ezorigin--2020-05-07--CDC writes guide to reopen America, but Trump shelves it

A set of detailed documents created by the nation 's top disease investigators meant to give step-by-step advice to local leaders deciding when and how to reopen public places such as mass transit , day care centers , and restaurants during the still-raging pandemic has been shelved by the Trump administration .
The 17-page report by a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention team , titled `` Guidance for Implementing the Opening Up America Again Framework , '' was researched and written to help faith leaders , business owners , educators , and state and local officials as they begin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be published last Friday , but agency scientists were told the guidance `` would never see the light of day , '' according to a CDC official .
The official was not authorized to talk to reporters and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity .
The AP obtained a copy from a second federal official who was not authorized to release it .
The guidance was described in AP stories last week , prior to the White House decision to shelve it .
The Trump administration has been closely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the pandemic spurred by the novel coronavirus that scientists are still trying to understand , with the president himself leading freewheeling daily briefings until last week .
Traditionally , it 's been the CDC 's role to give the public and local officials guidance and science-based information during public health crises .
During this one , however , the CDC has not had a regular , pandemic-related news briefing in nearly two months .
CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield has been a member of the White House coronavirus task force , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dearth of real-time , public information from the nation 's experts has struck many current and former government health officials as dangerous .
`` CDC has always been the public health agency Americans turn to in a time of crisis , '' said Dr. Howard Koh , a Harvard professor and former health official in the Obama administration during the H1N1 swine flu pandemic in 2009 .
`` The standard in a crisis is to turn to them for the latest data and latest guidance and the latest press briefing .
That has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The Trump administration has instead sought to put the onus on states to handle COVID-19 response .
This approach to managing the pandemic has been reflected in President Donald Trump 's public statements , from the assertion that he is n't responsible for the country 's lackluster early testing efforts , to his description last week of the federal government 's role as a `` supplier of last resort '' for states in need of testing aid .
White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany echoed that at a briefing on Wednesday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but as I said , it 's [ a ] governor-led effort .
It 's a state-led effort on ... which the federal government will consult .
And we do so each and every day . ''
The rejected reopening guidance was described by one of the federal officials as a touchstone document that was to be used as a blueprint for other groups inside the CDC who are creating the same type of instructional materials for other facilities .
The guidance contained detailed advice for making site-specific decisions related to reopening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ churches , day care centers , and other institutions .
It had been widely shared within CDC , and included detailed `` decision trees , '' flow charts to be used by local officials to think through different scenarios .
One page of the document can be found on the CDC website via search engines , but it did not appear to be linked to any other CDC pages .
Some of the report 's suggestions already appear on federal websites .
But the guidance offered specific , tailored recommendations for reopening in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report suggested restaurants and bars should install sneeze guards at cash registers and avoid having buffets , salad bars , and drink stations .
Similar tips appear on the CDC 's site and a Food and Drug Administration page .
But the shelved report also said that as restaurants start seating diners again , they should space tables at least 6 feet apart and try to use phone app technology to alert a patron when their table is ready to avoid touching and use of `` buzzers . ''
That 's not on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You can say that restaurants can open and you need to follow social distancing guidelines .
But restaurants want to know , 'What does that look like ? '
States would like more guidance , '' said Dr. Marcus Plescia , chief medical officer of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials .
The White House 's own `` Opening Up America Again '' guidelines released last month were more vague than the CDC 's unpublished report .
They instructed state and local governments to reopen in accordance with federal and local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to monitor employees for symptoms of COVID-19 .
The White House guidance also included advice developed earlier in the pandemic that remains important like social distancing and encouraging working from home .
A person close to the White House 's coronavirus task force said the CDC documents were never cleared by CDC leadership for public release .
The person said that White House officials do n't want to offer detailed guidance for how specific sectors can reopen , calling it a `` slippery slope '' because the virus is affecting various parts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily from state and county health departments looking for scientifically valid information with which to make informed decisions .
Still , behind the scenes , CDC scientists like those who produced the guidance for `` Opening Up America Again '' are working to get information to local governments .
The agency still employs hundreds of the world 's most respected epidemiologists and doctors , who in times of crisis are looked to for their expertise , said former CDC director Tom Frieden .
People have clicked on the CDC 's coronavirus website more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ directly reach out to the CDC can tap guidance that 's been prepared , but that the White House has not released yet .
`` I do n't think that any state feels that the CDC is deficient .
It 's just the process of getting stuff out , '' Mr. Plescia said .
This story was reported by The Associated Press .
Mr. Stobbe reported from New York .
AP writers Darlene Superville and Zeke Miller in Washington contributed to this report .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for all our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .

A set of detailed documents created by the nation's top disease investigators meant to give step-by-step advice to local leaders deciding when and how to reopen public places such as mass transit, day care centers, and restaurants during the still-raging pandemic has been shelved by the Trump administration.
The 17-page report by a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention team, titled "Guidance for Implementing the Opening Up America Again Framework," was researched and written to help faith leaders, business owners, educators, and state and local officials as they begin to reopen.
It was supposed to be published last Friday, but agency scientists were told the guidance "would never see the light of day," according to a CDC official. The official was not authorized to talk to reporters and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.
The AP obtained a copy from a second federal official who was not authorized to release it. The guidance was described in AP stories last week, prior to the White House decision to shelve it.
The Trump administration has been closely controlling the release of guidance and information during the pandemic spurred by the novel coronavirus that scientists are still trying to understand, with the president himself leading freewheeling daily briefings until last week.
Traditionally, it's been the CDC's role to give the public and local officials guidance and science-based information during public health crises. During this one, however, the CDC has not had a regular, pandemic-related news briefing in nearly two months. CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield has been a member of the White House coronavirus task force, but largely absent from public appearances.
The dearth of real-time, public information from the nation's experts has struck many current and former government health officials as dangerous.
"CDC has always been the public health agency Americans turn to in a time of crisis," said Dr. Howard Koh, a Harvard professor and former health official in the Obama administration during the H1N1 swine flu pandemic in 2009. "The standard in a crisis is to turn to them for the latest data and latest guidance and the latest press briefing. That has not occurred, and everyone sees that."
The Trump administration has instead sought to put the onus on states to handle COVID-19 response. This approach to managing the pandemic has been reflected in President Donald Trump's public statements, from the assertion that he isn't responsible for the country's lackluster early testing efforts, to his description last week of the federal government's role as a "supplier of last resort" for states in need of testing aid.
White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany echoed that at a briefing on Wednesday. "We've consulted individually with states, but as I said, it's [a] governor-led effort. It's a state-led effort on ... which the federal government will consult. And we do so each and every day."
The rejected reopening guidance was described by one of the federal officials as a touchstone document that was to be used as a blueprint for other groups inside the CDC who are creating the same type of instructional materials for other facilities.
The guidance contained detailed advice for making site-specific decisions related to reopening schools, restaurants, summer camps, churches, day care centers, and other institutions. It had been widely shared within CDC, and included detailed "decision trees," flow charts to be used by local officials to think through different scenarios. One page of the document can be found on the CDC website via search engines, but it did not appear to be linked to any other CDC pages.
Some of the report's suggestions already appear on federal websites. But the guidance offered specific, tailored recommendations for reopening in one place.
For example, the report suggested restaurants and bars should install sneeze guards at cash registers and avoid having buffets, salad bars, and drink stations. Similar tips appear on the CDC's site and a Food and Drug Administration page.
But the shelved report also said that as restaurants start seating diners again, they should space tables at least 6 feet apart and try to use phone app technology to alert a patron when their table is ready to avoid touching and use of "buzzers." That's not on the CDC's site now.
"You can say that restaurants can open and you need to follow social distancing guidelines. But restaurants want to know, 'What does that look like?' States would like more guidance," said Dr. Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.
The White House's own "Opening Up America Again" guidelines released last month were more vague than the CDC's unpublished report. They instructed state and local governments to reopen in accordance with federal and local "regulations and guidance," and to monitor employees for symptoms of COVID-19. The White House guidance also included advice developed earlier in the pandemic that remains important like social distancing and encouraging working from home.
A person close to the White House's coronavirus task force said the CDC documents were never cleared by CDC leadership for public release. The person said that White House officials don't want to offer detailed guidance for how specific sectors can reopen, calling it a "slippery slope" because the virus is affecting various parts of the country differently.
CDC is hearing daily from state and county health departments looking for scientifically valid information with which to make informed decisions.
Still, behind the scenes, CDC scientists like those who produced the guidance for "Opening Up America Again" are working to get information to local governments. The agency still employs hundreds of the world's most respected epidemiologists and doctors, who in times of crisis are looked to for their expertise, said former CDC director Tom Frieden. People have clicked on the CDC's coronavirus website more than 1.2 billion times.
States that directly reach out to the CDC can tap guidance that's been prepared, but that the White House has not released yet.
"I don't think that any state feels that the CDC is deficient. It's just the process of getting stuff out," Mr. Plescia said.
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empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
This story was reported by The Associated Press. Mr. Stobbe reported from New York. AP writers Darlene Superville and Zeke Miller in Washington contributed to this report.
Editor’s note: As a public service, the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.


