foxnews--2020-04-15--Global battle erupts as Trump pulls WHO funding over coronavirus response

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President Trump ’ s decision to suspend funding to the World Health Organization amid the coronavirus crisis touched off an international war of words overnight as Democratic lawmakers in Washington as well as international bodies like the European Union condemned the move .
The president announced Tuesday that the United States would immediately halt funding for the health organization , saying it had put “ political correctness over lifesaving measures , ” noting that the U.S. would undertake a 60-to-90 day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WHO had caused “ so much death ” by “ severely mismanaging and covering up ” the coronavirus spread .
TRUMP ANNOUNCES US WILL HALT FUNDING TO WHO Republicans on Capitol Hill , many of whom have been sharply critical of the World Health Organization and calling for weeks to get tough on the organization for allegedly helping China suppress information about the outbreak in the early stages , cheered the president ’ s decision .
“ Glad to see @ realDonaldTrump halt funding to the @ WHO .
We need to review @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the # Coronavirus , before any more taxpayer money is spent , ” Sen. Rick Scott , R-Fla. , tweeted .
“ This was the right move and I look forward to a full Congressional investigation into the WHO.
” But the partisan divide quickly opened .
Following the announcement , House Oversight Committee Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney , D-N.Y. , and House Subcommittee on National Security Chairman Steven Lynch , D-Mass.
, penned a letter to the president slamming his decision to withhold funding to the organization amid the global pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ WHO has shortcomings that must be corrected , your attack on the global health organization can easily be seen as a deliberate but transparent effort to deflect responsibility for your own failures onto others , ” Maloney and Lynch wrote , adding that Trump ’ s “ attempt to blame the WHO for trusting China reflects an astonishing level of hypocrisy given your own fawning and widely publicized praise of President Xi Jinping and his government for their handling of this crisis.
” They added : “ While the WHO may have made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it was certainly not alone , and it defies logic to withhold support from the WHO at this pivotal moment—at the height of a global pandemic—when promoting the health of nations around the world is essential to protecting our own population and rebuilding our own economy.
” Sen. Ben Cardin , D-Md.
, blasted the president ’ s move as “ irresponsible , irrational and simply the wrong thing to do.
” Also late Tuesday , the American Medical Association weighed in , immediately calling on Trump to reconsider his decision .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a century , halting funding to the World Health Organization is a dangerous step in the wrong direction that will not make defeating COVID-19 easier , '' AMA President Patrice A. Harris said in a statement .
Meanwhile , international officials and bodies also weighed in , condemning the president ’ s move .
The European Union early Wednesday said Trump had “ no reason ” to freeze funding to WHO , especially at this critical stage of the COVID-19 pandemic , and urged measures to instead promote unity .
EU foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bloc `` deeply '' regrets the suspension of funds and added that the U.N. health agency is now `` needed more than ever '' to combat the pandemic .
Borrell added that “ only by joining forces can we overcome this crisis that knows no borders.
” United Nations ' Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the timing for the decision was wrong .
“ It is my belief that the World Health Organization must be supported , as it is absolutely critical to the world ’ s efforts to win the war against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that “ it also not the time to reduce the resources for the operations of the World Health Organization or any other humanitarian organization in the fight against the virus.
” He added : `` Once we have finally turned the page on this epidemic , there must be a time to look back fully to understand how such a disease emerged and spread its devastation so quickly across the globe , and how all those involved reacted to the crisis .
The lessons learned will be essential to effectively address similar challenges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future . ''
STATE DEPT CABLES HIGHLIGHT POSSIBLE ROLE OF CHINESE LAB IN VIRUS ' ORIGIN And a foreign ministry spokesman for China also blasted the move , vowing to continue China 's support .
“ This U.S. decision will weaken the WHO ’ s capabilities and undermine international cooperation , ” the spokesman said , according to Bloomberg .
But Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison sympathized with Trump , noting that the WHO is “ not immune from criticism , ” but also saying that his country would not take the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criticisms and I ’ ve made a few of my own , ” Morrison told Perth Radio 6PR on Wednesday .
“ WHO is also as an organization does a lot of important work , including here in our own region in the Pacific , and we work closely with them so we ’ re not going to throw the baby out with the bathwater here.
” He added , though , that WHO is “ not immune from criticism and immune from doing things better.
” The United States is the WHO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State Department had previously planned to provide the agency $ 893 million in the current two-year funding period .
Trump said the United States contributes roughly $ 400 to $ 500 million per year to WHO , while China offers only about $ 40 million .
The money saved will go to areas that `` most need it , '' Trump asserted .
`` We have deep concerns over whether America 's generosity has been put to the best use possible , '' Trump said Tuesday , accusing the WHO of failing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the threat of the coronavirus .
`` The WHO failed in this duty , and must be held accountable , '' Trump said Tuesday .
He added that the WHO had ignored `` credible information '' in December 2019 that the virus could be transmitted from human to human .
Last week , Rep. Mike McCaul , R-Texas , said the WHO and the Chinese Communist Party were “ co-conspirators ” in allegedly hiding information about the novel coronavirus in its early stages , and called it “ the worst cover-up in human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the WHO to step down .
The Chinese government began suppressing news about the virus early on , and even detained Dr. Li Wenliang , who has since died of coronavirus after trying to warn the international community of the threat .
Nevertheless , on Jan. 8 , the WHO declared : “ Preliminary identification of a novel virus in a short period of time is a notable achievement and demonstrates China ’ s increased capacity to manage new outbreaks . ''
Again on Jan. 14 , the WHO simply echoed Chinese government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Chinese authorities have found no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission of the novel coronavirus ( 2019-nCoV ) identified in Wuhan , China.
” By Jan. 19 , the WHO had changed its tune somewhat , but still hedged .
“ Not enough is known to draw definitive conclusions about how it is transmitted , the clinical features of the disease , the extent to which it has spread , or its source , which remains unknown.
” Reports suggest senior WHO officials suspected human-to-human transmission from the outset .
Meanwhile , many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Adhanom Ghebreyesus to resign from his post amid the controversy .
Last week , Tedros vehemently defended his agency amid criticism from Trump and others .
“ If you don ’ t want many more body bags you refrain from politicizing it — please quarantine politicizing COVID , ” he told reporters , after Trump threatened to look at cutting funding to the organization .
`` My short message is please quarantine politicizing COVID — the unity of your country will be very important to defeat this dangerous virus .
Without unity we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a better system will be in more trouble .
That ’ s our message , '' he said .
He went on to urge a global response to the virus similar to the one that combated smallpox .
`` The United States and China should come together and fight this dangerous enemy , they should come together to fight it and the rest of G-20 should come together to fight it , and the rest of the world should come together and fight it , '' he said .
Fox News ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Associated Press contributed to this report .

