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Boris Johnson Leaves Hospital; Russia Reports Its Largest Daily Rise in Coronavirus Cases: Live Coverage Europe’s Coronavirus Lockdowns Start to Shift; Boris Johnson Leaves Hospital: Live Coverage
(about 2 hours later)
新冠病毒疫情最新消息新冠病毒疫情最新消息
Pope Francis celebrated Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday morning, empty of faithful and assisted by a handful of attendants. The Mass, sung mostly in Latin, was livestreamed for the tens of thousands who could not attend in person.Pope Francis celebrated Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday morning, empty of faithful and assisted by a handful of attendants. The Mass, sung mostly in Latin, was livestreamed for the tens of thousands who could not attend in person.
Last year, an estimated 70,000 faithful crammed into St. Peter’s Square on Easter morning to hear the pope deliver his “Urbi et Orbi” (“To the City and to the World”) message after Easter Mass. But this year people are prohibited to gather in the square because of the coronavirus outbreak.Last year, an estimated 70,000 faithful crammed into St. Peter’s Square on Easter morning to hear the pope deliver his “Urbi et Orbi” (“To the City and to the World”) message after Easter Mass. But this year people are prohibited to gather in the square because of the coronavirus outbreak.
Francis acknowledged that for many, “this is an Easter of solitude lived amid the sorrow and hardship that the pandemic is causing, from physical suffering to economic difficulties,” and said his thoughts were with those directly affected by the virus: doctors and nurses, the sick, those who had died and family members in mourning. Francis acknowledged that for many, “this is an Easter of solitude lived amid the sorrow and hardship that the pandemic is causing, from physical suffering to economic difficulties,” and said his thoughts were with those directly affected by the virus: doctors and nurses, the sick, those who had died and family members in mourning. As he spoke, more than 1.7 million cases had been recorded worldwide, with at least 109,000 deaths.
Addressing “a world already faced with epochal challenges and now oppressed by a pandemic severely testing our whole human family,” Francis spoke of “the contagion of hope.” God is with us, he said, “firmly reassuring us: Do not be afraid, I have risen and I am with you still.”Addressing “a world already faced with epochal challenges and now oppressed by a pandemic severely testing our whole human family,” Francis spoke of “the contagion of hope.” God is with us, he said, “firmly reassuring us: Do not be afraid, I have risen and I am with you still.”
Acknowledging the concerns of many people who face an uncertain economic future and fears surrounding unemployment, he called on political leaders “to work actively for the common good, to provide the means and resources needed to enable everyone to lead a dignified life and, when circumstances allow, to assist them in resuming their normal daily activities.”Acknowledging the concerns of many people who face an uncertain economic future and fears surrounding unemployment, he called on political leaders “to work actively for the common good, to provide the means and resources needed to enable everyone to lead a dignified life and, when circumstances allow, to assist them in resuming their normal daily activities.”
“This is not a time for indifference,” Francis said, “because the whole world is suffering and needs to be united in facing the pandemic.”“This is not a time for indifference,” Francis said, “because the whole world is suffering and needs to be united in facing the pandemic.”
In Britain, where the total number of reported coronavirus deaths surpassed 10,000 this weekend, Prime Minister Boris Johnson was released from the hospital on Sunday.In Britain, where the total number of reported coronavirus deaths surpassed 10,000 this weekend, Prime Minister Boris Johnson was released from the hospital on Sunday.
It was a major step forward in his recovery from the coronavirus and a welcome relief for a nation whose political leadership has been harder hit by the contagion than that of any other Western country.It was a major step forward in his recovery from the coronavirus and a welcome relief for a nation whose political leadership has been harder hit by the contagion than that of any other Western country.
In a video posted on Twitter, he credited the National Health Service with saving his life, calling it “the beating heart of this country.”In a video posted on Twitter, he credited the National Health Service with saving his life, calling it “the beating heart of this country.”
“It’s hard to find words to express my debt,” he said, looking a bit wan but speaking with his usual vigor.“It’s hard to find words to express my debt,” he said, looking a bit wan but speaking with his usual vigor.
He thanked Britons for adhering to social distancing measures and said that were helping to slow the spread of the virus.He thanked Britons for adhering to social distancing measures and said that were helping to slow the spread of the virus.
He named two nurses — Jenny, from New Zealand and Luis, from Portugal — who “stood by my bedside for 48 hours when things could have gone either way.”He named two nurses — Jenny, from New Zealand and Luis, from Portugal — who “stood by my bedside for 48 hours when things could have gone either way.”
Mr. Johnson, who spent three nights in intensive care at St. Thomas’ Hospital in London, will convalesce at Chequers, the prime minister’s country house, the government said in a statement. But he will soon be able to sign off on major decisions, including when to ease the country’s lockdown.Mr. Johnson, who spent three nights in intensive care at St. Thomas’ Hospital in London, will convalesce at Chequers, the prime minister’s country house, the government said in a statement. But he will soon be able to sign off on major decisions, including when to ease the country’s lockdown.
