foxnews--2020-04-05--Pope Francis celebrates Palm Sunday without public in St. Peter's

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis is celebrating Palm Sunday Mass without the public , since the traditional ceremony in St. Peter ’ s Square was scrapped because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Normally , tens of thousands of Romans , tourists and pilgrims , clutching olive tree branches or palm fronds would have flocked to an outdoor Mass led by the pontiff .
Instead , Francis was leading the ceremony inside St. Peter ’ s Basilica , which seemed even more cavernous than usual because it was so empty .
POPE FRANCIS , IN DESOLATE ST. PETER 'S SQUARE , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aides , a few invited prelates , nuns and laypeople were present , sitting solo in the first pews and staggered meters ( yards ) apart to reduce the risks of contagion .
Looking pensive , Francis blessed braided palms held by the others , then held one himself .
Palm Sunday solemnly opens Holy Week leading up to Easter , which on this year falls on April 12 .
The Vatican has announced Francis will preside over all the traditional ceremonies without the public in keeping with lockdown measures in Italy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 .
Among the usual events is the Good Friday Way of the Cross procession .
This year , instead of the customary candlelit procession at Rome 's Colosseum , the Way of the Cross will be presided over by Francis in St. Peter 's Square .
The Vatican has said there are seven cases of COVID-19 among the residents or employees of the tiny independent city state .

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis is celebrating Palm Sunday Mass without the public, since the traditional ceremony in St. Peter’s Square was scrapped because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Normally, tens of thousands of Romans, tourists and pilgrims, clutching olive tree branches or palm fronds would have flocked to an outdoor Mass led by the pontiff. Instead, Francis was leading the ceremony inside St. Peter’s Basilica, which seemed even more cavernous than usual because it was so empty.
POPE FRANCIS, IN DESOLATE ST. PETER'S SQUARE, PRAYS FOR END TO CORONAVIRUS
Besides his aides, a few invited prelates, nuns and laypeople were present, sitting solo in the first pews and staggered meters (yards) apart to reduce the risks of contagion.
Looking pensive, Francis blessed braided palms held by the others, then held one himself.
Palm Sunday solemnly opens Holy Week leading up to Easter, which on this year falls on April 12. The Vatican has announced Francis will preside over all the traditional ceremonies without the public in keeping with lockdown measures in Italy and at the Vatican to contain the spread of COVID-19.
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
Among the usual events is the Good Friday Way of the Cross procession. This year, instead of the customary candlelit procession at Rome's Colosseum, the Way of the Cross will be presided over by Francis in St. Peter's Square.
The Vatican has said there are seven cases of COVID-19 among the residents or employees of the tiny independent city state.


foxnews--2020-04-05--Queen Elizabeth addresses coronavirus pandemic: 'We will succeed'

Queen Elizabeth II gave a rare address to the nation on Sunday , uplifting the spirits of her people in the United Kingdom and offering hope to her country as it faces the devastating coronavirus pandemic .
The reigning monarch acknowledged the suffering that many families have endured because of the COVID-19 crisis , which has infected over 42,000 people in the U.K. and killed at least 4,313 of them , according to researchers .
The televised address was recorded in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle .
The location was specifically chosen for the broadcast because it provided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cameraperson , who wore personal protective equipment .
`` I am speaking to you at what I know is an increasingly challenging time , '' Elizabeth shared , `` a time of disruption in the life of our country ; a disruption that has brought grief to some , financial difficulties to many and enormous changes to the daily lives of us all . ''
The Queen also paid tribute to Britain ’ s beloved National Health Service and others in essential services , together with around 750,000 people who volunteer to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thank everyone on the NHS frontline , as well as care workers and those carrying out essential roles who selflessly continue their day-to-day duties outside the home in support of us all , '' she said .
`` I 'm sure the nation will join me in ensuring you that what you do is appreciated and every hour of your hard work brings us closer to a return to more normal times . ''
`` I also want to thank those of you who are staying at home , '' Elizabeth noted on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help the vulnerable and sparing many families the pain already felt by those who have lost loved ones .
Together we are tackling this disease and I want to reassure you that if we remain united in resolute then we will overcome it . ''
Elizabeth also remarked history will forever remember how the nation rose to the challenge during the crisis .
`` I hope in the years to come everyone will be able to take pride in how they responded to this challenge , '' she said .
`` And , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the Britons of this generation were as strong as any , that the attributes of self-discipline , of quiet , good-humored resolve , and of fellow feeling still characterize this country . ''
`` The pride in who we are is not part of our past , '' she continued .
`` It defines our present and our future .
The moments when the United Kingdom has come to applaud its care and essential workers will be remembered as an expression of our national spirit .
And its symbol will be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commonwealth and around the world we have seen heartwarming stories of people coming together to help others .
Be it through delivering food parcels and medicines , checking on neighbors , or converting businesses to help the relief effort . ''
Elizabeth noted that self-isolating can be challenging for those trying to make sense of the pandemic .
However , their efforts to flatten the curve are being recognized and honored .
`` And though self-isolating may at times be hard , '' she admitted .
`` [ But ] many people of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it presents an opportunity to slow down , pause and reflect in prayer or meditation .
It reminds me of the very first broadcast I made in 1940 helped by my sister .
We as children spoke from here at Windsor to children who had been evacuated from their homes and sent away for their own safety . ''
PRINCE WILLIAM EAGER TO PILOT AIR AMBULANCES DURING CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC 'UNDER SECRECY , ' SOURCE SAYS PRINCE CHARLES OUT OF CORONAVIRUS SELF-ISOLATION , IN GOOD HEALTH AFTER TESTING POSITIVE '' Today , once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of separation from their loved ones , '' Elizabeth said .
`` But now , as then , we know deep down that it is the right thing to do .
While we have faced challenges before , this one is different .
This time we join with all nations across the globe in a common endeavor using the great advances of science and our instinctive compassion to heal . ''
`` We will succeed , and that success will belong to every one of us , '' she concluded .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have more still to endure , better days will return .
We will be with our friends again .
We will be with our families again .
We will meet again .
But for now , I send my thanks and warmest good wishes to you all . ''
Sunday ’ s broadcast served as the first time the Queen has addressed the coronavirus on camera .
Elizabeth has given yearly Christmas messages but has given an address like this only on three previous occasions .
The British royal delivered speeches at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1991 , before the funeral of Diana , Princess of Wales in 1997 , and after the Queen Mother ’ s death in 2002 .
The crisis hit close to home for the monarch .
Her son and heir to the British throne , Prince Charles , had a mild case of the disease .
The Prince of Wales , 71 , has since recovered , his office , Clarence House , confirmed to Fox News last week .
PRINCE CHARLES SPEAKS OUT ON CORONAVIRUS DIAGNOSIS : ‘ I NOW FIND MYSELF ON @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prince Harry and Prince William ’ s father also previously shared his own video message on social media , highlighting the importance of social distancing and assuring the public that he is on the mend .
A week after his diagnosis , Charles was still practicing social distancing and virtually opened a new hospital dedicated to serving coronavirus patients .
It is the first time a member of the royal family has ever virtually opened a building .
The NHS Nightingale Hospital in London , recognized as the epicenter of Britain 's outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in less than two weeks and has the capacity for 4,000 beds .
Elizabeth herself left London and has remained at her home in Windsor with her husband Prince Philip , the Duke of Edinburgh .
The monarch and her 98-year-old spouse are among those over 70 whom the British government advised to stay home for 12 weeks .
MEGHAN MARKLE , PRINCE HARRY SHOULD SUPPORT THE ROYAL FAMILY DURING CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC , THOMAS MARKLE SAYS QUEEN ELIZABETH SPOKE TO BORIS JOHNSON DAYS BEFORE HIS POSITIVE DIAGNOSIS Palace insiders previously told Fox News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic in the U.K. for at least two weeks in hopes of bringing comfort to her people .
Elizabeth was just 14 years old when she made her first public speech in 1940 with a radio address to children across the Commonwealth -- many of whom were living away from home during World War II , People magazine reported .
Her sister Princess Margaret , who was 10 at the time , also joined in .
PRINCES GEORGE , LOUIS AND PRINCESS CHARLOTTE CLAP FOR HEALTH CARE WORKERS FIGHTING CORONAVIRUS IN SWEET VIDEO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own insistence , Elizabeth joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service at age 18 and trained as a truck mechanic as a means of offering support during World War II .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .

Queen Elizabeth II gave a rare address to the nation on Sunday, uplifting the spirits of her people in the United Kingdom and offering hope to her country as it faces the devastating coronavirus pandemic.
The reigning monarch acknowledged the suffering that many families have endured because of the COVID-19 crisis, which has infected over 42,000 people in the U.K. and killed at least 4,313 of them, according to researchers.
The televised address was recorded in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle. The location was specifically chosen for the broadcast because it provided enough space between the 93-year-old and the cameraperson, who wore personal protective equipment.
"I am speaking to you at what I know is an increasingly challenging time," Elizabeth shared, "a time of disruption in the life of our country; a disruption that has brought grief to some, financial difficulties to many and enormous changes to the daily lives of us all."
QUEEN ELIZABETH'S CORONAVIRUS ADDRESS ‘WILL OFFER PRAYERS AND GUIDANCE’ AMID PANDEMIC, SOURCE SAYS
PRINCESS MARGARET’S LADY-IN-WAITING SAYS WARTIME EFFORTS MADE ROYALS 'TOUGH' AMID THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
The Queen also paid tribute to Britain’s beloved National Health Service and others in essential services, together with around 750,000 people who volunteer to help the vulnerable.
"I want to thank everyone on the NHS frontline, as well as care workers and those carrying out essential roles who selflessly continue their day-to-day duties outside the home in support of us all," she said. "I'm sure the nation will join me in ensuring you that what you do is appreciated and every hour of your hard work brings us closer to a return to more normal times."
"I also want to thank those of you who are staying at home," Elizabeth noted on social distancing, "thereby protecting to help the vulnerable and sparing many families the pain already felt by those who have lost loved ones. Together we are tackling this disease and I want to reassure you that if we remain united in resolute then we will overcome it."
Elizabeth also remarked history will forever remember how the nation rose to the challenge during the crisis.
PRINCE WILLIAM, KATE MIDDLETON CALL FRONTLINE DOCTORS, NURSES AT HOSPITALS FIGHTING CORONAVIRUS
DUCHESS CAMILLA'S EX HUSBAND ANDREW PARKER-BOWLES TESTS POSITIVE FOR CORONAVIRUS
"I hope in the years to come everyone will be able to take pride in how they responded to this challenge," she said. "And, those who come after us will say that the Britons of this generation were as strong as any, that the attributes of self-discipline, of quiet, good-humored resolve, and of fellow feeling still characterize this country."
"The pride in who we are is not part of our past," she continued. "It defines our present and our future. The moments when the United Kingdom has come to applaud its care and essential workers will be remembered as an expression of our national spirit. And its symbol will be the rainbows drawn by children. Across the Commonwealth and around the world we have seen heartwarming stories of people coming together to help others. Be it through delivering food parcels and medicines, checking on neighbors, or converting businesses to help the relief effort."
Elizabeth noted that self-isolating can be challenging for those trying to make sense of the pandemic. However, their efforts to flatten the curve are being recognized and honored.
"And though self-isolating may at times be hard," she admitted. "[But] many people of all faiths and of none are discovering that it presents an opportunity to slow down, pause and reflect in prayer or meditation. It reminds me of the very first broadcast I made in 1940 helped by my sister. We as children spoke from here at Windsor to children who had been evacuated from their homes and sent away for their own safety."
PRINCE WILLIAM EAGER TO PILOT AIR AMBULANCES DURING CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC 'UNDER SECRECY,' SOURCE SAYS
PRINCE CHARLES OUT OF CORONAVIRUS SELF-ISOLATION, IN GOOD HEALTH AFTER TESTING POSITIVE
"Today, once again, many will feel a sense of separation from their loved ones," Elizabeth said. "But now, as then, we know deep down that it is the right thing to do. While we have faced challenges before, this one is different. This time we join with all nations across the globe in a common endeavor using the great advances of science and our instinctive compassion to heal."
"We will succeed, and that success will belong to every one of us," she concluded. "We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return. We will be with our friends again. We will be with our families again. We will meet again. But for now, I send my thanks and warmest good wishes to you all."
Sunday’s broadcast served as the first time the Queen has addressed the coronavirus on camera.
Elizabeth has given yearly Christmas messages but has given an address like this only on three previous occasions. The British royal delivered speeches at the time of the first Gulf War in 1991, before the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997, and after the Queen Mother’s death in 2002.
The crisis hit close to home for the monarch. Her son and heir to the British throne, Prince Charles, had a mild case of the disease. The Prince of Wales, 71, has since recovered, his office, Clarence House, confirmed to Fox News last week.
QUEEN ELIZABETH TO ADDRESS CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC IN TELEVISED BROADCAST
PRINCE CHARLES SPEAKS OUT ON CORONAVIRUS DIAGNOSIS: ‘I NOW FIND MYSELF ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ILLNESS’
Prince Harry and Prince William’s father also previously shared his own video message on social media, highlighting the importance of social distancing and assuring the public that he is on the mend.
A week after his diagnosis, Charles was still practicing social distancing and virtually opened a new hospital dedicated to serving coronavirus patients. It is the first time a member of the royal family has ever virtually opened a building.
The NHS Nightingale Hospital in London, recognized as the epicenter of Britain's outbreak, was converted from a convention hall in less than two weeks and has the capacity for 4,000 beds.
Elizabeth herself left London and has remained at her home in Windsor with her husband Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. The monarch and her 98-year-old spouse are among those over 70 whom the British government advised to stay home for 12 weeks.
MEGHAN MARKLE, PRINCE HARRY SHOULD SUPPORT THE ROYAL FAMILY DURING CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC, THOMAS MARKLE SAYS
QUEEN ELIZABETH SPOKE TO BORIS JOHNSON DAYS BEFORE HIS POSITIVE DIAGNOSIS
Palace insiders previously told Fox News Elizabeth was preparing to address the coronavirus pandemic in the U.K. for at least two weeks in hopes of bringing comfort to her people.
Elizabeth was just 14 years old when she made her first public speech in 1940 with a radio address to children across the Commonwealth -- many of whom were living away from home during World War II, People magazine reported. Her sister Princess Margaret, who was 10 at the time, also joined in.
PRINCES GEORGE, LOUIS AND PRINCESS CHARLOTTE CLAP FOR HEALTH CARE WORKERS FIGHTING CORONAVIRUS IN SWEET VIDEO
The outlet also shared that at her own insistence, Elizabeth joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service at age 18 and trained as a truck mechanic as a means of offering support during World War II.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.


