france24--2020-04-19--US, UK slam arrests of prominent Hong Kong democracy activists

Former lawmaker and pro-democracy activist Martin Lee ( centre L ) talks to the media as he leaves the Central District police station in Hong Kong on April 18 , 2020 .
Foreign governments criticised the arrest of 15 Hong Kong democracy activists in a police sweep on charges of organising and participating in anti-government protests last year .
The arrests on Saturday were the biggest crackdown on the city 's pro-democracy movement since the outbreak of mass protests last year .
The International Bar Association said the authorities should not encroach on human rights and the legal system must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world was preoccupied with the coronavirus pandemic .
`` The United States condemns the arrest of pro-democracy advocates in Hong Kong , '' U.S Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said .
`` Beijing and its representatives in Hong Kong continue to take actions inconsistent with commitments made under the Sino-British Joint Declaration that include transparency , the rule of law , and guarantees that Hong Kong will continue to 'enjoy a high degree of autonomy ' , '' he said .
The arrested supporters of the pro-democracy movement included Democratic Party founder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ millionaire publishing tycoon Jimmy Lai , 71 , and former lawmaker and barrister Margaret Ng , 72 .
Police said those arrested were aged between 24 and 81 , and they were detained on charges of organising and participating in “ unlawful assemblies ” on Aug. 18 and Oct. 1 and 20 last year .
Major and often violent demonstrations broke out across the former British colony on those days .
They were all due to appear in court on May 18 .
Police said more arrests were possible .
Some of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday .
In Britain , a Foreign Office representative said the government expected any arrests and court procedures to be `` conducted in a fair and transparent manner '' .
The Foreign Office also said the right to peaceful protest was `` fundamental to Hong Kong 's way of life '' and authorities should avoid `` actions that inflame tensions '' .
`` The authorities should focus on rebuilding trust through a process of meaningful political dialogue , '' the Foreign Office said .
The Hong Kong government defended the arrests , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carried out in line with the law .
`` In Hong Kong , everyone is equal before the law ... No one has any special privileges , '' said a bureau spokesman .
The International Bar Association condemned the arrests of Lee and Ng , who have been active human rights and rule of law campaigners during their careers .
It was vital that justice was applied transparently in Hong Kong , especially while the world is gripped by the coronavirus pandemic , it said .
`` It is critical that authorities do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fundamental human rights , and it is vital that legal systems continue to protect citizens from any abuse of power which may otherwise be unseen during the COVID-19 crisis in which the international community is submerged , '' it said in a statement emailed to Reuters .
In a special report published on Tuesday , three of Hong Kong 's top judges told Reuters that the independence of the city 's judicial system is under assault from the Communist Party leadership in Beijing .
The judiciary , they said , is in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returned to Beijing in 1997 under a `` one country , two systems '' formula that guarantees it broad freedoms not seen in mainland China , and a high degree of autonomy .

Foreign governments criticised the arrest of 15 Hong Kong democracy activists in a police sweep on charges of organising and participating in anti-government protests last year.
Former lawmaker and pro-democracy activist Martin Lee (centre L) talks to the media as he leaves the Central District police station in Hong Kong on April 18, 2020.
Advertising Read more
The arrests on Saturday were the biggest crackdown on the city's pro-democracy movement since the outbreak of mass protests last year.
The International Bar Association said the authorities should not encroach on human rights and the legal system must guard against any abuses of power when the world was preoccupied with the coronavirus pandemic.
"The United States condemns the arrest of pro-democracy advocates in Hong Kong," U.S Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said.
"Beijing and its representatives in Hong Kong continue to take actions inconsistent with commitments made under the Sino-British Joint Declaration that include transparency, the rule of law, and guarantees that Hong Kong will continue to 'enjoy a high degree of autonomy'," he said.
The arrested supporters of the pro-democracy movement included Democratic Party founder and barrister Martin Lee, 81, millionaire publishing tycoon Jimmy Lai, 71, and former lawmaker and barrister Margaret Ng, 72.
Police said those arrested were aged between 24 and 81, and they were detained on charges of organising and participating in “unlawful assemblies” on Aug. 18 and Oct. 1 and 20 last year.
Major and often violent demonstrations broke out across the former British colony on those days.
They were all due to appear in court on May 18. Police said more arrests were possible.
Some of those arrested were released on bail late on Saturday.
In Britain, a Foreign Office representative said the government expected any arrests and court procedures to be "conducted in a fair and transparent manner".
Trust and dialogue
The Foreign Office also said the right to peaceful protest was "fundamental to Hong Kong's way of life" and authorities should avoid "actions that inflame tensions".
"The authorities should focus on rebuilding trust through a process of meaningful political dialogue," the Foreign Office said.
The Hong Kong government defended the arrests, which the city's Security Bureau said were carried out in line with the law.
"In Hong Kong, everyone is equal before the law ... No one has any special privileges," said a bureau spokesman.
The International Bar Association condemned the arrests of Lee and Ng, who have been active human rights and rule of law campaigners during their careers.
It was vital that justice was applied transparently in Hong Kong, especially while the world is gripped by the coronavirus pandemic, it said.
"It is critical that authorities do not use their powers to encroach on fundamental human rights, and it is vital that legal systems continue to protect citizens from any abuse of power which may otherwise be unseen during the COVID-19 crisis in which the international community is submerged," it said in a statement emailed to Reuters.
In a special report published on Tuesday, three of Hong Kong's top judges told Reuters that the independence of the city's judicial system is under assault from the Communist Party leadership in Beijing. The judiciary, they said, is in a fight for its survival.
Hong Kong returned to Beijing in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula that guarantees it broad freedoms not seen in mainland China, and a high degree of autonomy.
(REUTERS)
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe


france24--2020-04-19--Supermarket’s 'splits-for-face-mask challenge' too sexy for Iranian authorities

This video was published on the shop ’ s Instagram account and the owner ’ s page , but has since been taken down .
This photo was published on the shop ’ s Instagram account and the owner ’ s page , but has since been taken down .
The “ splits challenge ” was a marketing stunt to entertain residents in Bandar Abbas during the Covid-19 crisis in Iran , according to a press release published by Tara Market .
However , videos of women performing the splits in Tara shops were deemed too sexy by Iran ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Province Ali Salehi called the splits challenge “ immoral ” and “ an insult to human dignity ” in an April 15 press release .
He announced that the the local prosecutor had filed charges against Rahim Azhdari , the owner of the Tara supermarket chain.In the Islamic Republic ’ s constitution , it is Iran ’ s supreme leader Ali Khamenei who appoints the chief of the country ’ s judiciary system - as a result , Iran ’ s courts are dominated by ultra-conservative judges.Rahim Azhdari apologised , in a post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day , saying that his online marketing team had made a mistake .
He also pointed out that national television had broadcast similar images of women performing physical feats on talent shows .
All of the photos and videos of the challenge have since been deleted.It ’ s not the first time that lighthearted videos have earned a swift backlash from the country ’ s authorities.In May 2014 , Iranian police arrested six people after they posted a video of themselves dancing to Pharrell Williams ’ song “ Happy ” , taking part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time .

Iran
Images of women doing the splits during a challenge organised by a supermarket chain in Iran.
Advertising Read more
What started out as a simple and fun marketing idea during the coronavirus outbreak got one shop in Iran in serious trouble with the authorities. In Bandar Abbas, a city in southern Iran, the local supermarket chain Tara launched a challenge: anyone able to do the splits could have a box of face masks for free.
The “splits challenge” was a marketing stunt to entertain residents in Bandar Abbas during the Covid-19 crisis in Iran, according to a press release published by Tara Market. However, videos of women performing the splits in Tara shops were deemed too sexy by Iran’s ultra-conservative authorities.
This video was published on the shop’s Instagram account and the owner’s page, but has since been taken down.
The chief prosecutor of Hormozgan Province Ali Salehi called the splits challenge “immoral” and “an insult to human dignity” in an April 15 press release. He announced that the the local prosecutor had filed charges against Rahim Azhdari, the owner of the Tara supermarket chain.
In the Islamic Republic’s constitution, it is Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei who appoints the chief of the country’s judiciary system - as a result, Iran’s courts are dominated by ultra-conservative judges.
This photo was published on the shop’s Instagram account and the owner’s page, but has since been taken down.
Rahim Azhdari apologised, in a post on his Instagram page on the same day, saying that his online marketing team had made a mistake. He also pointed out that national television had broadcast similar images of women performing physical feats on talent shows. All of the photos and videos of the challenge have since been deleted.
It’s not the first time that lighthearted videos have earned a swift backlash from the country’s authorities.
In May 2014, Iranian police arrested six people after they posted a video of themselves dancing to Pharrell Williams’ song “Happy”, taking part in what was a global trend at the time.


france24--2020-04-19--Number of people hospitalised for Covid-19 in France falls for fifth straight day

Hotel rooms ' lights form the shape of a heart at the Novotel Paris Centre Tour Eiffel as the spread of the coronavirus disease ( COVID-19 ) continues in Paris , France April 18 , 2020 .
France on Sunday reported 395 deaths from Covid-19 in 24 hours as the number of new hospitalisations continued a slow decline .
France - which has recorded close to 20,000 deaths as a result of the pandemic and has the fourth-highest toll in the world - has been in virtual lockdown for nearly five weeks and is due to start lifting some confinement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a news conference that falls in the number of people in intensive care were one of the encouraging signals that pressures on hospitals were easing .
But he shut down any expectations that the gradual exit from confinement in May , due to start with the reopening of schools , would allow people to move around or interact as before , especially as a vaccine against the virus was still far off .
`` It wo n't be a return to normal life , '' Philippe said , adding that as France introduces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to remain isolated at home or in hotels laid on by the government .
`` From May 11 , we will enter a second phase , when we will regain some of our freedoms . ''
The French state has given few details yet of the pace at which businesses like cinemas or bars will reopen , only saying that as some stores open up again , people will have to maintain safe distances from each other .
> > How long will social distancing last ?
France will , however , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home residents , provided people did not touch their relatives , Health Minister Olivier Veran told the same briefing .
Elderly people in nursing homes account for nearly 40 % of the coronavirus fatalities in the country .
The government has come under fire in recent weeks after shortages of medicines , hospital equipment such as ventilators and face masks for doctors as well as front line workers in sectors like supermarkets added to problems in handling the crisis .
> > For some survivors , coronavirus complications can last a lifetime Philippe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had managed to import just under 81 million masks , exceeding for the first time `` in a long time '' its weekly needs of about 45 million .
By June , France will also have secured and produced 15,000 more ventilators for resuscitation units in hospitals and another 15,000 less heavy-duty versions - helping it exceed its projected needs .
`` That will not only allow us to secure our situation , but thereafter to also mobilise some ventilators to help France 's allies internationally , '' Philippe said .

