing criticism over the handling of nursing facility outbreaks.
Of the nation’s more than 26,000 coronavirus deaths in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, a fifth of them - about 5,300 - are in New York, according to a count by The Associated Press.
That’s the highest number of nursing home deaths in the country, though other states have also struggled to control the virus in nursing facilities.
New York nursing home residents’ relatives, health care watchdogs and lawmakers have said the state didn’t focus enough on the threat and then the devastating reality of COVID-19 in nursing homes.
Critics have faulted the state for taking weeks to release the number of deaths in individual nursing homes - and still not releasing the number of cases - and for not conducting or requiring widespread testing in the facilities.
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SEATTLE - All passengers traveling through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport will be required to wear cloth face coverings beginning May 18 to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
The requirement also applies to airport workers, including Port of Seattle employees, and visitors who aren’t flying, according to The Seattle Times.
The move announced by the Port of Seattle on Saturday night exempts people who can’t tolerate facial coverings for medical reasons, as well as very young children.
It’s not yet clear how the Port of Seattle will enforce the requirement, but port spokesman Peter McGraw said the policy will be refined in the coming week.
Several major airlines and some airports also are requiring passengers to wear masks. Philadelphia International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport will require all passengers and visitors to wear masks starting Monday. Denver International Airport started requiring all passengers to wear face coverings this past week.
Some carriers, including Seattle-based Alaska Airlines, require passengers to wear face coverings when they are on the plane.
The Transportation Security Administration now requires workers at screening checkpoints to wear masks. At Sea-Tac, seven TSA employees have tested positive for the coronavirus.
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Follow AP news coverage of the coronavirus pandemic at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.


washingtontimes--2020-05-10--Southern Illinois counties deal with funding shortfalls

BENTON , Ill. ( AP ) - Franklin County , like Williamson County , is trying to find ways of mitigating lost tax revenue because of closures and reduced travel in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic .
COVID-19 has forced the hand of many governors in the U.S. to issue stay-at-home orders and to shutter non-essential businesses to reduce the spread of the deadly virus .
In Illinois , it started in mid-March .
Counties across the region ( southern Illinois ) have felt the squeeze of reduced spending and declining tax revenues .
In an April 21 meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discuss where the county was at and what measures could and should be taken to stem the loss .
“ We need some cash infusion pretty quickly , ” Steve Vercellino , the county ’ s treasurer , said when announcing a proposed tax anticipation warrant , which allows the county to borrow against anticipated tax revenue .
He proposed the TAW with an interest rate of 2.75 % to be paid in this calendar year , likely in the last week in December .
Earlier in the meeting , there was talk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governing bodies .
U.S. Rep. Mike Bost , R-Murphysboro , sent a representative to the meeting to discuss , but it was unclear how much and when this money could materialize .
Newly-elected board member Larry Miller spoke of deep concerns he had with the money talk Tuesday .
“ We ’ ve not made any adjustments whatsoever , ” Miller said .
He was blunt in his read of the county ’ s tax problem : Changes in personnel were needed if savings couldn ’ t be found to make up the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s juvenile detention center might be a place to look for this savings .
The center is operated by the Second Judicial Circuit , but largely paid for by the county .
“ I think it ’ s time we start implementing some furloughs , ” County Board Chairman Randal Crocker said , adding that the board was already in talks with union officials .
Williamson County found itself in a similar discussion the day before .
It was decided that the county needed to furlough nearly 50 employees in order to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tax revenue shortfall from the COVID-19 crisis .
County officials told The Southern that this was all in an effort to minimize the impact on the county ’ s reserves .
Board member Ron Ellis said the choice was to furlough employees now or make up the lost revenue next budget year with budget cuts and layoffs .
Fellow board member Brent Gentry said with current expanded unemployment benefits , some employees might come out ahead by taking furlough .
On their end , Crocker said talks have been ongoing for several weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County officials are not able to force furloughs on officeholders , but they can lay out the facts for them - if savings aren ’ t found , there might have to be a budget adjustment that diverts office funding to make up the lost revenue .
Crocker said all the parties have been understanding .
“ They understand the concerns and the need and financial picture , ” Crocker said .
Unlike Williamson County , however , Franklin County board members also have to consider the recently-approved sales tax increase to support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After the third attempt to sell voters on the idea of increasing taxes , albeit by 1 % for a limited time , to replace its crumbling , but historic courthouse , voters gave the OK in April 2019 .
But , with declining sales tax revenue , questions have been hurled at the board about what it means for the courthouse .
Will the life of the tax need to be extended ?
The short answer , Crocker said , was no .
He said when county officials structured the bond sales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 25 % buffer .
Crocker said if taxes came in on trend , and early reports showed they were up until the COVID-19 crisis , they could pay the loan off three to four years earlier than the 15-year term .
However , if there was a 25 % downturn in revenue for the life of the loan , Crocker said the county would still be able to pay on time .
Essentially , he said there was wiggle room built in to account for a downturn like what the county is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though , things look a bit different .
Keith Larkin , the board ’ s chairman , said during an late April meeting Tuesday night the board approved the job description for a new , full-time position .
Larkin said this would be a temporary employee whose sole job would be to monitor grant and stimulus opportunities for county residents and the county ’ s government .
Larkin said the grants have been “ a cash grab ” with application slots filling up fast .
“ I think we had an idea that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s full time job it would get missed , ” he said , estimating that the position would make about $ 30,000 a year , which , if the employee were successful , could pay for itself in the extra funding coming in .
“ Time is of the essence on this , ” he said .
When asked about the potential for furloughs at the county level , especially in light of other Southern Illinois counties taking them , Larkin said Jackson County is not a place they would need to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have anyone sitting around twiddling their thumbs , ” he said .
Everyone being paid is working right now .
However , he said had the county not restructured its employee health benefits last year to save money , they might be looking at furloughs .
Discussing the county ’ s financial situation , Larkin said it “ certainly looks serious , but I would not say dire .
Any revenue missed is a problem , ” he said .
“ I don ’ t think it ’ s something we can ’ @ @ @ @