ezorigin--2020-05-06--Why Lebanese protesters are risking a return to the streets

“ They say , ‘ Let me die from the virus , but if I have a chance to bring about a better government , and have a better life for my kids , then [ let me ] risk that , ’ ” he says .
People “ have been hungry for a while , ” says Rami Khouri , a prominent journalist and a professor at the American University of Beirut .
But it is the combination of wide poverty , work stoppages , and no apparent end to “ dysfunctional management and corruption ” that have made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But in recent weeks the virus lockdown has triggered additional pain : massive job losses and a falling currency that have wiped out savings , sent prices soaring , and heightened desperation .
The result is that Lebanon ’ s legions of protesters have arrived at a breaking point , where anger at the lack of political change overcomes the fear of infection .
Last fall it was anger against a corrupt political elite and decades of sectarian rule that sparked hundreds of thousands of Lebanese to rise up in a wave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s prime minister to resign .
Citing the coronavirus pandemic , the government disbanded the last protest camps only in March .
Nisrine Hammoud , a veteran Lebanese protester , could not believe what she was seeing last week in her northern city of Tripoli .
Enraged anew at a swift economic collapse that deepened both their poverty and their hunger , fellow demonstrators broke the country ’ s COVID-19 curfew and took to the streets .
While the anger against a corrupt political elite and decades of sectarian rule that sparked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up last October have not disappeared , the government wasted little time citing the pandemic to dismantle remaining protest camps in late March .
But in recent weeks , the virus lockdown has triggered additional pain : massive job losses and a currency in free fall have wiped out savings , caused a dollar shortage and soaring prices , and sparked new levels of desperation .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall .
The result is that Lebanon ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more widely poor and hungry than ever before – have arrived at a breaking point , where anger at the lack of political change overcomes the fear of infection .
While only the latest episode in a decade of dramatic , regime-changing unrest across the Arab world , analysts note that Lebanese protesters are the first to disregard the virus in their demand for wholesale change .
The anger spilled over first in Tripoli , Lebanon ’ s second city in one of its poorest regions , where protesters risked infection , tear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ army – which left one man dead – to burn banks , battle security forces , and declare their fresh uprising a “ hunger revolution.
” “ For them , it ’ s a lose-lose situation , ” says Ms. Hammoud , a 20-something activist from Tripoli , about those who are demonstrating again .
“ They will tell you , ‘ We ’ re going to die of hunger , so it ’ s either coronavirus or hunger.
’ They don ’ t even care anymore .
They are going to lose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are on the street.
” On top of quarantine job losses and a currency that lost 60 % of its value in just weeks , there is additional stress during Ramadan .
The holy month of fasting has been transformed by social distancing requirements that limit family gatherings and by high prices that cap meal size .
“ The first time they did a protest [ breaking the lockdown ] , everyone was complaining , ” says Ms. Hammoud , who first spoke with the Monitor last November , a Lebanese flag draped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of protest tents in Martyrs ’ Square in central Beirut .
“ Even we , the people that usually join the protest , were complaining , saying , ‘ This is not the right time for it .
There is a virus ; what are you guys doing ?
’ ” says Ms. Hammoud .
“ But then , with time , we couldn ’ t complain anymore , because we knew that they are going through hell.
” Lebanon ’ s protests have brought the country to the brink of chaos before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They ’ re part of a revival of Arab world anti-government protests – a so-called Arab Spring 2.0 – that began last autumn and took hold from Algeria and Sudan to Iraq and Lebanon .
Rami Khouri , the renowned journalist and a professor at the American University of Beirut , says the latest outburst in Lebanon is a “ turning point ” – defying a pandemic to challenge entrenched and uncaring politicians – but should be seen as part of a longer-term Arab transformation .
“ It really is one regional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – most of which are military-linked , or sectarian oligarchies – have steadily lost their credibility , efficacy , and legitimacy , ” says Professor Khouri , who is also a senior fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School .
“ The citizenry , in the meantime , in tandem , has been steadily pauperized , marginalized , and treated with disdain.
” It ’ s not just that they are hungry , because people “ have been hungry for a while , ” says Professor Khouri .
But it is the combination of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officially poor , ” work stoppages , and no apparent end to “ dysfunctional management and corruption , ” that have made COVID-19 appear to be the lesser danger .
“ They say , ‘ Let me die from the virus , but if I have a chance to bring about a better government , and have a better life for my kids , then [ let me ] risk that , ’ ” he says .
“ For many people , life has lost its meaning .
That sounds crazy , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are doing lightly , ” he says .
“ They don ’ t confront armies firing at them lightly , or the virus , or the power of the sectarian militias that are unleashed on them every once in a while .
“ They need to be driven by some kind of really intense , almost insane force to get them to do this , ” he adds .
“ And that , as far as I can see , is their own sense of dehumanization.
” Indeed , even if demonstrators are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lebanon ’ s unprecedented economic crisis now overshadows all else .
“ Protesters who have been arrested have spoken of being tortured in custody , beaten viciously and electrocuted by army intelligence units , ” Lina Mounzer , a writer and translator in Beirut , wrote today in The New York Times .
“ Against these horrors and the everyday despair of no longer being able to afford the simplest things , the threat of the virus , despite 741 cases and 25 deaths in Lebanon so far , has faded into abstraction.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ force the resignation of one prime minister , but a long-awaited five-year economic recovery package , promised months ago and heavily dependent on winning International Monetary Fund aid , was only announced last week .
The small nation ’ s vital statistics are as bad as at any time since the end of the 1975-90 civil war .
Lebanon shoulders more than $ 90 billion of debt and defaulted on sovereign debt payments for the first time in March .
Those factors , and the clear unwillingness of Lebanon ’ s political elite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been based on plundering national resources to benefit party clients – have made international donors wary of helping without seeing reforms first .
Kristalina Georgieva , the head of the International Monetary Fund , said Monday that Lebanon ’ s plan was “ an important step forward , ” and that talks would begin on “ much needed reforms.
” But Maha Yahya , head of the Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut , wrote in an analysis days earlier that most of the obvious reforms “ would undermine the vested interests of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thus far have proven unwilling to accept the pain of adjustment.
” The renewal of street protests , despite the coronavirus , “ implicitly assumes that the public has no expectation that the politicians will address the root causes of the country ’ s financial crisis , ” writes Ms. Yahya .
“ What Lebanon is facing today is likely to last for years , and the chances of recovery are thin.
” That is the calculation anti-government activists are making , as they prepare for the next round of post-pandemic protests .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown , we are going to go back to universities , schools , and jobs , but we know that ’ s not going to happen , ” says Ms. Hammoud in Tripoli .
“ We ’ re all going to hit the streets again .
It ’ s going to be even more aggressive this time.
” In the meantime , she and her fellow activists are gathering donations for food distributions , so far to hundreds of families , to prevent them from being catered to during Ramadan by political parties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ That ’ s what we are afraid of , because [ people ] are so , so vulnerable that they can be easily controlled all over again , ” she says .
Indeed , the coronavirus has been used as an excuse by the political elite not to act quickly or decisively on economic reforms , says Professor Khouri .
“ That ’ s the danger : A lot of action happens , but no change happens , ” he says .
“ The question then becomes : If the protesters then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they withstand this ?
We don ’ t know .
Nobody knows the answer to that .
“ What is clear is that when you get millions of people in desperate situations , they eventually do something , ” says Professor Khouri .
“ And they ’ ve started to do something.
” Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall .

“They say, ‘Let me die from the virus, but if I have a chance to bring about a better government, and have a better life for my kids, then [let me] risk that,’” he says.
People “have been hungry for a while,” says Rami Khouri, a prominent journalist and a professor at the American University of Beirut. But it is the combination of wide poverty, work stoppages, and no apparent end to “dysfunctional management and corruption” that have made COVID-19 appear to be the lesser danger.
A defiant wave of Lebanese protests last fall sought to fundamentally change a political system seen as corrupt. Now, amid a pandemic, poverty and hunger is renewing the protesters’ willingness to take risks.
But in recent weeks the virus lockdown has triggered additional pain: massive job losses and a falling currency that have wiped out savings, sent prices soaring, and heightened desperation. The result is that Lebanon’s legions of protesters have arrived at a breaking point, where anger at the lack of political change overcomes the fear of infection.
Last fall it was anger against a corrupt political elite and decades of sectarian rule that sparked hundreds of thousands of Lebanese to rise up in a wave of dramatic protests that led the nation’s prime minister to resign. Citing the coronavirus pandemic, the government disbanded the last protest camps only in March.
Nisrine Hammoud, a veteran Lebanese protester, could not believe what she was seeing last week in her northern city of Tripoli.
Enraged anew at a swift economic collapse that deepened both their poverty and their hunger, fellow demonstrators broke the country’s COVID-19 curfew and took to the streets.
While the anger against a corrupt political elite and decades of sectarian rule that sparked hundreds of thousands of Lebanese to rise up last October have not disappeared, the government wasted little time citing the pandemic to dismantle remaining protest camps in late March.
Why We Wrote This A defiant wave of Lebanese protests last fall sought to fundamentally change a political system seen as corrupt. Now, amid a pandemic, poverty and hunger is renewing the protesters’ willingness to take risks.
But in recent weeks, the virus lockdown has triggered additional pain: massive job losses and a currency in free fall have wiped out savings, caused a dollar shortage and soaring prices, and sparked new levels of desperation.
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.
The result is that Lebanon’s legions of protesters – furious, and more widely poor and hungry than ever before – have arrived at a breaking point, where anger at the lack of political change overcomes the fear of infection. While only the latest episode in a decade of dramatic, regime-changing unrest across the Arab world, analysts note that Lebanese protesters are the first to disregard the virus in their demand for wholesale change.
The anger spilled over first in Tripoli, Lebanon’s second city in one of its poorest regions, where protesters risked infection, tear gas, and live fire from the army – which left one man dead – to burn banks, battle security forces, and declare their fresh uprising a “hunger revolution.”
“For them, it’s a lose-lose situation,” says Ms. Hammoud, a 20-something activist from Tripoli, about those who are demonstrating again. “They will tell you, ‘We’re going to die of hunger, so it’s either coronavirus or hunger.’ They don’t even care anymore. They are going to lose anyway; that’s why they are on the street.”
On top of quarantine job losses and a currency that lost 60% of its value in just weeks, there is additional stress during Ramadan. The holy month of fasting has been transformed by social distancing requirements that limit family gatherings and by high prices that cap meal size.
“The first time they did a protest [breaking the lockdown], everyone was complaining,” says Ms. Hammoud, who first spoke with the Monitor last November, a Lebanese flag draped across her shoulders, at a cluster of protest tents in Martyrs’ Square in central Beirut.
“Even we, the people that usually join the protest, were complaining, saying, ‘This is not the right time for it. There is a virus; what are you guys doing?’” says Ms. Hammoud. “But then, with time, we couldn’t complain anymore, because we knew that they are going through hell.”
Mohamed Azakir/Reuters View caption Hide caption Demonstrators with masks depicting the Lebanese flag gesture during a Labor Day protest against growing economic hardship, in Beirut, May 1, 2020.
Lebanon’s protests have brought the country to the brink of chaos before, forcing a prime minister to resign. They’re part of a revival of Arab world anti-government protests – a so-called Arab Spring 2.0 – that began last autumn and took hold from Algeria and Sudan to Iraq and Lebanon.
Rami Khouri, the renowned journalist and a professor at the American University of Beirut, says the latest outburst in Lebanon is a “turning point” – defying a pandemic to challenge entrenched and uncaring politicians – but should be seen as part of a longer-term Arab transformation.
The greater danger
“It really is one regional wave in which government or political authorities – most of which are military-linked, or sectarian oligarchies – have steadily lost their credibility, efficacy, and legitimacy,” says Professor Khouri, who is also a senior fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School. “The citizenry, in the meantime, in tandem, has been steadily pauperized, marginalized, and treated with disdain.”
It’s not just that they are hungry, because people “have been hungry for a while,” says Professor Khouri. But it is the combination of a large majority that is now “officially poor,” work stoppages, and no apparent end to “dysfunctional management and corruption,” that have made COVID-19 appear to be the lesser danger.
“They say, ‘Let me die from the virus, but if I have a chance to bring about a better government, and have a better life for my kids, then [let me] risk that,’” he says.
“For many people, life has lost its meaning. That sounds crazy, but people don’t do what they are doing lightly,” he says. “They don’t confront armies firing at them lightly, or the virus, or the power of the sectarian militias that are unleashed on them every once in a while.
“They need to be driven by some kind of really intense, almost insane force to get them to do this,” he adds. “And that, as far as I can see, is their own sense of dehumanization.”
Indeed, even if demonstrators are not making an explicit virus-versus-bullets computation, Lebanon’s unprecedented economic crisis now overshadows all else.
“Protesters who have been arrested have spoken of being tortured in custody, beaten viciously and electrocuted by army intelligence units,” Lina Mounzer, a writer and translator in Beirut, wrote today in The New York Times. “Against these horrors and the everyday despair of no longer being able to afford the simplest things, the threat of the virus, despite 741 cases and 25 deaths in Lebanon so far, has faded into abstraction.”
Mohamed Azakir/Reuters View caption Hide caption A demonstrator gestures near Lebanese soldiers standing guard during a Labor Day protest in Beirut, May 1, 2020.
Lebanon’s protests managed to force the resignation of one prime minister, but a long-awaited five-year economic recovery package, promised months ago and heavily dependent on winning International Monetary Fund aid, was only announced last week.
The small nation’s vital statistics are as bad as at any time since the end of the 1975-90 civil war. Lebanon shoulders more than $90 billion of debt and defaulted on sovereign debt payments for the first time in March.
Those factors, and the clear unwillingness of Lebanon’s political elite – whose sectarian rule for decades has been based on plundering national resources to benefit party clients – have made international donors wary of helping without seeing reforms first.
Kristalina Georgieva, the head of the International Monetary Fund, said Monday that Lebanon’s plan was “an important step forward,” and that talks would begin on “much needed reforms.” But Maha Yahya, head of the Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut, wrote in an analysis days earlier that most of the obvious reforms “would undermine the vested interests of the politicians and the parties, who thus far have proven unwilling to accept the pain of adjustment.”
Recommended Why Georgia indictment could pose unique peril for Trump
The renewal of street protests, despite the coronavirus, “implicitly assumes that the public has no expectation that the politicians will address the root causes of the country’s financial crisis,” writes Ms. Yahya. “What Lebanon is facing today is likely to last for years, and the chances of recovery are thin.”
Post-pandemic plans
That is the calculation anti-government activists are making, as they prepare for the next round of post-pandemic protests.
“People think that, after the lockdown, we are going to go back to universities, schools, and jobs, but we know that’s not going to happen,” says Ms. Hammoud in Tripoli. “We’re all going to hit the streets again. It’s going to be even more aggressive this time.”
In the meantime, she and her fellow activists are gathering donations for food distributions, so far to hundreds of families, to prevent them from being catered to during Ramadan by political parties that will demand support in return.
“That’s what we are afraid of, because [people] are so, so vulnerable that they can be easily controlled all over again,” she says.
Indeed, the coronavirus has been used as an excuse by the political elite not to act quickly or decisively on economic reforms, says Professor Khouri.
“That’s the danger: A lot of action happens, but no change happens,” he says. “The question then becomes: If the protesters then go back home, how long can they withstand this? We don’t know. Nobody knows the answer to that.
Get stories that
empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
“What is clear is that when you get millions of people in desperate situations, they eventually do something,” says Professor Khouri. “And they’ve started to do something.”
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.


ezorigin--2020-05-04--Democracy judged: Israel high court hears case against Netanyahu