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President Trump’s decision to suspend funding to the World Health Organization amid the coronavirus crisis touched off an international war of words overnight as Democratic lawmakers in Washington as well as international bodies like the European Union condemned the move.
The president announced Tuesday that the United States would immediately halt funding for the health organization, saying it had put “political correctness over lifesaving measures,” noting that the U.S. would undertake a 60-to-90 day investigation into why the “China-centric” WHO had caused “so much death” by “severely mismanaging and covering up” the coronavirus spread.
TRUMP ANNOUNCES US WILL HALT FUNDING TO WHO
Republicans on Capitol Hill, many of whom have been sharply critical of the World Health Organization and calling for weeks to get tough on the organization for allegedly helping China suppress information about the outbreak in the early stages, cheered the president’s decision.
“Glad to see @realDonaldTrump halt funding to the @WHO. We need to review their role in helping Communist China lie about the #Coronavirus, before any more taxpayer money is spent,” Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., tweeted. “This was the right move and I look forward to a full Congressional investigation into the WHO.”
But the partisan divide quickly opened. Following the announcement, House Oversight Committee Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., and House Subcommittee on National Security Chairman Steven Lynch, D-Mass., penned a letter to the president slamming his decision to withhold funding to the organization amid the global pandemic.
“While we may agree that the WHO has shortcomings that must be corrected, your attack on the global health organization can easily be seen as a deliberate but transparent effort to deflect responsibility for your own failures onto others,” Maloney and Lynch wrote, adding that Trump’s “attempt to blame the WHO for trusting China reflects an astonishing level of hypocrisy given your own fawning and widely publicized praise of President Xi Jinping and his government for their handling of this crisis.”
They added: “While the WHO may have made mistakes in its response to this crisis, it was certainly not alone, and it defies logic to withhold support from the WHO at this pivotal moment—at the height of a global pandemic—when promoting the health of nations around the world is essential to protecting our own population and rebuilding our own economy.”
Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., blasted the president’s move as “irresponsible, irrational and simply the wrong thing to do.”
Also late Tuesday, the American Medical Association weighed in, immediately calling on Trump to reconsider his decision.
"During the worst public health crisis in a century, halting funding to the World Health Organization is a dangerous step in the wrong direction that will not make defeating COVID-19 easier," AMA President Patrice A. Harris said in a statement.
Meanwhile, international officials and bodies also weighed in, condemning the president’s move.
The European Union early Wednesday said Trump had “no reason” to freeze funding to WHO, especially at this critical stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, and urged measures to instead promote unity.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the 27-nation bloc "deeply" regrets the suspension of funds and added that the U.N. health agency is now "needed more than ever" to combat the pandemic.
Borrell added that “only by joining forces can we overcome this crisis that knows no borders.”
United Nations' Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the timing for the decision was wrong.
“It is my belief that the World Health Organization must be supported, as it is absolutely critical to the world’s efforts to win the war against COVID-19,” Guterres said, adding that “it also not the time to reduce the resources for the operations of the World Health Organization or any other humanitarian organization in the fight against the virus.”
He added: "Once we have finally turned the page on this epidemic, there must be a time to look back fully to understand how such a disease emerged and spread its devastation so quickly across the globe, and how all those involved reacted to the crisis. The lessons learned will be essential to effectively address similar challenges, as they may arise in the future."
STATE DEPT CABLES HIGHLIGHT POSSIBLE ROLE OF CHINESE LAB IN VIRUS' ORIGIN
And a foreign ministry spokesman for China also blasted the move, vowing to continue China's support.
“This U.S. decision will weaken the WHO’s capabilities and undermine international cooperation,” the spokesman said, according to Bloomberg.
But Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison sympathized with Trump, noting that the WHO is “not immune from criticism,” but also saying that his country would not take the same steps.
“I sympathize with his criticisms and I’ve made a few of my own,” Morrison told Perth Radio 6PR on Wednesday. “WHO is also as an organization does a lot of important work, including here in our own region in the Pacific, and we work closely with them so we’re not going to throw the baby out with the bathwater here.”
He added, though, that WHO is “not immune from criticism and immune from doing things better.”
The United States is the WHO's largest single donor, and the State Department had previously planned to provide the agency $893 million in the current two-year funding period. Trump said the United States contributes roughly $400 to $500 million per year to WHO, while China offers only about $40 million. The money saved will go to areas that "most need it," Trump asserted.
"We have deep concerns over whether America's generosity has been put to the best use possible," Trump said Tuesday, accusing the WHO of failing to adequately keep the international community apprised of the threat of the coronavirus.
"The WHO failed in this duty, and must be held accountable," Trump said Tuesday. He added that the WHO had ignored "credible information" in December 2019 that the virus could be transmitted from human to human.
Last week, Rep. Mike McCaul, R-Texas, said the WHO and the Chinese Communist Party were “co-conspirators” in allegedly hiding information about the novel coronavirus in its early stages, and called it “the worst cover-up in human history” while calling for leadership of the WHO to step down.
The Chinese government began suppressing news about the virus early on, and even detained Dr. Li Wenliang, who has since died of coronavirus after trying to warn the international community of the threat. Nevertheless, on Jan. 8, the WHO declared: “Preliminary identification of a novel virus in a short period of time is a notable achievement and demonstrates China’s increased capacity to manage new outbreaks."
Again on Jan. 14, the WHO simply echoed Chinese government statements: “Preliminary investigations conducted by the Chinese authorities have found no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) identified in Wuhan, China.”
By Jan. 19, the WHO had changed its tune somewhat, but still hedged. “Not enough is known to draw definitive conclusions about how it is transmitted, the clinical features of the disease, the extent to which it has spread, or its source, which remains unknown.”
Reports suggest senior WHO officials suspected human-to-human transmission from the outset.
Meanwhile, many lawmakers have called for WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to resign from his post amid the controversy.
Last week, Tedros vehemently defended his agency amid criticism from Trump and others.
“If you don’t want many more body bags you refrain from politicizing it — please quarantine politicizing COVID,” he told reporters, after Trump threatened to look at cutting funding to the organization.
"My short message is please quarantine politicizing COVID — the unity of your country will be very important to defeat this dangerous virus. Without unity we assure you even any country that may have a better system will be in more trouble. That’s our message," he said.
He went on to urge a global response to the virus similar to the one that combated smallpox.
"The United States and China should come together and fight this dangerous enemy, they should come together to fight it and the rest of G-20 should come together to fight it, and the rest of the world should come together and fight it," he said.
Fox News' Gregg Re and Adam Shaw and The Associated Press contributed to this report.


foxnews--2020-04-15--Illinois Dem governor and China in secret talks for masks, gloves: report

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The governor of Illinois is engaged in secret talks with China to obtain masks and gloves for the state ’ s medical workers fighting the coronavirus , hoping to avoid scrutiny by the Trump administration , according to reports .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker , a Democrat , is concerned that federal authorities may seize the items for a stockpile that would serve all 50 states , the Chicago Sun-Times reported Tuesday , citing unnamed sources .
News of the potential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Trump announced the U.S. will halt funding to the World Health Organization over `` China-centric '' policies such as opposing Trump 's China travel ban , which the president credits with slowing the arrival of the coronavirus to the U.S. Illinois recently spent $ 174 million on purchases related to the virus , including masks , gloves , gowns , eyewear and hand sanitizer , the Sun-Times report said .
The list also included two invoices for $ 888,275 each , to FedEx Trade Networks Transport for charter flights to Shanghai , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would not provide details about the flights , the Sun-Times reported .
“ The Governor has clearly outlined the challenges this administration has faced as we ’ ve worked around the clock to purchase PPE [ personal protective equipment ] for our healthcare workers and first responders , ” Jordan Abudayyeh , the press secretary , wrote in a statement .
“ The supply chain has been likened to the Wild West , and once you have purchased supplies , ensuring they get to the state is another herculean feat .
These flights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our workers need .
They ’ re scheduled to land in Illinois in the coming weeks and the state is working to ensure these much needed supplies are protected and ready for distribution around the state.
” President Trump has previously said that individual states were in charge of procuring medical gear for themselves , with the federal government “ here to help them ” if needed .
“ They have to get that gear themselves , '' Trump told Fox News ’ Bill Hemmer on March 24 .
“ If they do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York ] Governor [ Andrew ] Cuomo -- he had a chance to order 16,000 ventilators ... two years ago and he turned it down -- now he ca n't be blaming us , but we 're here to help them.
” Pritzker , like other Democrats , has been a harsh critic of Trump , telling Vanity Fair magazine earlier this month that “ the failures of the White House , of the president , have visited greater illness and greater number of deaths across the country.
” Meanwhile on Tuesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Illinois was “ bending the curve ” in its fight against the virus , explaining that it was starting to take longer for the state to double its number of confirmed cases , according to FOX 32 of Chicago .
“ To be clear , there is nothing good about twice as many people having this virus , or worse , dying from it , no matter how long the increase takes , ” Pritzker said .
“ But we won ’ t get to zero cases overnight .
The fact that our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ metric , is a clear demonstration that there is a deceleration of virus transmission .
We are , in fact , bending the curve.
” Also Tuesday , Pritzker also said he was in talks with other governors in the Midwest about potentially forming an alliance for reopening their economies – similar to deals reached by governors on the Pacific coast and in the Northeast , Chicago ’ s WMAQ-TV reported .
“ Governors that I 've spoken with have been very , frankly , very positive about this idea , '' Pritzker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thinking about it individually for their states , and understand that speaking with a common voice might be a positive move . ''
The extent of the governors ’ autonomy has been a topic of debate between them and President Trump , with the president saying Monday he had “ total authority ” over the reopening of the U.S. economy .
But governors and other lawmakers fired back , accusing Trump of acting like a “ king.
” “ We don ’ t have a king in this country , ” New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We didn ’ t want a king , so we have a Constitution and we elect a president.
” But Trump responded to Cuomo , accusing the Democrat of wanting control over his state only when it is convenient for him .
`` Cuomo ’ s been calling daily , even hourly , begging for everything , most of which should have been the state ’ s responsibility , such as new hospitals , beds , ventilators , etc.
, '' Trump wrote on Twitter .
`` I got it all done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and now he seems to want Independence !
That won ’ t happen ! ''

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The governor of Illinois is engaged in secret talks with China to obtain masks and gloves for the state’s medical workers fighting the coronavirus, hoping to avoid scrutiny by the Trump administration, according to reports.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat, is concerned that federal authorities may seize the items for a stockpile that would serve all 50 states, the Chicago Sun-Times reported Tuesday, citing unnamed sources.
News of the potential deal emerged on the same day that President Trump announced the U.S. will halt funding to the World Health Organization over "China-centric" policies such as opposing Trump's China travel ban, which the president credits with slowing the arrival of the coronavirus to the U.S.
Illinois recently spent $174 million on purchases related to the virus, including masks, gloves, gowns, eyewear and hand sanitizer, the Sun-Times report said.
CNN ACCUSED OF 'LITERALLY PUBLISHING CHINESE PROPAGANDA'
The list also included two invoices for $888,275 each, to FedEx Trade Networks Transport for charter flights to Shanghai, but the governor’s press secretary would not provide details about the flights, the Sun-Times reported.
“The Governor has clearly outlined the challenges this administration has faced as we’ve worked around the clock to purchase PPE [personal protective equipment] for our healthcare workers and first responders,” Jordan Abudayyeh, the press secretary, wrote in a statement.
“The supply chain has been likened to the Wild West, and once you have purchased supplies, ensuring they get to the state is another herculean feat. These flights are carrying millions of masks and gloves our workers need. They’re scheduled to land in Illinois in the coming weeks and the state is working to ensure these much needed supplies are protected and ready for distribution around the state.”
President Trump has previously said that individual states were in charge of procuring medical gear for themselves, with the federal government “here to help them” if needed.
“They have to get that gear themselves," Trump told Fox News’ Bill Hemmer on March 24. “If they don't have -- like with [New York] Governor [Andrew] Cuomo -- he had a chance to order 16,000 ventilators ... two years ago and he turned it down -- now he can't be blaming us, but we're here to help them.”
Pritzker, like other Democrats, has been a harsh critic of Trump, telling Vanity Fair magazine earlier this month that “the failures of the White House, of the president, have visited greater illness and greater number of deaths across the country.”
Meanwhile on Tuesday, Pritzker said at a news conference that Illinois was “bending the curve” in its fight against the virus, explaining that it was starting to take longer for the state to double its number of confirmed cases, according to FOX 32 of Chicago.
“To be clear, there is nothing good about twice as many people having this virus, or worse, dying from it, no matter how long the increase takes,” Pritzker said. “But we won’t get to zero cases overnight. The fact that our doubling rate continues to increase in every metric, is a clear demonstration that there is a deceleration of virus transmission. We are, in fact, bending the curve.”
Also Tuesday, Pritzker also said he was in talks with other governors in the Midwest about potentially forming an alliance for reopening their economies – similar to deals reached by governors on the Pacific coast and in the Northeast, Chicago’s WMAQ-TV reported.
“Governors that I've spoken with have been very, frankly, very positive about this idea," Pritzker said. "They've all been thinking about it individually for their states, and understand that speaking with a common voice might be a positive move."
The extent of the governors’ autonomy has been a topic of debate between them and President Trump, with the president saying Monday he had “total authority” over the reopening of the U.S. economy.
But governors and other lawmakers fired back, accusing Trump of acting like a “king.”
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
“We don’t have a king in this country,” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday. “We didn’t want a king, so we have a Constitution and we elect a president.”
But Trump responded to Cuomo, accusing the Democrat of wanting control over his state only when it is convenient for him.
"Cuomo’s been calling daily, even hourly, begging for everything, most of which should have been the state’s responsibility, such as new hospitals, beds, ventilators, etc.," Trump wrote on Twitter. "I got it all done for him, and everyone else, and now he seems to want Independence! That won’t happen!"
Fox News' Ronn Blitzer contributed to this story.


