naturalnews--2020-03-04--Spirulina found to boost the body's type 1 interferon response to fight RNA viral infections "includ

Spirulina found to boost the body's type 1 interferon response to fight RNA viral infections "including coronavirus," new science finds

( Natural News ) A new study published in Progress in Cardiovascular Disease on February 12 of this year reveals that spirulina may have tremendous potential to boost the body ’ s type 1 interferon response in fighting RNA viral infections .
While no substance has yet been proven to treat or prevent coronavirus infections , many new candidates are emerging from the world of nutraceuticals .
In fact , the title for this study is , “ Nutraceuticals have potential for boosting the type 1 interferon response to RNA viruses including influenza and coronavirus.
” Several nutraceuticals are named @ @ @ @ @ @ @ below ) .
The study is found at this link : There , study authors explain the mechanism by which a spirulina component called phycocyanobilin ( PCB ) mimics bilirubin , allowing it to “ mimic the NAPDH oxidase inhibiting activity ” which means it blocks a key physiological mechanism used by RNA viruses to replicate in the human body .
The study begins by explaining the context of the importance of looking at nutraceuticals that may help stop the spread of the coronavirus : In light of worldwide concern regarding the recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus in China , it is fortuitous that two recent discoveries point the way to effective nutraceutical measures for potentiating the type 1 interferon response to RNA viruses .
Here ’ s the full explanation from the study : Moreover , the phycocyanobilin ( PCB ) chromophore of cyanobacteria ( such as spirulina ) and many types of blue-green algae , a biliverdin metabolite , has been shown to mimic the NAPDH oxidase inhibiting activity of unconjugated bilirubin , likely because it is rapidly converted within cells to phycocyanorubin , a compound very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely explains many of the profound antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects observed when spirulina , phycocyanin ( the prominent spirulina protein incorporating PCB as a chromophore ) , or PCB itself are administered in rodent models of human pathology.11,13 Hence , ingestion of spirulina or of spirulina extracts enriched in PCB may have potential for boosting type 1 interferon response in the context of RNA virus infection .
Oral administration of a cold-water spirulina extract rich in phycocyanin has been found to decrease mortality in influenza-infected mice .
The study looked at several different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protecting people from RNA viral infections .
Here ’ s a quick summary from the study : • Selenium – when people are deficient in this mineral , viruses replicate more quickly • Glucosamine – may block a pathway used by viruses to replicate ( activation of MAVS ) – “ This striking new finding points to the possibility that high-dose glucosamine supplementation might aid prevention and control of RNA virus infections.
” • Zinc – “ Zinc supports the effective function and proliferation of various immune cells , ” may reduce mortality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ studies .
• Elderberry – “ extracts of elderberry , in particular , have received considerable clinical evaluation , and have been found to be symptomatically beneficial in influenza and the common cold.
” In light of the foregoing , administration of spirulina ( or a spirulina extract enriched in PCB ) , a phase 2 inducer ( such as ferulic acid , lipoic acid , or sulforaphane ) , N-acetylcysteine , selenium , and high-dose glucosamine , in adequate doses , might be expected to help prevent and control RNA virus infections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and MAVS in evoking type 1 interferon production .
Ferulic acid : 500-1,000 mg Lipoic acid : 1,200-1,800 mg ( in place of ferulic acid ) Spirulina : 15 g ( or 100 mg PCB , which is an extract ) N-Acetylcysteine : 1,200–1,800 mg Selenium : 50-100 mcg Glucosamine : 3,000 mg or more Zinc : 30-50 mg Yeast Beta-Glucan : 250-500 mg Elderberry : 600–1,500 mg What ’ s especially important to note in all this is how every government authority is pushing pharmaceuticals and ( non-existent ) vaccines rather than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available right now .
Because of this total unwillingness to recommend potential anti-viral substances that are safe , affordable and available right now , these “ authorities ” are allowing the virus to replicate and spread in an accelerating manner , all to promote the financial interests of Big Pharma rather than support the health of the public .
They are more interested in protecting the profits of Big Pharma than in protecting the health of the public , in other words .
Read more news about Spirulina at Spirulina.news .
Disclaimer : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that any of these substances treat , prevent or cure coronavirus infections .
These are merely candidates which are being studied for their potential .
Currently there is no drug , no vaccine , no herb , no molecule on the planet which has been proven to treat coronavirus infections .

Spirulina found to boost the body’s type 1 interferon response to fight RNA viral infections “including coronavirus,” new science finds
A new study published in Progress in Cardiovascular Disease on February 12 of this year reveals that spirulina may have tremendous potential to boost the body's type 1 interferon response in fighting RNA viral infections.
While no substance has yet been proven to treat or prevent coronavirus infections, many new candidates are emerging from the world of nutraceuticals. In fact, the title for this study is, "Nutraceuticals have potential for boosting the type 1 interferon response to RNA viruses including influenza and coronavirus." Several nutraceuticals are named in the study (see summary table below).
The study is found at this link:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcad.2020.02.007
There, study authors explain the mechanism by which a spirulina component called phycocyanobilin (PCB) mimics bilirubin, allowing it to "mimic the NAPDH oxidase inhibiting activity" which means it blocks a key physiological mechanism used by RNA viruses to replicate in the human body.
The study begins by explaining the context of the importance of looking at nutraceuticals that may help stop the spread of the coronavirus:
In light of worldwide concern regarding the recent outbreak of a deadly novel strain of coronavirus in China, it is fortuitous that two recent discoveries point the way to effective nutraceutical measures for potentiating the type 1 interferon response to RNA viruses.
Here's the full explanation from the study:
Moreover, the phycocyanobilin (PCB) chromophore of cyanobacteria (such as spirulina) and many types of blue-green algae, a biliverdin metabolite, has been shown to mimic the NAPDH oxidase inhibiting activity of unconjugated bilirubin, likely because it is rapidly converted within cells to phycocyanorubin, a compound very similar in structure to bilirubin.11,12 This phenomenon likely explains many of the profound antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects observed when spirulina, phycocyanin (the prominent spirulina protein incorporating PCB as a chromophore), or PCB itself are administered in rodent models of human pathology.11,13 Hence, ingestion of spirulina or of spirulina extracts enriched in PCB may have potential for boosting type 1 interferon response in the context of RNA virus infection. Oral administration of a cold-water spirulina extract rich in phycocyanin has been found to decrease mortality in influenza-infected mice.
The study looked at several different nutraceuticals that may show real promise in protecting people from RNA viral infections. Here's a quick summary from the study:
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) - found to reduce influenza episodes and boost glutathione production
Ferulic acid / Sodium ferulate - may activate TLR7 to stimulate type 1 interferon production
Lipioc acid
Sulforaphane (from cruciferous vegetables)
Selenium - when people are deficient in this mineral, viruses replicate more quickly
Glucosamine - may block a pathway used by viruses to replicate (activation of MAVS) - "This striking new finding points to the possibility that high-dose glucosamine supplementation might aid prevention and control of RNA virus infections."
Beta-glucans - stimulates the immune response against viruses
Zinc - "Zinc supports the effective function and proliferation of various immune cells," may reduce mortality by 27% according to previous clinical studies.
Elderberry - "extracts of elderberry, in particular, have received considerable clinical evaluation, and have been found to be symptomatically beneficial in influenza and the common cold."
Conclusion from the study:
In light of the foregoing, administration of spirulina (or a spirulina extract enriched in PCB), a phase 2 inducer (such as ferulic acid, lipoic acid, or sulforaphane), N-acetylcysteine, selenium, and high-dose glucosamine, in adequate doses, might be expected to help prevent and control RNA virus infections by amplifying the signaling functions of TLR7 and MAVS in evoking type 1 interferon production.
Doses recommended by the study:
Ferulic acid: 500-1,000 mg
Lipoic acid: 1,200-1,800 mg (in place of ferulic acid)
Spirulina: 15 g (or 100 mg PCB, which is an extract)
N-Acetylcysteine: 1,200–1,800 mg
Selenium: 50-100 mcg
Glucosamine: 3,000 mg or more
Zinc: 30-50 mg
Yeast Beta-Glucan: 250-500 mg
Elderberry: 600–1,500 mg
What's especially important to note in all this is how every government authority is pushing pharmaceuticals and (non-existent) vaccines rather than encouraging people to use nutraceuticals that are available right now. Because of this total unwillingness to recommend potential anti-viral substances that are safe, affordable and available right now, these "authorities" are allowing the virus to replicate and spread in an accelerating manner, all to promote the financial interests of Big Pharma rather than support the health of the public.
They are more interested in protecting the profits of Big Pharma than in protecting the health of the public, in other words.
Read more news about Spirulina at Spirulina.news.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to claim that any of these substances treat, prevent or cure coronavirus infections. These are merely candidates which are being studied for their potential. Currently there is no drug, no vaccine, no herb, no molecule on the planet which has been proven to treat coronavirus infections.


naturalnews--2020-03-04--How The Pandemic Crisis Will Probably Develop Over The Next Year, by Brandon Smith