foxnews--2020-04-05--Queen Elizabeth II draws praise online following coronavirus address

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Queen Elizabeth II has addressed the UK for only the fourth time in her nearly-seven decades as monarch , and her subjects seem to be pleased .
Viewers of the message -- which ran for nearly four and a half minutes -- took to Twitter after the Queen 's broadcast to share their reactions , which were overwhelmingly positive .
`` Nobody could have given that address tonight apart from The Queen , one user wrote , offering up several quotes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ succeed ' 'We will meet again ' 'Better days will come ' I think we all needed to hear that . ''
`` I love how the Queen has singlehandedly united the whole country , '' another user noted .
Another added : `` Honestly I totally fan girl over Her Majesty .
She ’ s has a shocking 12 months , yet here she is , propping the country up .
I felt every word of it .
What a woman . ''
`` The Queen .
Getting it right .
Every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MEGHAN MARKLE 'S REAL NAME AND TITLE REVEALED ON ARCHIE 'S BIRTH CERTIFICATE An individual from the UK said the Queen 's speech was `` exactly what we needed as a nation and commonwealth . ''
`` The Queen 's speech this evening was inspiring and amazing , '' another viewer wrote .
The Queen , 93 , said the world was experiencing `` an increasingly challenging time . ''
In addition to offering encouragement to the U.K. , she sent thanks to the British National Health Service and people working on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The address came after the Queen 's son , Prince Charles , exited self-isolation following a bout of coronavirus .

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Queen Elizabeth II has addressed the UK for only the fourth time in her nearly-seven decades as monarch, and her subjects seem to be pleased.
Viewers of the message -- which ran for nearly four and a half minutes -- took to Twitter after the Queen's broadcast to share their reactions, which were overwhelmingly positive.
"Nobody could have given that address tonight apart from The Queen, one user wrote, offering up several quotes from her speech. "'We will succeed' 'We will meet again' 'Better days will come' I think we all needed to hear that."
QUEEN ELIZABETH ADDRESSES CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC: 'WE WILL SUCCEED'
"I love how the Queen has singlehandedly united the whole country," another user noted.
Another added: "Honestly I totally fan girl over Her Majesty. She’s has a shocking 12 months, yet here she is, propping the country up. I felt every word of it. What a woman."
"The Queen. Getting it right. Every time," another fan wrote.
MEGHAN MARKLE'S REAL NAME AND TITLE REVEALED ON ARCHIE'S BIRTH CERTIFICATE
An individual from the UK said the Queen's speech was "exactly what we needed as a nation and commonwealth."
"The Queen's speech this evening was inspiring and amazing," another viewer wrote.
The Queen, 93, said the world was experiencing "an increasingly challenging time." In addition to offering encouragement to the U.K., she sent thanks to the British National Health Service and people working on the front lines to fight the disease.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The address came after the Queen's son, Prince Charles, exited self-isolation following a bout of coronavirus.


foxnews--2020-04-05--New Orleans area's coronavirus death rate is highest in US, data show

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The New Orleans area in southeast Louisiana had the highest coronavirus death rate in the U.S. as of Friday , according to a report .
Many of the fatalities have been spurred on in part by patients ' underlying health issues , Gov .
John Bel Edwards said .
Deaths per capita in St. John the Baptist Parish and Orleans Parish , which includes New Orleans , have even outpaced hard-hit New York , according to Gary Wagner , an economics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lafayette , The Wall Street Journal reported .
`` Basically the River parishes plus Terrebonne and Lafourche [ are ] having what we currently believe to be the highest growth rate and spread of COVID cases in the state , ” Edwards said last week , according to FOX 8 in New Orleans .
Dr. Nicole Saphier : Coronavirus – Deaths rising due to chronic illness , obesity should alarm us all '' Encourage those leaders , business leaders , political leaders , religious leaders , everybody to message as strongly as you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing , to follow the stay-at-home order so we can slow the spread , '' he added .
Along with Edwards ’ statewide stay-at-home order , which took effect March 23 , some areas in the two parishes have instituted curfews , FOX 8 reported .
Louisianans generally have more health issues than people in other parts of the country , including high rates of heart disease , diabetes and obesity , Edwards said , according to The Journal .
“ This data is not only poignant , it is a critical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on our city , ” The Data Center in Louisiana said in a news release , according to the Sun Herald of Biloxi , Miss .
“ While confirmed cases may be constrained by limited testing capacity and lag times in test results , death data is a closer reflection of the true infection rate , as well as medical capacity and the pre-existing health conditions that make our city so vulnerable to COVID-19.. ” But ill health is only part of the picture , Tulane University health economist Engy Ziedan told The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late ?
Are we waiting until someone develops a really bad cough and has no option but to show up to the hospital and needs a ventilator ?
” she suggested .
Louisiana ’ s death-per-hospitalization rate as of Friday was 22 percent , compared to New York at 15 percent , Ziedan said .
Edwards said he expects the rate to go down as more people are tested .
By Saturday night , the state had nearly 12,500 cases and 409 deaths .
Warner Thomas , president of Ochsner Health , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are stressing intensive-care-unit capacity as many patients stay in the ICU for two weeks or more and 85 percent of ICU patients need ventilators , according to The Journal .
The state expected Saturday to receive 200 more ventilators from a federal stockpile , the governor said , FOX 8 reported .

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The New Orleans area in southeast Louisiana had the highest coronavirus death rate in the U.S. as of Friday, according to a report.
Many of the fatalities have been spurred on in part by patients' underlying health issues, Gov. John Bel Edwards said.
Deaths per capita in St. John the Baptist Parish and Orleans Parish, which includes New Orleans, have even outpaced hard-hit New York, according to Gary Wagner, an economics professor at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, The Wall Street Journal reported.
"Basically the River parishes plus Terrebonne and Lafourche [are] having what we currently believe to be the highest growth rate and spread of COVID cases in the state,” Edwards said last week, according to FOX 8 in New Orleans.
Dr. Nicole Saphier: Coronavirus – Deaths rising due to chronic illness, obesity should alarm us all
"Encourage those leaders, business leaders, political leaders, religious leaders, everybody to message as strongly as you possibly can to communicate the need for social distancing, to follow the stay-at-home order so we can slow the spread," he added.
Along with Edwards’ statewide stay-at-home order, which took effect March 23, some areas in the two parishes have instituted curfews, FOX 8 reported.
Louisianans generally have more health issues than people in other parts of the country, including high rates of heart disease, diabetes and obesity, Edwards said, according to The Journal.
“This data is not only poignant, it is a critical measure of the true impact of COVID-19 on our city,” The Data Center in Louisiana said in a news release, according to the Sun Herald of Biloxi, Miss. “While confirmed cases may be constrained by limited testing capacity and lag times in test results, death data is a closer reflection of the true infection rate, as well as medical capacity and the pre-existing health conditions that make our city so vulnerable to COVID-19..”
But ill health is only part of the picture, Tulane University health economist Engy Ziedan told The Journal.
“Are we testing too late? Are we waiting until someone develops a really bad cough and has no option but to show up to the hospital and needs a ventilator?” she suggested.
Louisiana’s death-per-hospitalization rate as of Friday was 22 percent, compared to New York at 15 percent, Ziedan said.
Edwards said he expects the rate to go down as more people are tested.
By Saturday night, the state had nearly 12,500 cases and 409 deaths.
Warner Thomas, president of Ochsner Health, a Louisiana hospital network, said the cases are stressing intensive-care-unit capacity as many patients stay in the ICU for two weeks or more and 85 percent of ICU patients need ventilators, according to The Journal.
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
The state expected Saturday to receive 200 more ventilators from a federal stockpile, the governor said, FOX 8 reported.