foxnews--2020-04-15--Louisiana grocery store offers jobs, hope to community during coronavirus

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Louisiana was hit early and hard by the coronavirus , reporting 21,951 cases of COVID-19 and more than 1,100 deaths as of Wednesday .
While restaurants in Louisiana were ordered to close their dining rooms on March 16 , grocery stores and their workers have been considered essential .
One family-owned grocery store chain , headquartered in the state , has been going above and beyond to extend a helping hand to their community .
Rouses Markets started out in Houma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ J Rouse Sr. opened with a single store in Cajun country , which eventually grew to now 64 stores across Louisiana , the Mississippi Gulf Coast and Lower Alabama .
Rouses ' current CEO , Donny Rouse , is the third generation of the family to run the company , which employs more than 7,000 team members .
Rouse , 37 , spoke with Fox News about leading his company through the coronavirus crisis and several initiatives to support current employees , new hires and the community .
The CEO said that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visiting the office before and after school , and taking in the wisdom of his grandfather and father .
“ It ’ s in our blood , we ’ ve been doing this our whole lives , ” Rouse explained .
“ We ’ ve invested everything we have into the grocery business , our team members and our customers.
” When the coronavirus started to become a reality in the U.S. , Rouse said that sales in the Markets started to rise around March 9 , and by March 13 it had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ history , up 250 percent .
The stores started making changes right away to prevent the spread of the virus .
The self-service salad bars were replaced with grab-and-go options , and those products were carefully assembled by a small team of associates preparing , packing and sanitizing the containers .
The company announced bonuses for frontline grocery workers , created an additional paid holiday on Easter Sunday , and continues to offer meals to staff during their breaks .
Cashiers have been offered a re-usable mask to wear , they are sanitizing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been installed to keep both the workers and customers safe .
Rouse said he feels fortunate that the company is in a position to be able to help others .
“ People are obviously cooking more , now that they are at home , ” and items like rice , dried beans , canned soup , boxed macaroni , ground meat and chicken are flying off the shelves .
He said he is grateful for his suppliers who keep the stores stocked and the customer ’ s needs met .
“ Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they get all the credit being in the stores every day , putting product on the shelves , ” he said .
“ They are really out there saving the communities.
” Right away , Rouses Markets needed to hire more staff to keep up with the demand .
Corporate leadership immediately reached out to local restaurant groups , chefs and restauranteurs to offer positions and training to those who found themselves temporarily out of work .
Of the 700 new hires so far , 260 previously worked at local restaurants .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with our local restaurants , and the chefs shop with Rouses , ” Rouse said .
“ Everyone in the restaurant industry loves food , and we love food .
It ’ s a great fit and our customers can see that . ''
Other companies are stepping up too .
Albertsons , the second-largest supermarket chain in the U.S. , has partnered with 30 different businesses to hire workers who had been furloughed .
Thirty thousand employees from companies like Marriott , Hyatt and Regal Cinemas were successfully hired by Albertsons , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jewel-Osco and Shaw ’ s in 34 states across the country .
In response to the COVID-19 crisis , Rouses launched another initiative on March 19 , offering ready-made meals from local restaurants .
All of the profits from these partnerships go back to the restaurants and bakeries that produced the food .
As of Wednesday , sales had reached $ 122,146.40 .
New Orleans institution Commander ’ s Palace offers turtle soup or grits and grillades .
Shoppers can find hummus and pita from Saba or try prepared meatballs and spaghetti or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rouses also has continued to work with former team members who have ventured out and started their own businesses , supporting grocery alums like Keyala Marshall , who now operates Keyala ’ s Pralines , by offering space on the shelves for her best-selling items .
Her praline bread pudding is available in several Rouses Markets , and all the profits go back to Keyala ’ s business .
Johnny Blancher , the chef and owner of Ye Olde College Inn in New Orleans , told Fox News , “ Rouses has supported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community for many years.
” The relationship started 15 years ago , when Blanchard partnered with Rouses Markets for a campaign called Where the Chefs Shop .
He said that when local restaurants were instructed to close dining rooms to stop the spread of the coronavirus back in March , most of the staff had to be let go .
Then , Rouses reached out with an idea.The leadership team at Rouses offered to sell some of Ye Olde College Inn ’ s most beloved dishes , packaged and prepared , with all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They quickly agreed on two New Orleans staples : crawfish mac and cheese and shrimp and grits .
“ The crawfish mac and cheese is exactly how we do it in the restaurant , but instead of serving it on a beautiful plate , it ’ s in a pint container , ” Blancher explained .
“ There ’ s still the panko breadcrumb on top , and a little truffle oil on it , ” he added .
Next , he is working on bottling the remoulade sauce for sales in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it sales , but it keeps our brand relevant and expands our brand into a new market , ” said Blancher .
“ What Rouses has done for us has been a win on so many levels.
” “ We hope to re-hire everyone as soon as possible , and some were immediately hired back because of this , ” Blancher said .
Ye Olde College Inn still has had a few people employed and they ’ ve stayed busy cooking up packaged meals for Rouses , preparing take-out orders and feeding the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ optimistic , Blancher said , “ hopefully things open up again soon and we can get back to hiring everybody .
One day we will be better than ever , but right now it ’ s hard to see that path.
” CORONAVIRUS : WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Melvin Rodrigue , the president of the James Beard award-winning Bourbon Street institution Galatoires , spoke with Fox News about partnering with Rouses for the first time .
Rodrigue explained that the white-tablecloth restaurant specializes in high-end celebrations and private dining , so when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in March , “ it drastically affected us.
” “ We knew we had to lay off employees , about 130 people , and so we met with them by department , ” Rodrigue said .
“ We thought that they deserved to hear it from us , face to face .
Some of them have been with us for decades , ” which is especially meaningful for an institution that prides itself on loyal career servers , hospitality , and high quality since 1905 .
“ We are currently at about 8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Rodrigue shared .
“ Uncertainty is one of the scariest parts , even when we re-open , what will we be able to reopen as ?
” The opportunity to partner with Rouses allowed Galatoire ’ s to use some of the staffers retained not only to offer curbside pickup , which proved to be a very hard pivot from elegant fine dining .
Now , they have been able to offer some catering and prepare classics in grab-and-go form , like shrimp remoulade and shrimp creole for Rouses Markets , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We ’ ll get through this together , and this partnership is a prime example of that .
We are a strong and resilient community , our hospitality is a very united and strong community and we will certainly need that to get through the next steps , ” Rodrigue said .
“ But , I believe that as a people , New Orleans and Louisiana , we are all strong and we have been through some big ones before.
” Rouses ’ fastest-growing item from this initiative is queso from New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chef Miles Landrem told Fox News that just two weeks after the queso started selling in Rouses Markets , they were able to hire back two employees who had been let go due to the social distancing shut-downs in Louisiana .
Now represented in 12 Rouses stores , Landrem said they will start working on a way to produce their salsas , but only if they can get the quality right .
He said that they keep in touch with all of the Johnny Sanchez employees who have temporarily lost their jobs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them through this difficult time .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP “ We ’ ve applied for the PPP grant , ” he said .
“ We ’ ve still been doing staff meals , sending staff tips from takeout , and offering regular family meals for staff to pick up , ” Landrem added .
“ A few of them just come in and say hi and check in on us , and we send them home with a sandwich or tacos.
” “ We ’ re very hopefully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