( Natural News ) Brandon Smith from Alt-Market.com just nailed it .
What follows is one of the best-written descriptions of where this coronavirus pandemic will likely take us in the USA .
Hint : It ’ s worse than anything I ’ ve reported .
Get prepared for medical martial law , government seizure of indy media websites , forced vaccinations , economic collapse , quarantined cities , collapsing food supply lines , social chaos , National Guard troops on the streets of America and more… How The Pandemic Crisis Will Probably Develop Over The Next Year For a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that Americans are “ in a panic ” over the coronavirus outbreak in the US , and that mainstream media outlets are “ feeding the fear ” .
This is an odd conclusion to come to and something worth noting , because the truth is mostly the opposite .
For the past couple of months the WHO , the CDC and even Donald Trump have been dismissing Covid 19 as nothing much to worry about .
The WHO actually still refuses to call it a pandemic even though the virus meets all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mainstream media was also been pumping out article after article on why Covid 19 is “ no more dangerous than the flu ” .
With the official death rate at 2.3 % to 3 % ( changing by the week ) , the virus already has higher mortality than the average flu .
If we take into account the fact that multiple medical professionals within China have revealed ( despite threats of punishment ) that the Chinese government is hiding the true ( and much higher ) death and infection statistics , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ window .
We can ’ t even trust the infection numbers from the CDC in the US , because they been refusing to test most people unless they have recently traveled to China .
Because of government lies we have to assume that the crisis is more pervasive than we know .
And so far the average American is oblivious to it .
While we do see a handful of videos of crowds stockpiling supplies at Costco or Walmart , there simply is not enough of them .
Frankly , I would prefer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up on necessities ; at least then we would know that a large number of people will not starve immediately following a supply chain disruption .
The more people that have supplies , the less desperation and potential crime there will be .
Only in the past week have the media and certain government representatives suddenly decided to take the pandemic issue seriously .
Why wait until there are large community outbreaks in South Korea , Iran and Italy before instituting some travel guidelines ?
Why are flights still moving back and forth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Why is Trump ’ s economic adviser Larry Kudlow telling the country that the pandemic “ is contained ” and there ’ s no threat to the economy ?
Why is the Surgeon General of the US telling people to ‘ Stop buying N95 masks ’ because they will not work for you ; they only work for medical and CDC professionals ?
This is warped fuzzy logic , and it ’ s bizarre .
I believe this behavior is quite deliberate , and that for the past two months there has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep as many people as possible passive and unprepared .
Governments and the media have changed their tune in the past week because the threat can no longer be hidden .
The outbreak is here , as we have seen in Washington State where nine people have died already .
So , now that there is no longer any question that the US will experience outbreak conditions , we have to ask how this will play out over the coming months because this will determine how we prepare and what problems we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic escalating in 2020… Multiple Community Outbreaks In The US Get ready for Washington State to become a large community infection event involving thousands of people .
The virus ’ incubation period of up to 24 days while a person is still contagious makes isolation and quarantine impossible .
What is happening in Washington State will happen in other states .
Going by the speed of the outbreaks in Italy and South Korea , it is likely that two weeks from now the American public will finally realize how bad the situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stage will demand “ voluntary quarantine ” of individuals who think they might have the virus .
Testing will finally increase , though hospitals will have to test each person 2-3 times to get accurate results .
Expect a lot of false negatives that end up ultimately as positives for the infection .
The government , while admitting that the virus is spreading , will continue to downplay the threat to keep people as apathetic as they can .
The authorities will clam that this was done “ for the greater good ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but they don ’ t care about preventing “ panic ” , they care about control .
The more desperate people are in the aftermath of a crisis the more likely they are to trade their freedoms for some semblance of security .
Within the next two months we will probably see at least a handful of government enforced quarantines .
Watch for checkpoints going up on main roads and highways testing for fever and symptoms , and if you live in a high population area it may be time to get out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus but the subsequent economic crash as supply lines are cut off .
I find most people are more driven by conscience than we often see displayed in movies and TV shows , but without organization and a move to become self sustainable , some people will inevitably turn to violence to get what they need .
In the span of perhaps three months , the majority of airline flights out of the US will stop .
All interstate travel will be restricted .
If you need to go somewhere other than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the opportunity to do it .
There will be hundreds of announcements by government officials and the media hinting that a vaccine is “ right around the corner ” .
Don ’ t believe it .
On average a vaccine takes 1 year to develop at minimum .
That is the fastest it could be accomplished an this is under the best possible circumstances .
Also , keep in mind that Covid-19 has many similarities to SARS , and the last time they tried to develop a vaccine for SARS it caused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test animals , meaning a negative reaction that can cause death .
They also found the vaccine caused liver damage through hepatitis .
I would not trust any vaccine or drug cocktail coming from the CDC and FEMA , especially if it is fast-tracked into existence .
The only purpose to constantly injecting vaccine promises into the public consciousness would be to give people false hope and to make them docile as they sit inactive waiting for the authorities to save the day ; as well as to keep stock markets from plunging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a vaccine can take up to ten years to produce , one year if there is a massive effort and mountains of money invested .
There will be no legitimate vaccine in 2020 .
Donald Trump ’ s behavior surrounding this event might seem strange to many people as he continues to dismiss virus concerns , shows more interest in the stock market than the health crisis and talks about a vaccine that will not be coming anytime soon .
As I have noted in numerous articles , Trump is a puppet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decades .
His relationship with the Rothschild banking family goes back to the 1990 ’ s when he was bailed out of his debts in numerous properties in Atlantic City .
Rothschild banker Wilber Ross arranged the deal and now Ross is Trump ’ s Commerce Secretary .
The number of CFR members and elites within Trump ’ s cabinet indicates he is at the very least an unwilling participant , if not completely complicit in the agenda .
Trump ’ s behavior makes sense when this fact is taken into account .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pied piper for conservatives , and as he leads the US into disaster his job is to act as a bumbling villain .
As Trump ’ s image goes down he is meant to drag all conservatives and conservative principles of sovereignty and limited government down with him .
As part of this narrative I do see a chance that Trump will announce “ delays ” on the 2020 election in November .
Do not be surprised if the election is canceled entirely .
This would enrage leftists and accusations of dictatorship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ question is , will a large number of conservatives support the action ?
Remember , elections are irrelevant ; both sides are controlled , but why not use them instigate a civil war within the US on top of the pandemic crisis ?
Liberty websites like mine and many others will eventually be shut down or blocked from public view by the government .
They will claim that we are “ spreading panic ” or “ fake news ” and “ putting the public at risk ” .
This is what is happening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easily happen here .
They will assert that the ONLY authority on the pandemic is the government , and alternative sources can not be allowed to exist .
Anyone that questions the narrative that centralization is the solution will be targeted .
I expect this kind of lockdown of the web closer to election season and the end of the year if the current virus trend continues .
Mainstream media and spin control websites will remain intact .
Their job will be to flood the public with false news stories and maintain government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point the only way to get legitimate information to the average person would be Ham radio networks , which the FCC will attempt to interfere with also ( though this would be very difficult ) .
The Extent Of The Crash An economic crash is built into this event .
There is no way around it , and I am not simply talking about stock markets , which are a meaningless trailing indicator .
With supply chain and labor disruptions central banks can do nothing to intervene , and stimulus measures would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masses .
But how bad will it actually get ?
I am doubtful of total breakdown of government unless there is a larger scale rebellion against martial law measures .
The system will remain somewhat functional , but constantly inadequate to help the public .
The system ’ s only purpose will be to keep people inactive and in check as their prospects turn worse and worse .
Agencies like FEMA and the CDC will attempt to herd the public into “ treatment centers ” and camps in the worst hit areas .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ national emergency ” provisions will eventually be suggested as some people will resist .
If you and your community have had success in self quarantine do not expect to be left alone .
In fact , expect interference that will put you and your community at risk .
Finally , a “ solution ” will be presented to the world by global institutions like the WHO and the IMF .
As the globalists suggested in their “ Event 201 ” pandemic exercise which simulated a coronavirus outbreak killing 65 million people and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started , the great fix will be to form a global financial authority to manage the response .
And thus we see the beginning of global governance… The solution to the problem is not more centralization , more globalization and more government power ; the solution is decentralization and localized response .
The solution is for people to be less dependent on the system and more self sufficient .
And , the solution is self quarantine organized around a local model , not federal government enforcement .
If these measures are not taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elites within the establishment will make this particular crisis into a hell on earth for everyone .
Read more from Brandon Smith at Alt-Market.com

