france24--2020-04-02--Coronavirus hotbed NY set to run out of ventilators in six days, says Governor Cuomo

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo speaks to the press at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York , on March 27 , 2020 New York has enough ventilators in stock to last another 6 days at the current rate they are being used in hospitals to treat coronavirus patients , and is working to convert other machines to address any shortage , the governor said on Thursday .
Given the cases mounting in his state , Andrew Cuomo said it would be too late to wait for ventilators from manufacturers just now converting production lines or ramping up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for treating the disease .
He said New York was looking to purchase ventilators from China , the main producer , and had ordered 3,000 so-called BiPAP machines , which are usually to treat chronic obstruction lung disease , for conversion into ventilators .
`` The burn rate is troubling , '' Cuomo told a daily briefing , referring to the rate at which hospitals are having to deploy ventilators .
`` I can say with confidence we have researched every possibility , every idea , every measure you can possibly take .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York had increased to 92,381 , up from 83,712 a day earlier , with deaths rising to 2,373 from 1,941 , by far the most among any U.S. state .
He said he believed the apex of the crisis for New York would likely be on the `` shorter end '' of the projected range of 7 to 30 days from now , as the number of hospitalizations increased by about 10 percent from a day earlier to 13,383 .

New York has enough ventilators in stock to last another 6 days at the current rate they are being used in hospitals to treat coronavirus patients, and is working to convert other machines to address any shortage, the governor said on Thursday.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo speaks to the press at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York, on March 27, 2020
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Given the cases mounting in his state, Andrew Cuomo said it would be too late to wait for ventilators from manufacturers just now converting production lines or ramping up to make more of the machines critical for treating the disease.
He said New York was looking to purchase ventilators from China, the main producer, and had ordered 3,000 so-called BiPAP machines, which are usually to treat chronic obstruction lung disease, for conversion into ventilators.
"The burn rate is troubling," Cuomo told a daily briefing, referring to the rate at which hospitals are having to deploy ventilators. "I can say with confidence we have researched every possibility, every idea, every measure you can possibly take."
Cuomo said that coronavirus cases in New York had increased to 92,381, up from 83,712 a day earlier, with deaths rising to 2,373 from 1,941, by far the most among any U.S. state.
He said he believed the apex of the crisis for New York would likely be on the "shorter end" of the projected range of 7 to 30 days from now, as the number of hospitalizations increased by about 10 percent from a day earlier to 13,383.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-04-02--Covid-19: World Bank announces emergency response for several African countries

Several African countries are due to benefit from a nearly $ 2 billion programme from the World Bank aimed at @ @ @ @ @ the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic .
Meanwhile , thousands of people across Nigeria have @ @ @ @ @ as states across the country shut their borders in a bid to stop the spread @ @ @ @ @ also ramped up as police are accused of abusing their powers .
And finally , @ @ @ @ @ yet more hardship to come as the country extends its 21-day lockdown .

Covid-19: World Bank announces emergency response for several African countries
11:58 EYE ON AFRICA © FRANCE 24
By: Georja Calvin-Smith Follow | Laura DI BIASIO
Several African countries are due to benefit from a nearly $2 billion programme from the World Bank aimed at helping developing countries deal with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, thousands of people across Nigeria have been stranded away from home as states across the country shut their borders in a bid to stop the spread of coronavirus; unease is also ramped up as police are accused of abusing their powers. And finally, poorer communities in Rwanda face yet more hardship to come as the country extends its 21-day lockdown.


france24--2020-04-03--The wave of solidarity in coronavirus-hit France

As France endures its third week of lockdown to fight the spread of COVID-19 , solidarity is stepping up a gear .
From home-made face masks and protective shields , to the distribution of meals to the most vulnerable , initiatives to help others are springing up throughout the country .
In Paris and Normandy , our reporters Clovis Casali and Julie Dungelhoeff went to meet French people who are refusing to sit back and want to help those most affected by this unprecedented crisis .
The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted daily life for French people since the implementation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Across the country , social initiatives are on the rise to compensate for sometimes glaring shortages .
As the face masks promised by the authorities take time to arrive , some people have started to make masks themselves and provide them to medical staff , particularly in hospitals .
Social media play a key role in organising these efforts and pooling expertise .
Our reporters Clovis Casali and Julie Dungelhoeff went to the Normandy city of Lisieux , where women from the NGO `` Graines d'Idées '' ( Seeds of Ideas ) are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They initially responded to a request from Lisieux hospital and are now even producing them for police forces who ordered their home-made masks .
The lockdown has also led to the closure of all non-essential businesses , such as cafés and restaurants .
Some chefs have nevertheless decided to continue cooking , so as not to throw out their surplus stocks .
They are preparing meals for the homeless , who have seen NGOs reduce their usual outreach work because of the risk of spreading the virus .
Our reporters followed Antoine , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ d'Antoine '' ( Antoine ’ s Bowls ) , in the Belleville district of Paris .
He criss-crosses the surrounding area to bring meals to the homeless , who are now more isolated than ever .
These social initiatives are accompanied by a widespread show of support from the whole population .
Every evening at 8pm , people across the country head to their windows or balconies to applaud the work of medical staff , who are on the frontline to save lives .
As our reporters found , the country seems to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of solidarity .
While French people are all equal in the face of the virus , some hope that mentalities will change once the invisible enemy is finally defeated .

As France endures its third week of lockdown to fight the spread of COVID-19, solidarity is stepping up a gear. From home-made face masks and protective shields, to the distribution of meals to the most vulnerable, initiatives to help others are springing up throughout the country. In Paris and Normandy, our reporters Clovis Casali and Julie Dungelhoeff went to meet French people who are refusing to sit back and want to help those most affected by this unprecedented crisis.
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The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted daily life for French people since the implementation of an unprecedented lockdown on March 17. Across the country, social initiatives are on the rise to compensate for sometimes glaring shortages.
As the face masks promised by the authorities take time to arrive, some people have started to make masks themselves and provide them to medical staff, particularly in hospitals. Social media play a key role in organising these efforts and pooling expertise. Our reporters Clovis Casali and Julie Dungelhoeff went to the Normandy city of Lisieux, where women from the NGO "Graines d'Idées" (Seeds of Ideas) are making masks on a voluntary basis. They initially responded to a request from Lisieux hospital and are now even producing them for police forces who ordered their home-made masks.
The lockdown has also led to the closure of all non-essential businesses, such as cafés and restaurants. Some chefs have nevertheless decided to continue cooking, so as not to throw out their surplus stocks. They are preparing meals for the homeless, who have seen NGOs reduce their usual outreach work because of the risk of spreading the virus. Our reporters followed Antoine, owner of the restaurant "Les Bols d'Antoine" (Antoine’s Bowls), in the Belleville district of Paris. He criss-crosses the surrounding area to bring meals to the homeless, who are now more isolated than ever.
These social initiatives are accompanied by a widespread show of support from the whole population. Every evening at 8pm, people across the country head to their windows or balconies to applaud the work of medical staff, who are on the frontline to save lives.
As our reporters found, the country seems to be uniting in adversity and rediscovering values of solidarity. While French people are all equal in the face of the virus, some hope that mentalities will change once the invisible enemy is finally defeated.
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france24--2020-04-03--French hospitals record deadliest day with 588 coronavirus deaths

Medical staff with a patient at an intensive care unit for patients contaminated with coronavirus at the Louis Pasteur Hospital in Colmar , eastern France , on March 26 , 2020 .
French hospitals recorded their highest death toll in 24 hours with 588 new fatalities from coronavirus , the country 's chief medical adviser told a press conference on Friday , as the total toll including retirement homes rose to more than 6,500 .
France 's Director General of Health , Jérôme Salomon , announced the figures during a daily press conference , saying a total of 5,091 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start of the crisis .
Giving a separate tally for nursing homes , Salomon said that a provisional count showed that at least 1,416 people had died at care homes for the elderly after contracting the virus .
French officials started releasing figures for care homes only yesterday .
The huge rise in those numbers makes for a total of 6,507 lives lost to coronavirus in France , so far .
Salomon said that the number of known infections rose nationwide to 64,338 from 59,105 on Thursday .
The number of patients requiring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In a televised interview on Thursday night , Prime Minister Édouard Philippe urged the French to respect the lockdown measures imposed since March 17 , to ensure a levelling off of new cases of the virus .
`` This is the only way for the health service to overcome the peak '' of the virus , he said .
Philippe conceded that the nationwide lockdown `` would probably be extended '' beyond the current deadline of April 15 .
With the traditional spring break approaching , Philippe sternly warned the French against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be checks and fines for those who violated the rules .