With the fate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the line , Israel ’ s Supreme Court began discussions Sunday on the question of whether the embattled leader can form a new government while facing criminal indictments .
The court ’ s decision , expected later this week , is shaping up as a watershed moment in Israeli history .
A ruling preventing Mr. Netanyahu from returning for another term would almost certainly trigger an unprecedented fourth consecutive election in just over a year and draw angry , perhaps violent , reactions from Mr. Netanyahu ’ s supporters accusing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ruling in favor will be seen by critics as further weakening the country ’ s fragile democratic institutions and a victory for a prime minister bent on escaping prosecution .
“ The High Court of Justice is facing its most important verdict ever , ” former Prime Minister Ehud Barak , a staunch critic of Mr. Netanyahu ’ s , wrote in the Haaretz daily .
“ The High Court can make its name for generations in one moment ’ s brave decision , ” he wrote .
“ On the other hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ niceties , irrespective under what intricate pretexts , it too will be crushed further down the road.
” The court challenge comes in the wake of Mr. Netanyahu ’ s agreement last month to form an “ emergency ” government with his rival , Benny Gantz .
After battling each other in three inconclusive elections over the past year , the two men cited the country ’ s coronavirus outbreak for their power-sharing agreement .
But the deal includes a number of provisions – including the creation of the new office of “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have little to do with the pandemic .
Critics say they are meant to allow Mr. Netanyahu to remain in office throughout his upcoming trial .
Mr. Netanyahu has been charged with fraud , breach of trust , and accepting bribes in a series of scandals in which he is accused of offering favors to media moguls in exchange for favorable press coverage .
Mr. Netanyahu denies the accusations and says he is the victim of a witch hunt .
His trial was postponed in March due to restrictions his hand-picked interim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus crisis erupted and is scheduled to commence later this month .
In Sunday ’ s proceedings , the court heard arguments on whether an indicted politician like Mr. Netanyahu can be given authority to form a new government .
On Monday , the justices will look at whether the coalition agreement violated the law .
Under the deal , Netanyahu and Gantz would be sworn in together , with Mr. Netanyahu serving first as prime minister and Mr. Gantz as the designated premier .
After 18 months , the two will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enjoy all the trappings of the prime minister , including an official residence and , key for Mr. Netanyahu , an exemption from a law that requires public officials who are not prime minister to resign if charged with a crime .
Mr. Netanyahu is eager to remain in office throughout his trial , using his position to lash out at the judicial system and rally support among his base .
The coalition deal also gives him influence over key judicial appointments , creating a potential conflict of interest during an appeals process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reflection of the case ’ s importance , a panel of 11 justices are hearing the case – a much larger number than the usual three- or five-judge panels .
In another rarity , the hearings were broadcast live on national television and on the court ’ s website .
Due to the outbreak , the judges , attorneys , and clerks wore face masks , and plastic barriers separated each of the 11 justices on the bench .
The high court has become a lightning rod for criticism by Mr. Netanyahu and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of overreach and political interference .
The long-time leader ’ s opponents consider it a bastion of democracy under dangerous assault .
Michael Rabello , an attorney representing Mr. Netanyahu ’ s Likud party , said that over 1 million Israelis had voted for him with the knowledge he could be prime minister .
“ How can you say that this panel can replace the voters ?
” he asked the court .
Pro-democracy demonstrators have been taking to the streets weekly to protest Mr. Netanyahu ’ s continued rule , keeping their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social-distancing rules .
On Sunday , several dozen demonstrators gathered outside the Knesset , Israel ’ s parliament , in support of the court and watched a screening of the hearing .
Eliad Shraga , head of the Movement for Quality Government in Israel , one of the groups petitioning the court , said it was “ unconscionable that a man like this will go in the morning to court to sit in the dock and in the evening will manage the Security Cabinet and send us and our children to battle.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to rule by Thursday , the deadline for parliament to choose a new prime minister .
If that deadline is missed , a new election would be triggered .
Eli Salzberger , a law professor at the University of Haifa , said the panel consisted of the court ’ s 11 most senior justices and it was impossible to predict which way the diverse group would lean .
“ We can not really map the court ideologically , ” he said .
Last week , Israel ’ s attorney general , Avichai @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the court that while Mr. Netanyahu ’ s indictments “ raise significant problems , ” there was no legal basis for barring him from serving while facing criminal charges .
Salzberger said Mr. Mandelblit ’ s recommendation gave a boost to Mr. Netanyahu 's side , but noted the court has disagreed with the attorney general in the past .
“ It ’ s not a final decision , '' he said .
This story was reported by The Associated Press .
AP writer Ilan Ben Zion contributed to this report .
Editor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service , the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus

With the fate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the line, Israel’s Supreme Court began discussions Sunday on the question of whether the embattled leader can form a new government while facing criminal indictments.
The court’s decision, expected later this week, is shaping up as a watershed moment in Israeli history.
A ruling preventing Mr. Netanyahu from returning for another term would almost certainly trigger an unprecedented fourth consecutive election in just over a year and draw angry, perhaps violent, reactions from Mr. Netanyahu’s supporters accusing the court of inappropriate political meddling. A ruling in favor will be seen by critics as further weakening the country’s fragile democratic institutions and a victory for a prime minister bent on escaping prosecution.
“The High Court of Justice is facing its most important verdict ever,” former Prime Minister Ehud Barak, a staunch critic of Mr. Netanyahu’s, wrote in the Haaretz daily.
“The High Court can make its name for generations in one moment’s brave decision,” he wrote. “On the other hand, should the court opt for legalistic niceties, irrespective under what intricate pretexts, it too will be crushed further down the road.”
The court challenge comes in the wake of Mr. Netanyahu’s agreement last month to form an “emergency” government with his rival, Benny Gantz.
After battling each other in three inconclusive elections over the past year, the two men cited the country’s coronavirus outbreak for their power-sharing agreement. But the deal includes a number of provisions – including the creation of the new office of “designated prime minister” – that appear to have little to do with the pandemic. Critics say they are meant to allow Mr. Netanyahu to remain in office throughout his upcoming trial.
Mr. Netanyahu has been charged with fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes in a series of scandals in which he is accused of offering favors to media moguls in exchange for favorable press coverage. Mr. Netanyahu denies the accusations and says he is the victim of a witch hunt. His trial was postponed in March due to restrictions his hand-picked interim justice minister placed on the courts after the coronavirus crisis erupted and is scheduled to commence later this month.
In Sunday’s proceedings, the court heard arguments on whether an indicted politician like Mr. Netanyahu can be given authority to form a new government. On Monday, the justices will look at whether the coalition agreement violated the law.
Under the deal, Netanyahu and Gantz would be sworn in together, with Mr. Netanyahu serving first as prime minister and Mr. Gantz as the designated premier. After 18 months, the two will swap positions. The new position will enjoy all the trappings of the prime minister, including an official residence and, key for Mr. Netanyahu, an exemption from a law that requires public officials who are not prime minister to resign if charged with a crime.
Mr. Netanyahu is eager to remain in office throughout his trial, using his position to lash out at the judicial system and rally support among his base. The coalition deal also gives him influence over key judicial appointments, creating a potential conflict of interest during an appeals process if he is convicted.
In a reflection of the case’s importance, a panel of 11 justices are hearing the case – a much larger number than the usual three- or five-judge panels. In another rarity, the hearings were broadcast live on national television and on the court’s website. Due to the outbreak, the judges, attorneys, and clerks wore face masks, and plastic barriers separated each of the 11 justices on the bench.
The high court has become a lightning rod for criticism by Mr. Netanyahu and his political allies, who accuse it of overreach and political interference. The long-time leader’s opponents consider it a bastion of democracy under dangerous assault.
Michael Rabello, an attorney representing Mr. Netanyahu’s Likud party, said that over 1 million Israelis had voted for him with the knowledge he could be prime minister. “How can you say that this panel can replace the voters?” he asked the court.
Pro-democracy demonstrators have been taking to the streets weekly to protest Mr. Netanyahu’s continued rule, keeping their distance from one another in line with social-distancing rules. On Sunday, several dozen demonstrators gathered outside the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, in support of the court and watched a screening of the hearing.
Eliad Shraga, head of the Movement for Quality Government in Israel, one of the groups petitioning the court, said it was “unconscionable that a man like this will go in the morning to court to sit in the dock and in the evening will manage the Security Cabinet and send us and our children to battle.”
The justices have little time. They need to rule by Thursday, the deadline for parliament to choose a new prime minister. If that deadline is missed, a new election would be triggered.
Eli Salzberger, a law professor at the University of Haifa, said the panel consisted of the court’s 11 most senior justices and it was impossible to predict which way the diverse group would lean. “We cannot really map the court ideologically,” he said.
Last week, Israel’s attorney general, Avichai Mandelblit, said in an opinion to the court that while Mr. Netanyahu’s indictments “raise significant problems,” there was no legal basis for barring him from serving while facing criminal charges.
Salzberger said Mr. Mandelblit’s recommendation gave a boost to Mr. Netanyahu's side, but noted the court has disagreed with the attorney general in the past. “It’s not a final decision," he said.
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This story was reported by The Associated Press. AP writer Ilan Ben Zion contributed to this report.
Editor’s note: As a public service, the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus


ezorigin--2020-05-04--Monday Sunrise Briefing: US tries to balance liberty and safety