France on Sunday reported 395 deaths from Covid-19 in 24 hours as the number of new hospitalisations continued a slow decline.
Hotel rooms' lights form the shape of a heart at the Novotel Paris Centre Tour Eiffel as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues in Paris, France April 18, 2020.
Advertising Read more
France - which has recorded close to 20,000 deaths as a result of the pandemic and has the fourth-highest toll in the world - has been in virtual lockdown for nearly five weeks and is due to start lifting some confinement measures from May 11.
Philippe told a news conference that falls in the number of people in intensive care were one of the encouraging signals that pressures on hospitals were easing.
But he shut down any expectations that the gradual exit from confinement in May, due to start with the reopening of schools, would allow people to move around or interact as before, especially as a vaccine against the virus was still far off.
>> Coronavirus crisis throws a lifeline to Macron’s troubled presidency
"It won't be a return to normal life," Philippe said, adding that as France introduces more testing, people with coronavirus would have to remain isolated at home or in hotels laid on by the government. "From May 11, we will enter a second phase, when we will regain some of our freedoms."
The French state has given few details yet of the pace at which businesses like cinemas or bars will reopen, only saying that as some stores open up again, people will have to maintain safe distances from each other.
>> How long will social distancing last?
France will, however, lift its ban on visits to nursing home residents, provided people did not touch their relatives, Health Minister Olivier Véran told the same briefing. Elderly people in nursing homes account for nearly 40% of the coronavirus fatalities in the country.
The government has come under fire in recent weeks after shortages of medicines, hospital equipment such as ventilators and face masks for doctors as well as front line workers in sectors like supermarkets added to problems in handling the crisis.
>> For some survivors, coronavirus complications can last a lifetime
Philippe said that in the past week France had managed to import just under 81 million masks, exceeding for the first time "in a long time" its weekly needs of about 45 million.
By June, France will also have secured and produced 15,000 more ventilators for resuscitation units in hospitals and another 15,000 less heavy-duty versions - helping it exceed its projected needs.
"That will not only allow us to secure our situation, but thereafter to also mobilise some ventilators to help France's allies internationally," Philippe said.
(FRANCE 24 with REUTERS and AFP)
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe


france24--2020-04-19--'Delusional': US governors excoriate Trump's Covid-19 lockdown exit plan

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks as he points towards China on a chart showing daily mortality cases during the daily coronavirus task force briefing at the White House in Washington , U.S. , April 18 , 2020 .
President Donald Trump 's administration clashed with state governors Sunday over lifting coronavirus lockdowns , in a standoff embittered by his support for protests against the restrictions .
Vice President Mike Pence said that every US state has the ability to do enough testing to allow preliminary re-opening of the economy and a partial restart of normal life in America .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far behind levels needed to avoid sparking new outbreaks of the virus .
The United States has so far recorded 735,000 coronavirus cases -- the highest number of any country -- and registered 39,000 deaths .
`` We believe the testing that we have today ... once we activate all of the labs that can do coronavirus testing , is sufficient for any state in America to move into phase one , '' Pence told FOX News Sunday .
`` Phase one '' ends stay-at-home restrictions for healthy people , and allows restaurants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of worships and gyms to re-open with physical distancing .
`` We have every confidence that we can have a sufficient amount of testing to be able to re-open America , '' Pence said , vowing to double the numbers of tests .
But Virginia Governor Ralph Northam pushed back at the Republican administration 's claims that there was enough testing , saying `` that 's just delusional . ''
> > How long will lockdowns last ?
Gretchen Whitmer , Democratic governor of Michigan , said `` we could double or even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're executing daily if we had the swabs and reagents '' and called for more federal government help .
As the US struggles to quell the mounting death toll , political battle lines are also being drawn ahead of the November election as Trump seeks to reduce damage to his chances of holding onto office .
Anti-lockdown protests have sprung up in several US cities in recent days , with support from Trump who in tweets has called to `` LIBERATE '' Michigan , Minnesota and Virginia -- all states with Democratic governors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president , obviously , has been unable to deliver on tests .
Now he has chosen to focus on protests , '' Northam told CNN 's `` State of the Union . ''
> > For some survivors , coronavirus complications can last a lifetime Jay Inslee , the governor of Washington state , also a Democrat , went further still : `` To have an American president to encourage people to violate the law ... it is dangerous .
But even the Republican governor of Maryland , Larry Hogan , said Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colonial-era statehouse in Annapolis a day earlier was `` not helpful . ''
`` To encourage people to go protest the plan that you just made recommendations on , on Thursday , it just does n't make any sense , '' Hogan told CNN .

President Donald Trump's administration clashed with state governors Sunday over lifting coronavirus lockdowns, in a standoff embittered by his support for protests against the restrictions.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks as he points towards China on a chart showing daily mortality cases during the daily coronavirus task force briefing at the White House in Washington, U.S., April 18, 2020.
Advertising Read more
Vice President Mike Pence said that every US state has the ability to do enough testing to allow preliminary re-opening of the economy and a partial restart of normal life in America.
But some state governors said testing capacity was far behind levels needed to avoid sparking new outbreaks of the virus.
The United States has by far the world's largest number of confirmed coronavirus cases, with more than 740,000 infections and over 40,000 deaths.
"We believe the testing that we have today... once we activate all of the labs that can do coronavirus testing, is sufficient for any state in America to move into phase one," Pence told FOX News Sunday.
>> ‘Grave concerns’ about Covid-19 immunity passports
"Phase one" ends stay-at-home restrictions for healthy people, and allows restaurants, cinemas, sporting venues, places of worships and gyms to re-open with physical distancing.
"We have every confidence that we can have a sufficient amount of testing to be able to re-open America," Pence said, vowing to double the numbers of tests.
But Virginia Governor Ralph Northam pushed back at the Republican administration's claims that there was enough testing, saying "that's just delusional."
>> How long will lockdowns last?
Gretchen Whitmer, Democratic governor of Michigan, said "we could double or even triple the number of tests that we're executing daily if we had the swabs and reagents" and called for more federal government help.
As the US struggles to quell the mounting death toll, political battle lines are also being drawn ahead of the November election as Trump seeks to reduce damage to his chances of holding onto office.
Anti-lockdown protests have sprung up in several US cities in recent days, with support from Trump who in tweets has called to "LIBERATE" Michigan, Minnesota and Virginia -- all states with Democratic governors -- from stay-at-home orders.
"Our president, obviously, has been unable to deliver on tests. Now he has chosen to focus on protests," Northam told CNN's "State of the Union."
>> For some survivors, coronavirus complications can last a lifetime
Jay Inslee, the governor of Washington state, also a Democrat, went further still: "To have an American president to encourage people to violate the law... it is dangerous.
But even the Republican governor of Maryland, Larry Hogan, said Trump's encouragement of protesters who picketed the colonial-era statehouse in Annapolis a day earlier was "not helpful."
"To encourage people to go protest the plan that you just made recommendations on, on Thursday, it just doesn't make any sense," Hogan told CNN.
(AFP)
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe


france24--2020-04-19--'Missing in action': UK's Johnson under fire for early handling of Covid-19