His release came a day after Queen Elizabeth II released a recorded Easter message in which she said that the holiday was a time of “light overcoming darkness.”His release came a day after Queen Elizabeth II released a recorded Easter message in which she said that the holiday was a time of “light overcoming darkness.”
“We know that coronavirus will not overcome us,” the queen said. “As dark as death can be, particularly for those suffering with grief, light and life are greater. May the living flame of the Easter hope be a steady guide as we face the future.”“We know that coronavirus will not overcome us,” the queen said. “As dark as death can be, particularly for those suffering with grief, light and life are greater. May the living flame of the Easter hope be a steady guide as we face the future.”
The total number of confirmed cases in the country is nearly 79,000, and the virus has also emerged in the country’s prisons. The fiancée of Julian Assange — the WikiLeaks founder, who is being held in Belmarsh prison, a high-security facility in London — appealed for him and others to be released on bail because an inmate at the facility has died from the coronavirus. Mr. Assange and his partner, Stella Moris-Smith Robertson, a legal researcher on his legal team, have two young children together.The total number of confirmed cases in the country is nearly 79,000, and the virus has also emerged in the country’s prisons. The fiancée of Julian Assange — the WikiLeaks founder, who is being held in Belmarsh prison, a high-security facility in London — appealed for him and others to be released on bail because an inmate at the facility has died from the coronavirus. Mr. Assange and his partner, Stella Moris-Smith Robertson, a legal researcher on his legal team, have two young children together.
Crime has generally fallen in the country since lockdown measures were introduced — a 21 percent drop in the last four weeks compared with the same period last year, officials said on Saturday.Crime has generally fallen in the country since lockdown measures were introduced — a 21 percent drop in the last four weeks compared with the same period last year, officials said on Saturday.
But the home secretary, Priti Patel, said in a daily briefing that fraudsters had been using the pandemic “as a hook for new acquisitive crimes” with losses to victims surpassing 1.8 million pounds, about $2.2 million.But the home secretary, Priti Patel, said in a daily briefing that fraudsters had been using the pandemic “as a hook for new acquisitive crimes” with losses to victims surpassing 1.8 million pounds, about $2.2 million.
She also said that online sex abusers had been exploiting the fact that an increasing number of young people are online at home, and that calls to a national hotline for victims of domestic abuse had increased 120 percent in one 24-hour period.She also said that online sex abusers had been exploiting the fact that an increasing number of young people are online at home, and that calls to a national hotline for victims of domestic abuse had increased 120 percent in one 24-hour period.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and the country’s president, Reuven Rivlin, became targets of a furious backlash over the weekend after it emerged that they had hosted family members from outside their official residences for Passover, circumventing nationwide restrictions that compelled many elderly and single Israelis to spend the holiday alone.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and the country’s president, Reuven Rivlin, became targets of a furious backlash over the weekend after it emerged that they had hosted family members from outside their official residences for Passover, circumventing nationwide restrictions that compelled many elderly and single Israelis to spend the holiday alone.
Raanan Shaked, a columnist whose mother had to observe Passover solo, bitterly twisted the concept of the country’s social hierarchy on the front page of Sunday’s Yediot Ahronot newspaper.Raanan Shaked, a columnist whose mother had to observe Passover solo, bitterly twisted the concept of the country’s social hierarchy on the front page of Sunday’s Yediot Ahronot newspaper.
“We’ve been disciplined. Obedient. We’ve believed what we’ve been told,” he wrote. “My mother is now part of Second Israel. Just like all of us. Except, of course, for First Israel. Namely, the people who have assumed the role of issuing guidelines, orders and ordinances that oblige all of Second Israel, but which they never dream of applying to themselves.”“We’ve been disciplined. Obedient. We’ve believed what we’ve been told,” he wrote. “My mother is now part of Second Israel. Just like all of us. Except, of course, for First Israel. Namely, the people who have assumed the role of issuing guidelines, orders and ordinances that oblige all of Second Israel, but which they never dream of applying to themselves.”
The uproar came as Israel sealed off large swaths of its capital city on Sunday, with the restrictions primarily affecting densely populated ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods of Jerusalem where the contagion has been spreading most rapidly.The uproar came as Israel sealed off large swaths of its capital city on Sunday, with the restrictions primarily affecting densely populated ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods of Jerusalem where the contagion has been spreading most rapidly.
Compounding the fury over the leaders’ Passover activities, news media reported that their visitors first underwent precautionary coronavirus tests, which are in short supply.Compounding the fury over the leaders’ Passover activities, news media reported that their visitors first underwent precautionary coronavirus tests, which are in short supply.
Mr. Netanyahu, 70, appeared in a pre-recorded video clip with his younger son, Avner, 25, discussing the Passover story for a televised Seder that aired on Wednesday night. Mr. Netanyahu was quarantined until Wednesday after his health minister, Yaakov Litzman, contracted the coronavirus.Mr. Netanyahu, 70, appeared in a pre-recorded video clip with his younger son, Avner, 25, discussing the Passover story for a televised Seder that aired on Wednesday night. Mr. Netanyahu was quarantined until Wednesday after his health minister, Yaakov Litzman, contracted the coronavirus.