French hospitals recorded their highest death toll in 24 hours with 588 new fatalities from coronavirus, the country's chief medical adviser told a press conference on Friday, as the total toll including retirement homes rose to more than 6,500.
Medical staff with a patient at an intensive care unit for patients contaminated with coronavirus at the Louis Pasteur Hospital in Colmar, eastern France, on March 26, 2020.
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France's Director General of Health, Jérôme Salomon, announced the figures during a daily press conference, saying a total of 5,091 people had died in French hospitals since the start of the crisis.
Giving a separate tally for nursing homes, Salomon said that a provisional count showed that at least 1,416 people had died at care homes for the elderly after contracting the virus.
French officials started releasing figures for care homes only yesterday. The huge rise in those numbers makes for a total of 6,507 lives lost to coronavirus in France, so far.
Salomon said that the number of known infections rose nationwide to 64,338 from 59,105 on Thursday. The number of patients requiring life support rose to 6,662 from 6,399.
In a televised interview on Thursday night, Prime Minister Édouard Philippe urged the French to respect the lockdown measures imposed since March 17, to ensure a levelling off of new cases of the virus.
"This is the only way for the health service to overcome the peak" of the virus, he said.
Philippe conceded that the nationwide lockdown "would probably be extended" beyond the current deadline of April 15.
With the traditional spring break approaching, Philippe sternly warned the French against considering holidays away, saying there would be checks and fines for those who violated the rules.
(FRANCE 24 with REUTERS)
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france24--2020-04-03--Exclusive: Niger's Issoufou echoes warning that coronavirus could kill millions in Africa

In an exclusive interview with FRANCE 24 , Niger ’ s President Mahamadou Issoufou discussed the Covid-19 pandemic that is spreading across the whole African continent .
He called for a `` Marshall Plan '' from the international community to help African countries face the unprecedented health crisis .
In an exclusive interview with FRANCE 24 , Niger ’ s President Mahamadou Issoufou said that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was right to warn that the coronavirus could kill millions of people in Africa .
As a result , Niger 's leader is calling for a `` Marshall Plan '' from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face this unprecedented health crisis .
> > Watch our interview with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres ( page in French ) Niger 's president also explained that the increase in spending to fight Covid-19 in his country , combined with ongoing efforts to battle terrorism , represented a considerable financial burden .
However , Issoufou rejected the theory , put forward in a memo from the French foreign ministry , of a possible collapse of the Sahel nations following the Covid-19 pandemic on the continent .
On the contrary , he called for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ differs from the previous one .
Turning to the French presence in the Sahel region , Niger 's president insisted he did not fear a French military withdrawal over the pandemic , despite the first four cases of coronavirus being detected this week among the French troops of Operation Barkhane .
Issoufou said he was convinced that Paris was committed to the fight against jihadist groups .
Finally , Niger 's leader confirmed that he has seen recent `` proof of life '' of French hostage Sophie Pétronin , who was abducted in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Son of Sophie Pétronin , French hostage in Mali , says she is still alive

In an exclusive interview with FRANCE 24, Niger’s President Mahamadou Issoufou discussed the Covid-19 pandemic that is spreading across the whole African continent. He called for a "Marshall Plan" from the international community to help African countries face the unprecedented health crisis.
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In an exclusive interview with FRANCE 24, Niger’s President Mahamadou Issoufou said that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was right to warn that the coronavirus could kill millions of people in Africa. As a result, Niger's leader is calling for a "Marshall Plan" from the international community to help African countries face this unprecedented health crisis.
>> Watch our interview with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (page in French)
Niger's president also explained that the increase in spending to fight Covid-19 in his country, combined with ongoing efforts to battle terrorism, represented a considerable financial burden.
However, Issoufou rejected the theory, put forward in a memo from the French foreign ministry, of a possible collapse of the Sahel nations following the Covid-19 pandemic on the continent. On the contrary, he called for more solidarity so that the post-coronavirus world differs from the previous one.
Turning to the French presence in the Sahel region, Niger's president insisted he did not fear a French military withdrawal over the pandemic, despite the first four cases of coronavirus being detected this week among the French troops of Operation Barkhane. Issoufou said he was convinced that Paris was committed to the fight against jihadist groups.
Finally, Niger's leader confirmed that he has seen recent "proof of life" of French hostage Sophie Pétronin, who was abducted in Mali several years ago.
>> Son of Sophie Pétronin, French hostage in Mali, says she is still alive
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france24--2020-04-03--‘Lebanon has so far been able to contain the spread of the virus’

Rami Adwan , Lebanon 's ambassador in Paris , spoke to FRANCE 24 on Friday about measures taken by his @ @ @ @ @ pandemic and plans to repatriate Lebanese nationals abroad .
Adwan said Lebanese authorities had so @ @ @ @ @ spread of the virus by taking swift action , such as closing the country ’ @ @ @ @ @ as soon as the global pandemic was declared ” .
“ This has resulted in @ @ @ @ @ being stuck outside the country , ” he acknowledged , adding that the country would @ @ @ @ @ France and elsewhere on Sunday , in coordination with the national carrier Middle East Airlines @ @ @ @ @ over 500 confirmed infections and 17 deaths from the coronavirus , prompting the government last @ @ @ @ @ curfew .
Click on the player above to watch the full interview .

Rami Adwan, Lebanon's ambassador in Paris, spoke to FRANCE 24 on Friday about measures taken by his government to fight the coronavirus pandemic and plans to repatriate Lebanese nationals abroad.
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Adwan said Lebanese authorities had so far succeeded in containing the spread of the virus by taking swift action, such as closing the country’s airports and ports “as soon as the global pandemic was declared”.
“This has resulted in a lot of Lebanese nationals being stuck outside the country,” he acknowledged, adding that the country would start repatriating its citizens in France and elsewhere on Sunday, in coordination with the national carrier Middle East Airlines.
Lebanon has recorded just over 500 confirmed infections and 17 deaths from the coronavirus, prompting the government last month to introduce a nighttime curfew.
Click on the player above to watch the full interview.
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france24--2020-04-03--Global demand for protective gloves is soaring, but Ivorian rubber farmers are losing money

As the coronavirus takes hold , the demand for rubber gloves is on the up .
Yet despite being the largest rubber producer in Africa , the Ivory Coast is failing to make the most of it .
With the number of Covid-19 infections surpassing one million , the demand for rubber gloves is soaring .
As governments across the world scramble to stockpile medical supplies , the World Health Organization warned on March 27 that a `` chronic global shortage of personal protective gear '' was `` one of the most urgent threats to our collective ability to save @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ivory Coast ’ s rubber production sector stands to lose €91m in profits every month until the crisis is over , according to the country ’ s leading industry group , Apromac .
The Ivory Coast accounts for 60 percent of the continent ’ s rubber production .
Around 780,000 tonnes were exported last year .
`` We are at a loss because of the cancelling of contracts and the closing of factories in Europe and Asia , '' said Apromac president Eugène Kremien .
Kremien told FRANCE 24 that if the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the sector would face `` catastrophe '' .
He added that at least one million Ivorians depend on rubber for their income , when the 160,000 producers , their employees and their families are accounted for .
Ivorians are failing to exploit the current crisis for financial gain for one key reason .
Most rubber glove manufacturing takes place in South East Asia .
The Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association alone makes 60 percent of all rubber gloves globally , with a single company , Top Glove , holding a quarter of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ingredient is raw latex – the milky-coloured liquid collected through the process of ‘ bleeding ’ trees .
It would take days for Ivorian producers to transport the latex to these factories in Malaysia by boat .
And in that length of time , the latex liquid would have begun to congeal and , as such , become unsuitable for glove manufacturing .
This transportation issue is the main reason that rubber exports from the Ivory Coast come in a solid , granulated form .
In 2019 , around 80 percent of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the automobile industry , for tyres .
But Kremien says that tyre manufacturers Michelin , Goodyear and Bridgestone are among the companies to stop importing , because of the coronavirus crisis .
The Ivory Coast is one of the fastest expanding economies in the world , with a growth rate averaging 8.5 percent annually from 2011-19 .
Rubber production is one of many sectors to be infected by Covid-19 .
On March 31 , the Prime Minister , Amadou Gon Coulibaly , revised the country ’ s GDP growth forecast from 7.2 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate in nine years .
In a televised address , the PM said that this prediction only holds if the crisis ends in June .
Given that the first case of coronavirus was not detected until March 11 , hopes of reaching a ‘ peak ’ before that point seem unlikely .
The Ivorian government has proposed a stimulus package of €2.6bn – about 5 percent of the country ’ s GDP .
Businesses , many of which have been forcibly closed , will receive tax breaks .
While the agricultural sector , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cashew nut and , of course , rubber production , will receive subsidies .
'Europe must understand we are partners' The Ivory Coast does not currently have the facilities to manufacture rubber gloves on its own .
For Kremien , the answer is obvious .
`` We need to be able to produce gloves here , '' he said , adding , `` I am not blaming the government , but they need to invest in factories .
`` Europe too must understand that we are partners .
The distance from the Ivory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asia to Europe – and we have the raw materials .
The coronavirus has highlighted the dysfunctional relationship between Europe and Africa . ''

As the coronavirus takes hold, the demand for rubber gloves is on the up. Yet despite being the largest rubber producer in Africa, the Ivory Coast is failing to make the most of it.
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With the number of Covid-19 infections surpassing one million, the demand for rubber gloves is soaring. As governments across the world scramble to stockpile medical supplies, the World Health Organization warned on March 27 that a "chronic global shortage of personal protective gear" was "one of the most urgent threats to our collective ability to save lives".
Despite this, the Ivory Coast’s rubber production sector stands to lose €91m in profits every month until the crisis is over, according to the country’s leading industry group, Apromac. The Ivory Coast accounts for 60 percent of the continent’s rubber production. Around 780,000 tonnes were exported last year.
Facing 'catastrophe' over cancelled contracts, closed factories
"We are at a loss because of the cancelling of contracts and the closing of factories in Europe and Asia," said Apromac president Eugène Kremien.
Kremien told FRANCE 24 that if the coronavirus crisis lasts for more than three months, the sector would face "catastrophe". He added that at least one million Ivorians depend on rubber for their income, when the 160,000 producers, their employees and their families are accounted for.
Ivorians are failing to exploit the current crisis for financial gain for one key reason. Most rubber glove manufacturing takes place in South East Asia. The Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association alone makes 60 percent of all rubber gloves globally, with a single company, Top Glove, holding a quarter of the world market share. The key ingredient is raw latex – the milky-coloured liquid collected through the process of ‘bleeding’ trees.
Michelin, Goodyear and Bridgestone stopped importing
It would take days for Ivorian producers to transport the latex to these factories in Malaysia by boat. And in that length of time, the latex liquid would have begun to congeal and, as such, become unsuitable for glove manufacturing.
This transportation issue is the main reason that rubber exports from the Ivory Coast come in a solid, granulated form. In 2019, around 80 percent of the country’s rubber exports went to the automobile industry, for tyres. But Kremien says that tyre manufacturers Michelin, Goodyear and Bridgestone are among the companies to stop importing, because of the coronavirus crisis.
The Ivory Coast is one of the fastest expanding economies in the world, with a growth rate averaging 8.5 percent annually from 2011-19. Rubber production is one of many sectors to be infected by Covid-19.
Lowest GDP forecast in nine years
On March 31, the Prime Minister, Amadou Gon Coulibaly, revised the country’s GDP growth forecast from 7.2 to 3.6 percent for 2020 – the lowest rate in nine years.
In a televised address, the PM said that this prediction only holds if the crisis ends in June. Given that the first case of coronavirus was not detected until March 11, hopes of reaching a ‘peak’ before that point seem unlikely.
The Ivorian government has proposed a stimulus package of €2.6bn – about 5 percent of the country’s GDP. Businesses, many of which have been forcibly closed, will receive tax breaks. While the agricultural sector, dominated by cocoa, but also including cashew nut and, of course, rubber production, will receive subsidies.
'Europe must understand we are partners'
The Ivory Coast does not currently have the facilities to manufacture rubber gloves on its own. For Kremien, the answer is obvious.
"We need to be able to produce gloves here," he said, adding, "I am not blaming the government, but they need to invest in factories.
"Europe too must understand that we are partners. The distance from the Ivory Coast to Europe is much shorter than Asia to Europe – and we have the raw materials. The coronavirus has highlighted the dysfunctional relationship between Europe and Africa."
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france24--2020-04-03--Field hospital opens in London, adding 4,000 beds to coronavirus fight