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Louisiana was hit early and hard by the coronavirus, reporting 21,951 cases of COVID-19 and more than 1,100 deaths as of Wednesday.
While restaurants in Louisiana were ordered to close their dining rooms on March 16, grocery stores and their workers have been considered essential.
One family-owned grocery store chain, headquartered in the state, has been going above and beyond to extend a helping hand to their community.
Rouses Markets started out in Houma, La., in 1960. Anthony J Rouse Sr. opened with a single store in Cajun country, which eventually grew to now 64 stores across Louisiana, the Mississippi Gulf Coast and Lower Alabama.
Rouses' current CEO, Donny Rouse, is the third generation of the family to run the company, which employs more than 7,000 team members. Rouse, 37, spoke with Fox News about leading his company through the coronavirus crisis and several initiatives to support current employees, new hires and the community.
The CEO said that he grew up in the grocery business, visiting the office before and after school, and taking in the wisdom of his grandfather and father. “It’s in our blood, we’ve been doing this our whole lives,” Rouse explained. “We’ve invested everything we have into the grocery business, our team members and our customers.”
When the coronavirus started to become a reality in the U.S., Rouse said that sales in the Markets started to rise around March 9, and by March 13 it had the largest day of sales in company history, up 250 percent.
The stores started making changes right away to prevent the spread of the virus. The self-service salad bars were replaced with grab-and-go options, and those products were carefully assembled by a small team of associates preparing, packing and sanitizing the containers.
The company announced bonuses for frontline grocery workers, created an additional paid holiday on Easter Sunday, and continues to offer meals to staff during their breaks. Cashiers have been offered a re-usable mask to wear, they are sanitizing between each customer, and plexiglass partitions have been installed to keep both the workers and customers safe.
Rouse said he feels fortunate that the company is in a position to be able to help others. “People are obviously cooking more, now that they are at home,” and items like rice, dried beans, canned soup, boxed macaroni, ground meat and chicken are flying off the shelves. He said he is grateful for his suppliers who keep the stores stocked and the customer’s needs met.
“Our team members doing a tremendous job, they get all the credit being in the stores every day, putting product on the shelves,” he said. “They are really out there saving the communities.”
Right away, Rouses Markets needed to hire more staff to keep up with the demand. Corporate leadership immediately reached out to local restaurant groups, chefs and restauranteurs to offer positions and training to those who found themselves temporarily out of work.
Of the 700 new hires so far, 260 previously worked at local restaurants.
“We’ve always had great partnerships with our local restaurants, and the chefs shop with Rouses,” Rouse said. “Everyone in the restaurant industry loves food, and we love food. It’s a great fit and our customers can see that."
Other companies are stepping up too. Albertsons, the second-largest supermarket chain in the U.S., has partnered with 30 different businesses to hire workers who had been furloughed. Thirty thousand employees from companies like Marriott, Hyatt and Regal Cinemas were successfully hired by Albertsons, which operates grocery stores like Safeway, Jewel-Osco and Shaw’s in 34 states across the country.
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Rouses launched another initiative on March 19, offering ready-made meals from local restaurants. All of the profits from these partnerships go back to the restaurants and bakeries that produced the food. As of Wednesday, sales had reached $122,146.40.
New Orleans institution Commander’s Palace offers turtle soup or grits and grillades. Shoppers can find hummus and pita from Saba or try prepared meatballs and spaghetti or lasagna from Tony Mandina’s.
Rouses also has continued to work with former team members who have ventured out and started their own businesses, supporting grocery alums like Keyala Marshall, who now operates Keyala’s Pralines, by offering space on the shelves for her best-selling items. Her praline bread pudding is available in several Rouses Markets, and all the profits go back to Keyala’s business.
Johnny Blancher, the chef and owner of Ye Olde College Inn in New Orleans, told Fox News, “Rouses has supported a lot of us in the restaurant community for many years.” The relationship started 15 years ago, when Blanchard partnered with Rouses Markets for a campaign called Where the Chefs Shop. He said that when local restaurants were instructed to close dining rooms to stop the spread of the coronavirus back in March, most of the staff had to be let go.
Then, Rouses reached out with an idea.The leadership team at Rouses offered to sell some of Ye Olde College Inn’s most beloved dishes, packaged and prepared, with all the profits going back to the restaurant. They quickly agreed on two New Orleans staples: crawfish mac and cheese and shrimp and grits.
“The crawfish mac and cheese is exactly how we do it in the restaurant, but instead of serving it on a beautiful plate, it’s in a pint container,” Blancher explained. “There’s still the panko breadcrumb on top, and a little truffle oil on it,” he added. Next, he is working on bottling the remoulade sauce for sales in Rouses Markets.
“Not only is it sales, but it keeps our brand relevant and expands our brand into a new market,” said Blancher. “What Rouses has done for us has been a win on so many levels.”
“We hope to re-hire everyone as soon as possible, and some were immediately hired back because of this,” Blancher said. Ye Olde College Inn still has had a few people employed and they’ve stayed busy cooking up packaged meals for Rouses, preparing take-out orders and feeding the national guard in New Orleans.
Staying optimistic, Blancher said, “hopefully things open up again soon and we can get back to hiring everybody. One day we will be better than ever, but right now it’s hard to see that path.”
CORONAVIRUS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Melvin Rodrigue, the president of the James Beard award-winning Bourbon Street institution Galatoires, spoke with Fox News about partnering with Rouses for the first time.
Rodrigue explained that the white-tablecloth restaurant specializes in high-end celebrations and private dining, so when the Louisiana governor closed restaurant dining rooms in March, “it drastically affected us.”
“We knew we had to lay off employees, about 130 people, and so we met with them by department,” Rodrigue said. “We thought that they deserved to hear it from us, face to face. Some of them have been with us for decades,” which is especially meaningful for an institution that prides itself on loyal career servers, hospitality, and high quality since 1905.
“We are currently at about 8 to 10 percent of our weekly revenue,” Rodrigue shared. “Uncertainty is one of the scariest parts, even when we re-open, what will we be able to reopen as?”
The opportunity to partner with Rouses allowed Galatoire’s to use some of the staffers retained not only to offer curbside pickup, which proved to be a very hard pivot from elegant fine dining. Now, they have been able to offer some catering and prepare classics in grab-and-go form, like shrimp remoulade and shrimp creole for Rouses Markets, with the profits returning to Galatoires.
“We’ll get through this together, and this partnership is a prime example of that. We are a strong and resilient community, our hospitality is a very united and strong community and we will certainly need that to get through the next steps,” Rodrigue said. “But, I believe that as a people, New Orleans and Louisiana, we are all strong and we have been through some big ones before.”
Rouses’ fastest-growing item from this initiative is queso from New Orleans’ Mexican restaurant Johnny Sanchez. Chef Miles Landrem told Fox News that just two weeks after the queso started selling in Rouses Markets, they were able to hire back two employees who had been let go due to the social distancing shut-downs in Louisiana. Now represented in 12 Rouses stores, Landrem said they will start working on a way to produce their salsas, but only if they can get the quality right.
He said that they keep in touch with all of the Johnny Sanchez employees who have temporarily lost their jobs and are doing everything they can to support them through this difficult time.
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“We’ve applied for the PPP grant,” he said. “We’ve still been doing staff meals, sending staff tips from takeout, and offering regular family meals for staff to pick up,” Landrem added. “A few of them just come in and say hi and check in on us, and we send them home with a sandwich or tacos.”
“We’re very hopefully and optimistic to bring them all back."


foxnews--2020-04-15--Pope Francis calls NY Cardinal Dolan, says New Yorkers are in his prayers

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Pope Francis has a special message for New Yorkers as the city and the state are the hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic .
The pope contacted Timothy Cardinal Dolan , archbishop of New York , Tuesday saying New Yorkers were in his prayers in a special way as the city remains the virus epicenter with more than 110,465 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 7,905 deaths .
“ Our Holy Father , Pope Francis , called me this afternoon at about 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and closeness to all the people of New York , especially those who are sick , during the coronavirus outbreak , '' Dolan said in a statement to Fox News .
The pope celebrated Easter alone for the first time as Catholic faithful around the world were forced to watch it online .
He called Dolan , who presides over St. Patrick 's Cathedral in New York City , from his residence in the Doma Santa Marta .
`` He asked me to relay his prayerful best wishes to the sick , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical professionals , and caregivers who are tending to them , our civic leaders , as well as our priests , religious , and lay people , '' Dolan said .
`` He mentioned in a special way Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio and the people of the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens , and I happily shared the Holy Father ’ s words with Bishop DiMarzio immediately thereafter . ''
At his Easter vigil on Saturday night , Francis urged the faithful not to let the darkness and sorrow of the COVID-19 pandemic rob @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Tonight we acquire a fundamental right that can never be taken away from us : the right to hope , ” he said .
“ It is a new and living hope that comes from God .
”

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Pope Francis has a special message for New Yorkers as the city and the state are the hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic.
The pope contacted Timothy Cardinal Dolan, archbishop of New York, Tuesday saying New Yorkers were in his prayers in a special way as the city remains the virus epicenter with more than 110,465 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 7,905 deaths.
MISSISSIPPI GROUP PRAYS FOR HOSPITAL STAFF, PATIENTS DURING LUNCH BREAK
“Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, called me this afternoon at about 2 p.m. to express his love, concern, and closeness to all the people of New York, especially those who are sick, during the coronavirus outbreak," Dolan said in a statement to Fox News.
The pope celebrated Easter alone for the first time as Catholic faithful around the world were forced to watch it online. He called Dolan, who presides over St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City, from his residence in the Doma Santa Marta.
KENTUCKY PASTOR WHO HELD IN-PERSON EASTER SERVICE WON’T SELF-QUARANTINE
"He asked me to relay his prayerful best wishes to the sick, the doctors, nurses, EMTs, medical professionals, and caregivers who are tending to them, our civic leaders, as well as our priests, religious, and lay people," Dolan said. "He mentioned in a special way Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio and the people of the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens, and I happily shared the Holy Father’s words with Bishop DiMarzio immediately thereafter."
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
At his Easter vigil on Saturday night, Francis urged the faithful not to let the darkness and sorrow of the COVID-19 pandemic rob them of hoping for a better future.
“Tonight we acquire a fundamental right that can never be taken away from us: the right to hope,” he said. “It is a new and living hope that comes from God.”


foxnews--2020-04-15--Coronavirus cluster linked to 2 McDonald’s in Hawaii, health officials say