Officials refused to say exactly when the clip was filmed.Officials refused to say exactly when the clip was filmed.
Israelis were ordered not to invite anyone outside their households, even immediate family, to their Seder tables, and they spent the night under curfew. Representatives of the Netanyahu family said Avner and his girlfriend were staying in an apartment “adjacent” to the residence, within the security cordon.Israelis were ordered not to invite anyone outside their households, even immediate family, to their Seder tables, and they spent the night under curfew. Representatives of the Netanyahu family said Avner and his girlfriend were staying in an apartment “adjacent” to the residence, within the security cordon.
Mr. Rivlin, 80, who was widowed last year, apologized after hosting his daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren.Mr. Rivlin, 80, who was widowed last year, apologized after hosting his daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren.
Zion Nanous, a prominent television journalist, wrote on Twitter: “An eclipse that caused the state leaders to think that the rules don’t apply to them — that’s more problematic in my opinion than the coronavirus.”Zion Nanous, a prominent television journalist, wrote on Twitter: “An eclipse that caused the state leaders to think that the rules don’t apply to them — that’s more problematic in my opinion than the coronavirus.”
As Germany endured another week in which gatherings of more than two people are banned, the police in Frankfurt were attacked with stones and metal pipes when they moved in to break up a party of about 20 people in the city late Friday. Across Europe, leaders moved gingerly to calibrate lockdown measures, leery of setting off surges in new infections as they seek to mitigate the economic disaster created by the virus.
Six people who were detained and later released are being investigated on charges of attacking an officer and attempted assault, the police said. In Denmark, schools and day care centers will reopen on Wednesday, with new instructions to prevent children from playing in large groups. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the easing of restrictions was like “walking a tightrope,” even as hospitals in Denmark remained below full capacity, and deaths appeared to decline.
As the country enjoyed sunny skies and warm temperatures over Easter weekend, hundreds of officers fanned out across parks and along riverbanks to ensure that rules were being observed to fight the spread of the coronavirus. In most cases, a reminder was all that was needed, officials said. In Russia, officials on Sunday reported 2,186 new confirmed cases, the largest daily increase since the start of the outbreak, bringing the national tally to 15,770, with 130 deaths. Mayor Sergei Sobyanin of Moscow said that the city would introduce digital permits that will be required to travel by car, motorcycle, taxi and public transit.
Germans have been highly restricted in their movements since March 22, and Chancellor Angela Merkel will meet on Wednesday with state governors to discuss whether the measures can be eased. Germany has recorded over 120,000 infections and more than 2,600 deaths, but the country’s health system has been largely able to withstand the strain. In Germany, where gatherings of more than two people are banned, the police in Frankfurt were attacked with stones and metal pipes when they tried to break up a party of about 20 people late Friday. Around the country, hundreds of officers fanned out across parks and riverbanks to ensure that the rules were observed. Chancellor Angela Merkel will meet on Wednesday with state governors to discuss whether restrictions can be eased.
The country’s president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, said in an Easter address to the nation this weekend that the pandemic was not a war, but a chance to reconsider what is important in life and recalibrate how society functions. Spain, the only European country hit harder than Italy by the pandemic, was preparing to allow factories and construction sites to recall workers after the Easter holiday, even as the population remains under lockdown until at least April 26. Elected officials from the regional governments of Madrid and Catalonia, the two areas most affected by the virus, questioned the lifting of restrictions.
“The pandemic has shown us that we are vulnerable,” he said in remarks that were televised on Saturday. “Perhaps we believed for too long that we are invulnerable, that it could continue ever faster and higher. That was delusion. But this crisis has also shown us how strong we are.” On Saturday, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the conservative leader of the Madrid region, said she would respect the orders of the government, but warned that it would be “unforgivable” if the authorities allowed another wave of infections.
In other parts of the world: On Sunday morning, millions of Americans tuned in to online Easter services to celebrate the holiest day of the Christian calendar as the coronavirus continued to explode across the country in the world’s largest and most lethal outbreak.
Singapore’s transportation minister said on Saturday that all commuters in the city-state of five million people would soon be required to wear masks when using public transportation. Anyone breaking the rules on social distancing faces a fine of $200. But a small handful of pastors in states like Louisiana and Mississippi defied stay-at-home guidance and hosted in-person worship services, risking contagion among their congregations and their own arrests.
In Russia, officials on Sunday reported 2,186 new coronavirus cases, the largest daily increase since the start of the outbreak, bringing the national tally of confirmed cases to 15,770. The number of deaths rose by 24 to 130. Mayor Sergei Sobyanin of Moscow said that the city would introduce digital permits to control residents’ movement.Residents will have to request the permits to travel by car or motorbike, or on public transit. Other churches attempted to maintain some semblance of communal ritual while keeping worshipers separated. In Kentucky, Victory Hill Church held a service at a drive-in movie theater so people could pray in their cars. At St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, parishioners watched online as Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan bent over the communion cup and wine, his voice echoing across empty pews to the locked front door.