President Trump tried to reassure Americans Sunday that the U.S. economy could reopen while protecting lives .
But clashes over individual freedom vs. public safety continued this weekend .
In New York City , where some 50 summonses were given Saturday for social distancing violations , video of the violent arrest of one man resulted in an investigation of a police officer .
In Arizona , two county sheriffs refused to enforce the governor ’ s lockdown orders .
In Ohio , Gov .
Mike DeWine extended partial stay-at-home orders until May 29 but explained Sunday why he wouldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ People were not going to accept the government telling them what to do , ” he said .
The U.S. Justice Department Sunday joined a Virginia church suing the state for enforcing a ban on gatherings of more than 10 people .
Meanwhile , White House coronavirus coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx called Michigan protests , which violated social distancing rules , “ devastatingly worrisome.
” She added : “ We need to protect each other at the same time we ’ re voicing our discontent.
” 2 .
Integrity test .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an indicted politician can form a government .
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been charged with fraud , breach of trust , and accepting bribes .
He denies the charges , and accuses the judiciary of overstepping its authority .
His opponents say Israel ’ s fragile democracy is at stake .
Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak , a critic , says the decision is the high court 's “ most important verdict ever.
” On Monday , the court will hear arguments about the legality of a coalition government , spurred by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Netanyahu and Benny Gantz .
3 .
Fears fade about instability .
Rare gunfire was exchanged at the border between North and South Korea Sunday , but the bigger news was that fears about North Korea ’ s instability faded with the reappearance of the North 's leader Kim Jong-un .
State media showed video of Kim for the first time in nearly three weeks - an absence that triggered intense speculation about his health .
A senior South Korean presidential official said Sunday that Kim did not have surgery or any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gunfire ?
“ We think those [ shots by North Korean soldiers ] are accidental , ” said U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on ABC 's “ This Week.
” The best in journalism and the arts .
The winners of this year ’ s Pulitzer Prizes are announced at 3 p.m. and can be watched live online .
Lawmakers return .
The Senate ( but not the House of Representatives ) returns to work .
Sounds of justice .
The U.S. Supreme Court will meet over the phone ( no video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 10 cases over six days .
Among the cases : the privacy of President Trump 's financial records and casting ballots in the Electoral College .
Will he don a mask ?
President Trump is scheduled to visit a Honeywell mask manufacturing facility in Phoenix , Arizona .
The state remains under a stay-at-home order .
Leadership choices .
U.S. Senate committees are expected to hold hearings , including one to consider Rep. John Ratcliffe ( R-Texas ) for director of national intelligence , and separately , a hearing to consider Kenneth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The South Korea 's 10-team professional baseball league officially opens the season today .
It begins without fans in the stands but expects to gradually open for public access depending on the coronavirus situation .
A first lady emerges .
A Netflix documentary film , based on Michelle Obama 's 2018 memoir , “ Becoming , ” is scheduled to be released on the streaming site today .
A 75th anniversary of peace : Ceremonies in Britain , France , and Germany commemorate Victory in Europe Day , the formal end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the court ?
The NBA may begin to reopen team practice gyms today , allowing a limited number ( 4 ) of players to use the facilities for voluntary workouts .
No word yet , on when actual games would restart .
Russia 's Victory Day .
Despite the cancellation of the traditional parade to mark the 75th anniversary of the allied victory over Nazi Germany , other events , including an aerial display and fireworks , will be held in Moscow to honor WWII veterans and mark the occasion .
With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ banks in the U.S. are struggling to keep pace with surging demand .
But individuals and companies are stepping up to meet the need .
Here are three examples of generosity served with a side of resiliency .
• In Erie , Pennsylvania , an estimated 10,000 free , chef-cooked meals - ranging from chicken stroganoff to meatloaf with mashed potatoes and vegetables - are being prepared for families in need this month by Scott Enterprises , the owner of several hotels and restaurants .
“ We believe in our city and know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get through these difficult times , ” said Nick Scott Sr. , president of the family-owned company , reported GoErie.com • Farmers in upstate New York donated more than 34,000 pounds of fresh milk , beef , apples , yoghurt , and vegetables to the New York City borough of Queens for needy families this past Friday and Saturday .
“ We can not have hungry families in New York City , and farmers upstate dumping their product because they can not sell it , ” said State Sen. Jessica Ramos , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to distribute the food .
“ What we ’ ve learned is that no matter where you live ... we ’ re all New Yorkers and together we are New York Tough , ” said Maureen Torrey , co-owner of Torrey Farms , Inc. • In Wellington , Colorado , Jackie Isvanca , the owner of The Cakery , is delivering a little cupcake cheer .
In addition to giving fresh bread and cupcakes to the local food bank , she ’ s encouraging her customers to donate canned food : Every customer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food into the shop as a donation , will get a free cupcake , reports the North Forty News .
Each giving of their talents to help others .
Start your week with a recent story that inspired Monitor readers : Poems to remind us of our strength during quarantine In tonight ’ s Daily Edition , watch for our story about going on an African safari , live from your living room .
Finally , check out the Monitor ’ s selected stories from Friday 's subscription-only Daily Edition : • Why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Who ’ s ‘ essential ?
’ From Germany to the US , you might be surprised .
• ‘ Left with my thoughts ’ : How our reporter fought the coronavirus • Home theater : See the world through the eyes of director Satyajit Ray Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall .
This is a beta test - an experiment with an early Monday news update .
Please give us your feedback via the link below and let us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !

President Trump tried to reassure Americans Sunday that the U.S. economy could reopen while protecting lives. But clashes over individual freedom vs. public safety continued this weekend. In New York City, where some 50 summonses were given Saturday for social distancing violations, video of the violent arrest of one man resulted in an investigation of a police officer. In Arizona, two county sheriffs refused to enforce the governor’s lockdown orders. In Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine extended partial stay-at-home orders until May 29 but explained Sunday why he wouldn’t require people to wear masks: “People were not going to accept the government telling them what to do,” he said. The U.S. Justice Department Sunday joined a Virginia church suing the state for enforcing a ban on gatherings of more than 10 people. Meanwhile, White House coronavirus coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx called Michigan protests, which violated social distancing rules, “devastatingly worrisome.” She added: “We need to protect each other at the same time we’re voicing our discontent.”
2. Integrity test. The Israeli Supreme Court heard arguments Sunday whether an indicted politician can form a government. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been charged with fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes. He denies the charges, and accuses the judiciary of overstepping its authority. His opponents say Israel’s fragile democracy is at stake. Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak, a critic, says the decision is the high court's “most important verdict ever.” On Monday, the court will hear arguments about the legality of a coalition government, spurred by the coronavirus outbreak, and formed by Mr. Netanyahu and Benny Gantz.
3. Fears fade about instability. Rare gunfire was exchanged at the border between North and South Korea Sunday, but the bigger news was that fears about North Korea’s instability faded with the reappearance of the North's leader Kim Jong-un. State media showed video of Kim for the first time in nearly three weeks - an absence that triggered intense speculation about his health. A senior South Korean presidential official said Sunday that Kim did not have surgery or any other medical procedure. And the DMZ gunfire? “We think those [shots by North Korean soldiers] are accidental,” said U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on ABC's “This Week.”
WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Ali Khara via REUTERS View caption Hide caption For the first time since the 1979 revolution, Iranians are going to the drive-in cinema. The movie "Exodus" was shown in a Tehran parking lot on May 3, 2020, in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Look Ahead
Why We Wrote This Good morning! Welcome to your Monday, May 4, 2020, sunrise briefing. Here are three news events from this past weekend (while you may have been cycling, playing disc golf, and enjoying an offline life). Also, what to look for in the news this week.
Monday, May 4
The best in journalism and the arts. The winners of this year’s Pulitzer Prizes are announced at 3 p.m. and can be watched live online.
Lawmakers return. The Senate (but not the House of Representatives) returns to work.
Sounds of justice. The U.S. Supreme Court will meet over the phone (no video) to hear arguments in the first of 10 cases over six days. Among the cases: the privacy of President Trump's financial records and casting ballots in the Electoral College.
Tuesday, May 5
Will he don a mask? President Trump is scheduled to visit a Honeywell mask manufacturing facility in Phoenix, Arizona. The state remains under a stay-at-home order.
Leadership choices. U.S. Senate committees are expected to hold hearings, including one to consider Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-Texas) for director of national intelligence, and separately, a hearing to consider Kenneth Braithwaite as Navy secretary.
Play ball. The South Korea's 10-team professional baseball league officially opens the season today. It begins without fans in the stands but expects to gradually open for public access depending on the coronavirus situation.
Wednesday, May 6
A first lady emerges. A Netflix documentary film, based on Michelle Obama's 2018 memoir, “Becoming,” is scheduled to be released on the streaming site today.
Friday, May 8
A 75th anniversary of peace: Ceremonies in Britain, France, and Germany commemorate Victory in Europe Day, the formal end of World War II in Europe.
Back on the court? The NBA may begin to reopen team practice gyms today, allowing a limited number (4) of players to use the facilities for voluntary workouts. No word yet, on when actual games would restart.
Saturday, May 9
Russia's Victory Day. Despite the cancellation of the traditional parade to mark the 75th anniversary of the allied victory over Nazi Germany, other events, including an aerial display and fireworks, will be held in Moscow to honor WWII veterans and mark the occasion.
Generosity Watch
Sen. Jessica Ramos via Facebook View caption Hide caption New York state Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-Queens) packs bags of food sent by New York farmers on May 1, 2020 to give to needy families in East Elmhurst, N.Y.
With millions out of work, local food banks in the U.S. are struggling to keep pace with surging demand. But individuals and companies are stepping up to meet the need. Here are three examples of generosity served with a side of resiliency.
In Erie, Pennsylvania, an estimated 10,000 free, chef-cooked meals - ranging from chicken stroganoff to meatloaf with mashed potatoes and vegetables - are being prepared for families in need this month by Scott Enterprises, the owner of several hotels and restaurants. “We believe in our city and know that by coming together, Erie will get through these difficult times,” said Nick Scott Sr., president of the family-owned company, reported GoErie.com
Farmers in upstate New York donated more than 34,000 pounds of fresh milk, beef, apples, yoghurt, and vegetables to the New York City borough of Queens for needy families this past Friday and Saturday. “We cannot have hungry families in New York City, and farmers upstate dumping their product because they cannot sell it,” said State Sen. Jessica Ramos, who worked with the Northeast Dairy Producers Association to distribute the food. “What we’ve learned is that no matter where you live ... we’re all New Yorkers and together we are New York Tough,” said Maureen Torrey, co-owner of Torrey Farms, Inc.
In Wellington, Colorado, Jackie Isvanca, the owner of The Cakery, is delivering a little cupcake cheer. In addition to giving fresh bread and cupcakes to the local food bank, she’s encouraging her customers to donate canned food: Every customer who brings three cans of soup or food into the shop as a donation, will get a free cupcake, reports the North Forty News.
Each giving of their talents to help others.
Hidden gem
Start your week with a recent story that inspired Monitor readers:
Poems to remind us of our strength during quarantine
Sneak preview
In tonight’s Daily Edition, watch for our story about going on an African safari, live from your living room.
Get stories that
empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
Finally, check out the Monitor’s selected stories from Friday's subscription-only Daily Edition:
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.
This is a beta test - an experiment with an early Monday news update. Please give us your feedback via the link below and let us know what you think. Thank you!