How The Pandemic Crisis Will Probably Develop Over The Next Year, by Brandon Smith
Brandon Smith from Alt-Market.com just nailed it.
What follows is one of the best-written descriptions of where this coronavirus pandemic will likely take us in the USA. Hint: It's worse than anything I've reported.
Get prepared for medical martial law, government seizure of indy media websites, forced vaccinations, economic collapse, quarantined cities, collapsing food supply lines, social chaos, National Guard troops on the streets of America and more...
Original source: Alt-Market.com
How The Pandemic Crisis Will Probably Develop Over The Next Year
by Brandon Smith
For a while now I have been hearing it said that Americans are “in a panic” over the coronavirus outbreak in the US, and that mainstream media outlets are “feeding the fear”. This is an odd conclusion to come to and something worth noting, because the truth is mostly the opposite. For the past couple of months the WHO, the CDC and even Donald Trump have been dismissing Covid 19 as nothing much to worry about. The WHO actually still refuses to call it a pandemic even though the virus meets all of their own criteria.
Until recently the mainstream media was also been pumping out article after article on why Covid 19 is “no more dangerous than the flu”. With the official death rate at 2.3% to 3% (changing by the week), the virus already has higher mortality than the average flu. If we take into account the fact that multiple medical professionals within China have revealed (despite threats of punishment) that the Chinese government is hiding the true (and much higher) death and infection statistics, then the official data goes out the window. We can't even trust the infection numbers from the CDC in the US, because they been refusing to test most people unless they have recently traveled to China.
Because of government lies we have to assume that the crisis is more pervasive than we know. And so far the average American is oblivious to it.
While we do see a handful of videos of crowds stockpiling supplies at Costco or Walmart, there simply is not enough of them. Frankly, I would prefer to see a nationwide rush to stock up on necessities; at least then we would know that a large number of people will not starve immediately following a supply chain disruption. The more people that have supplies, the less desperation and potential crime there will be.
Only in the past week have the media and certain government representatives suddenly decided to take the pandemic issue seriously. Why wait until there are large community outbreaks in South Korea, Iran and Italy before instituting some travel guidelines? Why are flights still moving back and forth from these places to the US? Why is Trump's economic adviser Larry Kudlow telling the country that the pandemic "is contained" and there's no threat to the economy? Why is the Surgeon General of the US telling people to 'Stop buying N95 masks' because they will not work for you; they only work for medical and CDC professionals? This is warped fuzzy logic, and it's bizarre.
I believe this behavior is quite deliberate, and that for the past two months there has been a conspiracy to downplay the danger and keep as many people as possible passive and unprepared. Governments and the media have changed their tune in the past week because the threat can no longer be hidden. The outbreak is here, as we have seen in Washington State where nine people have died already.
So, now that there is no longer any question that the US will experience outbreak conditions, we have to ask how this will play out over the coming months because this will determine how we prepare and what problems we will face. This is how I see the pandemic escalating in 2020...
Multiple Community Outbreaks In The US
Get ready for Washington State to become a large community infection event involving thousands of people. The virus' incubation period of up to 24 days while a person is still contagious makes isolation and quarantine impossible. What is happening in Washington State will happen in other states.
Going by the speed of the outbreaks in Italy and South Korea, it is likely that two weeks from now the American public will finally realize how bad the situation actually is. The government at this stage will demand “voluntary quarantine” of individuals who think they might have the virus. Testing will finally increase, though hospitals will have to test each person 2-3 times to get accurate results. Expect a lot of false negatives that end up ultimately as positives for the infection.
The government, while admitting that the virus is spreading, will continue to downplay the threat to keep people as apathetic as they can. The authorities will clam that this was done "for the greater good" in order to avoid mass panic, but they don't care about preventing “panic”, they care about control. The more desperate people are in the aftermath of a crisis the more likely they are to trade their freedoms for some semblance of security.
Travel Lockdown
Within the next two months we will probably see at least a handful of government enforced quarantines. Watch for checkpoints going up on main roads and highways testing for fever and symptoms, and if you live in a high population area it may be time to get out. The biggest threat may not be the virus but the subsequent economic crash as supply lines are cut off. I find most people are more driven by conscience than we often see displayed in movies and TV shows, but without organization and a move to become self sustainable, some people will inevitably turn to violence to get what they need.
In the span of perhaps three months, the majority of airline flights out of the US will stop. All interstate travel will be restricted. If you need to go somewhere other than where you currently live, now would be the opportunity to do it.
Vaccine Promises
There will be hundreds of announcements by government officials and the media hinting that a vaccine is “right around the corner”. Don't believe it. On average a vaccine takes 1 year to develop at minimum. That is the fastest it could be accomplished an this is under the best possible circumstances. Also, keep in mind that Covid-19 has many similarities to SARS, and the last time they tried to develop a vaccine for SARS it caused an "immunopathologic lung reaction" in test animals, meaning a negative reaction that can cause death. They also found the vaccine caused liver damage through hepatitis. I would not trust any vaccine or drug cocktail coming from the CDC and FEMA, especially if it is fast-tracked into existence.
The only purpose to constantly injecting vaccine promises into the public consciousness would be to give people false hope and to make them docile as they sit inactive waiting for the authorities to save the day; as well as to keep stock markets from plunging too fast. The bottom line is, a vaccine can take up to ten years to produce, one year if there is a massive effort and mountains of money invested. There will be no legitimate vaccine in 2020.
Election Disruption
Donald Trump's behavior surrounding this event might seem strange to many people as he continues to dismiss virus concerns, shows more interest in the stock market than the health crisis and talks about a vaccine that will not be coming anytime soon.
As I have noted in numerous articles, Trump is a puppet of the globalists and has been for decades. His relationship with the Rothschild banking family goes back to the 1990's when he was bailed out of his debts in numerous properties in Atlantic City. Rothschild banker Wilber Ross arranged the deal and now Ross is Trump's Commerce Secretary. The number of CFR members and elites within Trump's cabinet indicates he is at the very least an unwilling participant, if not completely complicit in the agenda.
Trump's behavior makes sense when this fact is taken into account. Trump's role is to become a pied piper for conservatives, and as he leads the US into disaster his job is to act as a bumbling villain. As Trump's image goes down he is meant to drag all conservatives and conservative principles of sovereignty and limited government down with him.
As part of this narrative I do see a chance that Trump will announce “delays” on the 2020 election in November. Do not be surprised if the election is canceled entirely. This would enrage leftists and accusations of dictatorship would be made against Trump. The question is, will a large number of conservatives support the action? Remember, elections are irrelevant; both sides are controlled, but why not use them instigate a civil war within the US on top of the pandemic crisis?
Alternative Media Shutdown
Liberty websites like mine and many others will eventually be shut down or blocked from public view by the government. They will claim that we are “spreading panic” or “fake news” and “putting the public at risk”. This is what is happening in China and it could just as easily happen here. They will assert that the ONLY authority on the pandemic is the government, and alternative sources cannot be allowed to exist. Anyone that questions the narrative that centralization is the solution will be targeted.
I expect this kind of lockdown of the web closer to election season and the end of the year if the current virus trend continues. Mainstream media and spin control websites will remain intact. Their job will be to flood the public with false news stories and maintain government dominance of the narrative.
At this point the only way to get legitimate information to the average person would be Ham radio networks, which the FCC will attempt to interfere with also (though this would be very difficult).
The Extent Of The Crash
An economic crash is built into this event. There is no way around it, and I am not simply talking about stock markets, which are a meaningless trailing indicator. With supply chain and labor disruptions central banks can do nothing to intervene, and stimulus measures would be pointless except as a placebo for the masses. But how bad will it actually get?
I am doubtful of total breakdown of government unless there is a larger scale rebellion against martial law measures. The system will remain somewhat functional, but constantly inadequate to help the public. The system's only purpose will be to keep people inactive and in check as their prospects turn worse and worse. Agencies like FEMA and the CDC will attempt to herd the public into "treatment centers" and camps in the worst hit areas. Gun confiscation on the grounds of "national emergency" provisions will eventually be suggested as some people will resist. If you and your community have had success in self quarantine do not expect to be left alone. In fact, expect interference that will put you and your community at risk.
Finally, a "solution" will be presented to the world by global institutions like the WHO and the IMF. As the globalists suggested in their "Event 201" pandemic exercise which simulated a coronavirus outbreak killing 65 million people and was staged TWO MONTHS before the real pandemic started, the great fix will be to form a global financial authority to manage the response. And thus we see the beginning of global governance...
The solution to the problem is not more centralization, more globalization and more government power; the solution is decentralization and localized response. The solution is for people to be less dependent on the system and more self sufficient. And, the solution is self quarantine organized around a local model, not federal government enforcement. If these measures are not taken soon by individuals with foresight, the elites within the establishment will make this particular crisis into a hell on earth for everyone.
Read more from Brandon Smith at Alt-Market.com


naturalnews--2020-03-04--WHO calling for URGENT production of medical supplies, says current stocks ”rapidly depleting”