Young Muslim men who were passing out food to the poor were assaulted with cricket bats. Other Muslims have been beaten up, nearly lynched, run out of their neighborhoods or attacked in mosques, branded as virus spreaders. In Punjab State, loudspeakers at Sikh temples broadcast messages telling people not to buy milk from Muslim dairy farmers because it was said to be infected with the coronavirus. On the National Mall in Washington, a few people gathered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to sing hymns and watch the sun rise.
A spree of anti-Muslim attacks has broken out across India after the country’s health ministry repeatedly blamed an Islamic seminary for spreading the coronavirus and officials spoke of “human bombs” and “corona jihad.” Restrictions on gatherings have frustrated a small number of religious conservatives, who see the rules as attempts to limit Christian practice. In Kentucky on Saturday, a federal judge blocked Mayor Greg Fischer of Louisville from restricting drive-in church services, noting that drive-in liquor stores were still open. The governors of Florida and Texas have exempted religious services from stay-at-home orders.
Hateful messages have bloomed online. And a wave of apparently fake videos has popped up telling Muslims not to wear masks, not to practice social distancing and not to worry about the virus at all, as if the makers of the videos wanted Muslims to get sick. President Trump spent Easter morning watching a live-streamed service at of First Dallas Church given by Robert Jeffress, a conservative evangelical pastor who has drawn criticism for calling the behavior of gay people “filthy” and “degrading,” calling the Catholic Church an instrument of Satan and asserting that Islam “promotes pedophilia.” During the service, Mr. Jeffress thanked President Mr. Trump for defending religious liberty.
In a pandemic, there is always the hunt for blame. President Trump has done it, on numerous occasions calling the coronavirus a “Chinese virus.’’ All over the world people are pointing fingers, driven by their fears and anxieties to go after The Other. Here’s what else is happening in the United States:
In India, no other group has been demonized more than the country’s 200 million Muslims, minorities in a Hindu-dominated land of 1.3 billion people. The country has surpassed Italy in the total number of confirmed deaths from the coronavirus — more than 20,000 — and it has by far the largest number of known cases: more than 530,000. Government projections obtained by The New York Times found that without any mitigation, the death toll from the virus could have reached 300,000 — and that it could reach 200,000 if the Trump administration lifts its 30-day stay-at-home orders. Read the latest updates for the United States.
To curb the spread of the coronavirus, India imposed a nationwide 21-day lockdown, and officials indicated this weekend that it will be extended. With roads cleared of traffic because of the coronavirus pandemic, cities including Boston, Minneapolis and Oakland, Calif., have repurposed streets into car-free zones, giving pedestrians and cyclists extra room to spread out and practice social distancing.
A statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office said the chief ministers of India’s states had reached a consensus to extend the lockdown for two weeks when it ends on April 15. The statement did not make clear Mr. Modi’s final decision, but some states have already extended the restrictions to the end of the month. A Times investigation found that throughout January, as President Trump repeatedly played down the seriousness of the virus and focused on other issues, an array of figures inside his government — from top White House advisers to experts deep in the cabinet departments and intelligence agencies — identified the threat, sounded alarms and made clear the need for aggressive action. Read the full investigation.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York, which has become the global epicenter of the pandemic, said at a news briefing on Sunday that daily death tolls in the state remained in the 700s, but the rate of hospitalizations is continuing to fall. Read the latest updates from the New York region.
Officials in New Jersey, second only to New York in the number of cases and deaths, pleaded last week for medical professionals from other states to come to their aid. By Friday, 75 ambulances with license plates from places as far as Minnesota and Georgia and nearly 200 paramedics and emergency medical technicians had arrived to help the state.
As the virus upends countries around the world, scientists are studying the role of superspreaders, a loosely defined term for people who may infect a disproportionate number of others, whether as a consequence of genetics, social habits or simply by being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Understanding how they work could help in containing outbreaks.
The virus carriers at the heart of what are being called superspreading events can and have driven epidemics, researchers say, making it crucial to figure out ways to identify spreading events or to prevent situations, like crowded rooms, where superspreading can occur.
At the end of February, for example, when 175 Biogen executives gathered for a conference at a Boston hotel, at least one was infected with the coronavirus. Two weeks later, dozens of people associated with the company were infected.
Just as important are those at the other end of the spectrum — people who are infected but unlikely to spread the infection.
Distinguishing between those who are more and less infectious could make an enormous difference in the ease and speed with which an outbreak is contained, said Jonathan Zelner, a statistician at the University of Michigan.
If the infected person is a superspreader, contact tracing is especially important. But if the infected person is the opposite of a superspreader, contact tracing may be a wasted effort.
China’s health ministry on Sunday reported a jump in new coronavirus infections, most of which were detected in people returning from other countries.China’s health ministry on Sunday reported a jump in new coronavirus infections, most of which were detected in people returning from other countries.
The country recorded 162 new cases on Saturday, including 63 cases of people who have no symptoms. More than 100 of the new cases were imported. Two cases of local transmissions were reported in Heilongjiang, a province in the northeast that borders Russia.The country recorded 162 new cases on Saturday, including 63 cases of people who have no symptoms. More than 100 of the new cases were imported. Two cases of local transmissions were reported in Heilongjiang, a province in the northeast that borders Russia.