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A new cluster of a dozen coronavirus infections in Hawaii has been linked to two McDonald 's locations on the state 's Big Island , according to health officials .
The Hawaii Department of Health said Tuesday that an employee who contracted COVID-19 infected six other workers at McDonald 's locations in Kailua-Kona on the island of Hawaii .
`` Once confirmed , the establishment closed its operations at both locations and is currently performing enhanced cleaning , '' the health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : STATE-BY-STATE BREAKDOWN All seven employees who tested positive at the McDonald ’ s locations on Makala Boulevard at Kona Commons and Walmart in Kailua-Kona are now in isolation and potentially exposed employees without symptoms are still self-quarantined .
In addition to the McDonald 's employees , five family members exposed to two of the restaurant employees also contracted the virus .
Health officials said there are 12 cases connected to the Big Island cluster .
`` The investigation is ongoing at this time and more cases may be identified related to this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Health officials said that they do n't believe this outbreak poses a risk to the general public .
`` Fortunately , the restaurant , like many other food establishments , had previously implemented social distancing measures to protect customers and prevent exposure prior to an employee testing positive , '' the department said .
`` These measures included protective clear barriers between employees and customers during all transactions .
These efforts may have helped to reduce the total magnitude of this cluster . ''
McDonald ’ s franchise owner , Patrick Lim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ locations for `` deep cleaning to conduct a comprehensive sanitization of the restaurant .
He added the organization is continuing to make changes to `` serve food safely and conveniently with the health and well-being of restaurant employees top of mind .
“ The health and safety of our employees and customers is our Number One priority , '' he said.
`` Our thoughts are with our crew members who have been impacted by COVID-19 and we look forward to re-opening when it is safe to do so and with the assistance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with CDC regulations '' Health officials said that the Federal Drug Administration ( FDA ) has thus far found no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with the transmission of COVID-19 .
Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim told KHON2 that the county will ramp-up prevention methods like sanitization and he will continue to encourage residents to wear masks when they are out in public .
“ We will not back down on this because it can blossom any time , and we want to go until we ’ re absolutely sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday .
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP As of Wednesday , there are 511 cases of COVID-19 in Hawaii with at least nine deaths , according to Johns Hopkins University .

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A new cluster of a dozen coronavirus infections in Hawaii has been linked to two McDonald's locations on the state's Big Island, according to health officials.
The Hawaii Department of Health said Tuesday that an employee who contracted COVID-19 infected six other workers at McDonald's locations in Kailua-Kona on the island of Hawaii.
"Once confirmed, the establishment closed its operations at both locations and is currently performing enhanced cleaning," the health department said.
CORONAVIRUS IN THE US: STATE-BY-STATE BREAKDOWN
All seven employees who tested positive at the McDonald’s locations on Makala Boulevard at Kona Commons and Walmart in Kailua-Kona are now in isolation and potentially exposed employees without symptoms are still self-quarantined.
In addition to the McDonald's employees, five family members exposed to two of the restaurant employees also contracted the virus. Health officials said there are 12 cases connected to the Big Island cluster.
"The investigation is ongoing at this time and more cases may be identified related to this cluster," the health department said.
Health officials said that they don't believe this outbreak poses a risk to the general public.
"Fortunately, the restaurant, like many other food establishments, had previously implemented social distancing measures to protect customers and prevent exposure prior to an employee testing positive," the department said. "These measures included protective clear barriers between employees and customers during all transactions. These efforts may have helped to reduce the total magnitude of this cluster."
CLICK HERE FOR FULL CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
McDonald’s franchise owner, Patrick Lim, said the company has closed the locations for "deep cleaning to conduct a comprehensive sanitization of the restaurant. He added the organization is continuing to make changes to "serve food safely and conveniently with the health and well-being of restaurant employees top of mind.
“The health and safety of our employees and customers is our Number One priority," he said. " Our thoughts are with our crew members who have been impacted by COVID-19 and we look forward to re-opening when it is safe to do so and with the assistance of the Hawaii Department of Health in accordance with CDC regulations"
Health officials said that the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has thus far found no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with the transmission of COVID-19.
Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim told KHON2 that the county will ramp-up prevention methods like sanitization and he will continue to encourage residents to wear masks when they are out in public.
“We will not back down on this because it can blossom any time, and we want to go until we’re absolutely sure it is gone," he said Tuesday.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP
As of Wednesday, there are 511 cases of COVID-19 in Hawaii with at least nine deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Fox News' Lee Ross contributed to this report.


foxnews--2020-04-15--DC mayor issues more coronavirus mask requirements for hotels, taxis, food

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Washington , D.C. , Mayor Muriel Bowser on Wednesday issued an order extending the district ’ s public health emergency through next month and requiring that masks be worn by workers and customers of hotels , public transit and food sellers amid the coronavirus crisis .
Bowser ’ s order requires the following individuals to wear masks or face coverings : hotel workers , guests and visitors ; individuals using taxis , ride shares and private transportation providers ; workers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ strongly encouraged ” for workers and individuals using public transit .
Wednesday ’ s order also further extends the city ’ s public emergency and public health emergency through May 15 .
Bowser , during an interview on `` Fox News Sunday '' this week , said the city was `` getting prepared . ''
`` We , like all cities and states around the country , are looking at various models to see what they tell us about when our medical surge will happen , '' Bowser said .
`` And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington , D.C. , in June . ''
She added : `` Our residents are doing everything that we ask so that we can push down the number of peak cases and push out when that surge would happen in D.C. '' CORONAVIRUS : WHAT TO KNOW Last week , Bowser ordered district residents to also wear face masks when they shop in grocery stores , implemented “ one-way aisles ” and asked that customers “ bag their own groceries.
” Bowser ’ s announcement last week also included fresh food markets and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan in place to ensure social distancing protocols are followed.
” Bowser also added that activities , including tennis and golf , which were previously allowed as recreational activities in D.C. , are now banned .
Additionally , Washington is in the process of creating a hotline for people who can not leave their homes to have food and essentials delivered .

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Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser on Wednesday issued an order extending the district’s public health emergency through next month and requiring that masks be worn by workers and customers of hotels, public transit and food sellers amid the coronavirus crisis.
Bowser’s order requires the following individuals to wear masks or face coverings: hotel workers, guests and visitors; individuals using taxis, ride shares and private transportation providers; workers and customers of food sellers. Masks were “strongly encouraged” for workers and individuals using public transit.
Wednesday’s order also further extends the city’s public emergency and public health emergency through May 15.
DC MAYOR BOWSER SAYS GROCERY SHOPPERS MUS WEAR FACE MASKS
Bowser, during an interview on "Fox News Sunday" this week, said the city was "getting prepared."
"We, like all cities and states around the country, are looking at various models to see what they tell us about when our medical surge will happen," Bowser said. "And we expect that that could happen in Washington, D.C., in June."
She added: "Our residents are doing everything that we ask so that we can push down the number of peak cases and push out when that surge would happen in D.C."
CORONAVIRUS: WHAT TO KNOW
Last week, Bowser ordered district residents to also wear face masks when they shop in grocery stores, implemented “one-way aisles” and asked that customers “bag their own groceries.”
Bowser’s announcement last week also included fresh food markets and farmers’ markets to “have a plan in place to ensure social distancing protocols are followed.”
Bowser also added that activities, including tennis and golf, which were previously allowed as recreational activities in D.C., are now banned. Additionally, Washington is in the process of creating a hotline for people who cannot leave their homes to have food and essentials delivered.
Fox News' Tyler Olson contributed to this report.


foxnews--2020-04-15--European police foil coronavirus scam after Germany duped out of 10M masks

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European police have thwarted an international coronavirus mask scheme that would have cheated Germany out of millions of euros by selling the hard-hit nation non-existent masks , authorities said Tuesday .
German authorities last month contracted two sales companies in Zurich and Hamburg to help obtain 15 million euros ( $ 16.4 million ) worth of protective face masks amid the pandemic , Europol said in a news release .
But with medical supplies dwindling around the world , police said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to procure the masks .
They contacted what appeared to be a legitimate website for a company in Spain that advertised 10 million available masks .
However , it turned out to be fake .
The deal with the website in Spain fell through , and the site referred the two companies to a “ trusted ” dealer in Ireland .
“ The Irish middleman promised to put them in touch with a different supplier , this time in the Netherlands , ” that could supply the 10 million masks , Europol said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which the companies made an upfront payment of 1.5 million euros for a delivery of 1.5 million masks .
But just before the delivery date , the buyers were told the funds were never received .
The supplier urged them to send an additional “ emergency transfer ” of 880,000 euros ( $ 960,933 ) to “ secure the merchandise , ” police said .
The buyers made the transfer , but the masks never arrived .
FBI EXPOSES CORONAVIRUS SCAM AFTER 39M MASKS PROMISED FROM OVERSEAS FAIL TO REACH CALIFORNIA HOSPITALS “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but their website had also been cloned , ” Europol said .
“ There was no official record of the order.
” The buyers immediately contacted their bank in Germany .
Authorities located and froze the 1.5 million-euro payment in an account at an Irish bank , and identified the Irish company involved in the plot .
Dutch authorities tracked down the 880,000-euro payment , finding that nearly 500,000 of those funds already had been sent to a bank account in the United Kingdom and from there were being transferred to an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was able to recover the full amount , which has been returned to the Netherland and frozen by authorities .
Police have arrested two suspects in the Netherlands as the investigation continues across Europe .
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP Last week , the FBI uncovered an international coronavirus-fueled fraud scheme after more than 39 million masks promised to a powerful California union representing health care workers were never delivered to hospitals and other medical groups in the state .