( Natural News ) As countries around the world prepare to stop the spread of the Wuhan coronavirus responsible for COVID-19 , some worrying news has come to light .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has warned that medical supplies needed to help stop the spread of the virus are quickly being depleted .
Talking to reporters at their Geneva headquarters , WHO officials called on manufacturers to “ urgently increase production ” of medical supplies needed to fights the coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) outbreak spreading across the globe .
According to WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production of personal protective gear supplies by 40 percent to meet the medical community ’ s needs .
“ Supplies are rapidly depleting , ” stated Tedros .
“ WHO estimates that each month 89 million medical masks will be required for the COVID-19 response , 76 million examination gloves and 1.6 million goggles.
” These sentiments were echoed in Capitol Hill by Dr. Robert Kadlec , assistant secretary for preparedness and response at the Department of Health and Human Services ( HHS ) , who stated that the U.S. had about 35 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only 10 percent of the 3.5 billion that the country will need if COVID-19 becomes a full-blown pandemic .
A surge in global demand for N95 face masks , which are effective in protecting health-care workers from infection , has affected their supply .
In China , nurses and doctors face shortages as the high demand has depleted the country ’ s stockpile .
The warnings come as global cases of the coronavirus are on the rise .
On Friday , WHO officials raised the risk assessment of the virus to “ very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They later revealed on Monday that the number of new cases outside China was almost nine times higher than that inside the country in the previous 24 hours .
The WHO had declared the virus a global health emergency back in January , at the same time , they had urged the public against overreacting to the virus .
120 new cases were reported by China on Tuesday , compared with 1,848 new infections in 48 other countries .
Tedros confirmed that most of these new cases have come from Italy , Korea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Iranian medical doctors and nurses have concerns that they don ’ t necessarily have enough equipment , supplies , ventilators , respirators , oxygen and all the things you ’ ve heard spoken about in many of the press conferences , ” warned Dr. Michael Ryan , who runs WHO ’ s emergency program .
“ Those needs are more acute for the Iranian health system than they are most any other health system.
” Similar to influenza , but not quite the same The WHO has not yet classified the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that its focus is on containing the spread , as of press time .
Despite these efforts , the virus has moved beyond China and has now been found in almost 60 countries .
Dr. Tedros shed more light on the virus Tuesday , stating that it was similar to influenza .
Like the latter , the SARS-COV19 virus spreads via small droplets of fluid from the nose and mouth of a person who ’ s sick .
That said , he added that the virus actually doesn ’ t transmit as easily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infected people who aren ’ t sick don ’ t transmit it as easily compared to the flu .
( Related : Coronavirus patient released “ by mistake , ” wanders through mall for two hours . )
“ First COVID-19 does not transmit as efficiently as influenza from the data we ’ ve seen so far , ” stated Dr. Tedros .
“ With influenza , people who are infected but not yet sick are major drivers of transmission , which doesn ’ t appear to be the case with COVID-19.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that while scientists don ’ t know exactly how the virus behaves , the fact that it wasn ’ t like influenza gives them some hope that it can be suppressed and contained .
However , he also warned that , while health officials believe countries are being transparent about infections within their borders , they could easily be “ caught unaware in an epidemic situation .
”

WHO calling for URGENT production of medical supplies, says current stocks ”rapidly depleting”
As countries around the world prepare to stop the spread of the Wuhan coronavirus responsible for COVID-19, some worrying news has come to light. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that medical supplies needed to help stop the spread of the virus are quickly being depleted.
Talking to reporters at their Geneva headquarters, WHO officials called on manufacturers to “urgently increase production” of medical supplies needed to fights the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak spreading across the globe. According to WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, manufacturers would have to increase their production of personal protective gear supplies by 40 percent to meet the medical community’s needs.
“Supplies are rapidly depleting,” stated Tedros. “WHO estimates that each month 89 million medical masks will be required for the COVID-19 response, 76 million examination gloves and 1.6 million goggles.”
These sentiments were echoed in Capitol Hill by Dr. Robert Kadlec, assistant secretary for preparedness and response at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), who stated that the U.S. had about 35 million N95 respirator masks. This represents only 10 percent of the 3.5 billion that the country will need if COVID-19 becomes a full-blown pandemic.
A surge in global demand for N95 face masks, which are effective in protecting health-care workers from infection, has affected their supply. In China, nurses and doctors face shortages as the high demand has depleted the country’s stockpile.
Global cases on the rise
The warnings come as global cases of the coronavirus are on the rise. On Friday, WHO officials raised the risk assessment of the virus to “very high” at the global level. They later revealed on Monday that the number of new cases outside China was almost nine times higher than that inside the country in the previous 24 hours. The WHO had declared the virus a global health emergency back in January, at the same time, they had urged the public against overreacting to the virus.
120 new cases were reported by China on Tuesday, compared with 1,848 new infections in 48 other countries. Tedros confirmed that most of these new cases have come from Italy, Korea and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
“Iranian medical doctors and nurses have concerns that they don’t necessarily have enough equipment, supplies, ventilators, respirators, oxygen and all the things you’ve heard spoken about in many of the press conferences,” warned Dr. Michael Ryan, who runs WHO’s emergency program. “Those needs are more acute for the Iranian health system than they are most any other health system.”
Similar to influenza, but not quite the same
The WHO has not yet classified the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic and has maintained that its focus is on containing the spread, as of press time. Despite these efforts, the virus has moved beyond China and has now been found in almost 60 countries.
Dr. Tedros shed more light on the virus Tuesday, stating that it was similar to influenza. Like the latter, the SARS-COV19 virus spreads via small droplets of fluid from the nose and mouth of a person who’s sick. That said, he added that the virus actually doesn’t transmit as easily as influenza, highlighting the fact it infected people who aren’t sick don’t transmit it as easily compared to the flu. (Related: Coronavirus patient released “by mistake,” wanders through mall for two hours.)
“First COVID-19 does not transmit as efficiently as influenza from the data we’ve seen so far,” stated Dr. Tedros. “With influenza, people who are infected but not yet sick are major drivers of transmission, which doesn’t appear to be the case with COVID-19.”
Dr. Ryan confirmed this as well saying that while scientists don’t know exactly how the virus behaves, the fact that it wasn’t like influenza gives them some hope that it can be suppressed and contained. However, he also warned that, while health officials believe countries are being transparent about infections within their borders, they could easily be “caught unaware in an epidemic situation.”
Sources include:
CNBC.com 1
SCMP.com
CNBC.com 2


naturalnews--2020-03-04--NASA images reveal massive DROP in pollution in China following coronavirus outbreak

( Natural News ) Scientists monitoring the ongoing the coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) outbreak in China have found one surprising bit of silver lining .
Satellite images from NASA revealed a significant drop in pollution over some of China ’ s biggest cities .
According to NASA , there has been a significant decrease in nitrogen dioxide ( NO2 ) emissions in China due to the economic slowdown following the coronavirus outbreak .
NO2 emissions usually come from motor vehicles , industrial facilities and power plants .
The report comes after scientists had already announced that China ’ s emissions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent during the first two weeks of February .
The first reports of the outbreak came at the same time as the start of the Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations in February , resulting in officials extending the holidays in an attempt to keep people at home .
The satellite imagery , which covers the first two months of the year , shows that pollution levels dropped drastically as quarantine efforts were put in place in various cities in China .
The reduction in NO2 emissions became first apparent near Wuhan , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported .
Chinese officials eventually put up other quarantine efforts in other cities throughout the country , resulting in NO2 emissions being reduced in those cities as well .
“ This is the first time I have seen such a dramatic drop-off over such a wide area for a specific event , ” stated Fei Liu , an air quality researcher at NASA .
Prior to this , she recalled seeing a similar in NO2 levels during the economic recession that began in 2008 .
However , according to Liu , the drop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not as drastic as the one being observed in China .
Additionally , the Chinese capital of Beijing also saw a reduction in emissions during the 2008 Olympics , but these were mostly centralized around the city , and pollution levels went back up after the games had ended .
( Related : “ Recovered ” coronavirus patients in China are testing positive a second time . )
The Lunar New Year celebrations may have helped in lowering the emission levels of NO2 .
Previous observations have observed that air pollution tends to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down , before going back up again after the holidays .
However , NO2 levels have not gone up after this year after the celebrations .
“ This year , the reduction rate is more significant than in past years and it has lasted longer , ” stated Liu .
“ I am not surprised because many cities nationwide have taken measures to [ minimize ] the spread of the virus.
” However , the reduction in pollution levels comes with a cost to China ’ s industrial sector .
With China ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarantine , China ’ s National Bureau of Statistics stated that the country ’ s official Purchasing Managers ’ Index ( PMI ) , a widely watched measure of economic activity , fell further this past February than at any time in the last 12 years .
China ’ s lowered production output could have repercussions for other countries as well .
Factories in Europe have already been affected as companies struggle to access vital components sourced from China and other countries in East Asia .
In response to this , China is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas .
Last week China ’ s president , Xi Jinping , told officials that these low-risk areas should “ resume full production and normal life.
” Indeed , the government is reporting that larger factories have reached 85.6 percent of their capacity by the middle of last week .
However , unofficial reports show that factories in Hubei province , where the outbreak started , are working at no more than 75 percent of their capacity , with most working at only 25 to 50 percent as workers remain stuck at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the quarantines .

