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Coronavirus Spreads to Afghanistan’s Presidential Palace; France Confronts Carrier Outbreak: Live Updates France Confronts Carrier Outbreak; Coronavirus Spreads to Afghanistan’s Presidential Palace: Live Updates
(about 1 hour later)
新冠病毒疫情最新消息新冠病毒疫情最新消息
France’s pride in its flagship aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, has given way to finger-pointing and investigations after a coronavirus outbreak tore through the nuclear-powered vessel’s cramped, closed quarters.
More than 1,000 crew members have been infected, forcing the navy to cut the mission short, sending hundreds of sailors into isolation on military bases across France, and spawning accusations that the French navy played down or mishandled the crisis aboard.
One of the infected sailors is in intensive care, and about half are asymptomatic, making the infections difficult to detect without tests.
The navy said it did its best, but there are signs that the vessel was insufficiently prepared. It had no masks until late into its mission, and the ship’s command relaxed social distancing rules during a mid-March stop in Brest, on the Atlantic Coast, allowing sailors to go ashore, meet family and visit restaurants and shops.
Capt. Éric Lavault, a navy spokesman, said, “Mistakes were made, of course, but out of ignorance of the virus, and that is not specific to the aircraft carrier.”
France’s navy is not alone in dealing with a shipboard outbreak of Covid-19, the disease caused by the virus. An American sailor has died and hundreds more were infected as the virus spread on the Theodore Roosevelt, another nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.
But the United States has 11 fleet carriers, and France has just one. The Charles de Gaulle, first sent into operation in 2001, plays a crucial role in France’s nuclear deterrence because it can launch Rafale fighter jets bearing nuclear warheads.
At least 40 staff members in Afghanistan’s presidential palace in Kabul have tested positive for Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, Afghan officials said on Sunday, forcing President Ashraf Ghani to isolate himself and attend events via video conference.At least 40 staff members in Afghanistan’s presidential palace in Kabul have tested positive for Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, Afghan officials said on Sunday, forcing President Ashraf Ghani to isolate himself and attend events via video conference.
There is no evidence that Mr. Ghani himself is infected, and it was not known whether he has been tested.There is no evidence that Mr. Ghani himself is infected, and it was not known whether he has been tested.
But an official at the palace said that most of the 40 people who tested positive work for the administrative wing of the president’s office, the national security council and the office of Mr. Ghani’s chief of staff. A second senior official confirmed that dozens had tested positive after hundreds of palace workers were tested more than a week ago. Those with confirmed infections were sent into quarantine. The official did not provide more details.But an official at the palace said that most of the 40 people who tested positive work for the administrative wing of the president’s office, the national security council and the office of Mr. Ghani’s chief of staff. A second senior official confirmed that dozens had tested positive after hundreds of palace workers were tested more than a week ago. Those with confirmed infections were sent into quarantine. The official did not provide more details.
Mr. Ghani, 70, who lost much of his stomach to cancer decades ago, has kept himself isolated in recent weeks, appearing in person only at some events and attending most of his engagements via video conference.Mr. Ghani, 70, who lost much of his stomach to cancer decades ago, has kept himself isolated in recent weeks, appearing in person only at some events and attending most of his engagements via video conference.
The flow of people into the palace has been reduced. Visitors are sprayed with disinfectant head to toe and subject to temperature checks before they are frisked by elite guards in hazmat suits.The flow of people into the palace has been reduced. Visitors are sprayed with disinfectant head to toe and subject to temperature checks before they are frisked by elite guards in hazmat suits.
In early March, more than two weeks after the first positive case was recorded in Afghanistan, thousands of guests packed into the palace as Mr. Ghani took the oath of office for his second term — even though his administration was already discouraging gatherings to slow the spread of the virus.In early March, more than two weeks after the first positive case was recorded in Afghanistan, thousands of guests packed into the palace as Mr. Ghani took the oath of office for his second term — even though his administration was already discouraging gatherings to slow the spread of the virus.
Reuters quoted a senior health official as saying that the virus had arrived in the palace offices via “a contaminated document,” but the virus is not known to thrive on paper. The Afghan president does have a penchant for reading; he spends many evenings poring over government documents at his residence, and often rewrites strategy papers drafted by his officials.Reuters quoted a senior health official as saying that the virus had arrived in the palace offices via “a contaminated document,” but the virus is not known to thrive on paper. The Afghan president does have a penchant for reading; he spends many evenings poring over government documents at his residence, and often rewrites strategy papers drafted by his officials.