foxnews--2020-04-05--Sean Hannity: Gov. Cuomo, stop denying New Yorkers hydroxychloroquine

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Enough is enough .
New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo needs to IMMEDIATELY lift his pharmacy ban that is forcing New Yorkers stricken by the coronavirus into an already overburdened hospital system to get the potentially life-saving drug hydroxychloroquine .
Because of an executive order issued by the Democratic governor , any new prescriptions for hydroxychloroquine must go through the already overrun hospital system .
This makes no sense .
Sources tell me that Cuomo has access to MILLIONS of doses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government has tens of millions of doses and has made millions of doses available to the New York governor .
SEAN HANNITY : CUOMO 'S CORONAVIRUS FAILURE – THE REAL REASON FOR NEW YORK 'S VENTILATOR SHORTAGE I live on Long Island and many doctors are telling me that they want to prescribe this medication to their patients who test positive for COVID-19 – the disease caused by the coronavirus – but do NOT need the patient to come to a hospital .
However , Cuomo ’ s executive order forbids pharmacies from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ creating a much bigger crisis in his state ’ s hospital system by denying New Yorkers THE CHOICE ( in consultation with their doctors ) to take this potentially life-saving medication .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE OPINION NEWSLETTER Many doctors believe hydroxychloroquine is the best treatment option available for their patients .
Why is Cuomo denying these ill New Yorkers this medication ?
Just a few days ago Dr. Mehmet Oz was a guest on my show .
I asked Dr. Oz about a randomized trial done by the Chinese that supports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients with COVID-19 .
Dr. Oz told me : “ This week when the controlled study came out , I thought there ’ d sort of be an embrace of it , because in only 62 patients they had statistically significant improvement with less fever , less coughing and improvement , significant improvement in pneumonia , all again statistically significant .
Dr. Oz added : “ We should at least be opening our minds to this idea , especially when so many doctors choose it as their Number One option outside this country.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cuomo completely ignored the specific and clear recommendations of his own health care task force to purchase 15,783 ventilators that the task force said would be needed for a pandemic such as COVID-19 .
But now Cuomo is making the problem exponentially worse by forcing every patient testing positive for the coronavirus into the hospital system to get this pharmaceutical treatment .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP This is a dereliction of duty .
The governor is failing the people of New York AGAIN .
Release the medicine , Gov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their doctors decide !
For some patients stricken with the coronavirus , this could be a matter of life and death .
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM SEAN HANNITY

Enough is enough. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo needs to IMMEDIATELY lift his pharmacy ban that is forcing New Yorkers stricken by the coronavirus into an already overburdened hospital system to get the potentially life-saving drug hydroxychloroquine.
Because of an executive order issued by the Democratic governor, any new prescriptions for hydroxychloroquine must go through the already overrun hospital system. This makes no sense.
Sources tell me that Cuomo has access to MILLIONS of doses of hydroxychloroquine right now. The federal government has tens of millions of doses and has made millions of doses available to the New York governor.
SEAN HANNITY: CUOMO'S CORONAVIRUS FAILURE – THE REAL REASON FOR NEW YORK'S VENTILATOR SHORTAGE
I live on Long Island and many doctors are telling me that they want to prescribe this medication to their patients who test positive for COVID-19 – the disease caused by the coronavirus – but do NOT need the patient to come to a hospital. However, Cuomo’s executive order forbids pharmacies from filling the prescriptions.
The governor is creating a much bigger crisis in his state’s hospital system by denying New Yorkers THE CHOICE (in consultation with their doctors) to take this potentially life-saving medication.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE OPINION NEWSLETTER
Many doctors believe hydroxychloroquine is the best treatment option available for their patients. Why is Cuomo denying these ill New Yorkers this medication?
Just a few days ago Dr. Mehmet Oz was a guest on my show. I asked Dr. Oz about a randomized trial done by the Chinese that supports the potential benefit of hydroxychloroquine to treat patients with COVID-19.
Dr. Oz told me: "This week when the controlled study came out, I thought there’d sort of be an embrace of it, because in only 62 patients they had statistically significant improvement with less fever, less coughing and improvement, significant improvement in pneumonia, all again statistically significant.
Dr. Oz added: "We should at least be opening our minds to this idea, especially when so many doctors choose it as their Number One option outside this country."
It’s bad enough that Cuomo completely ignored the specific and clear recommendations of his own health care task force to purchase 15,783 ventilators that the task force said would be needed for a pandemic such as COVID-19. But now Cuomo is making the problem exponentially worse by forcing every patient testing positive for the coronavirus into the hospital system to get this pharmaceutical treatment.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
This is a dereliction of duty. The governor is failing the people of New York AGAIN.
Release the medicine, Gov. Cuomo and let New Yorkers and their doctors decide! For some patients stricken with the coronavirus, this could be a matter of life and death.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM SEAN HANNITY


foxnews--2020-04-03--WHO official warns of being 'over-focused' on China's coronavirus data

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Observers have become “ over-focused ” on China and its coronavirus data , according to World Health Organization ( WHO ) official Dr. Michael Ryan .
Ryan defended China in a press conference on Thursday after a reporter asked him whether WHO has been “ manipulated or taken for a ride ” by accepting China ’ s data .
“ I think we need to be very careful also not to be profiling certain parts of the world as being uncooperative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look at transparency across the world , ” Ryan said .
He claimed , for example , that there was a “ lack of precise information from Italy , ” the nation hardest-hit in Europe by the pandemic .
ITALY APPEARS TO BE FLATTENING ITS CURVE “ Are we saying they ’ re lacking transparency and not sending WHO all the data every day ?
No , '' he continued .
“ Frankly , at times I think we get over-focused on this issue.
” Ryan previously spoke out about the use of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying it could lead to racial profiling against Asians when he saw “ no blame in this , '' meaning the origin of the virus , which was Wuhan , a city in China .
U.S. intelligence officials reportedly concluded that the Chinese government has not been transparent about its numbers and may have concealed the extent of the pandemic within its borders .
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP Sen. Rick Scott , R-Fla. , has called for a congressional hearing on the WHO ’ s ties to China .