Britain 's Secretary of State for Health Matt Hancock attends the opening of the NHS Nightingale Hospital in London on April 3 , 2020 .
Prince Charles opened a new 4,000-bed temporary hospital in a conference centre in east London on Friday , the first of several being built in Britain to deal with the rapidly worsening coronavirus outbreak .
The new state-run National Health Service ( NHS ) Hospital is named after the trailblazing 19th-century nurse Florence Nightingale and has been built in just nine days .
Its opening comes as Buckingham Palace announced that Queen Elizabeth II would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday about the coronavirus outbreak that has killed more than 3,600 people across the UK .
Charles , the queen 's eldest son and heir , officially launched the new hospital via videolink from Scotland , where he has been in self-isolation after testing positive for COVID-19 .
He paid tribute to everyone involved , calling it `` quite frankly incredible '' to have transformed the giant ExCeL centre into a critical care facility in such a short space of time .
`` I was one of the lucky ones to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` But for some , it will be a much harder journey .
`` I am therefore so relieved that everyone can now have the reassurance that they will receive all the necessary technical care they may need , and every chance to return to a normal life . ''
With Nightingale often named `` The Lady with the Lamp '' and seen as one of the founders of modern nursing , he said the name was appropriate .
`` In this dark time , this place will be a shining light @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added that he hoped it would not be required for long .
NHS Nightingale London will initially take 500 people in the coming days , said Health Secretary Matt Hancock , who has also tested positive for COVID-19 .
It will take intensive care patients with COVID-19 from other London hospitals , which have seen the most number of cases across Britain .
The size of 10 district general hospitals , the new facility has more than 80 wards , each containing 42 beds , and when fully operational will require more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NHS , a taxpayer-funded service free at the point of use , which has been struggling in recent years as a result of public spending cuts .
`` In these troubled times , with this invisible killer stalking the whole world , the fact that in this country we have the NHS is even more valuable than before , '' he said .
Temporary hospitals are also being built in exhibition centres in the cities of Birmingham and Manchester , with capacity of up to 3,000 beds between them .
A third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are also in place to build two more in Bristol , in western England , and the northern city of Harrogate offering 1,500 beds .
NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens said he hoped the extra two sites would not be needed .
`` That will partly depend on continuing public support for measures to reduce growth in the infection rate by staying at home to save lives , '' he said in a statement .
Britons have been told to stay at home wherever possible and non-essential shops and services have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a nationwide lockdown designed to stem the spread of coronavirus .
However , health officials say the measures will take time to have an effect as the death toll continues to mount rapidly .

Prince Charles opened a new 4,000-bed temporary hospital in a conference centre in east London on Friday, the first of several being built in Britain to deal with the rapidly worsening coronavirus outbreak.
Britain's Secretary of State for Health Matt Hancock attends the opening of the NHS Nightingale Hospital in London on April 3, 2020.
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The new state-run National Health Service (NHS) Hospital is named after the trailblazing 19th-century nurse Florence Nightingale and has been built in just nine days.
Its opening comes as Buckingham Palace announced that Queen Elizabeth II would make a rare address to the nation on Sunday about the coronavirus outbreak that has killed more than 3,600 people across the UK.
Charles, the queen's eldest son and heir, officially launched the new hospital via videolink from Scotland, where he has been in self-isolation after testing positive for COVID-19.
He paid tribute to everyone involved, calling it "quite frankly incredible" to have transformed the giant ExCeL centre into a critical care facility in such a short space of time.
"I was one of the lucky ones to have COVID-19 relatively mildly," he said. "But for some, it will be a much harder journey.
The Prince of Wales today opened the new NHS @NightingaleLDN hospital via video link.
The Head of Nursing @NightingaleLDN unveiled a plaque on behalf of HRH to officially mark the opening of the hospital which will provide support for thousands more patients with coronavirus. pic.twitter.com/N1ABmxehx6 — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 3, 2020
"I am therefore so relieved that everyone can now have the reassurance that they will receive all the necessary technical care they may need, and every chance to return to a normal life."
With Nightingale often named "The Lady with the Lamp" and seen as one of the founders of modern nursing, he said the name was appropriate.
"In this dark time, this place will be a shining light," the prince said, but added that he hoped it would not be required for long.
NHS Nightingale London will initially take 500 people in the coming days, said Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who has also tested positive for COVID-19.
It will take intensive care patients with COVID-19 from other London hospitals, which have seen the most number of cases across Britain.
'Invisible killer'
The size of 10 district general hospitals, the new facility has more than 80 wards, each containing 42 beds, and when fully operational will require more than 16,000 staff to run.
Hancock praised the NHS, a taxpayer-funded service free at the point of use, which has been struggling in recent years as a result of public spending cuts.
"In these troubled times, with this invisible killer stalking the whole world, the fact that in this country we have the NHS is even more valuable than before," he said.
We are officially open! In less than two weeks, @ExCelLondon has been transformed into London's newest hospital, and we will be available as soon as patients across London and the south of England need us: https://t.co/jEyCb1rBNQ pic.twitter.com/TLSg3j4ZxH — NHS Nightingale London (@NightingaleLDN) April 3, 2020
Temporary hospitals are also being built in exhibition centres in the cities of Birmingham and Manchester, with capacity of up to 3,000 beds between them.
A third is under construction in Glasgow and plans are also in place to build two more in Bristol, in western England, and the northern city of Harrogate offering 1,500 beds.
NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens said he hoped the extra two sites would not be needed.
"That will partly depend on continuing public support for measures to reduce growth in the infection rate by staying at home to save lives," he said in a statement.
Britons have been told to stay at home wherever possible and non-essential shops and services have been shut since March 23, as part a nationwide lockdown designed to stem the spread of coronavirus.
However, health officials say the measures will take time to have an effect as the death toll continues to mount rapidly.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
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france24--2020-04-03--Bill Withers, soul legend who wrote 'Ain't No Sunshine', dies at 81