ezorigin--2020-04-24--Washington DC's 'maker' community steps up to 3D print PPE

It started in late March with a self-professed high school `` news junkie '' and a lone 3D printer .
Georgetown Day School senior Jonah Docter-Loeb was transfixed by television footage of the `` suffering on such a large scale '' caused by the coronavirus pandemic .
After learning that supplies of protective medical gear were being depleted , Mr. Docter-Loeb sought a way to help .
He tapped into the online community of `` makers '' – 3D printer enthusiasts – and found an open-source design for a welder 's mask-style face shield he could print at home .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea has mushroomed into Print to Protect , a network of around 100 3D printers , most in individual homes , producing face shields for distribution to Washington area hospitals .
The group says it has printed 3,000 shields so far with a goal of completing 10,000 in April .
`` For a lot of us , it can be overwhelming what 's happening , '' said Emily Scarrow , a junior at the private school and part of a collective of students running the project .
She said working on the campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` helplessness and isolation '' of the ongoing stay-at-home orders .
The supplies are much needed as Washington and the larger capital region of southern Maryland and northern Virginia braces for a looming surge .
Twice a week , volunteer drivers such as William Olsen gather up the printed materials from people 's homes .
To maintain social distancing and reduce personal interactions , residents leave the newly printed parts in a sealed bag or box on their porches .
`` I have a car and I have a bunch of free time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the least I can do , '' said Mr. Olsen , a Georgetown Day junior who is thinking of studying medicine .
The parts are delivered to Eaton DC , a communal workspace downtown that 's serving as a distribution hub .
There , more volunteers assemble the two basic components – a plastic headband and a clear sheet of flexible plastic that hangs in front of the face .
The Print to Protect campaign is just part of a larger effort working in independent pockets among the area 's `` maker '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , U.S. Agency for International Development contractor DAI , sent everyone home , he carried out a pair of 3D printers .
`` A little to my wife 's chagrin , they 're in our guest bedroom and I 'm running a little factory out of there , '' he said .
One of them is the standard home-style printer `` about the size of a microwave on its side '' that he uses to print face shields .
The other is a larger and most sophisticated machine that he 's used to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire department : a special nozzle that would enable ambulance crews to swap filters on the breathing-aid machine in their ambulances .
The items he produces are collected and distributed by a similar maker-collective organized by Nova Labs in Reston , Virginia .
The face shields take about four hours each to print .
He estimates he 's made 50 face shields and 80 nozzles .
`` It really does add up when you have a larger community doing this , '' he said .
This story was reported by The Associated Press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a public service , the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .

It started in late March with a self-professed high school "news junkie" and a lone 3D printer.
Georgetown Day School senior Jonah Docter-Loeb was transfixed by television footage of the "suffering on such a large scale" caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
After learning that supplies of protective medical gear were being depleted, Mr. Docter-Loeb sought a way to help. He tapped into the online community of "makers" – 3D printer enthusiasts – and found an open-source design for a welder's mask-style face shield he could print at home.
Things moved quickly from there.
In less than a month, that idea has mushroomed into Print to Protect, a network of around 100 3D printers, most in individual homes, producing face shields for distribution to Washington area hospitals. The group says it has printed 3,000 shields so far with a goal of completing 10,000 in April.
"For a lot of us, it can be overwhelming what's happening," said Emily Scarrow, a junior at the private school and part of a collective of students running the project. She said working on the campaign helped her deal with the feelings of "helplessness and isolation" of the ongoing stay-at-home orders.
The supplies are much needed as Washington and the larger capital region of southern Maryland and northern Virginia braces for a looming surge.
Twice a week, volunteer drivers such as William Olsen gather up the printed materials from people's homes. To maintain social distancing and reduce personal interactions, residents leave the newly printed parts in a sealed bag or box on their porches.
"I have a car and I have a bunch of free time. I'm privileged and this is the least I can do," said Mr. Olsen, a Georgetown Day junior who is thinking of studying medicine.
The parts are delivered to Eaton DC, a communal workspace downtown that's serving as a distribution hub. There, more volunteers assemble the two basic components – a plastic headband and a clear sheet of flexible plastic that hangs in front of the face.
The Print to Protect campaign is just part of a larger effort working in independent pockets among the area's "maker" community.
When Rob Ryan-Silva's employer, U.S. Agency for International Development contractor DAI, sent everyone home, he carried out a pair of 3D printers.
"A little to my wife's chagrin, they're in our guest bedroom and I'm running a little factory out of there," he said.
One of them is the standard home-style printer "about the size of a microwave on its side" that he uses to print face shields. The other is a larger and most sophisticated machine that he's used to fill a specific request from Washington's fire department: a special nozzle that would enable ambulance crews to swap filters on the breathing-aid machine in their ambulances.
The items he produces are collected and distributed by a similar maker-collective organized by Nova Labs in Reston, Virginia. The face shields take about four hours each to print. He estimates he's made 50 face shields and 80 nozzles.
"It really does add up when you have a larger community doing this," he said.
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empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
This story was reported by The Associated Press.
Editor’s note: As a public service, the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.


ezorigin--2020-03-31--Trump administration rolls back vehicle mileage standards

The Trump administration rolled back ambitious Obama-era vehicle mileage standards Tuesday , raising the ceiling on damaging fossil fuel emissions for years to come and gutting one of the United States ' biggest efforts against climate change .
The Trump administration released a final rule Tuesday on mileage standards through 2026 .
The change – after two years of President Donald Trump threatening and fighting states and a faction of automakers that opposed the move – waters down a tough Obama mileage standard that would have encouraged automakers to ramp up production of electric vehicles and more fuel-efficient gas and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on President Trump ’ s promise to correct the current fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions standards , ” Andrew Wheeler , head of the Environmental Protection Agency , said in a statement Tuesday marking the release .
He said the final rule “ puts in place a sensible ” national program that `` strikes the right regulatory balance that protects our environment , and sets reasonable targets for the auto industry .
This rule supports our economy , and the safety of American families.
” Opponents contend the change – gutting his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fuel emissions – appears driven by Mr. Trump 's push to undo regulatory initiatives of former President Barack Obama and say even the administration has had difficulty pointing to the kind of specific , demonstrable benefits to drivers , public health , and safety or the economy that normally accompany standards changes .
The Trump administration says the looser mileage standards will allow consumers to keep buying the less fuel-efficient SUVs that U.S. drivers have favored for years .
Opponents say it will kill several hundred more Americans a year through dirtier air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Even `` given the catastrophe they 're in with the coronavirus , they 're pursuing a policy that 's going to hurt public health and kill people , '' said Chet France , a former 39-year veteran of the EPA , where he served as a senior official over emissions and mileage standards .
`` This is first time that an administration has pursued a policy that will net negative benefit for society and reduce fuel savings , '' Mr. France said .
Delaware Sen. Tom Carper , the senior Democrat on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called it `` the height of irresponsibility for this administration to finalize a rollback that will lead to dirtier air while our country is working around the clock to respond to a respiratory pandemic whose effects may be exacerbated by air pollution .
`` We should be enacting forward-looking environmental policy , not tying our country 's future to the dirty vehicles of the past , '' Mr. Carper said .
Mr. Trump 's Cabinet heads have continued a push to roll back public health and environment regulations despite the coronavirus outbreak riveting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – like others before it – is facing procedural rules that will make changes adopted before the last six months of Mr. Trump 's current term tougher to throw out , even if the White House changes occupants .
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration , which has been the main agency drawing up the new rules , did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday .
The standards have split the auto industry with Ford , BMW , Honda , and Volkswagen siding with California and agreeing to higher standards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standards were enacted hastily and will be impossible to meet because consumers have shifted dramatically away from efficient cars to SUVs and trucks .
California and about a dozen other states say they will continue resisting the Trump mileage standards in court .
Last year , 72 % of the new vehicles purchased by U.S. consumers were trucks or SUVS .
It was 51 % when the current standards went into effect in 2012 .
The Obama administration mandated 5 % annual increases in fuel economy .
Leaked versions of the Trump administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ annual increase , backing off from its initial proposal simply to stop mandating increases in fuel efficiency after 2020 .
The transportation sector is the nation 's largest source of climate-changing emissions .
John Bozzella , CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation , a trade group representing automakers , said the industry still wants middle ground between the two standards , and it supports year-over-year mileage increases .
But he says the Obama-era standards are outdated due to the drastic shift to trucks and SUVs .
The Trump administration standards are likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because , with legal challenges expected , automakers wo n't know which standards they will have to obey .
`` It will be extraordinarily disruptive , '' said Richard J .
Pierce Jr. , a law professor at the George Washington University who specializes in government regulations .
States and environmental groups will challenge the Trump rules , and a U.S. District Court likely will issue a temporary order shelving them until it decides whether they are legal .
The temporary order likely will be challenged with the Supreme Court , which in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ District judge ca n't issue such a nationwide order , Mr. Pierce said .
But the nation 's highest court could also keep the order in effect if it determines the groups challenging the Trump standards are likely to win .
`` We 're talking quite a long time , one to three years anyway , before we can expect to get a final decision on the merits , '' Mr. Pierce said .
This story was reported by The Associated Press .
Mr. Krisher reported from Detroit .
Editor ’ s note @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .

The Trump administration rolled back ambitious Obama-era vehicle mileage standards Tuesday, raising the ceiling on damaging fossil fuel emissions for years to come and gutting one of the United States' biggest efforts against climate change.
The Trump administration released a final rule Tuesday on mileage standards through 2026. The change – after two years of President Donald Trump threatening and fighting states and a faction of automakers that opposed the move – waters down a tough Obama mileage standard that would have encouraged automakers to ramp up production of electric vehicles and more fuel-efficient gas and diesel vehicles.
"We are delivering on President Trump’s promise to correct the current fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions standards,” Andrew Wheeler, head of the Environmental Protection Agency, said in a statement Tuesday marking the release.
He said the final rule “puts in place a sensible” national program that "strikes the right regulatory balance that protects our environment, and sets reasonable targets for the auto industry. This rule supports our economy, and the safety of American families.”
Opponents contend the change – gutting his predecessor's legacy effort against climate-changing fossil fuel emissions – appears driven by Mr. Trump's push to undo regulatory initiatives of former President Barack Obama and say even the administration has had difficulty pointing to the kind of specific, demonstrable benefits to drivers, public health, and safety or the economy that normally accompany standards changes.
The Trump administration says the looser mileage standards will allow consumers to keep buying the less fuel-efficient SUVs that U.S. drivers have favored for years. Opponents say it will kill several hundred more Americans a year through dirtier air, compared to the Obama standards.
Even "given the catastrophe they're in with the coronavirus, they're pursuing a policy that's going to hurt public health and kill people," said Chet France, a former 39-year veteran of the EPA, where he served as a senior official over emissions and mileage standards.
"This is first time that an administration has pursued a policy that will net negative benefit for society and reduce fuel savings," Mr. France said.
Delaware Sen. Tom Carper, the senior Democrat on the Senate Environmental and Public Works Committee, called it "the height of irresponsibility for this administration to finalize a rollback that will lead to dirtier air while our country is working around the clock to respond to a respiratory pandemic whose effects may be exacerbated by air pollution.
"We should be enacting forward-looking environmental policy, not tying our country's future to the dirty vehicles of the past," Mr. Carper said.
Mr. Trump's Cabinet heads have continued a push to roll back public health and environment regulations despite the coronavirus outbreak riveting the world's attention. The administration – like others before it – is facing procedural rules that will make changes adopted before the last six months of Mr. Trump's current term tougher to throw out, even if the White House changes occupants.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which has been the main agency drawing up the new rules, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday.
The standards have split the auto industry with Ford, BMW, Honda, and Volkswagen siding with California and agreeing to higher standards. Most other automakers contend the Obama-era standards were enacted hastily and will be impossible to meet because consumers have shifted dramatically away from efficient cars to SUVs and trucks.
California and about a dozen other states say they will continue resisting the Trump mileage standards in court.
Last year, 72% of the new vehicles purchased by U.S. consumers were trucks or SUVS. It was 51% when the current standards went into effect in 2012.
The Obama administration mandated 5% annual increases in fuel economy. Leaked versions of the Trump administration's latest proposal show a 1.5% annual increase, backing off from its initial proposal simply to stop mandating increases in fuel efficiency after 2020.
The transportation sector is the nation's largest source of climate-changing emissions.
John Bozzella, CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a trade group representing automakers, said the industry still wants middle ground between the two standards, and it supports year-over-year mileage increases. But he says the Obama-era standards are outdated due to the drastic shift to trucks and SUVs.
The Trump administration standards are likely to cause havoc in the auto industry because, with legal challenges expected, automakers won't know which standards they will have to obey.
"It will be extraordinarily disruptive," said Richard J. Pierce Jr., a law professor at the George Washington University who specializes in government regulations.
States and environmental groups will challenge the Trump rules, and a U.S. District Court likely will issue a temporary order shelving them until it decides whether they are legal. The temporary order likely will be challenged with the Supreme Court, which in recent cases has voted 5-4 that a District judge can't issue such a nationwide order, Mr. Pierce said. But the nation's highest court could also keep the order in effect if it determines the groups challenging the Trump standards are likely to win.
"We're talking quite a long time, one to three years anyway, before we can expect to get a final decision on the merits," Mr. Pierce said.
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This story was reported by The Associated Press. Mr. Krisher reported from Detroit.
Editor’s note: As a public service, the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.


ezorigin--2020-04-06--Premier for a pandemic: How millennial Sanna Marin won Finland’s approval

As minister of the interior , Maria Ohisalo is responsible for managing the non-essential travel ban around the capital region .
She stresses that combating the epidemic has been very much a group effort , involving not only the government , but the entire Finnish society .
“ I feel that the Finnish people have been really supportive of our course of action , and that is very gratifying.
” The new government reflects a modern face of Finland that ’ s more confident on the world stage , say observers .
“ Sanna Marin is a one-in-a-generation natural political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paavo Lipponen .
“ I have been greatly impressed by the way the five government parties and their young women leaders have been able to work together .
They are all competent , hard-working , solution-oriented politicians.
” In the United States , she wouldn ’ t be old enough to be president .
But four months into the job as prime minister of Finland , Sanna Marin and her mostly young and female cabinet is managing one of Europe ’ s lowest rates of COVID-19 , and earning high approval in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already made heroes and goats of many leaders , as the pandemic that envelops the world is revealing whether their governments are equal to the crisis .
Among the former is Sanna Marin , the world ’ s youngest head of government at the time she became prime minister of Finland last December .
In a recent poll , 85 % of Finns supported her handling of the pandemic , a striking level of confidence in these uneasy times .
When she took office last year , Ms. Marin and her mostly female @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criticism .
“ Spice Girls ” was one taunt , “ Lipstick Cabinet ” another .
Four of the cabinet ’ s five parties on a left-to-center spectrum – a so-called red-green coalition government – are headed by women in their 30s .
Ms. Marin is 34 .
But as the severity of the health crisis has become clear , skepticism of Ms. Marin has fallen away .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall .
“ Marin has really stepped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an American who has lived in Finland since the 1970s and reports for Finnish Broadcasting .
“ Her performance at press conferences and in parliament , has been just what works best for Finns – clear , concise , unemotional ; but with an undertone of warmth.
” Mr. Hawkins adds that Ms. Marin ’ s style complements that of Sauli Niinistö , Finland ’ s popular 71-year-old president , with each effectively appealing to different demographics .
Ms. Marin , who was elected to parliament in 2015 , is well known for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of her as vice chair of the Tampere city council , calmly cutting off one long-winded member after another during a fractious debate about transportation needs in 2016 , has nearly half a million hits .
She easily won reelection last spring , after which her Social Democratic predecessor , Antti Rinne , appointed her his minister of transportation .
Now , Ms. Marin is learning how to be prime minister while also steering Finland through its greatest crisis since World War II .
Paavo Lipponen , prime minister from 1995 to 2003 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sanna Marin is a one-in-a-generation natural political talent , ” he says .
He feels that the new government reflects a modern face of Finland that is more confident on the world stage .
“ She is a very balanced person , focused on the job , with a human touch , but without populism.
” Mr. Lipponen , who helped oversee Finland ’ s recovery from the worst recession in its history in the 1990s , adds , “ I have been greatly impressed by the way the five government parties and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work together .
They are all competent , hard-working , solution-oriented politicians.
” Like Ms. Marin , he is a Social Democrat .
Ms. Marin “ comes across very much as primus inter pares ” ( first among equals ) , says Mr. Hawkins , the journalist , and notes her willingness to defer to her fellow ministers .
“ That ’ s a style that works very well here , post-Kekkonen , ” referring to Urho Kekkonen , Finland ’ s authoritarian president from 1956 to 1981 .
The success of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ epidemic within its borders remains to be seen .
At 2,176 cases in a population of 5.5 million , the country ’ s COVID-19 rates are still low compared with its Nordic neighbors , and most of the rest of Europe .
Its health care system ’ s high state of preparedness includes an ability to tap into a national stockpile of personal protective equipment that it has amassed since the 1950s , the New York Times reports .
Yet many Finns are still upset about how slowly the government enacted a quarantine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early March from areas with high COVID-19 rates .
Officials blamed the contretemps on an information disconnect between the government ’ s Institute of Health and Welfare and the state company running Helsinki ’ s bustling international airport .
Nevertheless , Prime Minister Marin refused to pass the buck .
“ I can ’ t say that we the government will be completely successful in all its actions , ” she conceded March 26 , in response to a query about the airport imbroglio .
“ We live in insecure times , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the moment.
” “ But I can say , ” she continued , “ that we are doing our best to control the disease and save lives.
” Ms. Marin and her cabinet colleagues are keenly aware of the social impact of the approach they recommended March 25 .
Most notably , nonessential travel is prohibited in and out of Uusimaa , the region where the capital is located , and the area hardest hit by the contagion .
“ I feel badly that as a result of the measures we feel necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sustain our health care system , problems in less privileged households are escalating , ” concedes Maria Ohisalo , the Finnish minister of the interior , of the Green League .
“ Mental health problems , shortcomings in child support , and drug use represent the dark side of the lockdown.
” Ms. Ohisalo stresses that combating the epidemic has been very much a group effort , involving not only the government , but the entire Finnish society .
She says that she is pleased by the way the blockade of Uusimaa – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a large proportion of the national police force – has been accepted by the country .
“ I feel that the Finnish people have been really supportive of our course of action , ” she told the Monitor , “ and that is very gratifying.
” Some observers have likened the spirit and virtual unanimity with which the Finnish people have responded to the crisis , as well as the entire government ’ s coordinated strategy for dealing with it , with the way Finns responded to the Soviet invasion of 1939 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , the invader is an invisible one .
For young Finns , “ of course she is a role model , ” says Vuokko Schoultz , a 26-year-old graduate student in history .
“ Look at where she came from , ” she says , referring to Ms. Marin ’ s humble roots , which included a stint as a cashier while at university .
“ I think she is the best prime minister we have had in many years.
” “ I think anyone who serves the country at this time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Schoultz .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall .

How do they do it? Finland is known for superlative levels of happiness, its education system, and the social safety net. Now it’s showing that being young and female can mean effective leadership.
As minister of the interior, Maria Ohisalo is responsible for managing the non-essential travel ban around the capital region. She stresses that combating the epidemic has been very much a group effort, involving not only the government, but the entire Finnish society. “I feel that the Finnish people have been really supportive of our course of action, and that is very gratifying.”
The new government reflects a modern face of Finland that’s more confident on the world stage, say observers. “Sanna Marin is a one-in-a-generation natural political talent,” says former Prime Minister Paavo Lipponen. “I have been greatly impressed by the way the five government parties and their young women leaders have been able to work together. They are all competent, hard-working, solution-oriented politicians.”
In the United States, she wouldn’t be old enough to be president. But four months into the job as prime minister of Finland, Sanna Marin and her mostly young and female cabinet is managing one of Europe’s lowest rates of COVID-19, and earning high approval in the country of 5.5 million.
COVID-19 has already made heroes and goats of many leaders, as the pandemic that envelops the world is revealing whether their governments are equal to the crisis.
Among the former is Sanna Marin, the world’s youngest head of government at the time she became prime minister of Finland last December. In a recent poll, 85% of Finns supported her handling of the pandemic, a striking level of confidence in these uneasy times.
When she took office last year, Ms. Marin and her mostly female cabinet faced a minor storm of social-media criticism. “Spice Girls” was one taunt, “Lipstick Cabinet” another. Four of the cabinet’s five parties on a left-to-center spectrum – a so-called red-green coalition government – are headed by women in their 30s. Ms. Marin is 34.
Why We Wrote This How do they do it? Finland is known for superlative levels of happiness, its education system, and the social safety net. Now it’s showing that being young and female can mean effective leadership.
But as the severity of the health crisis has become clear, skepticism of Ms. Marin has fallen away.
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.
“Marin has really stepped up,” says Eddy Hawkins, an American who has lived in Finland since the 1970s and reports for Finnish Broadcasting. “Her performance at press conferences and in parliament, has been just what works best for Finns – clear, concise, unemotional; but with an undertone of warmth.” Mr. Hawkins adds that Ms. Marin’s style complements that of Sauli Niinistö, Finland’s popular 71-year-old president, with each effectively appealing to different demographics.
Ms. Marin, who was elected to parliament in 2015, is well known for her straight-shooting style. A YouTube clip of her as vice chair of the Tampere city council, calmly cutting off one long-winded member after another during a fractious debate about transportation needs in 2016, has nearly half a million hits. She easily won reelection last spring, after which her Social Democratic predecessor, Antti Rinne, appointed her his minister of transportation.
Now, Ms. Marin is learning how to be prime minister while also steering Finland through its greatest crisis since World War II.
Vesa Moilanen/Lehtikuva/AP View caption Hide caption Minister of Education Li Andersson (from left), Minister of the Interior Maria Ohisalo, Prime Minister Sanna Marin, and Minister of Finance Katri Kulmuni on the day they took office in Helsinki, Finland, Dec. 10, 2019. Of the 19 ministers in Ms. Marin's cabinet, 12 are women.
Paavo Lipponen, prime minister from 1995 to 2003, gives her high marks. “Sanna Marin is a one-in-a-generation natural political talent,” he says. He feels that the new government reflects a modern face of Finland that is more confident on the world stage. “She is a very balanced person, focused on the job, with a human touch, but without populism.”
Mr. Lipponen, who helped oversee Finland’s recovery from the worst recession in its history in the 1990s, adds, “I have been greatly impressed by the way the five government parties and their young women leaders have been able to work together. They are all competent, hard-working, solution-oriented politicians.” Like Ms. Marin, he is a Social Democrat.
Ms. Marin “comes across very much as primus inter pares” (first among equals), says Mr. Hawkins, the journalist, and notes her willingness to defer to her fellow ministers. “That’s a style that works very well here, post-Kekkonen,” referring to Urho Kekkonen, Finland’s authoritarian president from 1956 to 1981.
The success of Finland’s strategy in controlling the epidemic within its borders remains to be seen. At 2,176 cases in a population of 5.5 million, the country’s COVID-19 rates are still low compared with its Nordic neighbors, and most of the rest of Europe. Its health care system’s high state of preparedness includes an ability to tap into a national stockpile of personal protective equipment that it has amassed since the 1950s, the New York Times reports.
Yet many Finns are still upset about how slowly the government enacted a quarantine for the 200,000 nationals who returned in early March from areas with high COVID-19 rates. Officials blamed the contretemps on an information disconnect between the government’s Institute of Health and Welfare and the state company running Helsinki’s bustling international airport.
Nevertheless, Prime Minister Marin refused to pass the buck. “I can’t say that we the government will be completely successful in all its actions,” she conceded March 26, in response to a query about the airport imbroglio. “We live in insecure times, and only one day at a time at the moment.”
“But I can say,” she continued, “that we are doing our best to control the disease and save lives.”
Ms. Marin and her cabinet colleagues are keenly aware of the social impact of the approach they recommended March 25. Most notably, nonessential travel is prohibited in and out of Uusimaa, the region where the capital is located, and the area hardest hit by the contagion.
“I feel badly that as a result of the measures we feel necessary to save people’s lives and sustain our health care system, problems in less privileged households are escalating,” concedes Maria Ohisalo, the Finnish minister of the interior, of the Green League. “Mental health problems, shortcomings in child support, and drug use represent the dark side of the lockdown.”
Ms. Ohisalo stresses that combating the epidemic has been very much a group effort, involving not only the government, but the entire Finnish society. She says that she is pleased by the way the blockade of Uusimaa – involving one-third of Finland’s population and a large proportion of the national police force – has been accepted by the country. “I feel that the Finnish people have been really supportive of our course of action,” she told the Monitor, “and that is very gratifying.”
Some observers have likened the spirit and virtual unanimity with which the Finnish people have responded to the crisis, as well as the entire government’s coordinated strategy for dealing with it, with the way Finns responded to the Soviet invasion of 1939 during the Winter War. Except this time, the invader is an invisible one.
For young Finns, “of course she is a role model,” says Vuokko Schoultz, a 26-year-old graduate student in history. “Look at where she came from,” she says, referring to Ms. Marin’s humble roots, which included a stint as a cashier while at university. “I think she is the best prime minister we have had in many years.”
Get stories that
empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
“I think anyone who serves the country at this time is a hero,” says Ms. Schoultz.
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.