NASA images reveal massive DROP in pollution in China following coronavirus outbreak
Scientists monitoring the ongoing the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in China have found one surprising bit of silver lining. Satellite images from NASA revealed a significant drop in pollution over some of China’s biggest cities
According to NASA, there has been a significant decrease in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions in China due to the economic slowdown following the coronavirus outbreak. NO2 emissions usually come from motor vehicles, industrial facilities and power plants.
https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1234185262290415618
The report comes after scientists had already announced that China’s emissions had gone down by at least 25 percent during the first two weeks of February. The first reports of the outbreak came at the same time as the start of the Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations in February, resulting in officials extending the holidays in an attempt to keep people at home.
A dramatic decrease in emissions
The satellite imagery, which covers the first two months of the year, shows that pollution levels dropped drastically as quarantine efforts were put in place in various cities in China. The reduction in NO2 emissions became first apparent near Wuhan, where the first cases of coronavirus infection were reported. Chinese officials eventually put up other quarantine efforts in other cities throughout the country, resulting in NO2 emissions being reduced in those cities as well.
“This is the first time I have seen such a dramatic drop-off over such a wide area for a specific event,” stated Fei Liu, an air quality researcher at NASA.
Prior to this, she recalled seeing a similar in NO2 levels during the economic recession that began in 2008. However, according to Liu, the drop in emissions back then was gradual, not as drastic as the one being observed in China. Additionally, the Chinese capital of Beijing also saw a reduction in emissions during the 2008 Olympics, but these were mostly centralized around the city, and pollution levels went back up after the games had ended. (Related: “Recovered” coronavirus patients in China are testing positive a second time.)
Lunar New Year celebrations helped
The Lunar New Year celebrations may have helped in lowering the emission levels of NO2. Previous observations have observed that air pollution tends to decrease around this period as factories shut down, before going back up again after the holidays. However, NO2 levels have not gone up after this year after the celebrations.
“This year, the reduction rate is more significant than in past years and it has lasted longer,” stated Liu. “I am not surprised because many cities nationwide have taken measures to [minimize] the spread of the virus.”
Lowered pollution levels come with lowered industrial output
However, the reduction in pollution levels comes with a cost to China’s industrial sector. With China’s factories shut down due to the quarantine, China’s National Bureau of Statistics stated that the country’s official Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), a widely watched measure of economic activity, fell further this past February than at any time in the last 12 years.
China’s lowered production output could have repercussions for other countries as well. Factories in Europe have already been affected as companies struggle to access vital components sourced from China and other countries in East Asia.
In response to this, China is trying to ramp up production in low-risk areas. Last week China’s president, Xi Jinping, told officials that these low-risk areas should “resume full production and normal life.” Indeed, the government is reporting that larger factories have reached 85.6 percent of their capacity by the middle of last week. However, unofficial reports show that factories in Hubei province, where the outbreak started, are working at no more than 75 percent of their capacity, with most working at only 25 to 50 percent as workers remain stuck at home and unable to go to work due to the quarantines.
Sources include:
Twitter.com
News.Sky.com
Independent.co.uk
TheGuardian.com


naturalnews--2020-03-04--Coronavirus reaches MEXICO with first 2 confirmed cases

( Natural News ) Dr. Hugo Lopez-Gatell , one of Mexico ’ s undersecretaries for health , announced on Friday that America ’ s southern neighbor has two confirmed cases of COVID-19 .
Lopez-Gatell , speaking on behalf of the Mexican government , stated that one of the patients is currently in Mexico City while the other is in an undisclosed location in the northwestern state of Sinaloa .
The first case , a 35-year-old Italian man residing in Mexico City , showed a positive initial test result , which was then confirmed by a second test .
The man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his family members who have been in contact with him have also been placed under quarantine and are “ under analysis.
” The second case , a 41-year-old man , who traveled with the first case to Italy , also showed a positive initial test result .
However , the Mexican health department is still waiting on the results of a second test .
Lopez-Gatell has stated that they are treating the case as basically confirmed .
The patient is currently being kept in isolation at a hotel .
According to Spanish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probably contracted the disease during their visit to the city of Bergamo , in the northern Italian region of Lombardy .
Italy currently has the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases outside of Asia , with their government website reporting 888 confirmed cases , 21 deaths and 46 recoveries , as of writing .
During the visit of the two men , they confirmed that they had been in direct contact with an Italian person who lived in Malaysia .
The two men returned to Mexico sometime between February 14 and 22 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 As the Mexican government urges the public to remain calm , their president , Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador ( referred to as AMLO ) is downplaying the seriousness of the outbreak .
He has been quoted as saying that “ it isn ’ t even equivalent to flu , ” which has infected far more people and has a lower mortality rate than COVID-19 .
“ I repeat , according to the available information , it is not something terrible , fatal , ” said AMLO .
“ There shouldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exaggerations , to cause a mass psychosis of fear , of terror.
” ( Related : Costco runs out of “ emergency food kits ” following coronavirus outbreak . )
However , perhaps as a way to water down his own dismissal of the situation , he has also stated that the Mexican government is prepared to handle the coming crisis .
“ We have the doctors , the specialists , the hospitals , the capacity to face this.
” In addition to the almost nightly news conferences that AMLO holds , his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nightly press briefings to keep the Mexican public updated with the situation .
Six other countries have reported their first case on the same day Along with Mexico , February 28 saw six other countries report on their first confirmed cases of COVID-19 : Azerbaijan , Belarus , Iceland , Lithuania , Monaco and New Zealand .
Russian news website Interfax stated that a Russian citizen who arrived in Azerbaijan from Iran is the country ’ s first COVID-19 case .
The patient is currently stable and is confined in a hospital .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently came home from Iran has been confirmed to be the Eastern European country ’ s first case .
The Belarussian Ministry of Healthcare reported their findings after a series of tests conducted the previous day .
According to Iceland ’ s Directorate of Health , their first COVID-19 case is an Icelandic male in his forties who recently returned from a trip to Northern Italy , where he most likely caught the disease .
He is currently confined in Landspitali , the country ’ s only university hospital .
In a tweet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department of Health and Social Affairs confirmed that a Monegasque man currently confined in the Princess Grace Hospital Centre tested positive for COVID-19 .
To avoid panic , they have also stated that this shouldn ’ t be a cause for concern for the city state smaller than New York ’ s Central Park .
In New Zealand , Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed that a New Zealander in their 60s who recently traveled to Iran tested positive for COVID-19 .
The person ’ s condition is reportedly improving , however they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hospital in the country ’ s most populated city .
Lastly , while they aren ’ t sovereign countries in their own right , Wales and Quebec , within the U.K. and Canada , respectively , have also confirmed their first cases of COVID-19 .
The Welsh patient had traveled to Italy , and efforts are being taken to identify and quarantine anybody who had come into close contact with him .
The Quebecois patient , meanwhile , is a woman who recently returned from a trip to Iran .
COVID-19 is spreading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latest news on the outbreak , visit Pandemic.news today .

Coronavirus reaches MEXICO with first 2 confirmed cases
Dr. Hugo Lopez-Gatell, one of Mexico's undersecretaries for health, announced on Friday that America's southern neighbor has two confirmed cases of COVID-19
Lopez-Gatell, speaking on behalf of the Mexican government, stated that one of the patients is currently in Mexico City while the other is in an undisclosed location in the northwestern state of Sinaloa.
The first case, a 35-year-old Italian man residing in Mexico City, showed a positive initial test result, which was then confirmed by a second test. The man is currently in isolation, and five of his family members who have been in contact with him have also been placed under quarantine and are "under analysis."
The second case, a 41-year-old man, who traveled with the first case to Italy, also showed a positive initial test result. However, the Mexican health department is still waiting on the results of a second test. Lopez-Gatell has stated that they are treating the case as basically confirmed. The patient is currently being kept in isolation at a hotel.
According to Spanish news website Infobae, the two men probably contracted the disease during their visit to the city of Bergamo, in the northern Italian region of Lombardy. Italy currently has the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases outside of Asia, with their government website reporting 888 confirmed cases, 21 deaths and 46 recoveries, as of writing.
During the visit of the two men, they confirmed that they had been in direct contact with an Italian person who lived in Malaysia. The two men returned to Mexico sometime between February 14 and 22.
President of Mexico dismissive of the seriousness of COVID-19
As the Mexican government urges the public to remain calm, their president, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (referred to as AMLO) is downplaying the seriousness of the outbreak. He has been quoted as saying that "it isn't even equivalent to flu," which has infected far more people and has a lower mortality rate than COVID-19.
"I repeat, according to the available information, it is not something terrible, fatal," said AMLO. "There shouldn't be any yellow journalism, or exaggerations, to cause a mass psychosis of fear, of terror." (Related: Costco runs out of "emergency food kits" following coronavirus outbreak.)
However, perhaps as a way to water down his own dismissal of the situation, he has also stated that the Mexican government is prepared to handle the coming crisis. "We have the doctors, the specialists, the hospitals, the capacity to face this."
In addition to the almost nightly news conferences that AMLO holds, his health ministry has also pledged to hold nightly press briefings to keep the Mexican public updated with the situation.
Six other countries have reported their first case on the same day
Along with Mexico, February 28 saw six other countries report on their first confirmed cases of COVID-19: Azerbaijan, Belarus, Iceland, Lithuania, Monaco and New Zealand.
Russian news website Interfax stated that a Russian citizen who arrived in Azerbaijan from Iran is the country's first COVID-19 case. The patient is currently stable and is confined in a hospital.
In Belarus, an international student who recently came home from Iran has been confirmed to be the Eastern European country's first case. The Belarussian Ministry of Healthcare reported their findings after a series of tests conducted the previous day.
According to Iceland's Directorate of Health, their first COVID-19 case is an Icelandic male in his forties who recently returned from a trip to Northern Italy, where he most likely caught the disease. He is currently confined in Landspitali, the country's only university hospital.
In a tweet, the Principality of Monaco's Department of Health and Social Affairs confirmed that a Monegasque man currently confined in the Princess Grace Hospital Centre tested positive for COVID-19. To avoid panic, they have also stated that this shouldn't be a cause for concern for the city state smaller than New York's Central Park.
https://twitter.com/GvtMonaco/status/1233513588884676611
In New Zealand, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed that a New Zealander in their 60s who recently traveled to Iran tested positive for COVID-19. The person's condition is reportedly improving, however they are still being kept in isolation in Auckland Hospital in the country's most populated city.
Lastly, while they aren't sovereign countries in their own right, Wales and Quebec, within the U.K. and Canada, respectively, have also confirmed their first cases of COVID-19. The Welsh patient had traveled to Italy, and efforts are being taken to identify and quarantine anybody who had come into close contact with him. The Quebecois patient, meanwhile, is a woman who recently returned from a trip to Iran.
COVID-19 is spreading rapidly worldwide. To keep up with the latest news on the outbreak, visit Pandemic.news today.
Sources include:
APNews.com
AlJazeera.com
LATimes.com
Infobae.com
Salute.gov.IT
Interfax.ru
Reuters.com
IcelandReview.com
Twitter.com
RNZ.co.nz
BBC.com
CBC.ca


naturalnews--2020-03-04--Coronavirus fears cause panic-buying among shoppers in Brooklyn and Queens in New York