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European police have thwarted an international coronavirus mask scheme that would have cheated Germany out of millions of euros by selling the hard-hit nation non-existent masks, authorities said Tuesday.
German authorities last month contracted two sales companies in Zurich and Hamburg to help obtain 15 million euros ($16.4 million) worth of protective face masks amid the pandemic, Europol said in a news release.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
But with medical supplies dwindling around the world, police said the companies had to follow new leads to procure the masks. They contacted what appeared to be a legitimate website for a company in Spain that advertised 10 million available masks. However, it turned out to be fake.
The deal with the website in Spain fell through, and the site referred the two companies to a “trusted” dealer in Ireland.
“The Irish middleman promised to put them in touch with a different supplier, this time in the Netherlands,” that could supply the 10 million masks, Europol said.
An initial deal was secured in which the companies made an upfront payment of 1.5 million euros for a delivery of 1.5 million masks.
But just before the delivery date, the buyers were told the funds were never received. The supplier urged them to send an additional “emergency transfer” of 880,000 euros ($960,933) to “secure the merchandise,” police said.
The buyers made the transfer, but the masks never arrived.
FBI EXPOSES CORONAVIRUS SCAM AFTER 39M MASKS PROMISED FROM OVERSEAS FAIL TO REACH CALIFORNIA HOSPITALS
“It turns out the Dutch company existed, but their website had also been cloned,” Europol said. “There was no official record of the order.”
The buyers immediately contacted their bank in Germany. Authorities located and froze the 1.5 million-euro payment in an account at an Irish bank, and identified the Irish company involved in the plot.
Dutch authorities tracked down the 880,000-euro payment, finding that nearly 500,000 of those funds already had been sent to a bank account in the United Kingdom and from there were being transferred to an account in Nigeria.
The British bank was able to recover the full amount, which has been returned to the Netherland and frozen by authorities.
Police have arrested two suspects in the Netherlands as the investigation continues across Europe.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP
Last week, the FBI uncovered an international coronavirus-fueled fraud scheme after more than 39 million masks promised to a powerful California union representing health care workers were never delivered to hospitals and other medical groups in the state.
Fox News' Danielle Wallace contributed to this report.


foxnews--2020-04-15--GOP Rep. Chabot rolls out resolution calling for global ban on wet markets

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GOP Rep. Steve Chabot introduced a resolution Wednesday that would urge all nations around the globe to permanently close live wildlife markets , also known as “ wet markets , ” which are thought to be linked to the source of the novel coronavirus pandemic .
The resolution , titled “ the Live Wildlife Market Resolution , ” also called on the Chinese Communist Party to “ cease spreading disinformation regarding the origins of the coronavirus.
” BOOKER , GRAHAM CALL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'WET MARKETS ' AROUND THE WORLD AMID CORONAVIRUS “ An unsanitary live wildlife market in Wuhan , China , launched the coronavirus pandemic , ” Chabot said in a statement .
Chabot also said the resolution “ shines a light on the gross inhumanity animals suffer at these markets.
” “ Clarifying these links will help us to better understand and prevent future pandemics together , ” Chabot said .
“ Further , facts matter , and the CCP ’ s deliberate obfuscation of the origin of COVID-19 matters .
We can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wildlife markets unless we are first willing to fight through the wall of CCP disinformation to affirm the basic fact that such a market ( in addition to CCP incompetence ) launched the coronavirus pandemic.
” He added : “ Unfortunately , the CCP ’ s information warfare can not be separated from this public health and animal welfare crisis.
” The resolution , introduced by Chabot and supported by several members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee , states that animals are subject to inhumane treatment at live wildlife markets , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other wildlife trafficking , including in the U.S ; and calls for all nations to permanently close the wet markets around the world .
“ We applaud Rep. Steve Chabot for his tremendous work to shutter the ghastly wet markets that continue to serve as incubators for plagues like COVID-19 , ” Marty Irby , executive director at Animal Wellness Action , told Fox News .
“ The pandemic we are faced with today has clearly proven that live animal markets filled with bats , pangolins and other exotic creatures must be eradicated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but for the safety and security of the human race and world economy.
” NEW YORK , CALIFORNIA LAWMAKERS CALL FOR STATE BAN ON 'WET MARKETS' Wet markets have become controversial amid the pandemic .
In a letter to the World Health Organization last week , Sens .
Cory Booker , D-N.J. , and Lindsey Graham , R-S.C. , and Reps. Mike Quigley , D-Ill. , Mike McCaul , R-Texas , and more than 50 other lawmakers called for a global shutdown of the markets , saying they “ are believed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” They went on to note that scientists studying diseases that are zoonotic – meaning they jump between animals and humans – have pointed to the close proximity of shoppers , vendors and both live and dead animals at wet markets in countries around the world “ as prime transmission locations for these pathogens.
” They also noted that scientists estimate that approximately 60-75 percent of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic and that approximately 72 percent originate from wildlife .
As of Wednesday , the positive cases of COVID-19 around the globe surpassed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths .
The U.S. reported , as of Wednesday morning , more than 609,900 positive cases of the novel coronavirus and more than 26,000 deaths .

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GOP Rep. Steve Chabot introduced a resolution Wednesday that would urge all nations around the globe to permanently close live wildlife markets, also known as “wet markets,” which are thought to be linked to the source of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The resolution, titled “the Live Wildlife Market Resolution,” also called on the Chinese Communist Party to “cease spreading disinformation regarding the origins of the coronavirus.”
BOOKER, GRAHAM CALL ON WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION TO SHUT DOWN 'WET MARKETS' AROUND THE WORLD AMID CORONAVIRUS
“An unsanitary live wildlife market in Wuhan, China, launched the coronavirus pandemic,” Chabot said in a statement.
Chabot also said the resolution “shines a light on the gross inhumanity animals suffer at these markets.”
“Clarifying these links will help us to better understand and prevent future pandemics together,” Chabot said. “Further, facts matter, and the CCP’s deliberate obfuscation of the origin of COVID-19 matters. We cannot meaningfully call for the closure of live wildlife markets unless we are first willing to fight through the wall of CCP disinformation to affirm the basic fact that such a market (in addition to CCP incompetence) launched the coronavirus pandemic.”
He added: “Unfortunately, the CCP’s information warfare cannot be separated from this public health and animal welfare crisis.”
The resolution, introduced by Chabot and supported by several members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, states that animals are subject to inhumane treatment at live wildlife markets, as well as through exotic pet trade and other wildlife trafficking, including in the U.S; and calls for all nations to permanently close the wet markets around the world.
“We applaud Rep. Steve Chabot for his tremendous work to shutter the ghastly wet markets that continue to serve as incubators for plagues like COVID-19,” Marty Irby, executive director at Animal Wellness Action, told Fox News. “The pandemic we are faced with today has clearly proven that live animal markets filled with bats, pangolins and other exotic creatures must be eradicated not only for the well-being of animals, but for the safety and security of the human race and world economy.”
NEW YORK, CALIFORNIA LAWMAKERS CALL FOR STATE BAN ON 'WET MARKETS'
Wet markets have become controversial amid the pandemic. In a letter to the World Health Organization last week, Sens. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Reps. Mike Quigley, D-Ill., Mike McCaul, R-Texas, and more than 50 other lawmakers called for a global shutdown of the markets, saying they “are believed to be the source of the current COVID-19.”
They went on to note that scientists studying diseases that are zoonotic – meaning they jump between animals and humans – have pointed to the close proximity of shoppers, vendors and both live and dead animals at wet markets in countries around the world “as prime transmission locations for these pathogens.”
They also noted that scientists estimate that approximately 60-75 percent of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic and that approximately 72 percent originate from wildlife.
As of Wednesday, the positive cases of COVID-19 around the globe surpassed 2 million, with more than 128,800 deaths.
The U.S. reported, as of Wednesday morning, more than 609,900 positive cases of the novel coronavirus and more than 26,000 deaths.


foxnews--2020-04-15--Kim Kardashian studies for bar exam with 'Tiger King'-themed questionnaire

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Kim Kardashian is brushing up on the law with some help from Netflix 's hit series `` Tiger King : Murder , Mayhem and Madness . ''
The `` Keeping Up with the Kardashians '' star and prison reform advocate has been busy studying for the bar exam in between running her KKW beauty empire and SKIMS clothing line .
On Monday night , the television personality gave fans a sneak peek at how she was preparing for the big exam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the middle of completing a questionnaire that was `` Tiger King '' themed .
CAROLE , HOWARD BASKIN SAY THEY FEEL 'BETRAYAL ' FROM FILMMAKERS , ARE GETTING DEATH THREATS '' OMG My law school studying is Tiger King themed today , '' Kardashian wrote in an Instagram story .
The reality star shared a photo of a multiple-choice question she was working on .
It reads : `` A woman visited a tiger rescue zoo with her family .
While she was there , she tripped over a tiger 's tail and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woman sue and what is her best theory of liability ? ''
Kardashian was given four answers to choose from , three of which involved the owner of the zoo .
The final option was `` Carole Baskin . ''
'TIGER KING ' : CAROLE BASKIN 'S LATE HUSBAND 'S LAWYER SAYS SHERIFF HAS 'NO CHOICE ' BUT TO REOPEN CASE In a second post to her Instagram story , Kardashian circled `` Carole Baskin '' as her answer , but appeared to not be taking herself so seriously as she drew three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the CEO of Big Cat Rescue in Florida .
She was introduced to Netflix viewers as the chief rival of Joseph Maldonado-Passage , aka Joe Exotic .
Viewers and even A-list celebrities , including Kardashian , were quickly summoned to the drama surrounding Baskin and whether or not she played a role in her former husband Don Lewis ' disappearance and alleged murder , as suggested by stars in the series .
HOW CORONAVIRUS DIFFERS FROM FLU : SYMPTOMS TO WATCH FOR '' Wow the amount of texts I ’ ve gotten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it all have mentioned their belief that Carol killed her husband !
What are your thoughts ?
Do you think Carol killed him ? ''
Kardashian tweeted .
Baskin has defended herself since the Netflix documentary was released in March .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP '' There are not words for how disappointing it is to see that the series not only does not do any of that , but has had the sole goal of being as salacious and sensational as possible to draw viewers , '' Baskin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As part of that , it has a segment devoted to suggesting , with lies and innuendos from people who are not credible , that I had a role in the disappearance of my husband Don in 1997 , '' Baskin said in a statement on the Big Cat Rescue 's website .