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Observers have become “over-focused” on China and its coronavirus data, according to World Health Organization (WHO) official Dr. Michael Ryan.
Ryan defended China in a press conference on Thursday after a reporter asked him whether WHO has been “manipulated or taken for a ride” by accepting China’s data.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
“I think we need to be very careful also not to be profiling certain parts of the world as being uncooperative or non-transparent, and we need to look at transparency across the world,” Ryan said.
He claimed, for example, that there was a “lack of precise information from Italy,” the nation hardest-hit in Europe by the pandemic.
ITALY APPEARS TO BE FLATTENING ITS CURVE
“Are we saying they’re lacking transparency and not sending WHO all the data every day? No," he continued. “Frankly, at times I think we get over-focused on this issue.”
ASIAN AMERICANS REPORTED HUNDREDS OF RACIST ACTS
Ryan previously spoke out about the use of the term “Chinese virus,” saying it could lead to racial profiling against Asians when he saw “no blame in this," meaning the origin of the virus, which was Wuhan, a city in China.
U.S. intelligence officials reportedly concluded that the Chinese government has not been transparent about its numbers and may have concealed the extent of the pandemic within its borders.
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Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., has called for a congressional hearing on the WHO’s ties to China.


foxnews--2020-04-05--Coronavirus lockdowns have caused the Earth to effectively stop shaking

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The coronavirus pandemic has left most of the world 's major cities , including London , New York and others , empty .
It 's also having one surprising effect on the planet as well .
With travel effectively ground to a halt , seismologists around the globe have reported a drop in seismic noise , according to an article in the scientific journal Nature .
Researchers say the drop in activity , usually only seen to this magnitude around Christmas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and monitor volcanic activity more effectively .
CORONAVIRUS 'ACHILLES ' HEEL ' MAY HAVE BEEN FOUND , EXPERTS SAY “ You ’ ll get a signal with less noise on top , allowing you to squeeze a little more information out of those events , ” Andy Frassetto , a seismologist at the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology in Washington , D.C. , told Nature “ There ’ s a big chance indeed it could lead to better measurements , ” Thomas Lecocq , a seismologist at the Royal Observatory of Belgium , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is seeing a 30 to 50 percent reduction in ambient noise since it went on lockdown in the middle of March .
The Royal Observatory made sure to note the Earth is `` still shaking , '' just at a significantly smaller measure .
On March 27 , the data from the observatory was even clearer , showing the changes in the Earth 's movement .
Researchers in other parts of the globe , including in Los Angeles and West London , U.K. , noticed a similar occurrence , Nature added .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million coronavirus cases have been diagnosed worldwide , more than 312,000 of which are in the U.S. , the most impacted country .

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The coronavirus pandemic has left most of the world's major cities, including London, New York and others, empty. It's also having one surprising effect on the planet as well.
The Earth has essentially stopped vibrating.
With travel effectively ground to a halt, seismologists around the globe have reported a drop in seismic noise, according to an article in the scientific journal Nature.
Researchers say the drop in activity, usually only seen to this magnitude around Christmas, could help experts find smaller earthquakes and monitor volcanic activity more effectively.
CORONAVIRUS 'ACHILLES' HEEL' MAY HAVE BEEN FOUND, EXPERTS SAY
“You’ll get a signal with less noise on top, allowing you to squeeze a little more information out of those events,” Andy Frassetto, a seismologist at the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology in Washington, D.C., told Nature
“There’s a big chance indeed it could lead to better measurements,” Thomas Lecocq, a seismologist at the Royal Observatory of Belgium, added.
Lecocq told CNN that Brussels is seeing a 30 to 50 percent reduction in ambient noise since it went on lockdown in the middle of March.
The Royal Observatory made sure to note the Earth is "still shaking," just at a significantly smaller measure.
On March 27, the data from the observatory was even clearer, showing the changes in the Earth's movement.
Researchers in other parts of the globe, including in Los Angeles and West London, U.K., noticed a similar occurrence, Nature added.
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
As of Sunday morning, more than 1.22 million coronavirus cases have been diagnosed worldwide, more than 312,000 of which are in the U.S., the most impacted country.
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foxnews--2020-04-05--Stay-at-home orders should apply to entire US, former HHS official says

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Dr. Anand Parekh , former deputy assistant secretary for health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services ( HHS ) , joined anchor Jon Scott on `` Fox Report Weekend '' to discuss the efforts underway to slow the spread of coronavirus , saying the whole country needs to get behind a stay-at-home order .
`` We need to double down , really need the whole country under a stay-home order , '' Parekh said .
`` Because we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what reduces infections and all the models .
The thing [ that ] distinguishes one model from another is how well we do in social distancing . ''
Parekh warned that with testing yet to expand , health officials do n't yet know the true extend of the spread of the virus .
`` Because we have n't been able to expand testing ... we do n't quite know the full sort of distribution or transmission of the virus , '' Parekh said .
The chief medical adviser at the Bipartisan Policy Center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure the health care community can handle what 's to come .
`` The pandemic curve is going to hit every state , every community , '' Parekh said .
`` You need to put into practice social distancing ahead of time to see the differences .
Several weeks down the road , this is the time to really prepare the health care system -- and the best way to do that , to reduce that surge in the coming weeks , is right now to ensure that social distancing is implemented at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GET THE FOX NEWS APP '' And that 's really what the stay home order is trying to do to reduce all of that nonessential travel and movement , reduce the contact rate , reduce the number of infections , '' Parekh added .
`` John , that is the most important thing we can do right now to reduce future death . ''

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Dr. Anand Parekh, former deputy assistant secretary for health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), joined anchor Jon Scott on "Fox Report Weekend" to discuss the efforts underway to slow the spread of coronavirus, saying the whole country needs to get behind a stay-at-home order.
"We need to double down, really need the whole country under a stay-home order," Parekh said. "Because we know that reducing the contact rate is what reduces infections and all the models. The thing [that] distinguishes one model from another is how well we do in social distancing."
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
Parekh warned that with testing yet to expand, health officials don't yet know the true extend of the spread of the virus.
"Because we haven't been able to expand testing ... we don't quite know the full sort of distribution or transmission of the virus," Parekh said.
The chief medical adviser at the Bipartisan Policy Center said social distancing was key to making sure the health care community can handle what's to come.
"The pandemic curve is going to hit every state, every community," Parekh said. "You need to put into practice social distancing ahead of time to see the differences. Several weeks down the road, this is the time to really prepare the health care system -- and the best way to do that, to reduce that surge in the coming weeks, is right now to ensure that social distancing is implemented at its maximum."
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
"And that's really what the stay home order is trying to do to reduce all of that nonessential travel and movement, reduce the contact rate, reduce the number of infections," Parekh added. "John, that is the most important thing we can do right now to reduce future death."


foxnews--2020-04-04--Paul Batura: The Palm Sunday that gave me hope the sun would shine again