Britain 's Prime Minister Boris Johnson applauds outside 10 Downing Street during the Clap for our carers campaign in support of the NHS , as the spread of the coronavirus disease ( COVID-19 ) continues , London , Britain , March 26 , 2020 .
The British government insisted Sunday that Prime Minister Boris Johnson was `` on top of things '' as he recovers from the coronavirus facing criticism of his early handling of the crisis .
The Conservative leader spent three days in intensive care after contracting the virus , and has been off work since March 27 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday after a week-long stay .
Britain 's official death toll from the virus now stands at 16,060 after 596 more deaths were reported Sunday , and the country has been under lockdown since March 23 , with the government extending it until at least the end of the month .
Education minister Gavin Williamson said on Sunday that `` I ca n't give you a date '' as to when schools would reopen .
> > How long will the lockdown last ?
Recent figures suggest the outbreak in Britain was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harries , Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England , but warned it was `` not fair to say we are past the peak '' .
Senior minister Michael Gove earlier sought to defend Johnson after the prime minister was accused of being `` missing in action '' in the early stages of the outbreak .
Johnson `` is absolutely on top of things '' and issuing instructions , Gove told Sky News .
`` The prime minister is recovering well , he is in cheerful spirits . ''
His comments came after a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missed five of the government 's emergency response meetings in January and February .
`` None of us expect the impossible , but there are serious questions about why the prime minister skipped Cobra meetings , '' the opposition Labour Party 's shadow health minister Jonathan Ashworth told Sky News .
`` It suggests early on he was missing in action . ''
Gove claimed there were inaccuracies in the Sunday Times report , which was based largely on unnamed civil service sources , and that the government would issue a rebuttal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'skipped ' meetings , I think , is grotesque , there are meetings across government , some chaired by the health secretary , some chaired by other ministers , '' he said .
`` The prime minister took all the major decisions .
Nobody can say that the prime minister was n't throwing heart and soul into the virus . ''
Williamson also defended his boss , saying he `` has absolutely been leading our effort '' to fight the virus .
The government is also under pressure over shortages of personal protective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers , with warnings that gowns could run out within days .
Chaand Nagpaul , chair of the council of the British Medical Association ( BMA ) , told Sky that 50 percent of doctors are saying they feel they do n't have adequate protection .
`` The government has n't been as agile as it should have been , '' he added .
`` This is extremely emotionally taxing and it 's showing its toll on the healthcare workforce . ''
Gove said PPE was the government 's `` first priority '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be arriving from China `` in due course '' .
`` Gowns are the area at the moment where there is the greatest need , '' he said .
Downing Street announced on Sunday that Paul Deighton , the former London Olympics chief , has been appointed to lead the effort to domestically produce PPE .
But it later emerged that a large shipment of PPE from Turkey had been delayed , with Williamson saying `` we hope to see it come in the country tomorrow '' .
On the lockdown , Gove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thinking of lifting these restrictions now .
`` One of the things that is deeply worrying and concerning is still the high level of deaths , '' he said .
`` We 're not absolutely certain that we are yet on a downward trajectory ( of infections ) and we want to be heading towards that downward trajectory to be confident about all the steps we might want to take . ''

The British government insisted Sunday that Prime Minister Boris Johnson was "on top of things" as he recovers from the coronavirus facing criticism of his early handling of the crisis.
Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson applauds outside 10 Downing Street during the Clap for our carers campaign in support of the NHS, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, London, Britain, March 26, 2020.
Advertising Read more
The Conservative leader spent three days in intensive care after contracting the virus, and has been off work since March 27, but was released from hospital last Sunday after a week-long stay.
Britain's official death toll from the virus now stands at 16,060 after 596 more deaths were reported Sunday, and the country has been under lockdown since March 23, with the government extending it until at least the end of the month.
Education minister Gavin Williamson said on Sunday that "I can't give you a date" as to when schools would reopen.
>> How long will the lockdown last?
Recent figures suggest the outbreak in Britain was "starting to plateau", said Jenny Harries, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England, but warned it was "not fair to say we are past the peak".
Senior minister Michael Gove earlier sought to defend Johnson after the prime minister was accused of being "missing in action" in the early stages of the outbreak.
Johnson "is absolutely on top of things" and issuing instructions, Gove told Sky News. "The prime minister is recovering well, he is in cheerful spirits."
'Grotesque'
His comments came after a Sunday Times newspaper report said Johnson had missed five of the government's emergency response meetings in January and February.
"None of us expect the impossible, but there are serious questions about why the prime minister skipped Cobra meetings," the opposition Labour Party's shadow health minister Jonathan Ashworth told Sky News.
"It suggests early on he was missing in action."
>> 'Grave concerns' about Covid-19 immunity passports
Gove claimed there were inaccuracies in the Sunday Times report, which was based largely on unnamed civil service sources, and that the government would issue a rebuttal.
"The idea that the prime minister 'skipped' meetings, I think, is grotesque, there are meetings across government, some chaired by the health secretary, some chaired by other ministers," he said.
"The prime minister took all the major decisions. Nobody can say that the prime minister wasn't throwing heart and soul into the virus."
Williamson also defended his boss, saying he "has absolutely been leading our effort" to fight the virus.
'Emotionally taxing'
The government is also under pressure over shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline health workers, with warnings that gowns could run out within days.
Chaand Nagpaul, chair of the council of the British Medical Association (BMA), told Sky that 50 percent of doctors are saying they feel they don't have adequate protection.
"The government hasn't been as agile as it should have been," he added.
"This is extremely emotionally taxing and it's showing its toll on the healthcare workforce."
Gove said PPE was the government's "first priority" and suggested that 25 million gowns would be arriving from China "in due course".
"Gowns are the area at the moment where there is the greatest need," he said.
Downing Street announced on Sunday that Paul Deighton, the former London Olympics chief, has been appointed to lead the effort to domestically produce PPE.
But it later emerged that a large shipment of PPE from Turkey had been delayed, with Williamson saying "we hope to see it come in the country tomorrow".
On the lockdown, Gove said: "We shouldn't be thinking of lifting these restrictions now.
"One of the things that is deeply worrying and concerning is still the high level of deaths," he said.
"We're not absolutely certain that we are yet on a downward trajectory (of infections) and we want to be heading towards that downward trajectory to be confident about all the steps we might want to take."
(AFP)
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe


france24--2020-04-19--Coronavirus deaths down in NY, but Cuomo urges precautions

A cyclist crosses a deserted 7th Ave in Times Square during the outbreak of Coronavirus disease ( COVID-19 ) , in the Manhattan borough of New York City , New York , U.S. , March 26 , 2020 .
The coronavirus death toll in New York dropped again , a sign that Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said Sunday means the state is “ on the other side of the plateau '' and that ongoing social distancing practices are working to stem the spread of the virus .
Cuomo said 507 people died on Saturday , down 43 from the previous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are trending downward .
But Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio maintained their warnings that people in New York City and the rest of the state need to stay vigilant to curb the spread of the virus .
“ We showed that we can control the beast and when you close down , you can actually slow that infection rate , but this is only halftime , ” Cuomo said Sunday at a briefing .
We still have to make sure that we keep that beast under control , we keep that infection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate down as we all get very eager to get on with life and move on.
” The drop in the death toll in New York reported Sunday prompted Cuomo to say , “ We are on the other side of the plateau.
” But both Cuomo and de Blasio said the crisis is far from over , cautioning that the temptation for cooped-up New Yorkers to take advantage of the spring weather presents new challenges to keep the outbreak in check .
Police and park officers will be out in force to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk , with violators facing potential fines of up to $ 1,000 , the mayor said .
The city is encouraging people to text authorities photos when they spot the gatherings .
“ We do not want to see this disease boomerang , ” he said .
“ We do not want to see it come back with a vengeance.
” For most people , the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks .
For some , especially older @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia , and death .
For his part , De Blasio had harsh words for Donald Trump , accusing the president of betraying his fellow New Yorkers by failing to push for billions of dollars in additional federal aid needed to help the city deal with the coronavirus economic crisis , de Blasio said Sunday .
The mayor had harsh words for the Queens-born president , claiming both he and Vice President Mike Pence have ignored his overtures on the stimulus funds .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the very people you grew up around , '' de Blasio said of Trump .
`` When New York City is in need , where are you ?
” De Blasio even referenced an famous New York Daily News headline - “ FORD TO CITY : DROP DEAD ” - from 1975 when then-President Gerald Ford denied assistance to spare New York from bankruptcy .
“ Are you going to save New York City , ” the mayor said , “ or are you saying to New York City ’ drop dead ?
@

The coronavirus death toll in New York dropped again, a sign that Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Sunday means the state is “on the other side of the plateau" and that ongoing social distancing practices are working to stem the spread of the virus.
A cyclist crosses a deserted 7th Ave in Times Square during the outbreak of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, U.S., March 26, 2020.
Advertising Read more
Cuomo said 507 people died on Saturday, down 43 from the previous day. Hospitalisations and other medical indicators are trending downward.
But Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio maintained their warnings that people in New York City and the rest of the state need to stay vigilant to curb the spread of the virus.
“We showed that we can control the beast and when you close down, you can actually slow that infection rate, but this is only halftime,” Cuomo said Sunday at a briefing. We still have to make sure that we keep that beast under control, we keep that infection rate down, we keep that hospitalisation rate down as we all get very eager to get on with life and move on.”
The drop in the death toll in New York reported Sunday prompted Cuomo to say, “We are on the other side of the plateau.”
But both Cuomo and de Blasio said the crisis is far from over, cautioning that the temptation for cooped-up New Yorkers to take advantage of the spring weather presents new challenges to keep the outbreak in check.
Police and park officers will be out in force to break up outdoor gatherings that pose a risk, with violators facing potential fines of up to $1,000, the mayor said. The city is encouraging people to text authorities photos when they spot the gatherings.
“We do not want to see this disease boomerang,” he said. “We do not want to see it come back with a vengeance.”
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with underlying health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.
For his part, De Blasio had harsh words for Donald Trump, accusing the president of betraying his fellow New Yorkers by failing to push for billions of dollars in additional federal aid needed to help the city deal with the coronavirus economic crisis, de Blasio said Sunday.
The mayor had harsh words for the Queens-born president, claiming both he and Vice President Mike Pence have ignored his overtures on the stimulus funds.
“Right now you are failing to protect the very people you grew up around," de Blasio said of Trump. "When New York City is in need, where are you?”
De Blasio even referenced an famous New York Daily News headline - “FORD TO CITY: DROP DEAD” - from 1975 when then-President Gerald Ford denied assistance to spare New York from bankruptcy.
“Are you going to save New York City,” the mayor said, “or are you saying to New York City ’drop dead?”
(FRANCE 24 with AP)
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe


france24--2020-04-19--In Europe, Covid-19 puts idea of universal income back into welfare debate