Afghanistan has reported just under 1,000 coronavirus cases. But those numbers certainly underestimate the spread, officials say, since testing has been extremely limited. The country has conducted only about 7,000 tests.Afghanistan has reported just under 1,000 coronavirus cases. But those numbers certainly underestimate the spread, officials say, since testing has been extremely limited. The country has conducted only about 7,000 tests.
Tens of thousands of Bangladeshis ignored a nationwide lockdown on Saturday to attend the funeral of a Muslim political leader, prompting fears of a new outbreak in a country straining to contain the disease.Tens of thousands of Bangladeshis ignored a nationwide lockdown on Saturday to attend the funeral of a Muslim political leader, prompting fears of a new outbreak in a country straining to contain the disease.
The Bangladeshi police said about 100,000 people had gathered in the town of Sarail without masks or other protective gear for the funeral of Maulana Jubayer Ahmed Ansari, a senior member of an Islamist party.The Bangladeshi police said about 100,000 people had gathered in the town of Sarail without masks or other protective gear for the funeral of Maulana Jubayer Ahmed Ansari, a senior member of an Islamist party.
Alamgir Hossain, a police superintendent in the area, told the Dhaka Tribune that the authorities tried to get people to obey social distancing by blasting messages over loudspeakers, but that the situation soon became impossible to control.Alamgir Hossain, a police superintendent in the area, told the Dhaka Tribune that the authorities tried to get people to obey social distancing by blasting messages over loudspeakers, but that the situation soon became impossible to control.
The Bangladeshi police force suspended several senior officers in the district for failing to disperse the crowd.The Bangladeshi police force suspended several senior officers in the district for failing to disperse the crowd.
Bangladesh imposed a nationwide lockdown on March 26 and banned more than five people from praying together in the country’s 300,000 mosques.Bangladesh imposed a nationwide lockdown on March 26 and banned more than five people from praying together in the country’s 300,000 mosques.
But enforcing the rules has been challenging in religious seminaries. Risks of a super spreader event are high in Bangladesh, one of the world’s most densely populated nations, with more than 160 million people.But enforcing the rules has been challenging in religious seminaries. Risks of a super spreader event are high in Bangladesh, one of the world’s most densely populated nations, with more than 160 million people.
The country’s Health Ministry said the number of infections had risen to about 2,200 on Saturday, with 84 deaths, though the number of people tested remains low.The country’s Health Ministry said the number of infections had risen to about 2,200 on Saturday, with 84 deaths, though the number of people tested remains low.
France’s pride in its flagship aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, has given way to finger-pointing and investigations after a coronavirus outbreak tore through the nuclear-powered vessel’s cramped, closed quarters. Motoko Rich, The Times’s Tokyo bureau chief, spent two years in Tokyo as a child and returned with her own family to Japan in 2016. She reported extensively on the coronavirus outbreak on the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship and has watched as Japan slowly awakened to the growing threat of domestic outbreaks. We asked her to tell us about life there.
More than 1,000 crew members have been infected, forcing the navy to cut the mission short, sending hundreds of sailors into isolation on military bases across France, and spawning accusations that the French navy played down or mishandled the crisis aboard. It was a scene of normalcy, something friends in New York or London or San Francisco can only conjure in memory: a man and a woman, out for a drink.
One of the infected sailors is in intensive care, and about half are asymptomatic, making the infections difficult to detect without tests. Tokyo had already been in a coronavirus state of emergency for more than a week. But through the windows of a narrow restaurant in Roppongi, a popular nightlife district in central Tokyo, I could see them sipping from large beer steins, chatting in non-social distancing proximity.
The navy said it did its best, but there are signs that the vessel was insufficiently prepared. It had no masks until late into its mission, and the ship’s command relaxed social distancing rules during a mid-March stop in Brest, on the Atlantic Coast, allowing sailors to go ashore, meet family and visit restaurants and shops. Several other patrons waited, face masks pulled down under their chins, while cooks served up battered octopus balls.