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It was supposed to be a weekend of celebration , an opportunity to mark not only the beginning of Holy Week but also a time to start planning and dreaming of life with a baby .
Instead , on the Saturday before Palm Sunday , my wife , Julie , and I cried for hours – mourning and grieving yet another miscarriage and a continuation of years of infertility .
It ’ s been 15 years since that gut-wrenching day .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of life from the coronavirus pandemic , my mind is wandering back there again .
NURSES GATHER TO PRAY ON ROOFTOPS DURING CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC Nut not to the hopelessness we felt on that Saturday – but to the hope that dawned the next day .
Our faith has always provided us with solace in sorrow and so it only made sense to pull ourselves together that next morning and head off to our usual Sunday service in downtown Colorado Springs .
The church that morning was festively decorated and filled with smiling worshippers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be so happy .
Instead , I remember feeling disconnected , nervous and out of sorts .
It was only then that I understood what the writer C.S .
Lewis once wrote , that “ No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear.
” CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR OPINION NEWSLETTER As the young kids of the church processed up the aisle to open the service wearing their red robes and waving palm branches , we sang the words of the traditional Palm Sunday hymn : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To thee , Redeemer , King , To whom the lips of children , Made sweet hosannas ring . ''
The sight of the fresh-faced kids and then singing the line about children was almost too much for me .
Would we ever have a child processing up the aisle with a palm branch in their hand ?
After so many years of disappointment , it was beginning to seem increasingly unlikely .
As a young boy , Palm Sunday always struck me as something of an odd outlier of a celebration .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the festiveness of a royal procession – and then so quickly to the tragedy of Good Friday and then Jesus ’ crucifixion and resurrection three days later seemed so whipsaw .
How can your fortunes swing so rapidly , from triumph to tragedy and then to triumph again ?
Over the years , I ’ ve grown to see that Jesus ’ wild week is something of a metaphor for our lives .
If you ’ re not in trouble today , hold on – you ’ re headed for it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ predicament , don ’ t despair – the tide that goes out will always come back in .
God is always at work , even in the midst of great tragedy like the coronavirus .
And yes , even in the lives of an infertile couple desperately praying for a baby .
In fact , I ’ ve come to believe that it ’ s when God seems most absent that He is often doing His greatest work .
But the very real substance of Palm Sunday is not that good things can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that God often uses the weak and powerless to demonstrate true strength .
It ’ s a reminder that He turns the wisdom and ways of the world upside down all the time .
On that first Palm Sunday , Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a baby donkey – hardly a symbol of strength and might .
In that scene , I think we ’ re reminded that all of us are entirely dependent upon God .
He doesn ’ t do things like we do things , which is why we often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s up to , especially now in the chaos of COVID-19 .
Sitting in that church that Sunday morning , lamenting our lot and choking back tears , my eyes wandered to a notice in the bulletin announcing the next week ’ s Easter Sunday sermon .
It was to be preached by our pastor , and it was to be his last .
Retiring after 34 years at the helm of First Presbyterian Church , Dr. John H. Stevens had selected for his theme a subject that lifted me from my despair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Make.
” Palm Sunday ’ s cry of “ Hosanna !
” – which means “ God save us !
” – was a desperate plea 2,000 years ago and an appropriate one now in our world ’ s time of need .
The coming of Easter is a reminder to hold up and hang on .
One day can make all the difference , indeed .
God never answered our prayer , at least in the way we were praying .
Julie has never given birth to a biological child , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we were introduced to a young woman who was looking to make an adoption plan for her son , who was due that summer .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Riley eventually processed with those palm branches – and I will never see or sing that song the same way again .
Wherever you are this Palm Sunday , don ’ t give up .
Don ’ t lose hope .
We may not be able to see what God is up to , but we can still believe He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As you received their praises , Accept the prayers we bring , for you delight in goodness , O good and gracious King !
” CLICK HERE TO READ MORE BY PAUL BATURA

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It was supposed to be a weekend of celebration, an opportunity to mark not only the beginning of Holy Week but also a time to start planning and dreaming of life with a baby.
Instead, on the Saturday before Palm Sunday, my wife, Julie, and I cried for hours – mourning and grieving yet another miscarriage and a continuation of years of infertility.
It’s been 15 years since that gut-wrenching day. Amid shuttered churches and a mounting loss of life from the coronavirus pandemic, my mind is wandering back there again.
NURSES GATHER TO PRAY ON ROOFTOPS DURING CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Nut not to the hopelessness we felt on that Saturday – but to the hope that dawned the next day.
Our faith has always provided us with solace in sorrow and so it only made sense to pull ourselves together that next morning and head off to our usual Sunday service in downtown Colorado Springs.
The church that morning was festively decorated and filled with smiling worshippers. I looked around and wished I could be so happy. Instead, I remember feeling disconnected, nervous and out of sorts. It was only then that I understood what the writer C.S. Lewis once wrote, that “No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear.”
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR OPINION NEWSLETTER
As the young kids of the church processed up the aisle to open the service wearing their red robes and waving palm branches, we sang the words of the traditional Palm Sunday hymn: “All glory, laud and honor, To thee, Redeemer, King, To whom the lips of children, Made sweet hosannas ring."
The sight of the fresh-faced kids and then singing the line about children was almost too much for me. Would we ever have a child processing up the aisle with a palm branch in their hand? After so many years of disappointment, it was beginning to seem increasingly unlikely.
As a young boy, Palm Sunday always struck me as something of an odd outlier of a celebration. To go from the soberness of Lent to the festiveness of a royal procession – and then so quickly to the tragedy of Good Friday and then Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection three days later seemed so whipsaw.
How can your fortunes swing so rapidly, from triumph to tragedy and then to triumph again?
Over the years, I’ve grown to see that Jesus’ wild week is something of a metaphor for our lives. If you’re not in trouble today, hold on – you’re headed for it. But if you are in a dire predicament, don’t despair – the tide that goes out will always come back in.
God is always at work, even in the midst of great tragedy like the coronavirus. And yes, even in the lives of an infertile couple desperately praying for a baby.
In fact, I’ve come to believe that it’s when God seems most absent that He is often doing His greatest work.
But the very real substance of Palm Sunday is not that good things can come from bad. It’s that God often uses the weak and powerless to demonstrate true strength. It’s a reminder that He turns the wisdom and ways of the world upside down all the time.
On that first Palm Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a baby donkey – hardly a symbol of strength and might. In that scene, I think we’re reminded that all of us are entirely dependent upon God. He doesn’t do things like we do things, which is why we often don’t understand what He’s up to, especially now in the chaos of COVID-19.
Sitting in that church that Sunday morning, lamenting our lot and choking back tears, my eyes wandered to a notice in the bulletin announcing the next week’s Easter Sunday sermon. It was to be preached by our pastor, and it was to be his last. Retiring after 34 years at the helm of First Presbyterian Church, Dr. John H. Stevens had selected for his theme a subject that lifted me from my despair: “The Difference a Day Can Make.”
Palm Sunday’s cry of “Hosanna!” – which means “God save us!” – was a desperate plea 2,000 years ago and an appropriate one now in our world’s time of need.
The coming of Easter is a reminder to hold up and hang on. One day can make all the difference, indeed.
God never answered our prayer, at least in the way we were praying. Julie has never given birth to a biological child, but a week after Easter that year, we were introduced to a young woman who was looking to make an adoption plan for her son, who was due that summer.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Riley eventually processed with those palm branches – and I will never see or sing that song the same way again.
Wherever you are this Palm Sunday, don’t give up. Don’t lose hope. We may not be able to see what God is up to, but we can still believe He is working as we sing, “As you received their praises, Accept the prayers we bring, for you delight in goodness, O good and gracious King!”
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE BY PAUL BATURA


foxnews--2020-04-05--Coronavirus fears preceded Illinois couple's murder-suicide, sheriff says