Alessandro , a homeless man , asks for alms as a woman wearing a protective face mask gives him money at the entrance to a supermarket in Barcelona , Spain on March 24 , 2020 .
Hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic , Spain is the first European country to lay the foundation for universal income .
The health crisis has also reopened the debate about a living wage or unconditional living allowance in France and elsewhere .
Before the pandemic , the question of universal income was at the heart of the agreement between Spain ’ s ruling socialist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to form a coalition .
Faced with the health and social crisis of the country ’ s Covid-19 outbreak , the government announced the gradual implementation of a minimum subsistence income : a safety net of a yet-to-be-determined amount for all families with an income of less than €450 .
The measure will take effect in May .
“ Many families don ’ t have the means to refill their refrigerators right now , ” said Pablo Iglesias , Spain ’ s minister of social rights and Podemos ’ s leader , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unemployment figures have reached record levels in Spain since the beginning of the outbreak : according to the ministry of social security , 900,000 people have lost work between mid-March and April 1 , which surpasses the number from the 2008 financial crisis .
“ The minimum living wage will be permanent , as provided for in the coalition agreement , ” said José Luis Escrivá , the ministry ’ s head , on the Spanish channel Cadena SER .
“ From the start , universal income has been one of Podemos ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are somewhat in a minimum income model , which is intended to cover the essential needs of life .
They are not the same thing , ” explained Joan Cortinas-Munoz , a researcher at the Centre of Sociology at Sciences Po Paris and a specialist in Spanish social politics , to FRANCE 24 .
Cortinas-Munoz also points out that Spanish regions , which enjoy administrative autonomy , have established their own minimum allowance programs , with the requirement that recipients are looking for work , since the late 1980s .
The Spanish government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will complement these regional systems .
Will the measure suffice ?
“ In some regions of Spain , the amounts of money in these programs are ridiculous .
They provide around €500 for a single person , while the poverty line for an individual is about €750 , ” Cortinas-Munoz said .
“ What ’ s more , this health crisis will be an economic crisis .
The worst since World War Two .
With soaring unemployment , many people will face a social welfare system that ’ s been hardened by 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excluded from accessing it , ” he said .
Numerous voices are calling for a universal income mechanism .
Twitter chief executive Jack Dorsey announced a donation of $ 1 billion to help manage the pandemic and the post-lockdown period by establishing a “ universal basic income ” .
In Germany , the designer Tonia Merz started a petition that gained more than 460,000 signatures and was sent to the Bundestag .
In the UK , 170 members of parliament called for unconditional aid for all for the duration of the Covid-19 crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the idea .
In an open letter circulated on Easter Sunday , Pope Francis wrote in favor of a universal basic wage to “ honor the essential and noble work ” of low-income workers .
“ Street vendors , scrap merchants , stall keepers , small farmers , construction workers , garment workers , various caregivers ” are “ totally invisible in the system ” , said the head of the Catholic Church .
In France , the idea of universal basic income is not new .
But it is newly resonant as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of workers in precarious jobs .
“ Those without access to partial unemployment or retirement benefits , like deliverers for digital platforms such as Deliveroo , have no financial guarantees if they stop working to protect their health , ” said Nicole Teke , the spokeswoman for the Mouvement Français pour un Revenu de Base ( French Movement for Basic Income , or MFRB ) , an organisation created in 2013 .
“ There are holes in social security , we want a real security base for everyone , ” the activist , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ install a living wage , told FRANCE 24 .
Universal income could be at the core of a philosophical debate about a post-Covid-19 model for society “ for reasserting the value of essential jobs , such as home healthcare aide , which are the most poorly paid , and also to put an end to constant suspicion towards the unemployed within the administrations that pay social benefits in France , ” she said .
In June 2019 , French President Emmanuel Macron launched a dialogue around a universal activity income to merge welfare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s activity bonus .
According to its contours , which are still unclear , beneficiaries will commit to not refusing more than two job offers .
“ Universal income , as we understand it , will not be implemented by the current government , ” said Trek .
“ In the crisis scenario before us , I don ’ t see how a government could embark on a logic of universal income , with the pressure of financial markets , banks and international financial institutions on countries ’ budgets , ” Cortinas-Munoz said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the International Monetary Fund ’ s expected Spain ’ s public debt to increase to 113 percent from 95 percent in 2019 .
In France , where more than nine million employees are on partial unemployment , the debt is expected to jump 17 points to 115 percent of gross domestic product in 2020 .
`` There are two opposing visions of society , ” Trek said .
“ That which wants to take this opportunity brought by the crisis for rethinking our system on the basis of social justice , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economy , tightening the belt.
” This article has been translated from the original in French by Philippe Theise .

Hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, Spain is the first European country to lay the foundation for universal income. The health crisis has also reopened the debate about a living wage or unconditional living allowance in France and elsewhere.
Alessandro, a homeless man, asks for alms as a woman wearing a protective face mask gives him money at the entrance to a supermarket in Barcelona, Spain on March 24, 2020.
Advertising Read more
Before the pandemic, the question of universal income was at the heart of the agreement between Spain’s ruling socialist party and the radical left-wing Podemos party to form a coalition. Faced with the health and social crisis of the country’s Covid-19 outbreak, the government announced the gradual implementation of a minimum subsistence income: a safety net of a yet-to-be-determined amount for all families with an income of less than €450.
The measure will take effect in May. “Many families don’t have the means to refill their refrigerators right now,” said Pablo Iglesias, Spain’s minister of social rights and Podemos’s leader, to the Spanish press on April 16.
Unemployment figures have reached record levels in Spain since the beginning of the outbreak: according to the ministry of social security, 900,000 people have lost work between mid-March and April 1, which surpasses the number from the 2008 financial crisis. “The minimum living wage will be permanent, as provided for in the coalition agreement,” said José Luis Escrivá, the ministry’s head, on the Spanish channel Cadena SER.
“From the start, universal income has been one of Podemos’s campaign themes. Today, we are somewhat in a minimum income model, which is intended to cover the essential needs of life. They are not the same thing,” explained Joan Cortinas-Munoz, a researcher at the Centre of Sociology at Sciences Po Paris and a specialist in Spanish social politics, to FRANCE 24.
Cortinas-Munoz also points out that Spanish regions, which enjoy administrative autonomy, have established their own minimum allowance programs, with the requirement that recipients are looking for work, since the late 1980s. The Spanish government has announced that its universal income program will complement these regional systems.
The universal income debate
Will the measure suffice? “In some regions of Spain, the amounts of money in these programs are ridiculous. They provide around €500 for a single person, while the poverty line for an individual is about €750,” Cortinas-Munoz said.
“What’s more, this health crisis will be an economic crisis. The worst since World War Two. With soaring unemployment, many people will face a social welfare system that’s been hardened by 30 years of reforms. Many will be excluded from accessing it,” he said.
Numerous voices are calling for a universal income mechanism. Twitter chief executive Jack Dorsey announced a donation of $1 billion to help manage the pandemic and the post-lockdown period by establishing a “universal basic income”. In Germany, the designer Tonia Merz started a petition that gained more than 460,000 signatures and was sent to the Bundestag. In the UK, 170 members of parliament called for unconditional aid for all for the duration of the Covid-19 crisis, but Finance Minister Rishi Sunak dismissed the idea.
In an open letter circulated on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis wrote in favor of a universal basic wage to “honor the essential and noble work” of low-income workers. “Street vendors, scrap merchants, stall keepers, small farmers, construction workers, garment workers, various caregivers” are “totally invisible in the system”, said the head of the Catholic Church.
In France, rethinking the post-crisis period
In France, the idea of universal basic income is not new. But it is newly resonant as the health crisis has demonstrated the vulnerability of workers in precarious jobs. “Those without access to partial unemployment or retirement benefits, like deliverers for digital platforms such as Deliveroo, have no financial guarantees if they stop working to protect their health,” said Nicole Teke, the spokeswoman for the Mouvement Français pour un Revenu de Base (French Movement for Basic Income, or MFRB), an organisation created in 2013.
“There are holes in social security, we want a real security base for everyone,” the activist, who welcomes Spain’s initiative to install a living wage, told FRANCE 24.
Universal income could be at the core of a philosophical debate about a post-Covid-19 model for society “for reasserting the value of essential jobs, such as home healthcare aide, which are the most poorly paid, and also to put an end to constant suspicion towards the unemployed within the administrations that pay social benefits in France,” she said.
Economic recovery could hamper social justice
In June 2019, French President Emmanuel Macron launched a dialogue around a universal activity income to merge welfare, housing allowances and the state’s activity bonus. According to its contours, which are still unclear, beneficiaries will commit to not refusing more than two job offers. “Universal income, as we understand it, will not be implemented by the current government,” said Trek.
“In the crisis scenario before us, I don’t see how a government could embark on a logic of universal income, with the pressure of financial markets, banks and international financial institutions on countries’ budgets,” Cortinas-Munoz said.
In its forecast of April 15, the International Monetary Fund’s expected Spain’s public debt to increase to 113 percent from 95 percent in 2019. In France, where more than nine million employees are on partial unemployment, the debt is expected to jump 17 points to 115 percent of gross domestic product in 2020.
"There are two opposing visions of society,” Trek said. “That which wants to take this opportunity brought by the crisis for rethinking our system on the basis of social justice, and that which wants to save businesses and the economy, tightening the belt.”
This article has been translated from the original in French by Philippe Theise.
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe


france24--2020-04-19--Spain sees sharp drop in daily Covid-19 death toll

A nurse from La Paz hospital in Madrid , Spain makes a heart sign after observing a minute of silence in memory of the hospital chief who died from Covid-19 , on 19 April , 2020 .
Spain registered a sharp drop in its daily death toll from the new coronavirus on Sunday , with the number falling to 410 from 565 .
The total number of fatalities in Spain , the third hardest-hit country in the world after the US and Italy , has reached 20,453 , the health ministry said .
`` It 's a number that gives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergencies coordinator Fernando Simon of the daily death toll , at its lowest in four weeks .
`` It 's the first time we are under 500 dead since the daily tolls began to climb . ''
Infections rose to 195,344 , with 4,218 new cases in the past 24 hours .
But Simon admitted the fall in the number of deaths from Saturday to Sunday can be explained by the lower registration of fatalities over the weekend .
Such a drop is often followed by a rise at the start of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reached the peak of the pandemic on April 2 when they had counted 950 deaths in 24 hours .
But they are not ready to recommend a lifting of the nationwide lockdown , one of the tightest in Europe .
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Saturday announced he would ask parliament to extend the lockdown by two weeks to May 9 .
The restrictions currently in place would however be loosened slightly to allow children time outside from April 27 , Sanchez said .
> > How long will lockdowns last ?