( Natural News ) Preppers know that disaster will strike when you least expect it , but they ’ re probably just as surprised as non-preppers were at how swiftly the coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) has spread in America .
Unfortunately , not everyone had the foresight to set up preps and a survival stockpile , which was proven when shoppers flocked to several stores in Brooklyn and Queens in New York on Monday .
As reports confirmed that there are now 103 confirmed cases of coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) in the U.S. , frightened shoppers across the country went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stores ran out of stock as buyers hoarded food and medical supplies .
Over the weekend , various supplies flew off of store shelves as health officials confirmed that the first two patients in the country died because of coronavirus in Washington state .
Citizens started panic buying supplies once health authorities cautioned that the public must start preparing for “ domestic acceleration of the virus.
” Over the weekend , videos showing shoppers in a frenzy to hoard bottled water , disinfectant wipes , sanitizer and toilet paper popped up all over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from California to New York .
Other videos showed people lining up outside supermarkets in Brooklyn on Monday morning , the same day New York Governor Andrew Cuomo confirmed details about the state ’ s first confirmed case .
Cuomo added that Brooklyn would be testing for community spread since there is a chance that the disease could soon spread through the city .
He revealed that the first coronavirus patient in New York was a healthcare worker in Manhattan , who is now isolated .
A statement from Cuomo ’ s office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is in her late 30s , was infected with the coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) while traveling in Iran .
To date , 91 patients in America have been confirmed to have coronavirus , following one case reported in Rhode Island and a fifth “ unknown ” origin case confirmed in Chicago on Sunday .
Concerned citizens have also been posting photos of store and pharmacy shelves that were emptied after shoppers hoarded supplies and medication .
Some Walgreens stores in southern California have run out of cold and flu medications , cough medicines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meanwhile , buyers in Hawaii were hoarding flatbeds of bottled water , canned goods , paper towels and toilet paper from Costo .
During the weekend , photos of empty shelves at grocery stores in New York were also posted online .
( Related : Costco runs out of “ emergency food kits ” following coronavirus outbreak . )
Everyday preventive actions are key to stopping the spread of coronavirus On February 29 , Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams urged the public to stop hoarding face masks .
Adams explained that a shortage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facilities ran out of face masks .
He added that “ everyday preventive actions , ” like resting at home if you are sick and thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water , were the best ways to protect yourself and the community .
These habits would help slow the spread of respiratory illnesses like coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) .
What to stock up on to prepare for coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) Before SHTF , the last thing you need to do is join hoarders running to the nearest store .
Take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of paper and a pen , and list down the following items that you need at home before disaster strikes in your neighborhood .
Proper hygiene and sanitation are important , especially when dealing with an infectious disease like the coronavirus .
Get cleaning and sanitation supplies such as : If you or a family member gets sick , you ’ ll need cleaning products that will kill 99 percent or more of viruses and bacteria .
Should an outbreak occur in your area , regularly wipe commonly touched surfaces like drawer pulls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refrigerator handle several times daily .
The items below include supplies that you need to strengthen your immunity , along with some medicine cabinet basics .
• Multivitamins , vitamin B-complex , and vitamins C and D3 When in doubt , stock up on things that will keep you healthy before you get sick .
You ’ ll also need supplies that will help you recover once you do get sick .
Prep a first aid kit , along with the supplies necessary to treat existing medical issues among your family members .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t hoard supplies without figuring out what items you actually need in your survival stockpile .

Coronavirus fears cause panic-buying among shoppers in Brooklyn and Queens in New York
Preppers know that disaster will strike when you least expect it, but they're probably just as surprised as non-preppers were at how swiftly the coronavirus (COVID-19) has spread in America. Unfortunately, not everyone had the foresight to set up preps and a survival stockpile, which was proven when shoppers flocked to several stores in Brooklyn and Queens in New York on Monday.
Americans warned to start preparing for "domestic acceleration"
As reports confirmed that there are now 103 confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the U.S., frightened shoppers across the country went into "panic buying" mode. Stores ran out of stock as buyers hoarded food and medical supplies. Over the weekend, various supplies flew off of store shelves as health officials confirmed that the first two patients in the country died because of coronavirus in Washington state.
Citizens started panic buying supplies once health authorities cautioned that the public must start preparing for "domestic acceleration of the virus."
Over the weekend, videos showing shoppers in a frenzy to hoard bottled water, disinfectant wipes, sanitizer and toilet paper popped up all over social media. The shoppers were spotted from California to New York.
Other videos showed people lining up outside supermarkets in Brooklyn on Monday morning, the same day New York Governor Andrew Cuomo confirmed details about the state's first confirmed case. Cuomo added that Brooklyn would be testing for community spread since there is a chance that the disease could soon spread through the city. He revealed that the first coronavirus patient in New York was a healthcare worker in Manhattan, who is now isolated.
A statement from Cuomo's office reported that the unidentified woman, who is in her late 30s, was infected with the coronavirus (COVID-19) while traveling in Iran. To date, 91 patients in America have been confirmed to have coronavirus, following one case reported in Rhode Island and a fifth "unknown" origin case confirmed in Chicago on Sunday.
Concerned citizens have also been posting photos of store and pharmacy shelves that were emptied after shoppers hoarded supplies and medication. Some Walgreens stores in southern California have run out of cold and flu medications, cough medicines, masks, thermometers and vaporizers. Meanwhile, buyers in Hawaii were hoarding flatbeds of bottled water, canned goods, paper towels and toilet paper from Costo. During the weekend, photos of empty shelves at grocery stores in New York were also posted online. (Related: Costco runs out of “emergency food kits” following coronavirus outbreak.)
https://twitter.com/jenniferatntd/status/1233573258806669313
Everyday preventive actions are key to stopping the spread of coronavirus
On February 29, Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams urged the public to stop hoarding face masks. Adams explained that a shortage could put communities at risk if medical facilities ran out of face masks. He added that "everyday preventive actions," like resting at home if you are sick and thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water, were the best ways to protect yourself and the community. These habits would help slow the spread of respiratory illnesses like coronavirus (COVID-19).
What to stock up on to prepare for coronavirus (COVID-19)
Before SHTF, the last thing you need to do is join hoarders running to the nearest store. Take a deep breath, get a piece of paper and a pen, and list down the following items that you need at home before disaster strikes in your neighborhood.
Cleaning supplies
Proper hygiene and sanitation are important, especially when dealing with an infectious disease like the coronavirus. Get cleaning and sanitation supplies such as:
Antibacterial soap
Bleach
Disinfectant spray
Disinfectant wipes
Hand sanitizer
Isopropyl alcohol/ rubbing alcohol
If you or a family member gets sick, you'll need cleaning products that will kill 99 percent or more of viruses and bacteria. Should an outbreak occur in your area, regularly wipe commonly touched surfaces like drawer pulls, doorknobs, light switches and the refrigerator handle several times daily.
Medical supplies
The items below include supplies that you need to strengthen your immunity, along with some medicine cabinet basics.
Multivitamins, vitamin B-complex, and vitamins C and D3
Zinc lozenges
Cold and flu medication
Cough drops or lozenges
Peppermint tea and other herbal teas
Wound care supplies
When in doubt, stock up on things that will keep you healthy before you get sick. You'll also need supplies that will help you recover once you do get sick. Prep a first aid kit, along with the supplies necessary to treat existing medical issues among your family members.
Stay calm and plan ahead. Don't hoard supplies without figuring out what items you actually need in your survival stockpile.
Sources include:
DailyMail.co.uk
TheOrganicPrepper.com
Brighteon.com
Twitter.com


naturalnews--2020-03-04--DHS office in Washington state shutters after employee catches the coronavirus