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An Illinois couple is dead in a murder-suicide this week after a 54-year-old man told relatives he feared the two of them had contracted the coronavirus , authorities said .
Deputies from the Will County Sheriff ’ s Office went to the Lockport Township home of Patrick Jesernik and Cheryl Schriefer , 59 , for a welfare check Thursday -- and found them dead in separate rooms with gunshot wounds to their heads .
The responding deputies recovered a loaded revolver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ additional rounds , according to the sheriff ’ s office .
CLICK FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK The person who called police told deputies that Jesernik ’ s parents asked him to check on their son because they hadn ’ t heard from him .
“ There were no signs of a struggle , and the home was neat and orderly , ” authorities said in a press release , and all of the windows and doors were locked from the inside .
The sheriff ’ s department said it had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ address , and both Jesernik and Schriefer had had “ very limited police contact.
” Family members arrived at the scene and told deputies that Jesernik was scared that he and Schriefer had both contracted COVID-19 , the sheriff ’ s office said .
Schriefer had a test done earlier in the week after reportedly having a hard time breathing -- but the family said they were not aware that she ever got the result .
Investigators said autopsies later found that Schriefer had been shot in the back of the head at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a self-inflicted gunshot .
The autopsies also found that neither of them had COVID-19 .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The coronavirus has swept across the nation , infecting more than 300,000 Americans as of Saturday , killing more than 8,000 within the U.S. Illinois authorities reported 10,357 cases , including 243 deaths as of Saturday .
But the Will County Sheriff ’ s Office says the vast majority of the calls it is receiving have to do with domestic disputes .
Authorities there are reminding residents that the county @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of protection from Monday to Saturday .

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An Illinois couple is dead in a murder-suicide this week after a 54-year-old man told relatives he feared the two of them had contracted the coronavirus, authorities said.
Deputies from the Will County Sheriff’s Office went to the Lockport Township home of Patrick Jesernik and Cheryl Schriefer, 59, for a welfare check Thursday -- and found them dead in separate rooms with gunshot wounds to their heads.
The responding deputies recovered a loaded revolver with two spent shell casings and three additional rounds, according to the sheriff’s office.
CLICK FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK
The person who called police told deputies that Jesernik’s parents asked him to check on their son because they hadn’t heard from him.
“There were no signs of a struggle, and the home was neat and orderly,” authorities said in a press release, and all of the windows and doors were locked from the inside. The sheriff’s department said it had no record of domestic disputes at the address, and both Jesernik and Schriefer had had “very limited police contact.”
Family members arrived at the scene and told deputies that Jesernik was scared that he and Schriefer had both contracted COVID-19, the sheriff’s office said. Schriefer had a test done earlier in the week after reportedly having a hard time breathing -- but the family said they were not aware that she ever got the result.
Investigators said autopsies later found that Schriefer had been shot in the back of the head at close range, and Jesernik died of a self-inflicted gunshot.
The autopsies also found that neither of them had COVID-19.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The coronavirus has swept across the nation, infecting more than 300,000 Americans as of Saturday, killing more than 8,000 within the U.S. Illinois authorities reported 10,357 cases, including 243 deaths as of Saturday.
But the Will County Sheriff’s Office says the vast majority of the calls it is receiving have to do with domestic disputes. Authorities there are reminding residents that the county courthouse remains open and can issue orders of protection from Monday to Saturday.


foxnews--2020-04-05--Coronavirus shutdowns keep African elite from seeking medical care abroad

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Africa ’ s coronavirus travel ban is making it difficult for rulers and rich people to fly abroad for emergency medical care , as they 've done in the past .
For years , leaders from Benin to Zimbabwe have received medical care outside of Africa while their own poorly funded health systems limp from crisis to crisis , The Associated Press reports .
The practice is so notorious that a South African health minister , Aaron Motsoaledi , a few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the only continent that has its leaders seeking medical services outside the continent , outside our territory .
We must be ashamed.
” But that option could be narrowing as 30 of Africa ’ s 57 international airports have closed or severely limited flights , the AP reports .
CLICK HERE FOR MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE Perhaps “ COVID-19 is an opportunity for our leaders to reexamine their priorities , ” said Livingstone Sewanyana of the Foundation for Human Rights Initiative , which has long urged African countries to increase health care spending .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes with the World Health Organization warning of an “ imminent surge ” of COVID-19 cases in Africa .
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus delivered the warning in a teleconference with African heads of states , the New York Post reported Saturday .
Africa has more than 7,700 confirmed COVID-19 cases , with South Africa one of the hardest-hit countries , according to the paper .
A frequent overseas traveler , Cameroon ’ s 87-year-old leader , President Paul Biya , faces rising criticism over his public absence since the virus spread to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday to over 500 , the second-most in the sub-Saharan region after South Africa .
While travel restrictions have grounded the merely wealthy , political analyst Alex Rusero said a determined African leader probably could still find a way to go abroad for care .
CORONAVIRUS MEASURES IN AFRICA ESCALATE TO VIOLENCE AS POLICE , MILITARY ENFORCE LOCKDOWNS “ They are scared of death so much they will do everything within their disposal , even if it ’ s a private jet to a private hospital in a foreign land , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whose late President Robert Mugabe often sought treatment in Asia .
Perhaps nowhere is the situation bleaker than in Zimbabwe , where the health system has collapsed .
Even before the pandemic , patients ’ families were often asked to provide essentials like gloves and clean water .
Doctors reported using bread bags to collect patients ’ urine .
Zimbabwe ’ s vice president , Constantino Chiwenga , departed last month for unrelated medical treatment in China , as the outbreak eased in that country .
Zimbabwe closed its borders days later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Chiwenga has since returned -- to lead the country ’ s coronavirus task force .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .

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Africa’s coronavirus travel ban is making it difficult for rulers and rich people to fly abroad for emergency medical care, as they've done in the past.
For years, leaders from Benin to Zimbabwe have received medical care outside of Africa while their own poorly funded health systems limp from crisis to crisis, The Associated Press reports.
The practice is so notorious that a South African health minister, Aaron Motsoaledi, a few years ago scolded, “We are the only continent that has its leaders seeking medical services outside the continent, outside our territory. We must be ashamed.”
But that option could be narrowing as 30 of Africa’s 57 international airports have closed or severely limited flights, the AP reports.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
Perhaps “COVID-19 is an opportunity for our leaders to reexamine their priorities,” said Livingstone
Sewanyana of the Foundation for Human Rights Initiative, which has long urged African countries to increase health care spending.
SOUTH AFRICANS IGNORE STAY-AT-HOME ORDER IMPOSED TO TACKLE CORONAVIRUS
The grounding of Africa’s wealthy comes with the World Health Organization warning of an “imminent surge” of COVID-19 cases in Africa.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus delivered the warning in a teleconference with African heads of states, the New York Post reported Saturday.
Africa has more than 7,700 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with South Africa one of the hardest-hit countries, according to the paper.
A frequent overseas traveler, Cameroon’s 87-year-old leader, President Paul Biya, faces rising criticism over his public absence since the virus spread to his country. Cases in Cameroon lept Friday to over 500, the second-most in the sub-Saharan region after South Africa.
While travel restrictions have grounded the merely wealthy, political analyst Alex Rusero said a determined African leader probably could still find a way to go abroad for care.
CORONAVIRUS MEASURES IN AFRICA ESCALATE TO VIOLENCE AS POLICE, MILITARY ENFORCE LOCKDOWNS
“They are scared of death so much they will do everything within their disposal, even if it’s a private jet to a private hospital in a foreign land,” said Rusero, who is based in Zimbabwe, whose late President Robert Mugabe often sought treatment in Asia.
Perhaps nowhere is the situation bleaker than in Zimbabwe, where the health system has collapsed. Even before the pandemic, patients’ families were often asked to provide essentials like gloves and clean water. Doctors reported using bread bags to collect patients’ urine.
Zimbabwe’s vice president, Constantino Chiwenga, departed last month for unrelated medical treatment in China, as the outbreak eased in that country. Zimbabwe closed its borders days later after its first virus death.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Chiwenga has since returned -- to lead the country’s coronavirus task force.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.