Bill Withers , who wrote and sang a string of soulful songs in the 1970s that have stood the test of time , including “ Lean on Me , ” “ Lovely Day ” and “ Ain ’ t No Sunshine , ” has died from heart complications , his family said in a statement to the Associated Press .
He was 81 .
The three-time Grammy Award winner , who withdrew from making music in the mid-1980s , died on Monday in Los Angeles , the statement said .
His death comes as the public has drawn inspiration from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with health care workers , choirs , artists and more posting their own renditions on “ Lean on Me ” to help get through the difficult times .
“ We are devastated by the loss of our beloved , devoted husband and father .
A solitary man with a heart driven to connect to the world at large , with his poetry and music , he spoke honestly to people and connected them to each other , ” the family statement read .
“ As private a life as he lived close to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forever belongs to the world .
In this difficult time , we pray his music offers comfort and entertainment as fans hold tight to loved ones.
” Withers ’ songs during his brief career have become the soundtracks of countless engagements , weddings and backyard parties .
They have powerful melodies and perfect grooves melded with a smooth voice that conveys honesty and complex emotions without vocal acrobatics .
“ Lean on Me , ” a paean to friendship , was performed at the inaugurations of both Barack Obama and Bill Clinton .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and “ Lean on Me ” are among Rolling Stone ’ s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time .
“ He ’ s the last African-American Everyman , ” musician and band leader Questlove told Rolling Stone in 2015 .
“ Bill Withers is the closest thing black people have to a Bruce Springsteen.
” His death caused a torrent of appreciation on social media , including from former Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett , who said Withers ' music has been a cherished part of her life .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times , and also gave me comfort and inspiration when I needed it most , ” she tweeted .
Singer José James said “ we need his message of unity now more than ever.
” Susanna Hoffs sent “ peace and love ” and Billy Dee Williams tweeted “ your music cheered my heart and soothed my soul.
” Withers , who overcame a childhood stutter , was born the last of six children in the coal mining town of Slab Fork , West Virginia .
After his parents divorced when he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mother ’ s family in nearby Beckley .
He joined the Navy at 17 and spent nine years in the service as an aircraft mechanic installing toilets .
After his discharge , he moved to Los Angeles , worked at an aircraft parts factory , bought a guitar at a pawn shop and recorded demos of his tunes in hopes of landing a recording contract .
In 1971 , signed to Sussex Records , he put out his first album , “ Just As I Am , ” with the legendary Booker T. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hits “ Grandma ’ s Hands ” and “ Ain ’ t No Sunshine , ” which was inspired by the Jack Lemmon film “ Days of Wine and Roses.
” He was photographed on the cover , smiling and holding his lunch pail .
“ Ain ’ t No Sunshine ” was originally released as the B-side of his debut single , “ Harlem.
” But radio DJs flipped the disc and the song climbed to No .
3 on the Billboard charts and spent a total of 16 weeks in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to generate more hits a year later with the inspirational “ Lean on Me , ” the menacing “ Who Is He ( and What Is He to You ) ” and the slinky “ Use Me ” on his second album , “ Still Bill.
” Later would come the striking “ Lovely Day , ” co-written with Skip Scarborough and featuring Withers holding the word “ day ” for almost 19 seconds , and “ Just the Two Of Us , ” co-written with Ralph MacDonald and William Salter .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1973 made Rolling Stone ’ s 50 Greatest Live Albums of All Time .
“ The hardest thing in songwriting is to be simple and yet profound .
And Bill seemed to understand , intrinsically and instinctively , how to do that , ” Sting said in “ Still Bill , ” a 2010 documentary of Withers .
But Withers ’ career stalled when Sussex Records went bankrupt and he was scooped up by Columbia Records .
He no longer had complete control over his music and chafed when it was suggested he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executives found Withers difficult .
None of his Columbia albums reached the Top 40 except for 1977 ’ s “ Menagerie , ” which produced “ Lovely Day.
” ( His hit duet with Grover Washington Jr. “ Just the Two of Us ” was on Washington ’ s label ) .
Withers ’ last album was 1985′s “ Watching You Watching Me.
” Though his songs often dealt with relationships , Withers also wrote ones with social commentary , including “ Better Off Dead ” about an alcoholic ’ s suicide , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Left-Handed , ” about an injured Vietnam War veteran .
He was awarded Grammys as a songwriter for “ Ain ’ t No Sunshine ” in 1971 and for “ Just the Two Of Us ” in 1981 .
In 1987 , Bill received his ninth Grammy nomination and third Grammy as a songwriter for the re-recording of the 1972 hit “ Lean on Me ” by Club Nouveau .
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015 by Stevie Wonder .
Withers thanked his wife as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helped his career like Ray Jackson , Al Bell and Booker T. Jones .
He also got in a few jabs at the record industry , saying A & R stood for “ antagonistic and redundant.
” Withers also was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005 .
His music has been covered by such artists as Aretha Franklin , Barbra Streisand , Michael Jackson , Tom Jones , Linda Ronstadt , Paul McCartney , Sting , Johnny Mathis , Aaron Neville , Al Jarreau , Mick Jagger , Nancy Wilson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been sampled for BlackStreet ’ s “ No Diggity , ” Will Smith ’ s version of “ Just the Two Of Us , ” Black Eyed Peas ’ “ Bridging the Gap ” and Twista ’ s “ Sunshine.
” The song “ Lean on Me ” was the title theme of a 1989 movie starring Morgan Freeman .
His songs are often used on the big screen , including “ The Hangover , ” “ 28 Days , ” “ American Beauty , ” “ Jerry Maguire , ” “ Crooklyn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beauty Shop , ” “ The Secret Life of Pets ” and “ Flight.
” “ I ’ m not a virtuoso , but I was able to write songs that people could identify with .
I don ’ t think I ’ ve done bad for a guy from Slab Fork , West Virginia , ” Withers told Rolling Stone in 2015 .
He is survived by his wife , Marcia , and children , Todd and Kori .

Bill Withers, who wrote and sang a string of soulful songs in the 1970s that have stood the test of time, including “Lean on Me, ” “Lovely Day” and “Ain’t No Sunshine,” has died from heart complications, his family said in a statement to the Associated Press. He was 81.
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The three-time Grammy Award winner, who withdrew from making music in the mid-1980s, died on Monday in Los Angeles, the statement said. His death comes as the public has drawn inspiration from his music during the coronavirus pandemic, with health care workers, choirs, artists and more posting their own renditions on “Lean on Me” to help get through the difficult times.
“We are devastated by the loss of our beloved, devoted husband and father. A solitary man with a heart driven to connect to the world at large, with his poetry and music, he spoke honestly to people and connected them to each other,” the family statement read. “As private a life as he lived close to intimate family and friends, his music forever belongs to the world. In this difficult time, we pray his music offers comfort and entertainment as fans hold tight to loved ones.”
Withers’ songs during his brief career have become the soundtracks of countless engagements, weddings and backyard parties. They have powerful melodies and perfect grooves melded with a smooth voice that conveys honesty and complex emotions without vocal acrobatics.
“Lean on Me,” a paean to friendship, was performed at the inaugurations of both Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Lean on Me” are among Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
“He’s the last African-American Everyman,” musician and band leader Questlove told Rolling Stone in 2015. “Bill Withers is the closest thing black people have to a Bruce Springsteen.”
His death caused a torrent of appreciation on social media, including from former Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett, who said Withers' music has been a cherished part of her life. “It added to my joy in the good times, and also gave me comfort and inspiration when I needed it most,” she tweeted. Singer José James said “we need his message of unity now more than ever.” Susanna Hoffs sent “peace and love” and Billy Dee Williams tweeted “your music cheered my heart and soothed my soul.”
Withers, who overcame a childhood stutter, was born the last of six children in the coal mining town of Slab Fork, West Virginia. After his parents divorced when he was 3, Withers was raised by his mother’s family in nearby Beckley.
He joined the Navy at 17 and spent nine years in the service as an aircraft mechanic installing toilets. After his discharge, he moved to Los Angeles, worked at an aircraft parts factory, bought a guitar at a pawn shop and recorded demos of his tunes in hopes of landing a recording contract.
In 1971, signed to Sussex Records, he put out his first album, “Just As I Am,” with the legendary Booker T. Jones at the helm. It had the hits “Grandma’s Hands” and “Ain’t No Sunshine,” which was inspired by the Jack Lemmon film “Days of Wine and Roses.” He was photographed on the cover, smiling and holding his lunch pail.
“Ain’t No Sunshine” was originally released as the B-side of his debut single, “Harlem.” But radio DJs flipped the disc and the song climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard charts and spent a total of 16 weeks in the top 40.
Withers went on to generate more hits a year later with the inspirational “Lean on Me,” the menacing “Who Is He (and What Is He to You)” and the slinky “Use Me” on his second album, “Still Bill.”
Later would come the striking “Lovely Day,” co-written with Skip Scarborough and featuring Withers holding the word “day” for almost 19 seconds, and “Just the Two Of Us,” co-written with Ralph MacDonald and William Salter. His “Live at Carnegie Hall” in 1973 made Rolling Stone’s 50 Greatest Live Albums of All Time.
“The hardest thing in songwriting is to be simple and yet profound. And Bill seemed to understand, intrinsically and instinctively, how to do that,” Sting said in “Still Bill,” a 2010 documentary of Withers.
Stunningly beautiful.
Especially today.
“We all need somebody to lean on.”
Thank you, #BillWithers. pic.twitter.com/0bK6vQGy3Q — The King Center (@TheKingCenter) April 3, 2020
But Withers’ career stalled when Sussex Records went bankrupt and he was scooped up by Columbia Records. He no longer had complete control over his music and chafed when it was suggested he do an Elvis cover. His new executives found Withers difficult.
None of his Columbia albums reached the Top 40 except for 1977’s “Menagerie,” which produced “Lovely Day.” (His hit duet with Grover Washington Jr. “Just the Two of Us” was on Washington’s label). Withers’ last album was 1985′s “Watching You Watching Me.”
Though his songs often dealt with relationships, Withers also wrote ones with social commentary, including “Better Off Dead” about an alcoholic’s suicide, and “I Can’t Write Left-Handed,” about an injured Vietnam War veteran.
He was awarded Grammys as a songwriter for “Ain’t No Sunshine” in 1971 and for “Just the Two Of Us” in 1981. In 1987, Bill received his ninth Grammy nomination and third Grammy as a songwriter for the re-recording of the 1972 hit “ Lean on Me” by Club Nouveau.
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015 by Stevie Wonder. Withers thanked his wife as well as the R&B pioneers who helped his career like Ray Jackson, Al Bell and Booker T. Jones. He also got in a few jabs at the record industry, saying A&R stood for “antagonistic and redundant.” Withers also was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005.
His music has been covered by such artists as Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand, Michael Jackson, Tom Jones, Linda Ronstadt, Paul McCartney, Sting, Johnny Mathis, Aaron Neville, Al Jarreau, Mick Jagger, Nancy Wilson, Diana Ross. His music has been sampled for BlackStreet’s “No Diggity,” Will Smith’s version of “Just the Two Of Us,” Black Eyed Peas’ “Bridging the Gap” and Twista’s “Sunshine.” The song “Lean on Me” was the title theme of a 1989 movie starring Morgan Freeman.
His songs are often used on the big screen, including “The Hangover,” “28 Days,” “American Beauty,” “Jerry Maguire,” “Crooklyn,” “Flight,” “Beauty Shop,” “The Secret Life of Pets” and “Flight.”
“I’m not a virtuoso, but I was able to write songs that people could identify with. I don’t think I’ve done bad for a guy from Slab Fork, West Virginia,” Withers told Rolling Stone in 2015.
He is survived by his wife, Marcia, and children, Todd and Kori.
(AP)
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france24--2020-04-03--'Not guinea pigs': Africa vaccine trial suggestion sparks uproar