China has barred nearly all foreigners from entering the country over concerns that imported coronavirus cases would set off a new wave of infections. It has drastically reduced the number of international flights, making it increasingly difficult for even Chinese nationals to return home.China has barred nearly all foreigners from entering the country over concerns that imported coronavirus cases would set off a new wave of infections. It has drastically reduced the number of international flights, making it increasingly difficult for even Chinese nationals to return home.
As China works to stop new cases from being imported into the country, it is seeing growing displays of xenophobia. The most extreme cases have been reported in the southern city of Guangzhou.As China works to stop new cases from being imported into the country, it is seeing growing displays of xenophobia. The most extreme cases have been reported in the southern city of Guangzhou.
African traders and students say they have faced racial widespread discrimination, including being evicted from apartments and forced to sleep on the streets, after five Nigerians who frequented a Guangzhou restaurant tested positive for the coronavirus.African traders and students say they have faced racial widespread discrimination, including being evicted from apartments and forced to sleep on the streets, after five Nigerians who frequented a Guangzhou restaurant tested positive for the coronavirus.
African governments stepped up their protests against the abuse of African nationals in Guangzhou.African governments stepped up their protests against the abuse of African nationals in Guangzhou.
Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, the foreign minister of Ghana, summoned the Chinese ambassador and demanded that Beijing address what she called the “inhuman treatment being meted out to Ghanaians and other African nationals.” On Saturday, Moussa Faki Mahamat, the chairman of the African Union Commission, met with the Chinese ambassador to the African Union to express his concern about the treatment of Africans in Guangzhou.Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, the foreign minister of Ghana, summoned the Chinese ambassador and demanded that Beijing address what she called the “inhuman treatment being meted out to Ghanaians and other African nationals.” On Saturday, Moussa Faki Mahamat, the chairman of the African Union Commission, met with the Chinese ambassador to the African Union to express his concern about the treatment of Africans in Guangzhou.
The State Department also warned travelers that Guangzhou authorities were targeting Africans for mandatory testing and quarantine, regardless of travel history. It advised African Americans and anyone who believed they might draw scrutiny for contact with African nationals to avoid Guangzhou.The State Department also warned travelers that Guangzhou authorities were targeting Africans for mandatory testing and quarantine, regardless of travel history. It advised African Americans and anyone who believed they might draw scrutiny for contact with African nationals to avoid Guangzhou.
The period from March through May — including the weeks in which International Women’s Day, Easter and Mother’s Day fall — is usually the Dutch flower industry’s strongest season. It pulls in 7 billion euros ($7.6 billion), with an average of $30 million in flowers sold daily.The period from March through May — including the weeks in which International Women’s Day, Easter and Mother’s Day fall — is usually the Dutch flower industry’s strongest season. It pulls in 7 billion euros ($7.6 billion), with an average of $30 million in flowers sold daily.
But demand for tulips dropped precipitously as lockdowns were put in place around the globe. As a result, about 400 million flowers, including 140 million tulip stems, were destroyed over the past month, estimates Fred van Tol, the manager of international sales for Royal FloraHolland, a major group of flower and plant producers.But demand for tulips dropped precipitously as lockdowns were put in place around the globe. As a result, about 400 million flowers, including 140 million tulip stems, were destroyed over the past month, estimates Fred van Tol, the manager of international sales for Royal FloraHolland, a major group of flower and plant producers.
“We had very good quality tulips this year,” said Frank Uittenbogaard, a director of JUB Holland, a 110-year-old family farm, who made the tough decision to destroy his 200,000 tulip stems. “I took my bike and went cycling when they did it, because I couldn’t handle it.”“We had very good quality tulips this year,” said Frank Uittenbogaard, a director of JUB Holland, a 110-year-old family farm, who made the tough decision to destroy his 200,000 tulip stems. “I took my bike and went cycling when they did it, because I couldn’t handle it.”
In the Netherlands — which has recorded more than 25,000 coronavirus cases and over 2,700 deaths — schools, restaurants, bars, museums, sports facilities and gyms are closed until April 28. Most events of more than 30 people have been banned until June 1.In the Netherlands — which has recorded more than 25,000 coronavirus cases and over 2,700 deaths — schools, restaurants, bars, museums, sports facilities and gyms are closed until April 28. Most events of more than 30 people have been banned until June 1.
Small shops such as florists and garden shops are allowed to remain open as long as they follow social distancing guidelines. But while growers and distributors that primarily serve the local market are still able to sell flowers and plants domestically, flower businesses that rely on international trade are being hit hard.Small shops such as florists and garden shops are allowed to remain open as long as they follow social distancing guidelines. But while growers and distributors that primarily serve the local market are still able to sell flowers and plants domestically, flower businesses that rely on international trade are being hit hard.
North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, has warned that the coronavirus pandemic is undermining his efforts to rebuild the North’s decrepit economy, the North’s state media reported on Sunday.North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, has warned that the coronavirus pandemic is undermining his efforts to rebuild the North’s decrepit economy, the North’s state media reported on Sunday.