Spain registered a sharp drop in its daily death toll from the new coronavirus on Sunday, with the number falling to 410 from 565.
A nurse from La Paz hospital in Madrid, Spain makes a heart sign after observing a minute of silence in memory of the hospital chief who died from Covid-19, on 19 April, 2020.
Advertising Read more
The total number of fatalities in Spain, the third hardest-hit country in the world after the US and Italy, has reached 20,453, the health ministry said.
"It's a number that gives us hope," said health ministry emergencies coordinator Fernando Simon of the daily death toll, at its lowest in four weeks.
"It's the first time we are under 500 dead since the daily tolls began to climb."
Infections rose to 195,344, with 4,218 new cases in the past 24 hours.
‘Grave concerns’ about Covid-19 immunity passports
But Simon admitted the fall in the number of deaths from Saturday to Sunday can be explained by the lower registration of fatalities over the weekend. Such a drop is often followed by a rise at the start of the week.
Spanish authorities believe the country reached the peak of the pandemic on April 2 when they had counted 950 deaths in 24 hours. But they are not ready to recommend a lifting of the nationwide lockdown, one of the tightest in Europe.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Saturday announced he would ask parliament to extend the lockdown by two weeks to May 9.
The restrictions currently in place would however be loosened slightly to allow children time outside from April 27, Sanchez said.
>> How long will lockdowns last?
(AFP)
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe


france24--2020-04-19--Wuhan football team make emotional return to Covid-19 ground zero

This photo taken on April 18 , 2020 shows fans of the Wuhan Zall football team welcoming the team members home at the railway station in Wuhan , in China 's central Hubei province .
- Wuhan Zall , the Chinese Super League team from the epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic , made an emotional return to the city after more than three months torn from their families .
Wuhan Zall , the Chinese Super League team from the epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic , made an emotional return to their home city after more than three months torn from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 104 days on the road -- including being stranded in Spain -- because Wuhan was sealed off in January when the virus killed and infected thousands there.The city is now emerging from its weeks-long lockdown and hundreds of chanting fans met the Zall players when they arrived at Wuhan 's train station late Saturday , state media said .
Wearing masks , the players had bouquets of flowers thrust into their hands as supporters clad in the team 's orange colours held banners and sang .
`` After more than three months of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members finally set foot in their hometown , '' the team said on the Twitter-like Weibo .
The squad , led by their Spanish coach Jose Gonzalez , will now spend a few days at home before resuming training on Wednesday .
`` The local players will be reunited with their families , having not seen them for more than three months , '' said Zall , who finished sixth last year in the top-flight CSL .
`` The club is very grateful for the support and understanding of the players ' families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the final chapter in a long saga .
They began training for the new Chinese Super League season , since postponed indefinitely , in early January in the southern city of Guangzhou .
They flew to Malaga , Spain towards the end of January , by which time the city of Wuhan and its 11 million people were under harsh restrictions because of the coronavirus outbreak .
`` They are not walking viruses , they are athletes , '' Gonzalez told Spanish media at the time , pleading for his players not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus began taking hold in Spain in March , Zall made arrangements to fly back to China , where the number of infections was slowing markedly .
Wuhan was still sealed off so the squad , via a prolonged transit in Germany , flew to China 's southern city of Shenzhen on March 16 .
They went into three weeks of quarantine , followed by training in the nearby city of Foshan , before taking a high-speed train from Guangzhou to Wuhan on Saturday evening .
Zall are preparing for a season that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CSL was supposed to begin on February 22 but could now kick off in late June , according to latest reports .
China 's government says it has curbed coronavirus at home , but on Friday admitted errors in tallying the death toll in Wuhan and raised the count there by 50 percent to 3,869 .

Wuhan Zall, the Chinese Super League team from the epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic, made an emotional return to their home city after more than three months torn from their families.
This photo taken on April 18, 2020 shows fans of the Wuhan Zall football team welcoming the team members home at the railway station in Wuhan, in China's central Hubei province. - Wuhan Zall, the Chinese Super League team from the epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic, made an emotional return to the city after more than three months torn from their families.
Advertising Read more
Zall endured a turbulent 104 days on the road -- including being stranded in Spain -- because Wuhan was sealed off in January when the virus killed and infected thousands there.The city is now emerging from its weeks-long lockdown and hundreds of chanting fans met the Zall players when they arrived at Wuhan's train station late Saturday, state media said.
Wearing masks, the players had bouquets of flowers thrust into their hands as supporters clad in the team's orange colours held banners and sang.
"After more than three months of wandering, the homesick Wuhan Zall team members finally set foot in their hometown," the team said on the Twitter-like Weibo.
The squad, led by their Spanish coach Jose Gonzalez, will now spend a few days at home before resuming training on Wednesday.
"The local players will be reunited with their families, having not seen them for more than three months," said Zall, who finished sixth last year in the top-flight CSL.
"The club is very grateful for the support and understanding of the players' families."
The squad's return home is the final chapter in a long saga.
They began training for the new Chinese Super League season, since postponed indefinitely, in early January in the southern city of Guangzhou.
They flew to Malaga, Spain towards the end of January, by which time the city of Wuhan and its 11 million people were under harsh restrictions because of the coronavirus outbreak.
"They are not walking viruses, they are athletes," Gonzalez told Spanish media at the time, pleading for his players not to be demonised.
But when the virus began taking hold in Spain in March, Zall made arrangements to fly back to China, where the number of infections was slowing markedly.
Wuhan was still sealed off so the squad, via a prolonged transit in Germany, flew to China's southern city of Shenzhen on March 16.
They went into three weeks of quarantine, followed by training in the nearby city of Foshan, before taking a high-speed train from Guangzhou to Wuhan on Saturday evening.
Zall are preparing for a season that still has no start date. The CSL was supposed to begin on February 22 but could now kick off in late June, according to latest reports.
China's government says it has curbed coronavirus at home, but on Friday admitted errors in tallying the death toll in Wuhan and raised the count there by 50 percent to 3,869.
(AFP)
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe


france24--2020-04-19--French retail giant FNAC Darty gets €500 million state-backed loan

Fnac-Darty is the first major company to benefit from a French government-backed loan aimed at economic recovery following the coronavirus crisis .
Electronics retail giant Fnac Darty announced on Sunday it had secured a €500 million loan guaranteed by the French state `` to secure cash flow '' and prepare for recovery after the coronavirus crisis .
Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said the guaranteed €500 million facility was `` the first that the French state has granted to a major French company '' to help it over the crisis .
The group reported `` very strong growth in e-commerce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown '' but in the first quarter of the year revenue plunged 7.9 percent on a reported basis to 1.49 billion euros .
With stores closed sales fell 30 percent in March , a statement said .
However e-commerce doubled over the last half of March and the first days of April .
The group had warned in mid-March it would not meet its minor growth targets and on Sunday withdrew proposed dividends for 2019 -- in line with government demands .
`` With more than €20 billion in loans given to 150,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guaranteed loan is a reality for French companies , whatever their size , '' Le Maire added .
`` The state-guaranteed loan is a major lever to help them overcome this economically difficult period without trouble . ''

Electronics retail giant Fnac Darty announced on Sunday it had secured a €500 million loan guaranteed by the French state "to secure cash flow" and prepare for recovery after the coronavirus crisis.
Fnac-Darty is the first major company to benefit from a French government-backed loan aimed at economic recovery following the coronavirus crisis.
Advertising Read more
Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said the guaranteed €500 million facility was "the first that the French state has granted to a major French company" to help it over the crisis.
The group reported "very strong growth in e-commerce, in all countries, during the lockdown" but in the first quarter of the year revenue plunged 7.9 percent on a reported basis to 1.49 billion euros.
With stores closed sales fell 30 percent in March, a statement said.
However e-commerce doubled over the last half of March and the first days of April.
The group had warned in mid-March it would not meet its minor growth targets and on Sunday withdrew proposed dividends for 2019 -- in line with government demands.
"With more than €20 billion in loans given to 150,000 companies, the deployment of the state guaranteed loan is a reality for French companies, whatever their size," Le Maire added.
"The state-guaranteed loan is a major lever to help them overcome this economically difficult period without trouble."
Fnac Darty's one-year loan supported by French banks has a five-year extension option.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe


france24--2020-04-20--Germany starts opening up as coronavirus outbreak 'under control'