Dozens of pharmaceuticals and research labs across the world are racing to develop a vaccine .
Two prominent French doctors have triggered a storm of criticism after discussing on a television programme the idea of testing a vaccine for coronavirus in Africa .
One of the doctor 's employers said an edited clip of their discussion had led to `` erroneous interpretations '' .
In a broadcast on Wednesday on the LCI channel , Camille Locht , head of research at the National Institute of Health and Medical Research ( INSERM ) in Lille , was questioned about a shield @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for tuberculosis .
He was asked by Jean-Paul Mira , head of intensive care at the Cochin hospital in Paris , whether Africa offered better conditions for testing the vaccine .
`` If I could be provocative , should n't we be doing this study in Africa , where there are no masks , no treatment , no intensive care , rather as was done with certain studies on AIDS , where things are tested on prostitutes because it 's known that they are highly exposed ( to HIV ) ? ''
Mira @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ? ''
Locht replied : `` You 're right , we are thinking in parallel by the way about a study in Africa with the same kind of approach , ( but ) it does n't prevent us from being able to think about a study in Europe and Australia at the same time . ''
Scientists who carry out clinical trials try to find conditions in which large numbers of people are exposed to the disease , as this gives a better opportunity for testing a new drug .
Such trials are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requires volunteers to be briefed about any risks and to give their informed consent .
But the idea of having Africa as a setting for a coronavirus vaccine is controversial .
Africa is the world 's poorest continent and its citizens bear the least responsibility for spreading the virus , which originated in China and spread to the Middle East , Europe and the United States through jet travel .
At the same time , Africans are badly exposed to the microbe , both in terms of preparedness and health care .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issued a statement saying , `` No , Africans are n't guinea pigs '' and described the comparison with AIDS and prostitutes as `` problematic '' and `` unwelcome . ''
The CSA , the ethics watchdog for radio and television in France , told AFP it had received a complaint .
Among those who voiced anger on social media was an association of lawyers in Morocco , which said it planned to file a lawsuit for `` racial defamation . ''
INSERM said that an `` edited video was leading to erroneous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social media . ''
It said on Twitter that trials would take place in several European countries and Australia , and `` Africa should not be forgotten or excluded from research , as the pandemic is global . ''
Mira closed down public access to his Twitter account after receiving what he said were threats and insults .
He told the Huffington Post that he was deeply upset by the accusations made against him , and apologised if his comments had not been `` clear . ''
`` Clinical trials take place everywhere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
A trial conducted in a local setting could unlock knowledge that could lead to local benefits , he said .
He pointed to the study on sex workers and HIV , `` which was done to protect prostitutes in South Africa . ''

Two prominent French doctors have triggered a storm of criticism after discussing on a television programme the idea of testing a vaccine for coronavirus in Africa. One of the doctor's employers said an edited clip of their discussion had led to "erroneous interpretations".
Dozens of pharmaceuticals and research labs across the world are racing to develop a vaccine.
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In a broadcast on Wednesday on the LCI channel, Camille Locht, head of research at the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) in Lille, was questioned about a shield for coronavirus using the well-known BCG vaccine for tuberculosis.
He was asked by Jean-Paul Mira, head of intensive care at the Cochin hospital in Paris, whether Africa offered better conditions for testing the vaccine.
"If I could be provocative, shouldn't we be doing this study in Africa, where there are no masks, no treatment, no intensive care, rather as was done with certain studies on AIDS, where things are tested on prostitutes because it's known that they are highly exposed (to HIV)?" Mira asked. "What do you think?"
Locht replied: "You're right, we are thinking in parallel by the way about a study in Africa with the same kind of approach, (but) it doesn't prevent us from being able to think about a study in Europe and Australia at the same time."
Scientists who carry out clinical trials try to find conditions in which large numbers of people are exposed to the disease, as this gives a better opportunity for testing a new drug.
Such trials are carried out under strict supervision, which requires volunteers to be briefed about any risks and to give their informed consent.
But the idea of having Africa as a setting for a coronavirus vaccine is controversial.
Africa is the world's poorest continent and its citizens bear the least responsibility for spreading the virus, which originated in China and spread to the Middle East, Europe and the United States through jet travel.
At the same time, Africans are badly exposed to the microbe, both in terms of preparedness and health care.
Complaints and a lawsuit
A French anti-racism NGO, SOS Racisme, issued a statement saying, "No, Africans aren't guinea pigs" and described the comparison with AIDS and prostitutes as "problematic" and "unwelcome."
The CSA, the ethics watchdog for radio and television in France, told AFP it had received a complaint.
Among those who voiced anger on social media was an association of lawyers in Morocco, which said it planned to file a lawsuit for "racial defamation."
INSERM said that an "edited video was leading to erroneous interpretations (of the comments) on social media."
#FakeNews Une vidéo tronquée, tirée d’1 interview sur @LCI d’1 de nos chercheurs à propos de l’utilisation potentielle du vaccin #BCG contre le #COVID19 fait l’objet d’interprétations erronées sur les réseaux sociaux. Voici les bonnes explications. ⬇⬇ pic.twitter.com/3QRcLgOkso — Inserm (@Inserm) April 2, 2020
It said on Twitter that trials would take place in several European countries and Australia, and "Africa should not be forgotten or excluded from research, as the pandemic is global."
Mira closed down public access to his Twitter account after receiving what he said were threats and insults.
He told the Huffington Post that he was deeply upset by the accusations made against him, and apologised if his comments had not been "clear."
"Clinical trials take place everywhere. Less so in Africa," he said.
A trial conducted in a local setting could unlock knowledge that could lead to local benefits, he said.
He pointed to the study on sex workers and HIV, "which was done to protect prostitutes in South Africa."
(AFP)
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france24--2020-04-03--Pumas in Santiago: Wildlife takes to cities amid coronavirus lockdown

For the second time in a little over a week , a wild puma was spotted roaming the streets of the Chilean capital Santiago on Wednesday night .
With the city under lockdown amid the coronavirus pandemic , wildlife experts say the animals are taking advantage of the empty streets to search for food .
The young female surprised residents at an apartment complex on Wednesday night , before being tranquilised and captured by Chilean authorities .
Last week , a young male weighing at least 30kg was captured in a residential neighbourhood of the city before being released back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With the city under lockdown , wildlife experts believe the animals are being emboldened by the lack of noise and human activity to enter the city from their natural habitat in nearby mountains as they search for food .
It is a phenomenon that has been seen in several towns and cities across the world in recent weeks as hundreds of millions of people are confined to their homes in the effort to stop the spread of the COVID-19 , leaving animals of various types free to roam .
In Wales , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in nearby hills , were recently seen taking over the deserted town of Llandudno .
Families of ducks have been spotted wandering the streets of an empty Paris , fish and sea birds have been filmed in the canals of Venice and wild boars have been seen running in the streets of the southern Italian city of Sassari .

For the second time in a little over a week, a wild puma was spotted roaming the streets of the Chilean capital Santiago on Wednesday night. With the city under lockdown amid the coronavirus pandemic, wildlife experts say the animals are taking advantage of the empty streets to search for food.
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The young female surprised residents at an apartment complex on Wednesday night, before being tranquilised and captured by Chilean authorities.
Last week, a young male weighing at least 30kg was captured in a residential neighbourhood of the city before being released back into the wild two days later.
With the city under lockdown, wildlife experts believe the animals are being emboldened by the lack of noise and human activity to enter the city from their natural habitat in nearby mountains as they search for food.
It is a phenomenon that has been seen in several towns and cities across the world in recent weeks as hundreds of millions of people are confined to their homes in the effort to stop the spread of the COVID-19, leaving animals of various types free to roam.
In Wales, a heard of wild goats that normally live in nearby hills, were recently seen taking over the deserted town of Llandudno.
Families of ducks have been spotted wandering the streets of an empty Paris, fish and sea birds have been filmed in the canals of Venice and wild boars have been seen running in the streets of the southern Italian city of Sassari.
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe


france24--2020-04-03--Spain's coronavirus death toll rises by 932 in a day

A worker walks past coffins , most of them containing the bodies of COVID-19 victims , in the parking of a funeral parlour in Barcelona , Spain April 2 , 2020 .
More than 900 people died in Spain over the past 24 hours for the second day running , government figures showed on Friday , although the rate of new infections and deaths continued to slow .
Spain has the world 's second-highest death toll after Italy with the virus so far claiming 10,935 lives – 932 in the past day – from 117,710 confirmed coronavirus cases .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trend in the rate of new cases and fatalities .
The latest number show the rate of infections up by 6.8 percent , compared with 7.9 percent on Thursday and 20 percent in the middle of last week .
And the daily rise in deaths also slowed to 9.3 percent on Friday , down from 10.5 percent on Thursday , and a big drop from the 27-percent increase on March 25 .
Spain and France appear to be recording a flattening of their infection curves over the past few days and are nearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths .
The crisis has hit Spain 's elderly population especially hard with authorities admitting that they are not getting access to limited breathing machines , which are being used first on healthier , younger patients .
More than half of Spain 's 10,935 deaths have come in the last seven days alone .