North Korea has taken some of the most drastic actions against the virus, including sealing its borders with China in late January even though its giant neighbor accounts for nine-tenths of its external trade.North Korea has taken some of the most drastic actions against the virus, including sealing its borders with China in late January even though its giant neighbor accounts for nine-tenths of its external trade.
It was thanks to such steps that the North was able to maintain a “very stable” anti-epidemic situation, the Political Bureau of Mr. Kim’s ruling Workers’ Party reported.It was thanks to such steps that the North was able to maintain a “very stable” anti-epidemic situation, the Political Bureau of Mr. Kim’s ruling Workers’ Party reported.
Outside analysts fear that North Korea remains​ deeply vulnerable to the epidemic ​because of its underequipped public health system, ​ and that the country might ​be hiding an outbreak. ​Outside analysts fear that North Korea remains​ deeply vulnerable to the epidemic ​because of its underequipped public health system, ​ and that the country might ​be hiding an outbreak. ​
In a meeting with Mr. Kim on Saturday, the Political Bureau did not repeat the country’s claim that it had no confirmed coronavirus cases. But it warned that the ​pandemic ravaging the world could create “some obstacles to our struggle and progress” in Mr. Kim’s large construction projects and other efforts to rebuild the economy, the North’s official Korean Central News Agency said​ on Sunday​.In a meeting with Mr. Kim on Saturday, the Political Bureau did not repeat the country’s claim that it had no confirmed coronavirus cases. But it warned that the ​pandemic ravaging the world could create “some obstacles to our struggle and progress” in Mr. Kim’s large construction projects and other efforts to rebuild the economy, the North’s official Korean Central News Agency said​ on Sunday​.
The meeting ended with officials adopting a resolution​ to step up anti-epidemic efforts, the news agency said.The meeting ended with officials adopting a resolution​ to step up anti-epidemic efforts, the news agency said.
The resolution also said the country would improve its national defense capability. The North Korean military resumed live-fire training of its artillery, rockets and short-range missile units last month.The resolution also said the country would improve its national defense capability. The North Korean military resumed live-fire training of its artillery, rockets and short-range missile units last month.
​Despite the calls for stricter disease-control measures, photos in North Korean media showed that most of the senior officials around Mr. Kim in the Political Bureau meeting did not wear masks. That meant that those officials had tested negative for the coronavirus before being allowed to be near Mr. Kim, outside analysts said.​Despite the calls for stricter disease-control measures, photos in North Korean media showed that most of the senior officials around Mr. Kim in the Political Bureau meeting did not wear masks. That meant that those officials had tested negative for the coronavirus before being allowed to be near Mr. Kim, outside analysts said.
The World Health Organization has confirmed that some testing is taking place in the North.The World Health Organization has confirmed that some testing is taking place in the North.
Egyptian police officers on Saturday fired tear gas and arrested 23 people at a village in the Nile Delta where residents tried to prevent the burial of a doctor who had died from Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. Young Muslim men who were passing out food to the poor were assaulted with cricket bats. Other Muslims have been beaten up, nearly lynched, run out of their neighborhoods or attacked in mosques, branded as virus spreaders. In Punjab State, loudspeakers at Sikh temples broadcast messages telling people not to buy milk from Muslim dairy farmers because it was said to be infected with the coronavirus.
People amassed on a road leading to the cemetery in Dakhliya governorate where the physician was to be buried. She had died at a quarantine hospital, and villagers said they feared that the body would spread the infection. After the police intervened, an ambulance carrying the body reached the cemetery. A spree of anti-Muslim attacks has broken out across India after the country’s health ministry repeatedly blamed an Islamic seminary for spreading the coronavirus and officials spoke of “human bombs” and “corona jihad.”
A school in the village has been named after the doctor. Hateful messages have bloomed online. And a wave of apparently fake videos has popped up telling Muslims not to wear masks, not to practice social distancing and not to worry about the virus at all, as if the makers of the videos wanted Muslims to get sick.
Egypt has reported over 1,900 cases of coronavirus and 146 fatalities, a relatively low toll for a country of 100 million people. But misinformation is rife and the government is struggling to balance public health concerns with a population that is chafing under restrictions that have slashed incomes, particularly among the poor. In a pandemic, there is always the hunt for blame. President Trump has done it, on numerous occasions calling the coronavirus a “Chinese virus.’’ All over the world people are pointing fingers, driven by their fears and anxieties to go after The Other.
The government has blamed any unrest on the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood. In a statement on Saturday, the Interior Ministry said the village riot had been caused by rumors spread by the Brotherhood. In India, no other group has been demonized more than the country’s 200 million Muslims, minorities in a Hindu-dominated land of 1.3 billion people.
But there are growing signs of strain. In one example, a doctor in Sharqiya, also in the Nile Delta, was questioned by the police after he posted a video appealing for personal protective equipment at the hospital where he works. To curb the spread of the coronavirus, India imposed a nationwide 21-day lockdown, and officials indicated this weekend that it will be extended.