A graffiti showing a nurse with a protective mask and a Superman shirt is sprayed on a wall with the slogan `` for the real heroes '' , as the spread of the coronavirus disease ( COVID-19 ) continues in Hamm , Germany , April 17 , 2020 .
Germany takes its first steps back towards normality on Monday , with smaller shops in some regions opening up for the first time in a month after politicians declared the coronavirus `` under control '' .
From florists to fashion stores , the majority of shops smaller than 800 square metres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed to welcome customers again , in a first wave of relaxations to strict curbs on public life introduced last month .
Chancellor Angela Merkel and regional state premiers announced the decision to reopen last week , though they have been careful to cast it as no more than a cautious first step .
While the first shops will open their doors on Monday , each of Germany 's 16 states is set to lift the restrictions at a slightly different pace .
In some states such as the capital Berlin , reopening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who has been praised for her handling of the coronavirus crisis , is hoping to reinvigorate the ailing German economy , which officially entered into recession last week .
With 139,897 confirmed cases and 4,294 deaths as of Sunday , Germany has been one of the countries worst hit by COVID-19 , but also one of the quickest to react .
On Friday , the Robert Koch Institute for public health announced that the rate of infection -- the number of people each ill person contaminates -- had dropped below one for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jens Spahn to declare the virus `` under control '' .
Yet Merkel , who was herself quarantined for two weeks earlier this month before testing negative for the virus , has warned that Germany 's success remains `` fragile '' .
`` We will not be able to go back to our normal lives for a long time , '' said her conservative party colleague Armin Laschet , the state premier of North-Rhine Westphalia , the country 's most populous region .
In an interview with Der Spiegel weekly , Laschet warned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2021 .
A ban on gatherings of more than two people and a requirement to stand more than 1.5 metres apart from others in public areas remain in force .
That means that hairdressers , initially deemed an essential business , can not open until at least May 4 .
Cultural venues , bars , leisure centres and beauty salons will also remain closed for the time being , while large-scale public events such as concerts and football matches have been banned until August 31 .
But Germans can look forward to at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ although they have not been welcomed by everyone .
With larger shops unable to open , the German Trade Association warned Friday of a possible `` distortion of competition '' .
Yet Economy Minister Peter Altmaier defended the 800-square-metre limit , saying that `` the belt can only be loosened bit by bit '' .
Schools will also be partially reopened in the coming weeks , with most states set to welcome back older students from May 4 .
Education policy is traditionally decided at state level in Germany , and Bavaria , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so far , will keep its schools closed for an extra week .
On April 29 , regional education ministers are set to present concrete plans on how social distancing can still be enforced in the classroom .
Germany hopes to combine the lifting of restrictions with a more efficient tracing of the spread of COVID-19 .
The country hopes to ramp up testing -- it has already tested around two million people -- and aims to produce around 50 million protective masks , including 10 million of the higher efficiency FFP2 standard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet obligatory , Merkel said her government `` strongly advises '' wearing a mask in public .
With more movement of the population expected as shops reopen , eastern states Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Saxony have made masks obligatory on public transport .
In doing so , they have followed the example of the eastern city of Jena , which unilaterally enforced the wearing of masks earlier this month .
According to German media , the city has had no new cases in a week .

Germany takes its first steps back towards normality on Monday, with smaller shops in some regions opening up for the first time in a month after politicians declared the coronavirus "under control".
A graffiti showing a nurse with a protective mask and a Superman shirt is sprayed on a wall with the slogan "for the real heroes", as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues in Hamm, Germany, April 17, 2020.
Advertising Read more
From florists to fashion stores, the majority of shops smaller than 800 square metres (8,600 square feet) will be allowed to welcome customers again, in a first wave of relaxations to strict curbs on public life introduced last month.
Chancellor Angela Merkel and regional state premiers announced the decision to reopen last week, though they have been careful to cast it as no more than a cautious first step.
While the first shops will open their doors on Monday, each of Germany's 16 states is set to lift the restrictions at a slightly different pace.
In some states such as the capital Berlin, reopening will take a little longer.
Merkel, who has been praised for her handling of the coronavirus crisis, is hoping to reinvigorate the ailing German economy, which officially entered into recession last week.
03:19
'Fragile'
With 139,897 confirmed cases and 4,294 deaths as of Sunday, Germany has been one of the countries worst hit by COVID-19, but also one of the quickest to react.
On Friday, the Robert Koch Institute for public health announced that the rate of infection -- the number of people each ill person contaminates -- had dropped below one for the first time, leading Health Minister Jens Spahn to declare the virus "under control".
Yet Merkel, who was herself quarantined for two weeks earlier this month before testing negative for the virus, has warned that Germany's success remains "fragile".
"We will not be able to go back to our normal lives for a long time," said her conservative party colleague Armin Laschet, the state premier of North-Rhine Westphalia, the country's most populous region.
01:57
In an interview with Der Spiegel weekly, Laschet warned that some coronavirus restrictions could last until 2021.
A ban on gatherings of more than two people and a requirement to stand more than 1.5 metres apart from others in public areas remain in force.
That means that hairdressers, initially deemed an essential business, cannot open until at least May 4.
Cultural venues, bars, leisure centres and beauty salons will also remain closed for the time being, while large-scale public events such as concerts and football matches have been banned until August 31.
But Germans can look forward to at least some relaxations to the existing shutdown although they have not been welcomed by everyone.
With larger shops unable to open, the German Trade Association warned Friday of a possible "distortion of competition".
Yet Economy Minister Peter Altmaier defended the 800-square-metre limit, saying that "the belt can only be loosened bit by bit".
Schools reopening
Schools will also be partially reopened in the coming weeks, with most states set to welcome back older students from May 4.
Education policy is traditionally decided at state level in Germany, and Bavaria, the region worst hit by the virus so far, will keep its schools closed for an extra week.
On April 29, regional education ministers are set to present concrete plans on how social distancing can still be enforced in the classroom.
Germany hopes to combine the lifting of restrictions with a more efficient tracing of the spread of COVID-19.
The country hopes to ramp up testing -- it has already tested around two million people -- and aims to produce around 50 million protective masks, including 10 million of the higher efficiency FFP2 standard a week from August.
Though not yet obligatory, Merkel said her government "strongly advises" wearing a mask in public.
With more movement of the population expected as shops reopen, eastern states Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Saxony have made masks obligatory on public transport.
In doing so, they have followed the example of the eastern city of Jena, which unilaterally enforced the wearing of masks earlier this month.
According to German media, the city has had no new cases in a week.
(AFP)
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe


france24--2020-04-20--Covid-19 restrictions force Holocaust Remembrance Day to be marked digitally

Franco-Israeli Holocaust survivor Berthe Badehi shown during an interview with AFP at the Yad Vashem memorial in Jerusalem on February 24 , 2019 .
Quarantine and travel restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19 have forced Holocaust Remembrance Day , set to begin Monday evening and end the following day , to be marked exclusively digitally for the first time .
Berthe Badehi , who hid from the Nazis as a child during World War II , has become one of the many Holocaust survivors confined in their homes to evade the coronavirus .
`` It 's not easy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alive , '' the 88-year-old said of her current self-isolation at home in Israel .
`` One thing I learnt during the war was how to take care of myself . ''
Movement and travel restrictions in place to contain the pandemic have forced this week 's Holocaust Remembrance Day -- Yom HaShoah in Hebrew -- to be exclusively digital for the first time .
In a normal year , symbolic events are organised at various locations , notably with survivors at the sites in Europe where the Nazis built concentration and extermination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ survivors will be streamed online and featured in a pre-recorded ceremony to be broadcast in Israel by Jerusalem 's Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial centre , when Yom HaShoah begins on Monday evening .
The limitations on organising events this year served as a reminder that in the not-too-distant future ceremonies with survivors will no longer be possible because the last of them will have passed away .
`` We have talked a lot about what happens when survivors are not here , '' said Stephen Smith , who heads the Shoah Foundation at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week 's scaled-back commemorations , `` made us realise what the future might be like , '' Smith told AFP .
`` It is a test of our resolve ... '' '' Maybe it is an opportunity to say ... we wo n't get 10,000 people at Auschwitz , but maybe we can get a million people ( watching ) online , '' he added , referring to the Nazi concentration and extermination camp in Poland .
For survivors like Badehi , any comparison between Covid-19 isolation and Nazi-era confinement in ghettos and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , during the war , we lived in fear , we hid our identity and we lost contact with our parents ... '' '' Today , we may be locked inside , but we have contact with our children and grandchildren through the phone and internet , '' added Badehi , who volunteered at Yad Vashem until it closed due to the virus .
Dov Landau , a 91-year-old Auschwitz survivor , said it was `` indecent '' to make comparisons between the two eras .
`` Today we are neither hungry nor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are unlikely to be burned alive .
Sure , I 'm bored ... but it 's nothing serious , '' he told AFP .
He regularly travelled from Israel to Auschwitz to speak to school groups , but those trips came to a stop because of the pandemic .
Beyond cancellation of educational events , Covid-19 has posed a particularly grave threat to Holocaust survivors , given their age .
The virus `` is absolutely attacking the memory of the Holocaust because it is attacking the elderly , '' Smith said , adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have died from coronavirus-related complications .
`` It is also attacking our ability to ( collect ) these stories , '' he said .
The Shoah Foundation has developed an augmented reality application to document the journey across Europe endured by many Holocaust survivors .
One survivor whose experience was scheduled to be documented this year was Eva Schloss , whose mother married Anne Frank 's father Otto after the war .
Schloss `` has an amazing story , '' Smith said .
`` Very , very similar to Anne Frank , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` She was literally in the kitchen watching Otto prepare the diary for publication , '' he said .
Because of the pandemic , the foundation had to cancel plans to collect material with Schloss in Vienna , Amsterdam and Auschwitz .
The foundation is partnering on the augmented reality project with The March of the Living , the prominent educational programme that brings young people to the sites of concentration camps .
Eli Rubenstein , a Toronto-based rabbi who heads March of the Living Canada , said he has spoken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be available to give testimonials next year .
`` They are very strong people , full of optimism , '' he told AFP .
But , he added , the delay forced by the pandemic `` gives us a new sense of urgency . ''