More than 900 people died in Spain over the past 24 hours for the second day running, government figures showed on Friday, although the rate of new infections and deaths continued to slow.
A worker walks past coffins, most of them containing the bodies of COVID-19 victims, in the parking of a funeral parlour in Barcelona, Spain April 2, 2020.
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Spain has the world's second-highest death toll after Italy with the virus so far claiming 10,935 lives – 932 in the past day – from 117,710 confirmed coronavirus cases.
But health ministry figures confirm a consistent downward trend in the rate of new cases and fatalities.
The latest number show the rate of infections up by 6.8 percent, compared with 7.9 percent on Thursday and 20 percent in the middle of last week.
And the daily rise in deaths also slowed to 9.3 percent on Friday, down from 10.5 percent on Thursday, and a big drop from the 27-percent increase on March 25.
Spain and France appear to be recording a flattening of their infection curves over the past few days and are nearing or even past their peaks in daily deaths.
The crisis has hit Spain's elderly population especially hard with authorities admitting that they are not getting access to limited breathing machines, which are being used first on healthier, younger patients. More than half of Spain's 10,935 deaths have come in the last seven days alone.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP, AP and REUTERS)
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france24--2020-04-03--Alone and vulnerable (3/3): Don't let the elderly backslide during coronavirus confinement

A nurse wears a protective mask as she speaks to an ill patient , on March 4 , 2020 , in an EHPAD ( Housing Establishment for Dependant Elderly People ) in Brest , western France , amid the spread of COVID-19 .
Amid the coronavirus pandemic , social workers are continuing to work with the fragile populations in their care .
Nicolas Bresse runs a facility for the elderly and is concerned not only about the spread of COVID-19 , but also about the effects of isolation on his residents .
`` We have to make decisions today .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be good or bad , '' Bresse said .
He and his teams are facing a twofold problem : inhibiting the spread of the coronavirus in the residence , but also preventing the required confinement from leading to a loss of autonomy for the elderly .
Bresse said he was initially able to anticipate and fulfill the facility ’ s needs .
`` During the first phase of the epidemic we managed to stockpile by working with local pharmacies .
So we were properly equipped with hydro-alcoholic gel and we had enough masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ARS ( Regional Health Agency ) , '' he explained , proud of the functioning of his facility – a Home and Residence for the Elderly known in France as a Marpa – as well as his team .
> > Vulnerable people more isolated than ever during France ’ s coronavirus lockdown ( 1/3 ) Marpa facilities house people who are still able to live somewhat independently and are part of a network of 200 homes .
This one in Val d'Arnon , in the Cher region in central France , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individual living spaces but also benefit from support services , including laundry and group meals .
A small facility and nimble in its response Unlike another type of assisted-living service known as an Ehpad ( Residential Facility for Elderly Dependent Persons ) , Bresse explained , `` We are not a medical facility at all . ''
`` We do n't have caregivers on site .
Our residents remain autonomous , but they need to be together to feel secure and break the solitude .
It 's also a type of care that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ independent nurses and home helpers are involved in all aspects of personal care . ''
Bresse believes that being a small facility made it possible to react quickly to the arrival of coronavirus ; he was able to take the necessary measures without upsetting the residents ' daily routines – at least at first .
`` Usually there are six of us working here regularly .
We now do most of the cleaning and laundry ourselves so we do n't have to come and go .
We 've limited interactions with families and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from outside are equipped as best they can be .
We had anticipated this and now we are moving towards a closed shop , '' he said .
`` Our role is to reassure .
And many people have realised how dangerous this virus is for them , '' Bresse continued .
`` The coronavirus has changed the dynamics of the place a little bit .
Without family visits , residents have less personal space .
They turn more to other residents to compensate . ''
> > A French homeless shelter adapts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus lockdown ( 2/3 ) Letters to break up the isolation One of the aims of a Marpa is to enable older people to maintain a place in society .
That is usually done by organising speakers or visits from primary school pupils .
With coronavirus now preventing this , the Marpa of Val d'Arnon has found a solution in letters .
`` Someone sent us a card saying they were thinking of us at this difficult time .
We did n't know her .
It was a nice idea .
I put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The post was shared , so much so that other letters started coming in , '' Bresse said with a smile .
`` We 've received about 20 letters .
Someone is in charge of going through them and then they 're posted for everyone .
It breaks the isolation , '' he said .
`` The idea is to occupy the minds of the elderly so they don ’ t grow anxious . ''
Bresse also hopes to keep residents in touch with their families by helping them use webcams and smartphones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the crisis has cemented local solidarity : families and local figures are volunteering to help , and the local tree nursery decorated areas around the building to brighten up daily life at the facility .
An announcement by the ministry of health has , however , dealt a blow to the morale of this incurable `` optimist '' , as Bresse calls himself .
On March 28 , Minister of Health Olivier Véran called for Ehpad-type establishments to move towards isolating each of their residents to protect the elderly against the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a downside .
`` We are certainly facing a health crisis , but there is a risk of having a traumatic crisis once this one has passed .
The residents will have survived , but they will have lost their autonomy .
We will have degraded our old people .
If they let themselves go , they will regress .
From there , it will be impossible to get back to the mechanisms of yesteryear . ''
He continued : `` Someone who has n't been walking every day – he wo n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he has n't walked in all that time .
Someone who is cognitively degenerating – if we do n't continue to offer him interaction , contacts , a rhythm , he 's going to go out of kilter and let himself backslide ... And to let oneself backslide , for an elderly person , is death – nothing else . ''
In the end , his facility was obligated to confine residents to their rooms .
Fortunately , Bresse has a team he can count on to help his residents overcome this challenge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to be commended .
There 's a huge workload and they 're mobilised .
In this kind of situation , the teams come together and we all move forward together for the well-being of the residents , '' he said .
`` In the long term , it will be difficult to avoid wear and tear .
But for now , we 're moving forward one step at a time . ''
Ever the optimist , Bresse concluded with hopeful vigour : `` Everything 's turned upside down , but we 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to remain active , positive and invested in order to reinvent ourselves . ''
This story was translated from the original in French .

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, social workers are continuing to work with the fragile populations in their care. Nicolas Bresse runs a facility for the elderly and is concerned not only about the spread of COVID-19, but also about the effects of isolation on his residents.
A nurse wears a protective mask as she speaks to an ill patient, on March 4, 2020, in an EHPAD (Housing Establishment for Dependant Elderly People) in Brest, western France, amid the spread of COVID-19.
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"We have to make decisions today. We don't know if they'll be good or bad," Bresse said. He and his teams are facing a twofold problem: inhibiting the spread of the coronavirus in the residence, but also preventing the required confinement from leading to a loss of autonomy for the elderly.
Bresse said he was initially able to anticipate and fulfill the facility’s needs.
"During the first phase of the epidemic we managed to stockpile by working with local pharmacies. So we were properly equipped with hydro-alcoholic gel and we had enough masks. Now we have allocations from the ARS (Regional Health Agency)," he explained, proud of the functioning of his facility – a Home and Residence for the Elderly known in France as a Marpa – as well as his team.
>> Vulnerable people more isolated than ever during France’s coronavirus lockdown (1/3)
Marpa facilities house people who are still able to live somewhat independently and are part of a network of 200 homes. This one in Val d'Arnon, in the Cher region in central France, has 21 residents; each have their own individual living spaces but also benefit from support services, including laundry and group meals.
A small facility and nimble in its response
Unlike another type of assisted-living service known as an Ehpad (Residential Facility for Elderly Dependent Persons), Bresse explained, "We are not a medical facility at all."
"We don't have caregivers on site. Our residents remain autonomous, but they need to be together to feel secure and break the solitude. It's also a type of care that promotes ageing well. The offices of independent nurses and home helpers are involved in all aspects of personal care."
Bresse believes that being a small facility made it possible to react quickly to the arrival of coronavirus; he was able to take the necessary measures without upsetting the residents' daily routines – at least at first.
"Usually there are six of us working here regularly. We now do most of the cleaning and laundry ourselves so we don't have to come and go. We've limited interactions with families and professional visits. The staff who come from outside are equipped as best they can be. We had anticipated this and now we are moving towards a closed shop," he said.
The residents of the facility in du Val d'Arnon © Marpa Val d'Arnon
"Our role is to reassure. And many people have realised how dangerous this virus is for them," Bresse continued. "The coronavirus has changed the dynamics of the place a little bit. Without family visits, residents have less personal space. They turn more to other residents to compensate."
>> A French homeless shelter adapts quickly, but not adequately, to virus lockdown (2/3)
Letters to break up the isolation
One of the aims of a Marpa is to enable older people to maintain a place in society. That is usually done by organising speakers or visits from primary school pupils. With coronavirus now preventing this, the Marpa of Val d'Arnon has found a solution in letters.
"Someone sent us a card saying they were thinking of us at this difficult time. We didn't know her. It was a nice idea. I put it on my personal Facebook account. The post was shared, so much so that other letters started coming in," Bresse said with a smile.
"We've received about 20 letters. Someone is in charge of going through them and then they're posted for everyone. It breaks the isolation," he said. "The idea is to occupy the minds of the elderly so they don’t grow anxious."
Bresse also hopes to keep residents in touch with their families by helping them use webcams and smartphones for video calls. And he noted that the crisis has cemented local solidarity: families and local figures are volunteering to help, and the local tree nursery decorated areas around the building to brighten up daily life at the facility.
Isolation and regression
An announcement by the ministry of health has, however, dealt a blow to the morale of this incurable "optimist", as Bresse calls himself. On March 28, Minister of Health Olivier Véran called for Ehpad-type establishments to move towards isolating each of their residents to protect the elderly against the coronavirus.
For Bresse, this solution has a downside. "We are certainly facing a health crisis, but there is a risk of having a traumatic crisis once this one has passed. The residents will have survived, but they will have lost their autonomy. We will have degraded our old people. If they let themselves go, they will regress. From there, it will be impossible to get back to the mechanisms of yesteryear."
He continued: "Someone who hasn't been walking every day – he won't be walking again in two months if he hasn't walked in all that time. Someone who is cognitively degenerating – if we don't continue to offer him interaction, contacts, a rhythm, he's going to go out of kilter and let himself backslide ... And to let oneself backslide, for an elderly person, is death – nothing else."
In the end, his facility was obligated to confine residents to their rooms.
One step at a time
Fortunately, Bresse has a team he can count on to help his residents overcome this challenge.
"The work of the teams is to be commended. There's a huge workload and they're mobilised. In this kind of situation, the teams come together and we all move forward together for the well-being of the residents," he said.
"In the long term, it will be difficult to avoid wear and tear. But for now, we're moving forward one step at a time."
Ever the optimist, Bresse concluded with hopeful vigour: "Everything's turned upside down, but we're going to make it. We have to remain active, positive and invested in order to reinvent ourselves."
This story was translated from the original in French.
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france24--2020-04-04--China holds vigil to mourn the thousands killed by the coronavirus epidemic