A video that surfaced last week showed President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi loudly reprimanding construction workers for not wearing masks. “Orders must be followed,” he says in the video. “Why aren’t these people wearing masks?” A statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office said the chief ministers of India’s states had reached a consensus to extend the lockdown for two weeks when it ends on April 15. The statement did not make clear Mr. Modi’s final decision, but some states have already extended the restrictions to the end of the month.
As European countries gingerly move to ease their lockdowns, Denmark’s first phase — beginning on Wednesday, when schools and day care centers reopen — will be measured in tape.
Headmasters are scrambling to follow detailed government instructions on hygiene and social distancing to avoid setting off a surge in new cases. They will use tape measure and barriers in playgrounds to partition groups, as up to five children will be allowed to play together without mixing with other groups.
An animated film released by the Danish Health Authority cautioned children that while they’ve all been “really cool” in avoiding the virus, some things will be different when school reopens after four weeks. They may have math class in the playground, the video says, and there won’t be “too many high fives” for now.
A full reopening in Denmark is still months away, but getting children out of their parents’ way will ease the burden on those working from home.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said last week that she would begin easing restrictions as hospital admissions remain well below full capacity and the number of coronavirus deaths and new admissions appeared to decline. She described the move as “walking a tightrope.”
As the pandemic continued its assault, with more than 1.7 million cases recorded worldwide and at least 108,000 deaths, Iran, the country hit the hardest in the Middle East, began opening some government offices and shops, factories and other businesses this weekend.
President Hassan Rouhani has said that economic and government activity must continue, but on Saturday he warned that people should still observe social distancing. The country has recorded more than 70,000 cases and over 4,300 deaths.
Austria plans to reopen smaller shops after this weekend. The Czech Republic is opening small stores, and people can play tennis and go swimming. And Norway will allow pupils to attend kindergarten.
China has ended its lockdown of Wuhan, where the coronavirus first emerged, but is now concerned about a rise in imported cases.
In Spain, which is preparing to allow some nonessential employees to return to work on Monday, there are also fears of a second wave of infections.
Politicians from the regional governments of Madrid and Catalonia, the two areas most affected by the virus, questioned why factory workers and builders would be allowed to resume work after Easter, even as Spain’s population remains under lockdown until at least April 26.
Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the conservative leader of the Madrid region, who underwent a quarantine after testing positive for the virus, said on Saturday that she would respect the central government’s orders. But she said it would be “unforgivable” if the authorities allowed “another wave right now.”
Throughout January, as President Trump repeatedly played down the seriousness of the virus and focused on other issues, an array of figures inside his government — from top White House advisers to experts deep in the cabinet departments and intelligence agencies — identified the threat, sounded alarms and made clear the need for aggressive action.
Dozens of interviews and a review of emails and other records by The New York Times revealed many previously unreported details of the roots and extent of Mr. Trump’s halting response. Read the full investigation.
The country now has more than 530,000 confirmed cases, by far the world’s largest count, and more than 20,600 deaths, surpassing Italy’s as the world’s heaviest toll. More than 16 million Americans have lost their jobs.
Here’s what else is happening in the United States:
The U.S. surpassed Italy in the total number of confirmed deaths from the coronavirus this weekend. Government projections obtained by The New York Times found that without any mitigation, the death toll from the virus could have reached 300,000 — and that it could reach 200,000 if the Trump administration lifts 30-day stay-at-home orders. Read the latest updates for the United States.
Christians in the United States celebrated Easter by gathering virtually on Sunday, largely following stay-at-home orders and guidance from health officials. A handful of lone pastors in states like Louisiana and Mississippi planned to hold in-person services in defiance of restrictions on large gatherings, citing their religious freedoms. President Trump said in a tweet that he would watch the online service of First Baptist Dallas, led by Robert Jeffress, one of his prominent supporters.
The largest states are split on when and how to reopen. The governors of Texas and Florida, both Republicans, have started talking about reopening businesses and schools, echoing signals from Mr. Trump. But the leaders of California and New York, both Democrats, are sounding more cautious notes.
Top officials in New York, the epicenter of the U.S. outbreak with more than 180,000 cases, appear to disagree over whether New York City schools will remain closed for the rest of the academic year. Read the latest updates for the New York region.
Citing the virus, the Trump administration said it would issue visa penalties on countries that refuse to accept people the U.S. aims to deport.
With so many restaurants and schools closed and other sources of demand disrupted, many of the largest farms in the country are destroying tens of millions of pounds of fresh food that they haven’t been able to sell or donate to food banks, which can absorb only so much perishable food.
The police in Montreal said on Saturday night that they had opened a criminal investigation into a private residence for older people after 31 people had died there since March 13, at least five of them from confirmed cases of Covid-19.The police in Montreal said on Saturday night that they had opened a criminal investigation into a private residence for older people after 31 people had died there since March 13, at least five of them from confirmed cases of Covid-19.
Quebec’s premier, François Legault, said that the government had learned of the deaths at the 150-bed Résidence Herron, in a suburb west of Montreal, on Friday, and that he believed they amounted to “gross negligence.”Quebec’s premier, François Legault, said that the government had learned of the deaths at the 150-bed Résidence Herron, in a suburb west of Montreal, on Friday, and that he believed they amounted to “gross negligence.”