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Kim Kardashian is brushing up on the law with some help from Netflix's hit series "Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness."
The "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" star and prison reform advocate has been busy studying for the bar exam in between running her KKW beauty empire and SKIMS clothing line.
On Monday night, the television personality gave fans a sneak peek at how she was preparing for the big exam and it turns out she was in the middle of completing a questionnaire that was "Tiger King" themed.
CAROLE, HOWARD BASKIN SAY THEY FEEL 'BETRAYAL' FROM FILMMAKERS, ARE GETTING DEATH THREATS
"OMG My law school studying is Tiger King themed today," Kardashian wrote in an Instagram story.
The reality star shared a photo of a multiple-choice question she was working on. It reads: "A woman visited a tiger rescue zoo with her family. While she was there, she tripped over a tiger's tail and injured her arm. Who would the woman sue and what is her best theory of liability?"
Kardashian was given four answers to choose from, three of which involved the owner of the zoo. The final option was "Carole Baskin."
'TIGER KING': CAROLE BASKIN'S LATE HUSBAND'S LAWYER SAYS SHERIFF HAS 'NO CHOICE' BUT TO REOPEN CASE
In a second post to her Instagram story, Kardashian circled "Carole Baskin" as her answer, but appeared to not be taking herself so seriously as she drew three exclamation points next to it.
Baskin is the CEO of Big Cat Rescue in Florida. She was introduced to Netflix viewers as the chief rival of Joseph Maldonado-Passage, aka Joe Exotic.
Viewers and even A-list celebrities, including Kardashian, were quickly summoned to the drama surrounding Baskin and whether or not she played a role in her former husband Don Lewis' disappearance and alleged murder, as suggested by stars in the series.
HOW CORONAVIRUS DIFFERS FROM FLU: SYMPTOMS TO WATCH FOR
"Wow the amount of texts I’ve gotten about Tiger King since I tweeted about it all have mentioned their belief that Carol killed her husband! What are your thoughts? Do you think Carol killed him?" Kardashian tweeted.
Baskin has defended herself since the Netflix documentary was released in March.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
"There are not words for how disappointing it is to see that the series not only does not do any of that, but has had the sole goal of being as salacious and sensational as possible to draw viewers," Baskin's statement reads in part.
"As part of that, it has a segment devoted to suggesting, with lies and innuendos from people who are not credible, that I had a role in the disappearance of my husband Don in 1997," Baskin said in a statement on the Big Cat Rescue's website.


foxnews--2020-04-15--Edward Snowden warns that governments may use coronavirus to limit freedoms

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Edward Snowden , the whistleblower who leaked classified information from the National Security Agency , has warned that governments may use the coronavirus to curtail freedoms .
In an interview with Vice last Thursday , Snowden said world leaders who claim new emergency authority will hold onto that power well after the pandemic ends .
He talked about emergency powers born out of a crisis , while referencing mass surveillance and certain measures implemented out of 9/11 -- including the Patriot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BY INTRODUCING RESOLUTION SAYING PRESIDENT 'S AUTHORITY 'IS NOT TOTAL' “ As authoritarianism spreads , as emergency laws proliferate , as we sacrifice our rights , we also sacrifice our capability to arrest the slide into a less liberal and less free world , '' he told Vice .
“ Do you truly believe that when the first wave , this second wave , the 16th wave of the coronavirus is a long-forgotten memory , that these capabilities will not be kept ?
That these datasets will not be kept ?
” He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have continued to stay in place in some fashion .
Snowden also discussed how he believes researchers have known an event like the COVID-19 outbreak was going to happen eventually .
`` There is nothing more foreseeable as a public health crisis in a world where we are just living on top of each other in crowded and polluted cities , than a pandemic , '' Snowden said .
TRUMP ANNOUNCES US WILL HALT FUNDING TO WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION OVER CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE '' And every academic , every researcher who 's looked at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in fact , even intelligence agencies , I can tell you firsthand , because I used to read the reports and had been planning for pandemics . ''
He added that he does n't believe numbers coming out of China -- where infected cases have leveled off in recent weeks are correct .
CLICK HERE FOR MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE '' I do n't think we can [ trust those numbers ] .
Particularly , we see the Chinese government recently working to expel Western journalists at precisely this moment where we need credible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he told Vice .
The interview was conducted by video as Snowden is reported to still be in Russia .

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Edward Snowden, the whistleblower who leaked classified information from the National Security Agency, has warned that governments may use the coronavirus to curtail freedoms.
In an interview with Vice last Thursday, Snowden said world leaders who claim new emergency authority will hold onto that power well after the pandemic ends.
He talked about emergency powers born out of a crisis, while referencing mass surveillance and certain measures implemented out of 9/11 -- including the Patriot Act.
LAWMAKERS PUSH BACK AGAINST TRUMP BY INTRODUCING RESOLUTION SAYING PRESIDENT'S AUTHORITY 'IS NOT TOTAL'
“As authoritarianism spreads, as emergency laws proliferate, as we sacrifice our rights, we also sacrifice our capability to arrest the slide into a less liberal and less free world," he told Vice.
“Do you truly believe that when the first wave, this second wave, the 16th wave of the coronavirus is a long-forgotten memory, that these capabilities will not be kept? That these datasets will not be kept?”
He says those measures were deemed temporary but have continued to stay in place in some fashion.
Snowden also discussed how he believes researchers have known an event like the COVID-19 outbreak was going to happen eventually.
"There is nothing more foreseeable as a public health crisis in a world where we are just living on top of each other in crowded and polluted cities, than a pandemic," Snowden said.
TRUMP ANNOUNCES US WILL HALT FUNDING TO WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION OVER CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE
"And every academic, every researcher who's looked at this knew this was coming. And in fact, even intelligence agencies, I can tell you firsthand, because I used to read the reports and had been planning for pandemics."
He added that he doesn't believe numbers coming out of China -- where infected cases have leveled off in recent weeks are correct.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
"I don't think we can [trust those numbers]. Particularly, we see the Chinese government recently working to expel Western journalists at precisely this moment where we need credible independent warnings in this region," he told Vice.
The interview was conducted by video as Snowden is reported to still be in Russia.


foxnews--2020-04-14--Americans lonelier than ever as a result of coronavirus crisis, survey finds

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Four in 10 Americans are lonelier now more than ever as a result of the coronavirus pandemic , according to new research .
A survey of 1,055 Americans asked respondents to think about how the outbreak is affecting them , and it reveals that self-isolation has caused loneliness to hit new heights for 44 percent of those surveyed .
HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR MENTAL HEALTH AMID THE PANDEMIC And these feelings of loneliness were found to be part of a wider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continues , a fifth of respondents ( 19 percent ) said it will have major implications for their mental health .
Commissioned by the University of Phoenix , the survey found Americans have a wide variety of concerns at the current moment , with health — mental and physical — first on the list .
Results revealed respondents ’ top concern to be their loved one ’ s health ( 71 percent ) , followed by their own ( 61 percent ) .
Other respondents were worried about experiencing increased anxiety ( 41 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay bills ( 33 percent ) as a result of the pandemic .
Three in 10 were concerned about missing out on celebrating milestones , while 27 percent were worried about feeling prolonged loneliness or depression .
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER With so much unpredictability , 68 percent said they feel like everything is out of their control — and 53 percent of respondents wish they had tips on how to better take care of their mental health during this time .
But the survey , conducted by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are taking steps in the right direction to maintain or improve their mental health : Six in 10 have checked in with a loved one , while 35 percent are exercising more .
Three in 10 recognize the importance of self-care while staying informed , and are therefore limiting their news consumption .
Other steps respondents are taking for their mental health include planning for a post-pandemic future ( 30 percent ) and performing acts of kindness for others ( 29 percent ) .
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feelings with social distancing , there can be several benefits embedded in such opportunities , ” said Dr. Dean Aslinia , counseling department chair , University of Phoenix .
“ Reach out to an old friend , but instead of texting or emailing , make a phone call or use video chat to build a more meaningful connection .
Build activity in your day by trying something new or setting a small goal for yourself .
Start a new fun project or challenge that you can share with friends or loved ones .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that uplift you is important for maintaining mental health in uncertain times.
” But not only is mental health important right now , so is physical health .
In more good news , 59 percent of respondents report “ always ” following the social distancing guidelines , while 31 percent are following them most of the time .
Almost half ( 47 percent ) of those surveyed believe social distancing guidelines will continue to be in place between two to three months while 27 percent believe it ’ ll be four months or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not solely due to isolation or social distancing , ” said Dr. Aslinia .
“ Some of the challenge is that our connections are not emotionally fulfilling and are increasingly less personal , genuine , and may be void of real empathy .
Technology overuse , impersonal interactions and choosing to interact with people that are not healthy for us all lead to loneliness .
If something good can come from this pandemic , we can hopefully recognize the need for meaningful contact .
”