People wearing face masks stand to pay tribute as China holds national mourning for those who died of coronavirus , on the Qingming tomb-sweeping festival , in Beijing , April 4 , 2020 .
China on Saturday mourned the thousands of `` martyrs '' who have died in the new coronavirus outbreak , flying the national flag at half mast throughout the country and suspending all forms of entertainment .
The day of mourning coincided with the start of the annual Qingming tomb-sweeping festival , when millions of Chinese families pay respects to their ancestors .
At 10 a.m. ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country observed three minutes of silence to mourn those who died , including frontline medical workers and doctors .
Cars , trains and ships sounded their horns and air raid sirens wailed .
In Zhongnanhai , the seat of political power in Beijing , President Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders paid silent tribute in front of the national flag , with white flowers pinned to their chest as a mark of mourning , state media reported .
More than 3,300 people in mainland China have died in the epidemic , which first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late last year , according to statistics published by the National Health Commission .
In Wuhan , the capital of Hubei province and the epicentre of the outbreak , all traffic lights in urban areas turned red at 10 a.m. and all road traffic ceased for three minutes .
Some 2,567 people have died in the city of 11 million people , accounting for more than 75 % of the country 's coronavirus fatalities .
Among those who perished was Li Wenliang , a young doctor reprimanded by police in Wuhan for `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raise the alarm about the disease .
Since then , the virus has spread to all corners of the globe , sickening more than a million , killing over 55,000 people and paralysing the world economy .
The overall number of confirmed cases reported in the United States now exceeds China 's official tally by threefold .
`` Li Wenliang was a hero , he found out about it early ... now it 's too late , but now our country is stronger than others , '' said Gan Weineng , 78 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all tomb-sweeping activities in its cemeteries until at least April 30 , curtailing one of the most important dates in the traditional Chinese lunar new year calendar which usually sees millions of families travel to tend to their ancestral graves , offer flowers and burn incense .
They have also told residents , most stuck at home due to lockdown restrictions , to use online streaming services which will allow them to watch cemetery staff carrying out those tasks live .
Some resident burned joss paper , a tradition which they believe sends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on sidewalks and within the confines of their barricaded housing compounds .
Online , celebrities including `` X-Men : Days of Future Past '' star Fan Bingbing swapped their glamorous social media profile pictures for sombre photos in grey or black , garnering millions of `` likes '' from fans .
Chinese gaming and social media giant Tencent suspended all online games on Saturday .
As of Friday , the total number of confirmed cases across the country stood at 81,639 , including 19 new infections , the National Health Commission said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ arriving from abroad .
The remaining one new infection was a local case in Wuhan , a patient who was previously asymptomatic .
Asymptomatic people exhibit few signs of infection such as fevers or coughs , and are not included in the tally of confirmed cases by Chinese authorities until they do .
However , they are still infectious , and the government has warned of possible local transmissions if such asymptomatic cases are not properly monitored .
China reported 64 new asymptomatic cases as of Friday , including 26 travellers arriving in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the total number of asymptomatic people currently under medical observation to 1,030 , including 729 in Hubei .

China on Saturday mourned the thousands of "martyrs" who have died in the new coronavirus outbreak, flying the national flag at half mast throughout the country and suspending all forms of entertainment.
People wearing face masks stand to pay tribute as China holds national mourning for those who died of coronavirus, on the Qingming tomb-sweeping festival, in Beijing, April 4, 2020.
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The day of mourning coincided with the start of the annual Qingming tomb-sweeping festival, when millions of Chinese families pay respects to their ancestors.
At 10 a.m. (0200 GMT) Beijing time, the country observed three minutes of silence to mourn those who died, including frontline medical workers and doctors. Cars, trains and ships sounded their horns and air raid sirens wailed.
In Zhongnanhai, the seat of political power in Beijing, President Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders paid silent tribute in front of the national flag, with white flowers pinned to their chest as a mark of mourning, state media reported.
More than 3,300 people in mainland China have died in the epidemic, which first surfaced in the central province of Hubei late last year, according to statistics published by the National Health Commission.
In Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province and the epicentre of the outbreak, all traffic lights in urban areas turned red at 10 a.m. and all road traffic ceased for three minutes.
Some 2,567 people have died in the city of 11 million people, accounting for more than 75% of the country's coronavirus fatalities.
Among those who perished was Li Wenliang, a young doctor reprimanded by police in Wuhan for "spreading rumours" when he tried to raise the alarm about the disease.
Since then, the virus has spread to all corners of the globe, sickening more than a million, killing over 55,000 people and paralysing the world economy.
The overall number of confirmed cases reported in the United States now exceeds China's official tally by threefold.
"Li Wenliang was a hero, he found out about it early... now it's too late, but now our country is stronger than others," said Gan Weineng, 78, a Wuhan resident.
Wuhan also banned all tomb-sweeping activities in its cemeteries until at least April 30, curtailing one of the most important dates in the traditional Chinese lunar new year calendar which usually sees millions of families travel to tend to their ancestral graves, offer flowers and burn incense.
They have also told residents, most stuck at home due to lockdown restrictions, to use online streaming services which will allow them to watch cemetery staff carrying out those tasks live.
Some resident burned joss paper, a tradition which they believe sends money and wealth to deceased relatives, on sidewalks and within the confines of their barricaded housing compounds.
Asymptomatic cases
Online, celebrities including "X-Men: Days of Future Past" star Fan Bingbing swapped their glamorous social media profile pictures for sombre photos in grey or black, garnering millions of "likes" from fans.
Chinese gaming and social media giant Tencent suspended all online games on Saturday.
As of Friday, the total number of confirmed cases across the country stood at 81,639, including 19 new infections, the National Health Commission said.
Eighteen of the new cases involved travellers arriving from abroad. The remaining one new infection was a local case in Wuhan, a patient who was previously asymptomatic.
Asymptomatic people exhibit few signs of infection such as fevers or coughs, and are not included in the tally of confirmed cases by Chinese authorities until they do.
However, they are still infectious, and the government has warned of possible local transmissions if such asymptomatic cases are not properly monitored.
China reported 64 new asymptomatic cases as of Friday, including 26 travellers arriving in the country from overseas. That takes the total number of asymptomatic people currently under medical observation to 1,030, including 729 in Hubei.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-04-04--Coronavirus: U-turn on face masks in France and the United States

US President Donald Trump during the daily coronavirus task force briefing at the White House in Washington , D.C. , US , April 3 , 2020 .
Faced with changing official opinion and growing confusion among the general public about whether or not masks help to protect you from the coronavirus epidemic , the official stance on the wearing of masks has evolved in recent days , particularly in France and the United States .
In France , the Académie Nationale de Médecine ( Academy of Medicine ) ruled on Friday that a `` general public '' mask should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confinement .
The French government itself changed its position by announcing the manufacture of `` alternative '' masks to be used by the public , other than medical ones .
But the most spectacular U-turn about masks came from the United States on Friday .
US President Donald Trump announced that health authorities now advise Americans to cover their faces when they leave their homes .
‘ Voluntary ’ masks in the US At the White House , Trump seemed to muddy the waters further when he announced that the Centers for Disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recommended that Americans wear cloth masks when outdoors to stem transmission of the virus .
But he stressed the advisory was purely voluntary , and that he would not be heeding the recommendation himself .
`` With the masks , it 's going to be a really voluntary thing .
You can do it , you do n't have to do it .
I 'm choosing not to do it , '' he said Two of the principal US coronavirus hot spots – New York and Louisiana – reported their biggest jumps in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the White House sent these mixed messages .
Surging deaths in New York City and New Orleans showed that a wave of lethal coronavirus infections expected to overwhelm hospitals , even in relatively affluent , urban areas with extensive healthcare systems , has begun to crash down on the United States .
Governors , mayors and physicians have voiced alarm for weeks over crippling scarcities of personal protective gear for first-responders and front-line healthcare workers , as well as ventilators and other medical supplies .
With the federal government 's national strategic stockpile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been forced essentially to compete against each other on the open market for vital resources .
Cities across the country have also scrambled to expand hospital capacity and recruit healthcare professionals out of retirement to meet looming shortages of sick beds and personnel .
New York City , the pandemic 's US epicentre , has mere days to prepare for the worst of the outbreak , said Mayor Bill de Blasio , whose city has suffered more than a quarter of the 7,000-plus coronavirus deaths to date nationwide .
New York is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' , de Blasio told a news briefing on Friday , renewing his call for the federal government to mobilise the US military .
`` We 're dealing with an enemy that is killing thousands of Americans , and a lot of people are dying who don ’ t need to die , '' he said .
`` You can ’ t say , every state for themselves , every city for themselves .
That is not America . ''
Americans , almost all of them under orders to stay home except for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeing a doctor , have heard conflicting guidance in recent days about the need for wearing face masks in public .
Doctors and nurses , many lacking adequate supplies of medical-grade face masks and other protective gear , were already confronting an onslaught from Covid-19 , the respiratory illness caused by the highly contagious coronavirus .
One physician at a New York City hospital recounted arriving at work on Friday to learn that three of his Covid-19 patients had died that morning .
A few hours later , he had intubated two others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 've never seen anything like this .
I 've never even heard of something like this in the developed world , '' this physician told Reuters on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak with the media .
Another hot spot , Louisiana , reported a sharp jump in deaths , climbing 20 percent to 370 on Friday , marking the highest day-to-day increase in fatal cases yet for the Gulf Coast state .
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards pleaded for residents to abide by his stay-at-home order as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` For those of you who are not taking the crisis seriously , I am asking you to do a better job , '' he told a news conference .
Louisiana 's largest city , New Orleans , where Mardi Gras celebrations in late February are believed to have spread the virus before social distancing orders were imposed , has become a focal point of the crisis .
The outbreak there has proven far more lethal than elsewhere in the United States , with a per-capita death rate twice that of New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials and available data suggest the Big Easy 's high levels of obesity and related ailments may be part of the problem .
In New York , the US state hardest hit by the coronavirus in sheer numbers of infections and lives lost , the cumulative number of fatalities rose above 2,900 – on par with the death toll from the September 11 , 2001 , attacks .
`` Personally , it 's hard to go through this all day , and then it 's hard to stay up all night watching those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Governor Andrew Cuomo said .
New York City alone accounted for more than a quarter of the 7,077 US coronavirus deaths tallied by Johns Hopkins University on Friday .
Known US infections , approaching 275,000 cases , made up about 25 percent of the more than 1 million cases reported worldwide .
Many of the most gravely ill patients were dying alone as medical staff forbade relatives to be with them in their final hours for fear of a further spread of infection .
Dr Craig Spencer , director of global health in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University Medical Center , described the scene inside tents set up outside hospitals to help contain an increasing influx of patients .
`` In those same tents , I saw too much pain , loneliness , and death .
People dying alone , '' he wrote on Twitter on Thursday night .
In New Jersey , Governor Phil Murphy ordered all flags lowered to half-staff for as long as the emergency lasts , saying his state was the first to take such a measure .
Fresh data on Friday highlighted the economic consequences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that hundreds of thousands of Americans had lost their jobs due to the pandemic .
Economists said actual job losses will prove far greater , but had yet to be reflected in employment figures as much of the economy had only begun to shut down last month .