Quarantine and travel restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19 have forced Holocaust Remembrance Day, set to begin Monday evening and end the following day, to be marked exclusively digitally for the first time.
Franco-Israeli Holocaust survivor Berthe Badehi shown during an interview with AFP at the Yad Vashem memorial in Jerusalem on February 24, 2019.
Advertising Read more
Berthe Badehi, who hid from the Nazis as a child during World War II, has become one of the many Holocaust survivors confined in their homes to evade the coronavirus.
"It's not easy, but we do it to stay alive," the 88-year-old said of her current self-isolation at home in Israel.
"One thing I learnt during the war was how to take care of myself."
Movement and travel restrictions in place to contain the pandemic have forced this week's Holocaust Remembrance Day -- Yom HaShoah in Hebrew -- to be exclusively digital for the first time.
In a normal year, symbolic events are organised at various locations, notably with survivors at the sites in Europe where the Nazis built concentration and extermination camps.
This year, testimonials from survivors will be streamed online and featured in a pre-recorded ceremony to be broadcast in Israel by Jerusalem's Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial centre, when Yom HaShoah begins on Monday evening.
The limitations on organising events this year served as a reminder that in the not-too-distant future ceremonies with survivors will no longer be possible because the last of them will have passed away.
"We have talked a lot about what happens when survivors are not here," said Stephen Smith, who heads the Shoah Foundation at the University of Southern California.
This week's scaled-back commemorations, "made us realise what the future might be like," Smith told AFP.
"It is a test of our resolve..."
"Maybe it is an opportunity to say... we won't get 10,000 people at Auschwitz, but maybe we can get a million people (watching) online," he added, referring to the Nazi concentration and extermination camp in Poland.
01:52
'Attacking the memory'
For survivors like Badehi, any comparison between Covid-19 isolation and Nazi-era confinement in ghettos and camps is inappropriate.
"In France, during the war, we lived in fear, we hid our identity and we lost contact with our parents..."
"Today, we may be locked inside, but we have contact with our children and grandchildren through the phone and internet," added Badehi, who volunteered at Yad Vashem until it closed due to the virus.
Dov Landau, a 91-year-old Auschwitz survivor, said it was "indecent" to make comparisons between the two eras.
"Today we are neither hungry nor thirsty. Men, women and children are unlikely to be burned alive. Sure, I'm bored... but it's nothing serious," he told AFP.
He regularly travelled from Israel to Auschwitz to speak to school groups, but those trips came to a stop because of the pandemic.
Beyond cancellation of educational events, Covid-19 has posed a particularly grave threat to Holocaust survivors, given their age.
The virus "is absolutely attacking the memory of the Holocaust because it is attacking the elderly," Smith said, adding that he is aware of several survivors who have died from coronavirus-related complications.
"It is also attacking our ability to (collect) these stories," he said.
45:42
'Sense of urgency'
The Shoah Foundation has developed an augmented reality application to document the journey across Europe endured by many Holocaust survivors.
One survivor whose experience was scheduled to be documented this year was Eva Schloss, whose mother married Anne Frank's father Otto after the war.
Schloss "has an amazing story," Smith said. "Very, very similar to Anne Frank, the only difference is that she survived."
"She was literally in the kitchen watching Otto prepare the diary for publication," he said.
Because of the pandemic, the foundation had to cancel plans to collect material with Schloss in Vienna, Amsterdam and Auschwitz.
The foundation is partnering on the augmented reality project with The March of the Living, the prominent educational programme that brings young people to the sites of concentration camps.
Eli Rubenstein, a Toronto-based rabbi who heads March of the Living Canada, said he has spoken to many survivors who insisted they will be available to give testimonials next year.
"They are very strong people, full of optimism," he told AFP.
But, he added, the delay forced by the pandemic "gives us a new sense of urgency."
(AFP)
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe


france24--2020-04-20--Covid-19: French PM warns of no immediate return to normality

France ’ s Prime Minister Édouard Philippe on Sunday said that although the country looks to be on track to lift its near two-month coronavirus lockdown as planned on May 11 , the country 's return to normality would be gradual and slow .
France went into a nationwide lockdown on March 17 in a bid to halt the spread of the deadly virus , which has so far claimed a total of 19,718 French lives since the epidemic started .
On Sunday , however , France reported just 395 new coronavirus deaths – the lowest such toll in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of people in hospital fell for the fifth day in a row , indicating that the worst might be over .
But Philippe warned Sunday that Covid-19 will remain a threat for months after the lockdown is lifted .
“ Our life from May 11 will not be like our life before , not immediately , and probably not for a long time , ” he said .
`` We 'll have to learn to live with the virus . ''
People will “ probably ” be required to wear masks on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from that date , he said , and added that those who can work from home should continue to do so as far as possible .
He also said cafes and restaurants in France will remain shuttered for the time being , and that the businesses that will be open , such as supermarkets , will have to ensure measures are in place enabling people to respect the one-metre safety distance from one another .
They may also be expected to provide virus-killing hand sanitising gel to all customers .
Schools will reopen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the details have yet to be hashed out .
“ To imagine that , because the situation has stopped worsening and is starting to improve , the epidemic is behind us , would be a mistake , ” said Philippe , stressing that people were still dying every day .
It would , for example , be “ unreasonable ” for people to think of taking a foreign trip in the near future , Philippe said .
Health Minister Olivier Véran said the government was working on making 500,000 coronavirus tests possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and those they had been in contact with – up from the current 150,000 weekly .
People who test positive will be placed in isolation .
Philippe reiterated that the economic crisis that will result from lockdown measures taken to fight the epidemic would be ” brutal ” .
France expects its worse recession in 2020 since the end of World War II , with economic activity down 36 percent since the lockdown started .
But economic life can not resume until the virus has stopped circulating among the population and hospitals ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restored , the prime minister said .
And even when it does , people will have to live differently – continuing to avoid physical proximity to others .
” Not respecting the barrier measures literally exposes us to a resumption of the epidemic , ” Philippe warned .
The government will unveil a more detailed plan on the lifting of the lockdown in the next two weeks .

France’s Prime Minister Édouard Philippe on Sunday said that although the country looks to be on track to lift its near two-month coronavirus lockdown as planned on May 11, the country's return to normality would be gradual and slow.
Advertising Read more
France went into a nationwide lockdown on March 17 in a bid to halt the spread of the deadly virus, which has so far claimed a total of 19,718 French lives since the epidemic started.
On Sunday, however, France reported just 395 new coronavirus deaths – the lowest such toll in the country since March 23 – and the number of people in hospital fell for the fifth day in a row, indicating that the worst might be over. But Philippe warned Sunday that Covid-19 will remain a threat for months after the lockdown is lifted.
“Our life from May 11 will not be like our life before, not immediately, and probably not for a long time,” he said. "We'll have to learn to live with the virus."
People will “probably” be required to wear masks on public transport as an infection prevention measure from that date, he said, and added that those who can work from home should continue to do so as far as possible.
He also said cafes and restaurants in France will remain shuttered for the time being, and that the businesses that will be open, such as supermarkets, will have to ensure measures are in place enabling people to respect the one-metre safety distance from one another. They may also be expected to provide virus-killing hand sanitising gel to all customers.
Schools will reopen bit by bit, he said, but the details have yet to be hashed out.
“To imagine that, because the situation has stopped worsening and is starting to improve, the epidemic is behind us, would be a mistake,” said Philippe, stressing that people were still dying every day.
It would, for example, be “unreasonable” for people to think of taking a foreign trip in the near future, Philippe said.
Health Minister Olivier Véran said the government was working on making 500,000 coronavirus tests possible per week for people who show symptoms and those they had been in contact with – up from the current 150,000 weekly.
People who test positive will be placed in isolation.
’Brutal’ economic downturn coming
Philippe reiterated that the economic crisis that will result from lockdown measures taken to fight the epidemic would be ”brutal”.
France expects its worse recession in 2020 since the end of World War II, with economic activity down 36 percent since the lockdown started.
But economic life cannot resume until the virus has stopped circulating among the population and hospitals’ capacity to treat the seriously ill is restored, the prime minister said.
And even when it does, people will have to live differently – continuing to avoid physical proximity to others.
”Not respecting the barrier measures literally exposes us to a resumption of the epidemic,” Philippe warned.
The government will unveil a more detailed plan on the lifting of the lockdown in the next two weeks.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe


france24--2020-04-19--Multiple people dead in Canada's worst-ever mass shooting

RCMP officer Cedric Landry releases a dog to a man at the checkpoint onto Portapique Beach Road after Gabriel Wortman , a suspected shooter , was taken into custody in Portapique , Nova Scotia , Canada April 19 , 2020 .
A gunman who at one point masqueraded as a policeman killed at least 16 people in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia during a 12-hour rampage , authorities said on Sunday , in what was the country 's worst modern-era mass shooting .
Among the victims of the shooting spree that spread across part of the Atlantic Canadian province @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 23-year veteran of the force with two children .
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said the gunman , 51-year-old Gabriel Wortman , who worked as a denturist , appeared at one stage to have been wearing part of a police uniform .
He had also painstakingly disguised his car to look like a police cruiser .
Police added they had ended the threat posed by Wortman , who was dead , but would not confirm a report by the CTV network that the RCMP had shot him .
Wortman shot people in several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told a briefing .
RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki told the Canadian Broadcasting Corp the police knew of at least 16 victims , besides the shooter .
She added there was no indication at this time that the killings were terrorism-related .
Police said there was no apparent link between Wortman and at least some of his victims .
They said they had no idea what his motivation might have been .
`` Today is a devastating day for Nova Scotia , and it will remain etched in the minds for many years to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commanding officer of the RCMP in Nova Scotia .
The death toll exceeded that of a Montreal massacre in 1989 when a gunman killed 15 women .
Mass shootings are relatively rare in Canada , which has tighter gun control laws than the United States .
Nova Scotia , like the rest of Canada , is under a stay-at-home order because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Police discovered the killings late on Saturday after multiple reports of shots at a house in the small coastal town of Portapique , about 130 km ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capital , Halifax .
`` When police arrived on the scene , members located several casualties inside and outside of the home , '' said Chris Leather , the Nova Scotia RCMP 's criminal operations officer .
Several buildings in the town were ablaze and police exchanged gunfire at one point with Wortman .
Probes subsequently disclosed he had also killed people in several other locations .
`` We 're not fully aware of what ( the ) total might be , '' said Leather .
At one point on Saturday evening , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - if not all - then a portion of a police uniform , '' Leather said .
But he did not specify whether the suspect had been disguised as an officer when the killings occurred .
`` The fact that this individual had a uniform and a police car at his disposal certainly speaks to it not being a random act , '' Leather said .
According to the websites of the Denturist Society of Nova Scotia and the province 's Better Business Bureau , Wortman operated a denture clinic in Dartmouth , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a question , Leather said police would look at a possible link to the coronavirus outbreak , which has forced the closure of non-essential businesses .
A local resident said she had come across two burning police vehicles while out driving on Sunday .
`` There was one officer we could see on scene and then all of a sudden , he went running toward one of the burning vehicles , '' Darcy Sack told the CBC .
`` We heard gunshots , '' she added .
Television footage from Portapique showed two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil decried what he called senseless act of violence .
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his government would help Nova Scotians `` as they heal from this tragedy . ''
The killings do not represent the largest act of murder in the country 's history , given that 268 Canadians were among the 329 people who died in 1985 when a bomb brought down an Air India jet over the Atlantic .

A gunman who at one point masqueraded as a policeman killed at least 19 people in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia during a 12-hour rampage, authorities said on Monday, in what was the country's worst modern-era mass shooting.
RCMP officer Cedric Landry releases a dog to a man at the checkpoint onto Portapique Beach Road after Gabriel Wortman, a suspected shooter, was taken into custody in Portapique, Nova Scotia, Canada April 19, 2020.
Advertising Read more
Among the victims of the shooting spree that spread across part of the Atlantic Canadian province was RCMP officer Heidi Stevenson, a 23-year veteran of the force with two children.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said the gunman, 51-year-old Gabriel Wortman, who worked as a denturist, appeared at one stage to have been wearing part of a police uniform. He had also painstakingly disguised his car to look like a police cruiser.
Police added they had ended the threat posed by Wortman, who was dead, but would not confirm a report by the CTV network that the RCMP had shot him.
Wortman shot people in several locations in Nova Scotia, the RCMP told a briefing. RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki told the Canadian Broadcasting Corp the police knew of at least 16 victims, besides the shooter.
She added there was no indication at this time that the killings were terrorism-related. Police said there was no apparent link between Wortman and at least some of his victims. They said they had no idea what his motivation might have been.
"Today is a devastating day for Nova Scotia, and it will remain etched in the minds for many years to come," said Lee Bergerman, commanding officer of the RCMP in Nova Scotia.
The death toll exceeded that of a Montreal massacre in 1989 when a gunman killed 15 women.
Mass shootings are relatively rare in Canada, which has tighter gun control laws than the United States.
Nova Scotia, like the rest of Canada, is under a stay-at-home order because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Police discovered the killings late on Saturday after multiple reports of shots at a house in the small coastal town of Portapique, about 130 km (80 miles) north of the provincial capital, Halifax.
"When police arrived on the scene, members located several casualties inside and outside of the home," said Chris Leather, the Nova Scotia RCMP's criminal operations officer.
Several buildings in the town were ablaze and police exchanged gunfire at one point with Wortman. Probes subsequently disclosed he had also killed people in several other locations.
"We're not fully aware of what (the) total might be," said Leather.
At one point on Saturday evening, Wortman "appears to have been wearing - if not all - then a portion of a police uniform," Leather said. But he did not specify whether the suspect had been disguised as an officer when the killings occurred.
"The fact that this individual had a uniform and a police car at his disposal certainly speaks to it not being a random act," Leather said.
'We heard gunshots'
According to the websites of the Denturist Society of Nova Scotia and the province's Better Business Bureau, Wortman operated a denture clinic in Dartmouth, close to Halifax.
In response to a question, Leather said police would look at a possible link to the coronavirus outbreak, which has forced the closure of non-essential businesses.
A local resident said she had come across two burning police vehicles while out driving on Sunday.
"There was one officer we could see on scene and then all of a sudden, he went running toward one of the burning vehicles," Darcy Sack told the CBC.
"We heard gunshots," she added. Television footage from Portapique showed two burned-out vehicles on a road.
Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil decried what he called senseless act of violence.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his government would help Nova Scotians "as they heal from this tragedy."
The killings do not represent the largest act of murder in the country's history, given that 268 Canadians were among the 329 people who died in 1985 when a bomb brought down an Air India jet over the Atlantic.
(REUTERS)
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe


france24--2020-04-20--Amazon extends French warehouse closures amid Covid-19 court dispute

The Nanterre court ruled that Amazon deliveries in France should be limited in a move to protect workers from the deadly coronavirus .
Global e-commerce giant Amazon on Sunday said it would keep its warehouses in France shut until April 22 , extending its previously announced closure by two more days , after a French court ordered the company to limit its deliveries to essential goods in order to protect its staff from contracting Covid-19 .
Last week , a Nanterre court ordered Amazon to carry out a more thorough assessment of the risk of Covid-19 contagion at its warehouses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deliveries in the meantime , or face a fine .
Amazon , which has appealed the court decision , responded by temporarily closing down its six warehouses in France until April 20 .
On Sunday , it said it would extend the closure by another two days , as the appeal will not be heard until Tuesday .
“ We remain puzzled by last week ’ s decision by the Nanterre court and look forward to the appeals hearing .
We will temporarily uphold the activity suspension of our French distribution centres , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent to AFP .
The world 's largest online retailer is facing mounting scrutiny on both sides of the Atlantic of the health measures it has put in place to protect employees from Covid-19 while it deals with a surge in online orders .
The case followed a complaint filed by Union Syndicale Solidaires , a French group of trade unions .
Some of them had called for the complete closure of Amazon 's activities in France , or at the very least a clampdown , after raising concerns over health standards at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too crowded .
Amazon currently employs close to 10,000 people at its six French warehouses , 6,500 of whom are on permanent contracts , according to the court decision .
Cases of Covid-19 , the flu-like infection caused by the virus , have been reported among staff from at least 19 Amazon warehouses in the United States and the company has been hit by high-profile protests at several warehouses there .
With most shops in France shuttered as the government tries to contain the pandemic , the closure of the warehouses will likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an internal document sent out last week , Amazon said it would tap a state partial unemployment scheme to pay its employees during the suspension .

Global e-commerce giant Amazon on Sunday said it would keep its warehouses in France shut until April 22, extending its previously announced closure by two more days, after a French court ordered the company to limit its deliveries to essential goods in order to protect its staff from contracting Covid-19.
The Nanterre court ruled that Amazon deliveries in France should be limited in a move to protect workers from the deadly coronavirus.
Advertising Read more
Last week, a Nanterre court ordered Amazon to carry out a more thorough assessment of the risk of Covid-19 contagion at its warehouses and said it needed to restrict its deliveries in the meantime, or face a fine. Amazon, which has appealed the court decision, responded by temporarily closing down its six warehouses in France until April 20.
On Sunday, it said it would extend the closure by another two days, as the appeal will not be heard until Tuesday.
“We remain puzzled by last week’s decision by the Nanterre court and look forward to the appeals hearing. We will temporarily uphold the activity suspension of our French distribution centres,” the company said in a statement sent to AFP.
The world's largest online retailer is facing mounting scrutiny on both sides of the Atlantic of the health measures it has put in place to protect employees from Covid-19 while it deals with a surge in online orders.
The case followed a complaint filed by Union Syndicale Solidaires, a French group of trade unions.
Some of them had called for the complete closure of Amazon's activities in France, or at the very least a clampdown, after raising concerns over health standards at its shipping sites, arguing they were too crowded.
Amazon currently employs close to 10,000 people at its six French warehouses, 6,500 of whom are on permanent contracts, according to the court decision.
Cases of Covid-19, the flu-like infection caused by the virus, have been reported among staff from at least 19 Amazon warehouses in the United States and the company has been hit by high-profile protests at several warehouses there.
With most shops in France shuttered as the government tries to contain the pandemic, the closure of the warehouses will likely disrupt deliveries across the country.
In an internal document sent out last week, Amazon said it would tap a state partial unemployment scheme to pay its employees during the suspension.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP, REUTERS)
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe


france24--2020-04-20--France in lockdown: Shopping and cooking in a time of confinement

France in lockdown : Shopping and cooking in a time of confinement In this week 's French Connections show , @ @ @ @ @ explore how the French are adapting to life in a time of confinement .
France @ @ @ @ @ lockdown for a month , with the measures now extended to May 11 .
One @ @ @ @ @ are allowed to go out is to go shopping for essential goods .
So what @ @ @ @ @ good '' and what shops are open ?
And in a country so famous for @ @ @ @ @ are people cooking ?
We tell you more .

France in lockdown: Shopping and cooking in a time of confinement
05:57 FRENCH CONNECTIONS © FRANCE 24
In this week's French Connections show, Florence Villeminot and Genie Godula explore how the French are adapting to life in a time of confinement. France has already been under strict lockdown for a month, with the measures now extended to May 11. One of the few reasons people are allowed to go out is to go shopping for essential goods. So what counts as an "essential good" and what shops are open? And in a country so famous for food and gastronomy, what are people cooking? We tell you more.