BENTON, Ill. (AP) - Franklin County, like Williamson County, is trying to find ways of mitigating lost tax revenue because of closures and reduced travel in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 has forced the hand of many governors in the U.S. to issue stay-at-home orders and to shutter non-essential businesses to reduce the spread of the deadly virus. In Illinois, it started in mid-March.
Counties across the region (southern Illinois) have felt the squeeze of reduced spending and declining tax revenues.
In an April 21 meeting, the Franklin County Board met to discuss where the county was at and what measures could and should be taken to stem the loss.
“We need some cash infusion pretty quickly,” Steve Vercellino, the county’s treasurer, said when announcing a proposed tax anticipation warrant, which allows the county to borrow against anticipated tax revenue.
He proposed the TAW with an interest rate of 2.75% to be paid in this calendar year, likely in the last week in December.
Earlier in the meeting, there was talk of federal stimulus monies potentially available to governing bodies. U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, sent a representative to the meeting to discuss, but it was unclear how much and when this money could materialize.
Newly-elected board member Larry Miller spoke of deep concerns he had with the money talk Tuesday.
“We’ve not made any adjustments whatsoever,” Miller said.
He was blunt in his read of the county’s tax problem: Changes in personnel were needed if savings couldn’t be found to make up the tax shortfall. He said the county’s juvenile detention center might be a place to look for this savings. The center is operated by the Second Judicial Circuit, but largely paid for by the county.
“I think it’s time we start implementing some furloughs,” County Board Chairman Randal Crocker said, adding that the board was already in talks with union officials.
Williamson County found itself in a similar discussion the day before. It was decided that the county needed to furlough nearly 50 employees in order to soften the blow of the estimated double-digit tax revenue shortfall from the COVID-19 crisis. County officials told The Southern that this was all in an effort to minimize the impact on the county’s reserves.
Board member Ron Ellis said the choice was to furlough employees now or make up the lost revenue next budget year with budget cuts and layoffs. Fellow board member Brent Gentry said with current expanded unemployment benefits, some employees might come out ahead by taking furlough.
On their end, Crocker said talks have been ongoing for several weeks as the COVID-19 situation has intensified. County officials are not able to force furloughs on officeholders, but they can lay out the facts for them - if savings aren’t found, there might have to be a budget adjustment that diverts office funding to make up the lost revenue. Crocker said all the parties have been understanding.
“They understand the concerns and the need and financial picture,” Crocker said.
Unlike Williamson County, however, Franklin County board members also have to consider the recently-approved sales tax increase to support the building of a new courthouse. After the third attempt to sell voters on the idea of increasing taxes, albeit by 1% for a limited time, to replace its crumbling, but historic courthouse, voters gave the OK in April 2019.
But, with declining sales tax revenue, questions have been hurled at the board about what it means for the courthouse. Will the life of the tax need to be extended? The short answer, Crocker said, was no.
He said when county officials structured the bond sales for the project, they factored in a 25% buffer. Crocker said if taxes came in on trend, and early reports showed they were up until the COVID-19 crisis, they could pay the loan off three to four years earlier than the 15-year term. However, if there was a 25% downturn in revenue for the life of the loan, Crocker said the county would still be able to pay on time. Essentially, he said there was wiggle room built in to account for a downturn like what the county is seeing now.
In Jackson County, though, things look a bit different. Keith Larkin, the board’s chairman, said during an late April meeting Tuesday night the board approved the job description for a new, full-time position. Larkin said this would be a temporary employee whose sole job would be to monitor grant and stimulus opportunities for county residents and the county’s government.
Larkin said the grants have been “a cash grab” with application slots filling up fast.
“I think we had an idea that if it wasn’t somebody’s full time job it would get missed,” he said, estimating that the position would make about $30,000 a year, which, if the employee were successful, could pay for itself in the extra funding coming in.
“Time is of the essence on this,” he said.
When asked about the potential for furloughs at the county level, especially in light of other Southern Illinois counties taking them, Larkin said Jackson County is not a place they would need to do that.
“We don’t have anyone sitting around twiddling their thumbs,” he said. Everyone being paid is working right now. However, he said had the county not restructured its employee health benefits last year to save money, they might be looking at furloughs.
Discussing the county’s financial situation, Larkin said it “certainly looks serious, but I would not say dire. Any revenue missed is a problem,” he said. “I don’t think it’s something we can’t overcome.”
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Source: The (Carbondale) Southern Illinoisan, https://bit.ly/351YWCX