Faced with changing official opinion and growing confusion among the general public about whether or not masks help to protect you from the coronavirus epidemic, the official stance on the wearing of masks has evolved in recent days, particularly in France and the United States.
US President Donald Trump during the daily coronavirus task force briefing at the White House in Washington, D.C. , US, April 3, 2020.
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In France, the Académie Nationale de Médecine (Academy of Medicine) ruled on Friday that a "general public" mask should be made compulsory for outings during and after confinement. The French government itself changed its position by announcing the manufacture of "alternative" masks to be used by the public, other than medical ones.
But the most spectacular U-turn about masks came from the United States on Friday. US President Donald Trump announced that health authorities now advise Americans to cover their faces when they leave their homes.
‘Voluntary’ masks in the US
At the White House, Trump seemed to muddy the waters further when he announced that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recommended that Americans wear cloth masks when outdoors to stem transmission of the virus. But he stressed the advisory was purely voluntary, and that he would not be heeding the recommendation himself.
"With the masks, it's going to be a really voluntary thing. You can do it, you don't have to do it. I'm choosing not to do it," he said
Two of the principal US coronavirus hot spots – New York and Louisiana – reported their biggest jumps in Covid-19 deaths yet on Friday, as the White House sent these mixed messages.
Surging deaths in New York City and New Orleans showed that a wave of lethal coronavirus infections expected to overwhelm hospitals, even in relatively affluent, urban areas with extensive healthcare systems, has begun to crash down on the United States.
Governors, mayors and physicians have voiced alarm for weeks over crippling scarcities of personal protective gear for first-responders and front-line healthcare workers, as well as ventilators and other medical supplies.
With the federal government's national strategic stockpile of such equipment nearly depleted, states have been forced essentially to compete against each other on the open market for vital resources.
Cities across the country have also scrambled to expand hospital capacity and recruit healthcare professionals out of retirement to meet looming shortages of sick beds and personnel.
New York City, the pandemic's US epicentre, has mere days to prepare for the worst of the outbreak, said Mayor Bill de Blasio, whose city has suffered more than a quarter of the 7,000-plus coronavirus deaths to date nationwide.
New York is in an "extraordinary race against time", de Blasio told a news briefing on Friday, renewing his call for the federal government to mobilise the US military.
"We're dealing with an enemy that is killing thousands of Americans, and a lot of people are dying who don’t need to die," he said. "You can’t say, every state for themselves, every city for themselves. That is not America."
Americans, almost all of them under orders to stay home except for essential outings such as food shopping or seeing a doctor, have heard conflicting guidance in recent days about the need for wearing face masks in public.
In light of new evidence, @CDCgov recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (grocery stores, pharmacies, etc) especially in areas of significant community-based transmissionhttps://t.co/Ktt7YS7DXz pic.twitter.com/LCOfw6VFqH — U.S. Surgeon General (@Surgeon_General) April 3, 2020
Doctors and nurses, many lacking adequate supplies of medical-grade face masks and other protective gear, were already confronting an onslaught from Covid-19, the respiratory illness caused by the highly contagious coronavirus.
One physician at a New York City hospital recounted arriving at work on Friday to learn that three of his Covid-19 patients had died that morning. A few hours later, he had intubated two others.
REPORTER: Why are you opposed to wearing a mask?
TRUMP: "I just don't want to wear one myself ... I'm feeling good. I just don't want to be doing-- somehow sitting in the Oval Office behind that beautiful Resolute Desk. The great Resolute Desk ... I don't see it for myself." pic.twitter.com/7dWmQQY3Aw — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 3, 2020
'Never seen anything like this'
"I've never seen anything like this. I've never even heard of something like this in the developed world," this physician told Reuters on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak with the media.
Another hot spot, Louisiana, reported a sharp jump in deaths, climbing 20 percent to 370 on Friday, marking the highest day-to-day increase in fatal cases yet for the Gulf Coast state.
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards pleaded for residents to abide by his stay-at-home order as the number of infections statewide surpassed 10,000.
"For those of you who are not taking the crisis seriously, I am asking you to do a better job," he told a news conference.
Louisiana's largest city, New Orleans, where Mardi Gras celebrations in late February are believed to have spread the virus before social distancing orders were imposed, has become a focal point of the crisis.
The outbreak there has proven far more lethal than elsewhere in the United States, with a per-capita death rate twice that of New York City. Doctors, public health officials and available data suggest the Big Easy's high levels of obesity and related ailments may be part of the problem.
In New York, the US state hardest hit by the coronavirus in sheer numbers of infections and lives lost, the cumulative number of fatalities rose above 2,900 – on par with the death toll from the September 11, 2001, attacks.
"Personally, it's hard to go through this all day, and then it's hard to stay up all night watching those numbers come in," New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said.
New York City alone accounted for more than a quarter of the 7,077 US coronavirus deaths tallied by Johns Hopkins University on Friday. Known US infections, approaching 275,000 cases, made up about 25 percent of the more than 1 million cases reported worldwide.
'Pain, loneliness and death'
Many of the most gravely ill patients were dying alone as medical staff forbade relatives to be with them in their final hours for fear of a further spread of infection.
Dr Craig Spencer, director of global health in emergency medicine at New York's Columbia University Medical Center, described the scene inside tents set up outside hospitals to help contain an increasing influx of patients.
"In those same tents, I saw too much pain, loneliness, and death. People dying alone," he wrote on Twitter on Thursday night.
In New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy ordered all flags lowered to half-staff for as long as the emergency lasts, saying his state was the first to take such a measure.
Fresh data on Friday highlighted the economic consequences of the public health crisis, confirming that hundreds of thousands of Americans had lost their jobs due to the pandemic. Economists said actual job losses will prove far greater, but had yet to be reflected in employment figures as much of the economy had only begun to shut down last month.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP, REUTERS)
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france24--2020-04-04--Trump and Macron urge increased cooperation on coronavirus at the UN

France 's President Emmanuel Macron and US President Donald Trump during their meeting at Winfield House , London , UK , on December 3 , 2019 .
US President Donald Trump and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on Friday urged top-level UN talks on the coronavirus crisis , with France pushing for a focus on war zones around the world .
The two leaders spoke by phone and `` discussed convening P5 leaders soon to increase UN cooperation on defeating the pandemic and ensuring international peace and security , '' the White House press office said .
The P5 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Security Council , are Britain , China , France , Russia and the United States .
Macron 's office said that this would be `` an important signal '' in the face of a global pandemic that poses a particular threat in areas of armed conflict .
However , the P5 countries have been at odds over recent weeks when it comes to issues surrounding the virus .
The United States and China have engaged in a war of words over the COVID-19 's origins , while Russia and China are not keen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the issue as more than a health and economic matter .
Macron is pushing for a Security Council resolution supporting the UN secretary general 's appeal for a worldwide ceasefire in war zones and access to civilian populations to help them combat the virus ' spread , the French presidency says .
However , a diplomat who asked not to be identified said that the US-Chinese row `` has deepened . ''
Both France and the United States are also among the many advanced countries facing severe economic slowdowns due to crippling lockdowns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The White House said : `` President Trump conveyed that the United States stands with the French people and expressed condolences for those who have lost their lives in France . ''

US President Donald Trump and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on Friday urged top-level UN talks on the coronavirus crisis, with France pushing for a focus on war zones around the world.
France's President Emmanuel Macron and US President Donald Trump during their meeting at Winfield House, London, UK, on December 3, 2019.
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The two leaders spoke by phone and "discussed convening P5 leaders soon to increase UN cooperation on defeating the pandemic and ensuring international peace and security," the White House press office said.
The P5, or permanent five members of the UN Security Council, are Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States.
Macron's office said that this would be "an important signal" in the face of a global pandemic that poses a particular threat in areas of armed conflict.
However, the P5 countries have been at odds over recent weeks when it comes to issues surrounding the virus.
The United States and China have engaged in a war of words over the COVID-19's origins, while Russia and China are not keen to see the UN Security Council treat the issue as more than a health and economic matter.
Macron is pushing for a Security Council resolution supporting the UN secretary general's appeal for a worldwide ceasefire in war zones and access to civilian populations to help them combat the virus' spread, the French presidency says.
However, a diplomat who asked not to be identified said that the US-Chinese row "has deepened."
Both France and the United States are also among the many advanced countries facing severe economic slowdowns due to crippling lockdowns meant to break the pandemic's growth.
The White House said: "President Trump conveyed that the United States stands with the French people and expressed condolences for those who have lost their lives in France."
(AFP)
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