foxnews--2020-04-05--Phoenix nonprofit holds coronavirus drive-thru Easter basket distribution

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Instead of a big gathering , a Phoenix nonprofit conducted a coronavirus drive-thru event to distribute Easter baskets to families in need .
`` What we normally would do , petting zoo , arts and crafts , face painting , families hanging out together - what we 're doing instead is making sure basic needs are met , '' the nonprofit ’ s Nathan Smith told Fox 10 Phoenix .
ARIZONA BORDER TOWN FEELS STRAIN OF CORONAVIRUS CLOSURES : 'IT HAS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we 've got to make sure people have what they need to eat , '' Smith said .
Rescue Mission handed out 670 Easter baskets to 300 families during the drive-thru celebration , according to the station .
CLICK HERE FOR MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE Victoria Luezano showed up with her seven children in tow .
She told the station that despite the coronavirus ' effects on her family , she 's trying to stay positive for her kids .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP '' I think it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exciting , but for them , it 's their childhood , '' Luezano said .
`` They 're going to be able , you know , [ to ] spend Easter with me at home , [ and ] have something for us , so I mean , they 're excited . ''

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Instead of a big gathering, a Phoenix nonprofit conducted a coronavirus drive-thru event to distribute Easter baskets to families in need.
Saturday’s event was sponsored by Rescue Mission.
"What we normally would do, petting zoo, arts and crafts, face painting, families hanging out together - what we're doing instead is making sure basic needs are met," the nonprofit’s Nathan Smith told Fox 10 Phoenix.
ARIZONA BORDER TOWN FEELS STRAIN OF CORONAVIRUS CLOSURES: 'IT HAS BEEN REALLY TOUGH'
Food and candy filled each basket.
"It's critical, we've got to make sure people have what they need to eat," Smith said.
Rescue Mission handed out 670 Easter baskets to 300 families during the drive-thru celebration, according to the station.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
Victoria Luezano showed up with her seven children in tow.
She told the station that despite the coronavirus' effects on her family, she's trying to stay positive for her kids.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
"I think it's real important for me -- it's exciting, but for them, it's their childhood," Luezano said.
"They're going to be able, you know, [to] spend Easter with me at home, [and] have something for us, so I mean, they're excited."


foxnews--2020-04-05--Rep. Devin Nunes on Trump considering second task force to reopen economy

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House Intelligence Committee ranking member Devin Nunes , R-Calif. , reacted on Sunday to President Trump ’ s statement the day before saying he is considering creating a second coronavirus task force focused on reopening America ’ s economy .
“ We ’ ve never actually unplugged an entire economy and don ’ t forget it ’ s almost an entire global economy so clearly things have to happen , ” Nunes said on “ Fox & Friends Weekend ” on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thinks “ one of the most important opportunities that we have as we look forward ” is trying to get access to “ that blood test that tests whether or not an American has had this [ COVID-19 ] in the past so that we actually would know those of us that have been exposed to this because we know this virus is extremely contagious.
” He added , “ What we know from the past is that there ’ s a lot of people who don ’ t show the symptoms .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have on the horizon here is the approval of the test where people could take blood tests , those people then could go back out in the workforce.
” When asked if he has any indication of how far America is from getting the economy back on track , Nunes said , “ It ’ s really between what are the hot spots and what are not.
” “ The president has been pretty clear that he wants the governors to decide and I think that ’ s best , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county or city level might be an even better idea .
CORONAVIRUS : WHAT TO KNOW He explained that letting “ local politicians and the local doctors that are monitoring the situation on the ground ” decide would be a good option .
As of Sunday , there were more than 371,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S. with more than 9,000 deaths reported , according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University .
California is one of the states with the most coronavirus cases reported with more than 13,900 , following Michigan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to data compiled by Fox News .
Nunes who spoke from California on Sunday , noted that not everyone has stopped working during the new coronavirus outbreak .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP “ I ’ m in an agricultural region and we can ’ t stop , ” he said .
“ We have animals that have to eat .
We have plants that have to be tended to so a lot of folks in the San Joaquin Valley , which is that big valley in the middle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work seven days a week , 24 hours a day to make sure that people have an abundant food supply in this country .
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House Intelligence Committee ranking member Devin Nunes, R-Calif., reacted on Sunday to President Trump’s statement the day before saying he is considering creating a second coronavirus task force focused on reopening America’s economy.
“We’ve never actually unplugged an entire economy and don’t forget it’s almost an entire global economy so clearly things have to happen,” Nunes said on “Fox & Friends Weekend” on Sunday.
Nunes then said that he thinks “one of the most important opportunities that we have as we look forward” is trying to get access to “that blood test that tests whether or not an American has had this [COVID-19] in the past so that we actually would know those of us that have been exposed to this because we know this virus is extremely contagious.”
He added, “What we know from the past is that there’s a lot of people who don’t show the symptoms. So one of the optimistic things that we have on the horizon here is the approval of the test where people could take blood tests, those people then could go back out in the workforce.”
When asked if he has any indication of how far America is from getting the economy back on track, Nunes said, “It’s really between what are the hot spots and what are not.”
“The president has been pretty clear that he wants the governors to decide and I think that’s best,” he continued, adding that deciding on the county or city level might be an even better idea.
CORONAVIRUS: WHAT TO KNOW
He explained that letting “local politicians and the local doctors that are monitoring the situation on the ground” decide would be a good option.
As of Sunday, there were more than 371,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S. with more than 9,000 deaths reported, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.
California is one of the states with the most coronavirus cases reported with more than 13,900, following Michigan, New Jersey and New York, according to data compiled by Fox News.
Nunes who spoke from California on Sunday, noted that not everyone has stopped working during the new coronavirus outbreak.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“I’m in an agricultural region and we can’t stop,” he said. “We have animals that have to eat. We have plants that have to be tended to so a lot of folks in the San Joaquin Valley, which is that big valley in the middle of California, our folks are going to work seven days a week, 24 hours a day to make sure that people have an abundant food supply in this country.”