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Four in 10 Americans are lonelier now more than ever as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, according to new research.
A survey of 1,055 Americans asked respondents to think about how the outbreak is affecting them, and it reveals that self-isolation has caused loneliness to hit new heights for 44 percent of those surveyed.
HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR MENTAL HEALTH AMID THE PANDEMIC
And these feelings of loneliness were found to be part of a wider effect: If social distancing and quarantining continues, a fifth of respondents (19 percent) said it will have major implications for their mental health.
Commissioned by the University of Phoenix, the survey found Americans have a wide variety of concerns at the current moment, with health — mental and physical — first on the list. Results revealed respondents’ top concern to be their loved one’s health (71 percent), followed by their own (61 percent).
Other respondents were worried about experiencing increased anxiety (41 percent) and not being able to pay bills (33 percent) as a result of the pandemic. Three in 10 were concerned about missing out on celebrating milestones, while 27 percent were worried about feeling prolonged loneliness or depression.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
With so much unpredictability, 68 percent said they feel like everything is out of their control — and 53 percent of respondents wish they had tips on how to better take care of their mental health during this time.
But the survey, conducted by the Harris Poll, found some respondents are taking steps in the right direction to maintain or improve their mental health: Six in 10 have checked in with a loved one, while 35 percent are exercising more. Three in 10 recognize the importance of self-care while staying informed, and are therefore limiting their news consumption.
Other steps respondents are taking for their mental health include planning for a post-pandemic future (30 percent) and performing acts of kindness for others (29 percent).
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS
“While many people only associate negative feelings with social distancing, there can be several benefits embedded in such opportunities,” said Dr. Dean Aslinia, counseling department chair, University of Phoenix. “Reach out to an old friend, but instead of texting or emailing, make a phone call or use video chat to build a more meaningful connection. Build activity in your day by trying something new or setting a small goal for yourself. Start a new fun project or challenge that you can share with friends or loved ones. Engaging in activities and interacting with people that uplift you is important for maintaining mental health in uncertain times.”
But not only is mental health important right now, so is physical health. In more good news, 59 percent of respondents report “always” following the social distancing guidelines, while 31 percent are following them most of the time.
Almost half (47 percent) of those surveyed believe social distancing guidelines will continue to be in place between two to three months while 27 percent believe it’ll be four months or longer.
CLICK HERE FOR FOX NEWS' CONTINUING CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
“Feelings of loneliness are not solely due to isolation or social distancing,” said Dr. Aslinia. “Some of the challenge is that our connections are not emotionally fulfilling and are increasingly less personal, genuine, and may be void of real empathy. Technology overuse, impersonal interactions and choosing to interact with people that are not healthy for us all lead to loneliness. If something good can come from this pandemic, we can hopefully recognize the need for meaningful contact.”


foxnews--2020-04-15--Carnival CEO says bookings for 2021 'are strong' despite coronavirus outbreak

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People apparently still want to cruise .
The cruise industry , like most other travel industries , has been significantly impacted by the coronavirus outbreak .
Aside from major cruise lines suspending all cruises during the pandemic , multiple outbreaks have been linked to their ships , leaving some temporarily unable to dock and disembark passengers .
Despite all of this , however , one major cruise line ’ s CEO says that cruise bookings for 2021 “ are strong.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak ’ s impact on Carnival Cruise Lines and the industry in general with CNBC .
Based on his statements , he appears to have an optimistic view of the future .
“ It ’ s been devastating temporarily , ” he said .
“ Travel is going to return , travel and leisure , and when it does , we ’ ll return with it .
Social gathering at some point will return , and when it does , people will want to cruise.
” He followed this up by confirming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bookings .
Bookings for 2021 are strong.
” CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Fox News previously reported that analysts at UBS , a global research firm , said that bookings for cruises in 2019 had increased by 9 percent from the same time period the previous year .
At the time , however , it was pointed out that some of the increase was possibly due to vacationers rescheduling canceled trips .
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS But while Carnival ’ s CEO may have an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still be a difficult year .
Several major cruise lines , including Royal Caribbean and Carnival , are currently not operating , and recent news suggests that further suspensions may be on the way : Carnival Cruise Line recently extended the suspension of all cruises through at least June 26 , and canceled others through the end of 2020 altogether .
The cruise line announced its latest cancellations on Monday in a “ Health and Sailing Update ” shared in response to the ongoing coronavirus crisis .

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People apparently still want to cruise.
The cruise industry, like most other travel industries, has been significantly impacted by the coronavirus outbreak. Aside from major cruise lines suspending all cruises during the pandemic, multiple outbreaks have been linked to their ships, leaving some temporarily unable to dock and disembark passengers.
Despite all of this, however, one major cruise line’s CEO says that cruise bookings for 2021 “are strong.”
Carnival CEO Arnold Donald recently spoke about the outbreak’s impact on Carnival Cruise Lines and the industry in general with CNBC. Based on his statements, he appears to have an optimistic view of the future.
ZAANDAM CRUISE SHIP: AUTHORITIES CONFIRM 4TH CORONAVIRUS DEATH LINKED TO HOLLAND AMERICA VOYAGE
“It’s been devastating temporarily,” he said. “Travel is going to return, travel and leisure, and when it does, we’ll return with it. Social gathering at some point will return, and when it does, people will want to cruise.”
He followed this up by confirming, “We’ve had substantial bookings. Bookings for 2021 are strong.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Fox News previously reported that analysts at UBS, a global research firm, said that bookings for cruises in 2019 had increased by 9 percent from the same time period the previous year. At the time, however, it was pointed out that some of the increase was possibly due to vacationers rescheduling canceled trips.
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS
But while Carnival’s CEO may have an optimistic view of 2021, 2020 may still be a difficult year. Several major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean and Carnival, are currently not operating, and recent news suggests that further suspensions may be on the way: Carnival Cruise Line recently extended the suspension of all cruises through at least June 26, and canceled others through the end of 2020 altogether. The cruise line announced its latest cancellations on Monday in a “Health and Sailing Update” shared in response to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
Fox News' Michael Bartiromo contributed to this report.


foxnews--2020-04-15--MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough: ‘You can't be conservative and support Donald Trump’

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MSNBC ’ s “ Morning Joe ” namesake Joe Scarborough on Wednesday declared , “ You ca n't be conservative and support ” President Trump .
Scarborough first claimed that “ lifelong Republicans ” prefer Democratic New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo to Trump .
MIKA BRZEZINSKI : ‘ PEOPLE ARE ASKING ’ IF TRUMP HAD ‘ DONE HIS JOB , ’ THERE WOULD BE FEWER CORONAVIRUS DEATHS “ They look at Cuomo and they ’ re like , ‘ God @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ” Scarborough said , adding that Trump is “ damaging his political standing ” with “ clownish behavior ” during daily coronavirus task force press briefings .
Scarborough then started to say even conservative Trump supporters don ’ t agree with the president these days but stopped himself .
`` Well , not conservatives .
You ca n't be conservative and support Donald Trump .
Trumpists are even saying that now , '' Scarborough said .
NewsBusters contributing editor Mark Finkelstein torched Scarborough ’ s comments , noting that the 2020 Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ true conservatives .
“ Since Scarborough says conservatives ca n't support President Trump , let 's examine the record of the only other major contender in the race .
Joe Biden has boasted that he 'd be ‘ the most progressive president in history.
’ And his policy positions bear that out , ” Finkelstein wrote , listing a series of Biden ’ s positions that could make most conservatives cringe .
“ Biden is a radical leftist in the clothing of 'good 'ol moderate Joe . '
Yet this is whom Scarborough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Do n't think so , Joe , ” Finkelstein wrote .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Scarborough was famously close with Trump during the early stages of his political career before eventually turning on him .
The MSNBC host reportedly hung around Mar-a-Lago and was once accused of colluding with Trump during a town hall event when a hot mic allegedly captured a commercial-break conversation .
Scarborough since emerged as one of Trump ’ s harshest critics in the mainstream media , attacking the president on a daily basis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a former Republican congressman – announced he was leaving the GOP because the party supported Trump .

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MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” namesake Joe Scarborough on Wednesday declared, “You can't be conservative and support” President Trump.
Scarborough first claimed that “lifelong Republicans” prefer Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to Trump.
MIKA BRZEZINSKI: ‘PEOPLE ARE ASKING’ IF TRUMP HAD ‘DONE HIS JOB,’ THERE WOULD BE FEWER CORONAVIRUS DEATHS
“They look at Cuomo and they’re like, ‘God, there’s a leader,’” Scarborough said, adding that Trump is “damaging his political standing” with “clownish behavior” during daily coronavirus task force press briefings.
Scarborough then started to say even conservative Trump supporters don’t agree with the president these days but stopped himself.
"Well, not conservatives. You can't be conservative and support Donald Trump. Trumpists are even saying that now," Scarborough said.
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
NewsBusters contributing editor Mark Finkelstein torched Scarborough’s comments, noting that the 2020 Democratic front-runner isn’t exactly appealing to true conservatives.
“Since Scarborough says conservatives can't support President Trump, let's examine the record of the only other major contender in the race. Joe Biden has boasted that he'd be ‘the most progressive president in history.’ And his policy positions bear that out,” Finkelstein wrote, listing a series of Biden’s positions that could make most conservatives cringe.
“Biden is a radical leftist in the clothing of 'good 'ol moderate Joe.' Yet this is whom Scarborough is effectively telling conservatives they must support? Don't think so, Joe,” Finkelstein wrote.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Scarborough was famously close with Trump during the early stages of his political career before eventually turning on him. The MSNBC host reportedly hung around Mar-a-Lago and was once accused of colluding with Trump during a town hall event when a hot mic allegedly captured a commercial-break conversation.
Scarborough since emerged as one of Trump’s harshest critics in the mainstream media, attacking the president on a daily basis. Back in 2017, Scarborough – a former Republican congressman – announced he was leaving the GOP because the party supported Trump.