“This is terrible what happened,” Mr. Legault said, adding that when officials from the regional health authority had arrived at the residence on March 29 to investigate, “almost all the staff was gone.”“This is terrible what happened,” Mr. Legault said, adding that when officials from the regional health authority had arrived at the residence on March 29 to investigate, “almost all the staff was gone.”
At that point, he said, the authority dispatched a team of health workers to care for the residents, and it has now taken over the running of the residence.At that point, he said, the authority dispatched a team of health workers to care for the residents, and it has now taken over the running of the residence.
An investigation by Montreal Gazette, a local newspaper, said that residents had been discovered unfed and wearing clothing covered with feces.An investigation by Montreal Gazette, a local newspaper, said that residents had been discovered unfed and wearing clothing covered with feces.
Mr. Legault said that it was “unacceptable” how older people were being cared for in Quebec, and that staff shortages and insufficient salaries had been an ongoing issue at privately run residences. “I am not proud to see what is happening,” he said.Mr. Legault said that it was “unacceptable” how older people were being cared for in Quebec, and that staff shortages and insufficient salaries had been an ongoing issue at privately run residences. “I am not proud to see what is happening,” he said.
Résidence Herron is owned by a Quebec real estate company called Katasa, which owns six other retirement residences. The company was not immediately available for comment on Saturday. But it previously said it had been doing its best under challenging circumstances.Résidence Herron is owned by a Quebec real estate company called Katasa, which owns six other retirement residences. The company was not immediately available for comment on Saturday. But it previously said it had been doing its best under challenging circumstances.
Quebec has been hit hard by the coronavirus. As of Saturday, it had 12,292 confirmed cases and 289 deaths. More than 90 percent of those who have died were 70 or older.Quebec has been hit hard by the coronavirus. As of Saturday, it had 12,292 confirmed cases and 289 deaths. More than 90 percent of those who have died were 70 or older.
Quebec’s minister of health, Danielle McCann, has ordered checks of private residences for older people across the province.Quebec’s minister of health, Danielle McCann, has ordered checks of private residences for older people across the province.
In Australia, where coronavirus infections have risen past 6,200 and large states are on lockdown and enduring an unprecedented economic crisis, residents have found joy in simply taking out the trash.In Australia, where coronavirus infections have risen past 6,200 and large states are on lockdown and enduring an unprecedented economic crisis, residents have found joy in simply taking out the trash.
Bin Isolation Outing, a public Facebook group, which started last month and has grown to over 600,000 members, encourages Australians to get creative with their garbage disposal.Bin Isolation Outing, a public Facebook group, which started last month and has grown to over 600,000 members, encourages Australians to get creative with their garbage disposal.
“So basically the bin goes out more than us so let’s dress up for the occasion,” a description of the group said. “Fancy dress, makeup, tutu … be creative!”“So basically the bin goes out more than us so let’s dress up for the occasion,” a description of the group said. “Fancy dress, makeup, tutu … be creative!”
Thousands of photos have been uploaded. There’s no shortage of Easter bunnies, dinosaurs and other recognizable faces like Snow White and Peppa Pig, all taking out the trash. Even some pets have been added to the mix.Thousands of photos have been uploaded. There’s no shortage of Easter bunnies, dinosaurs and other recognizable faces like Snow White and Peppa Pig, all taking out the trash. Even some pets have been added to the mix.
One of the more creative posts showed a man having a spa day in his trash can and another showed one family holding a mock wedding where the bride married a trash can, followed by a reception.One of the more creative posts showed a man having a spa day in his trash can and another showed one family holding a mock wedding where the bride married a trash can, followed by a reception.
The trend has reached Twitter and Instagram, where people are tagging their photos #BinIsolationOuting.The trend has reached Twitter and Instagram, where people are tagging their photos #BinIsolationOuting.
Reporting was contributed by Mihir Zaveri, Karen Zraick, Isabel Kershner, Elisabetta Povoledo, Mark Landler, Austin Ramzy, Tiffany May, Melissa Eddy, Jeffrey Gettleman, Kai Schultz, Suhasini Raj, David M. Halbfinger, Declan Walsh, Nina Siegal, Andrew Higgins, Ivan Nechepurenko, Raphael Minder, Martin Selsoe Sorensen, Gillian Wong, Yonette Joseph, Tess Felder, Iliana Magra, Ben Dooley, Choe Sang-Hun, Dan Bilefsky, Derrick Taylor and Courtney Mabeus.Reporting was contributed by Mihir Zaveri, Karen Zraick, Isabel Kershner, Elisabetta Povoledo, Mark Landler, Austin Ramzy, Tiffany May, Melissa Eddy, Jeffrey Gettleman, Kai Schultz, Suhasini Raj, David M. Halbfinger, Declan Walsh, Nina Siegal, Andrew Higgins, Ivan Nechepurenko, Raphael Minder, Martin Selsoe Sorensen, Gillian Wong, Yonette Joseph, Tess Felder, Iliana Magra, Ben Dooley, Choe Sang-Hun, Dan Bilefsky, Derrick Taylor and Courtney Mabeus.