( Natural News ) An office of the Department of Homeland Security ( DHS ) in the state of Washington has been closed for two weeks after an employee fell ill with COVID-19 .
The employee had apparently contracted the virus after visiting a relative at a nursing facility which is experiencing an outbreak of COVID-19 .
Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf made the announcement at the beginning of his congressional testimony on Tuesday .
Wolf revealed that the U.S .
Citizenship and Immigration Services ( USCIS ) office in Tukwila in King County , Washington will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had contracted the virus .
The employee had previously visited the Life Care Center in Kirkland , Washington where a number of cases of the coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) have been reported .
“ Out of an abundance of caution , following [ the ] recommended procedure , I ordered a DHS facility in King County , Washington State , to close , beginning today ; directed those employees to telework , if possible , in order to reduce the threat of community spread of the coronavirus , ” stated Wolf .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will remain closed 14 days , and all employees have been directed to self-quarantine for 14 days.
” DHS officials confirmed that the employee had visited Life Care in Kirkland before it was known that there was a COVID-19 outbreak at the facility .
Acting Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Ken Cuccinelli stated that the employee began exhibiting flu-like symptoms four days after visiting the nursing home .
According to Cuccinelli , the employee started feeling ill on February 26 after leaving work .
Once the news that patients had been diagnosed with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employee and their family self-quarantined and reported their exposure to their employers and other officials .
“ DHS takes the safety & health of our employees & applicants seriously , ” stated deputy secretary Cuccinelli .
“ We ’ re following CDC ’ s guidelines and encourage all employees and applicants to stay home if they are feeling ill or exhibiting any flu-like symptoms.
” Meanwhile , Wolf praised the employee for their response to their infection saying “ I ’ m pleased to report this employee embodied what it means to lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Washington state now counts 27 cases of the COVID-19 with 9 reported deaths .
The majority of the cases come from King County — where both the Life Care facility and USCIS office are located — which has 21 cases and eight deaths .
A study on the genetic structure of samples of the virus from two of the cases suggest that it may have been spreading across the state for quite some time .
Both patients live in the same county but are not known to have had contact with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case occurred well after the first would have no longer been contagious .
Dr. Trevor Bedford , an associate professor at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the University of Washington , states that this means that the virus could have been spreading through the community for close to six weeks .
( Related : Coronavirus patient released “ by mistake , ” wanders through mall for two hours . )
According to Dr. Bedford , it was possible that the two cases had been introduced separately into the United States .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ unlikely as in both cases the virus contained a rare genetic variation that has been found in only two of the 59 genetic samples that had been shared from China .
Other scientists not involved with the study have agreed with this conclusion .
One such scientist , Andrew Rambaut , a professor of molecular evolution at the University of Edinburgh , stated that it was “ extremely unlikely ” that two genetically related viruses could arrive in the same geographic region of the U.S. unless they were connected .

DHS office in Washington state shutters after employee catches the coronavirus
An office of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the state of Washington has been closed for two weeks after an employee fell ill with COVID-19 . The employee had apparently contracted the virus after visiting a relative at a nursing facility which is experiencing an outbreak of COVID-19.
Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf made the announcement at the beginning of his congressional testimony on Tuesday. Wolf revealed that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office in Tukwila in King County, Washington will be closed for 14 days after an employee had contracted the virus. The employee had previously visited the Life Care Center in Kirkland, Washington where a number of cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) have been reported.
“Out of an abundance of caution, following [the] recommended procedure, I ordered a DHS facility in King County, Washington State, to close, beginning today; directed those employees to telework, if possible, in order to reduce the threat of community spread of the coronavirus,” stated Wolf. “At this time, the affected offices will remain closed 14 days, and all employees have been directed to self-quarantine for 14 days.”
Employee visited Life Care before the outbreak
DHS officials confirmed that the employee had visited Life Care in Kirkland before it was known that there was a COVID-19 outbreak at the facility. Acting Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Ken Cuccinelli stated that the employee began exhibiting flu-like symptoms four days after visiting the nursing home. According to Cuccinelli, the employee started feeling ill on February 26 after leaving work. Once the news that patients had been diagnosed with the coronavirus at the nursing home, the employee and their family self-quarantined and reported their exposure to their employers and other officials.
"DHS takes the safety & health of our employees & applicants seriously," stated deputy secretary Cuccinelli. "We're following CDC's guidelines and encourage all employees and applicants to stay home if they are feeling ill or exhibiting any flu-like symptoms."
Meanwhile, Wolf praised the employee for their response to their infection saying “I'm pleased to report this employee embodied what it means to lead by example.”
COVID-19 arrived in Washington state earlier than believed
Counting the DHS employee, Washington state now counts 27 cases of the COVID-19 with 9 reported deaths. The majority of the cases come from King County -- where both the Life Care facility and USCIS office are located -- which has 21 cases and eight deaths.
A study on the genetic structure of samples of the virus from two of the cases suggest that it may have been spreading across the state for quite some time. Both patients live in the same county but are not known to have had contact with the each other. Additionally, the second case occurred well after the first would have no longer been contagious. Dr. Trevor Bedford, an associate professor at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the University of Washington, states that this means that the virus could have been spreading through the community for close to six weeks. (Related: Coronavirus patient released “by mistake,” wanders through mall for two hours.)
According to Dr. Bedford, it was possible that the two cases had been introduced separately into the United States. However, he said that it was unlikely as in both cases the virus contained a rare genetic variation that has been found in only two of the 59 genetic samples that had been shared from China.
Other scientists not involved with the study have agreed with this conclusion. One such scientist, Andrew Rambaut, a professor of molecular evolution at the University of Edinburgh, stated that it was “extremely unlikely” that two genetically related viruses could arrive in the same geographic region of the U.S. unless they were connected.
Sources include:
CNSNews.com
Patch.com
NYTimes.com


naturalnews--2020-03-04--VP Pence says schools can shut down over coronavirus fears, meaning a China-like loss of production

( Natural News ) Vice President Mike Pence turned some heads on Sunday when he told NBC News that local school districts could close over coronavirus , a huge hint that indeed that may be coming in the not too distant future , though it isn ’ t clear that such closures would have to be based on actual outbreaks .
“ I think the president would respect any decisions that are made at the state and local level , ” he said in an interview that aired March 1 on NBC ’ s “ Meet the Press , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the interview , Pence , who was put in charge of the nation ’ s response to the emerging outbreak last month , was clear that the federal government would initially try to take a federalist — that is , minimalist — approach to its response to the virus , allowing for local governments and businesses to decide what restrictions they want to implement and to implement them when they believe they are necessary .
Still , Pence repeated earlier calls for Americans not to panic or overreact , though for many , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that advice .
“ Those are decisions that governors , in consultation with local health officials , will make as they deem that necessary , ” Pence said when asked about how local schools should respond to the outbreak .
“ But other than in areas where there are individuals that have been infected with the coronavirus , people need to understand that for the average American , the risk does remain low.
” Also , the vice president noted that the federal government ’ s priority is to ensure the safety of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week ’ s massive drop in the stock market .
As Natural News reported , “ The U.S. stock market capped its worst week since the 2008 financial crisis on Friday , with all major stock indexes tanking over worries that COVID-19 could potentially end one of the longest economic expansions in history and send the global economy into recession.
” “ What the president has told us to do on the task force , what he did when he initiated the suspension of all travel from China , the quarantining effort , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort , ” Pence told NBC .
“ It ’ s all hands on deck .
Because our effort here is to do everything possible to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the United States.
” Pence made his comments less than 48 hours after the first reported coronavirus death in the United States .
A man living in Washington state was reported to have perished from the virus in a care facility in Seattle .
The VP told Todd that the man was in his 50s and had other “ high-risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans , including the man who sadly lost his life , the majority of them are recovering well , ” Pence said .
The Epoch Times reports that officials in Washington state “ are now investigating a long-term health care facility in Kirkland following the death and a positive COVID-19 diagnosis of a health care worker there.
” People are clearly worried , however .
As NewsTarget reported Sunday , Americans around the country are mobbing big box stores — especially places like Costco and Sam ’ s Club , where food is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supplies in anticipation of a major coronavirus outbreak .
But the mere mention that schools around the country could shut down for any length of time was another indication that the virus outbreak may wind up being far worse than anyone ’ s been saying thus far .
And where widespread closures to occur , imagine how much productivity would be lost around the country , since in most two-parent households , both spouses work outside the home .
If the kids are off of school , one parent is most likely going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , causing not just lost production but lost wages .
All of which would lead to an economic nightmare on the scale of China .

VP Pence says schools can shut down over coronavirus fears, meaning a China-like loss of production and economic hit coming to America
Vice President Mike Pence turned some heads on Sunday when he told NBC News that local school districts could close over coronavirus, a huge hint that indeed that may be coming in the not too distant future, though it isn't clear that such closures would have to be based on actual outbreaks.
“I think the president would respect any decisions that are made at the state and local level,” he said in an interview that aired March 1 on NBC’s “Meet the Press," hosted by uber-partisan Chuck Todd.
During the interview, Pence, who was put in charge of the nation's response to the emerging outbreak last month, was clear that the federal government would initially try to take a federalist -- that is, minimalist -- approach to its response to the virus, allowing for local governments and businesses to decide what restrictions they want to implement and to implement them when they believe they are necessary.
Still, Pence repeated earlier calls for Americans not to panic or overreact, though for many, it is getting more difficult to take that advice.
“Those are decisions that governors, in consultation with local health officials, will make as they deem that necessary,” Pence said when asked about how local schools should respond to the outbreak. “But other than in areas where there are individuals that have been infected with the coronavirus, people need to understand that for the average American, the risk does remain low."
Also, the vice president noted that the federal government's priority is to ensure the safety of the American people as he downplayed last week's massive drop in the stock market. As Natural News reported, "The U.S. stock market capped its worst week since the 2008 financial crisis on Friday, with all major stock indexes tanking over worries that COVID-19 could potentially end one of the longest economic expansions in history and send the global economy into recession."
'China-like' economic slowdown from mass school closures
“What the president has told us to do on the task force, what he did when he initiated the suspension of all travel from China, the quarantining effort, is we’re leaning into this effort,” Pence told NBC. “It’s all hands on deck. Because our effort here is to do everything possible to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the United States."
Pence made his comments less than 48 hours after the first reported coronavirus death in the United States. A man living in Washington state was reported to have perished from the virus in a care facility in Seattle. The VP told Todd that the man was in his 50s and had other "high-risk factors."
“Of the now 22 Americans, including the man who sadly lost his life, the majority of them are recovering well,” Pence said. The Epoch Times reports that officials in Washington state "are now investigating a long-term health care facility in Kirkland following the death and a positive COVID-19 diagnosis of a health care worker there."
People are clearly worried, however. As NewsTarget reported Sunday, Americans around the country are mobbing big box stores -- especially places like Costco and Sam's Club, where food is sold -- to buy up provisions and supplies in anticipation of a major coronavirus outbreak.
But the mere mention that schools around the country could shut down for any length of time was another indication that the virus outbreak may wind up being far worse than anyone's been saying thus far. And where widespread closures to occur, imagine how much productivity would be lost around the country, since in most two-parent households, both spouses work outside the home. If the kids are off of school, one parent is most likely going to have to be home with them, causing not just lost production but lost wages.
All of which would lead to an economic nightmare on the scale of China.
Sources include:
NBCNews.com
NaturalNews.com
NewsTarget.com
TheEpochTimes.com


naturalnews--2020-03-04--Iran's VP infected by the coronavirus – many top officials are also sick… or DEAD

( Natural News ) Masoumeh Ebtekar , the vice president of Iran and the highest-ranking woman in President Hassan Rouhani ’ s cabinet , has contracted the coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) , according to report by state-run media on Thursday .
Ebtekar is the Vice President for Women and Family Affairs and one of four vice presidents in Rouhani ’ s cabinet , comparable in rank to cabinet secretaries in the United States .
Ebtekar , known to many as the spokesperson for the captors during the 1979 hostage crisis , where 52 Americans were held at the U.S. embassy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first female member in the Iranian cabinet since 1979 .
In a report by CBS News , quoting state media outlets , the vice president was suffering from “ mild infection ” and has not yet been hospitalized .
This puts Ebtekar among the seven high-ranking officials — both in parliament and the executive — to have contracted the coronavirus .
The announcement , however , comes a day after a cabinet meeting where photos by BBC Persia reveal Ebtekar sitting around 10 feet away from President Rouhani .
Aside from Ebtekar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also tested positive for the coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) : Deputy Minister for Health Iraj Harirchi contracted the disease on February 25 , days after he was seen visibly coughing and wiping away fever sweats during a press conference .
These also include Mojtaba Zolnour , a parliamentarian from Qom and head of Parliament ’ s committee on national security and foreign policy ; Mahmoud Sadeghi , a member of parliament from Tehran ; Morteza Rahmanzadeh , mayor of Tehran ’ s 13th district ; and Mohamad Reza Ghadir , director of Qom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of that city ’ s infection management committee .
Hadi Khosroshahi , a prominent cleric and the country ’ s former ambassador to Vatican City , died last week after contracting the illness , as well as Mohammad Mirmohammadi , a member of the Expediency Discernment Council and the highest-ranking official in the Islamic Republic to be killed by the outbreak .
The council , which advises supreme leader Ali Khamenei , last met in the middle of February with Mirmohammadi present .
The extent of infections within key government positions could suggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ranks .
( Related : Coronavirus on track to reach EVERY COUNTRY in the world – South Korea , Italy and Iran see sharp increase in cases . )
A spokesman from the Ministry of Health stated the country has 1,501 confirmed cases , along with 66 casualties , in a statement released Monday .
Most infections come from the province of Qom , which is south of Tehran and home to over a million people .
In response to the outbreak , many of Iran ’ s neighbors have restricted border @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and many flights going in and out of the country have been suspended .
The government has also ordered all schools and universities to be closed until after the Iranian New Year on March 21 .
Public gatherings and events planned for that week , which includes sports and cultural events , have been shut down , according to the Ministry of Culture .
Friday Prayers and other religious occasions have also been canceled .
However , President Rouhani has refused to initiate a quarantine and lockdown cities .
“ Corona [ virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weapon of our enemies for shutting down work and production in the country , ” he said .
By the end of this week , a total of 22 laboratories in Iran will be put to work testing for COVID-19 , and it ’ s been reported that the Supreme Leader himself has met with top health officials last Thursday , reportedly wishing them success in this “ difficult and momentous task , ” as well as expressing hope that “ the malicious virus will be uprooted as soon as possible.
” Furthermore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps , are preparing to construct hospitals in Qom , similar to China , if the number of patients increases and hospitals are unable to deal with it .
To note , a total of 20 countries have reported receiving cases — for some countries , their first — from Iran .
It remains to be seen if Iran ’ s late response is going to have a massive impact on the spread of COVID-19 .
In all likelihood , things are going to get worse .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s highly ideological and often inept approach to governance , ” says Suzanne Maloney , an Iran expert working for the Brookings Institution , in an interview .
“ What ’ s maddening is that Iran has enormous scientific capabilities and a well regarded public health system .
So this is entirely a leadership failure .
”

Iran’s VP infected by the coronavirus – many top officials are also sick… or DEAD
Masoumeh Ebtekar, the vice president of Iran and the highest-ranking woman in President Hassan Rouhani's cabinet, has contracted the coronavirus (COVID-19) , according to report by state-run media on Thursday. Ebtekar is the Vice President for Women and Family Affairs and one of four vice presidents in Rouhani's cabinet, comparable in rank to cabinet secretaries in the United States. Ebtekar, known to many as the spokesperson for the captors during the 1979 hostage crisis, where 52 Americans were held at the U.S. embassy for over 400 days, is also the first female member in the Iranian cabinet since 1979.
In a report by CBS News, quoting state media outlets, the vice president was suffering from “mild infection” and has not yet been hospitalized. This puts Ebtekar among the seven high-ranking officials -- both in parliament and the executive -- to have contracted the coronavirus. The announcement, however, comes a day after a cabinet meeting where photos by BBC Persia reveal Ebtekar sitting around 10 feet away from President Rouhani.
https://twitter.com/HadiNili/status/1233027870601117696
Coronavirus also hits top officials
Aside from Ebtekar, other top officials in Tehran have also tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19): Deputy Minister for Health Iraj Harirchi contracted the disease on February 25, days after he was seen visibly coughing and wiping away fever sweats during a press conference. These also include Mojtaba Zolnour, a parliamentarian from Qom and head of Parliament's committee on national security and foreign policy; Mahmoud Sadeghi, a member of parliament from Tehran; Morteza Rahmanzadeh, mayor of Tehran's 13th district; and Mohamad Reza Ghadir, director of Qom's state medical university and head of that city's infection management committee.
Hadi Khosroshahi, a prominent cleric and the country's former ambassador to Vatican City, died last week after contracting the illness, as well as Mohammad Mirmohammadi, a member of the Expediency Discernment Council and the highest-ranking official in the Islamic Republic to be killed by the outbreak. The council, which advises supreme leader Ali Khamenei, last met in the middle of February with Mirmohammadi present. The extent of infections within key government positions could suggest that the disease has already spread within the ranks. (Related: Coronavirus on track to reach EVERY COUNTRY in the world - South Korea, Italy and Iran see sharp increase in cases.)
Situation in Iran deteriorating rapidly
A spokesman from the Ministry of Health stated the country has 1,501 confirmed cases, along with 66 casualties, in a statement released Monday. Most infections come from the province of Qom, which is south of Tehran and home to over a million people.
In response to the outbreak, many of Iran's neighbors have restricted border access. Travel is closely regulated, and many flights going in and out of the country have been suspended. The government has also ordered all schools and universities to be closed until after the Iranian New Year on March 21. Public gatherings and events planned for that week, which includes sports and cultural events, have been shut down, according to the Ministry of Culture. Friday Prayers and other religious occasions have also been canceled. However, President Rouhani has refused to initiate a quarantine and lockdown cities.
“Corona[virus] should not be turned into a weapon of our enemies for shutting down work and production in the country,” he said.
By the end of this week, a total of 22 laboratories in Iran will be put to work testing for COVID-19, and it's been reported that the Supreme Leader himself has met with top health officials last Thursday, reportedly wishing them success in this "difficult and momentous task," as well as expressing hope that "the malicious virus will be uprooted as soon as possible."
Furthermore, Iran's army, including its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, are preparing to construct hospitals in Qom, similar to China, if the number of patients increases and hospitals are unable to deal with it. To note, a total of 20 countries have reported receiving cases -- for some countries, their first -- from Iran.
It remains to be seen if Iran's late response is going to have a massive impact on the spread of COVID-19. In all likelihood, things are going to get worse.
"It's symptomatic of the revolutionary state's highly ideological and often inept approach to governance," says Suzanne Maloney, an Iran expert working for the Brookings Institution, in an interview. "What's maddening is that Iran has enormous scientific capabilities and a well regarded public health system. So this is entirely a leadership failure."
Sources include:
TheEpochTimes.com
Twitter.com
MiddleEastEye.net
NYTimes.com
APNews.com
English.AlArabiya.net
Vox.com