Capt. Éric Lavault, a navy spokesman, said, “Mistakes were made, of course, but out of ignorance of the virus, and that is not specific to the aircraft carrier.” Nobody was breaking any laws: even Japan’s new state of emergency only empowers governors to request that people stay home and that businesses close. The Tokyo governor has asked people to refrain from going out at night, but said restaurants and bars may stay open until 8 p.m., prompting macabre jokes about the virus’s nocturnal habits.
France’s navy is not alone in dealing with a shipboard outbreak of Covid-19, the disease caused by the virus. An American sailor has died and hundreds more were infected as the virus spread on the Theodore Roosevelt, another nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. Tokyo is a place where people follow rules. They wait for green lights to cross streets. In subway stations, they board escalators single file.
But the United States has 11 fleet carriers, and France has just one. The Charles de Gaulle, first sent into operation in 2001, plays a crucial role in France’s nuclear deterrence because it can launch Rafale fighter jets bearing nuclear warheads. But there is always room for subversion. On my normal route to work, I pass an alley book-ended by “no smoking” signs, always crowded with smokers. Tokyo’s cacophonous (and alcohol-soaked) nightlife caters to employees seeking an escape from days conforming to Japan’s hierarchical work culture. Even under the threat of a deadly virus, people don’t relinquish these outlets easily.
Some social distancing is also built in to the culture. We bow rather than shake hands. Hugging is rare. And while the Western world debated whether face masks were needed, Japanese did what came naturally. Long before the coronavirus, especially during winter flu seasons, Tokyo’s trains were filled with faces shielded behind white masks.
That may partly explain why this city has seemed seduced by magical thinking, presuming we are immune when so many others around the world are not.
As medical workers in Britain worry about a shortage of personal protective gear, officials announced that a shipment of 84 tons of equipment — including 400,000 protective gowns, was on its way from Turkey. But on Sunday, the government said that the flight was delayed.As medical workers in Britain worry about a shortage of personal protective gear, officials announced that a shipment of 84 tons of equipment — including 400,000 protective gowns, was on its way from Turkey. But on Sunday, the government said that the flight was delayed.
The source of the delay was not immediately clear, but the Royal Air Force was “on standby” to transport the equipment, a government spokesman said in an email. “We are continuing to work to ensure the shipment is delivered as soon as possible.” The British broadcaster Sky News initially reported the delay.The source of the delay was not immediately clear, but the Royal Air Force was “on standby” to transport the equipment, a government spokesman said in an email. “We are continuing to work to ensure the shipment is delivered as soon as possible.” The British broadcaster Sky News initially reported the delay.
Before the government confirmed the delay, Dr. Helena McKeown, chairwoman of the British Medical Association, told Sky News that the reported delay was “disastrous” and “devastating.” Asked if she would advise medical workers to refuse to work without protective equipment, she replied, “I would simply ask the government: What should my colleagues do?”Before the government confirmed the delay, Dr. Helena McKeown, chairwoman of the British Medical Association, told Sky News that the reported delay was “disastrous” and “devastating.” Asked if she would advise medical workers to refuse to work without protective equipment, she replied, “I would simply ask the government: What should my colleagues do?”
On Saturday, Robert Jenrick, the British housing minister, acknowledged the shortages during the daily government briefing, saying he recognized that it “must be an extremely anxious time for people working on the front line.”On Saturday, Robert Jenrick, the British housing minister, acknowledged the shortages during the daily government briefing, saying he recognized that it “must be an extremely anxious time for people working on the front line.”
Health care workers were advised to wear plastic aprons on top of their coveralls.Health care workers were advised to wear plastic aprons on top of their coveralls.
At least 15,464 people have died of the coronavirus in Britain, according to government figures published on Saturday.At least 15,464 people have died of the coronavirus in Britain, according to government figures published on Saturday.
In a Sunday Times of London report, Prime Minister Boris Johnson was said to have “sleepwalked” into a disastrous initial response to the coronavirus outbreak by missing five meetings of a government crisis committee. But Michael Gove, a member of Mr. Johnson’s leadership team, rejected the idea as “grotesque.”In a Sunday Times of London report, Prime Minister Boris Johnson was said to have “sleepwalked” into a disastrous initial response to the coronavirus outbreak by missing five meetings of a government crisis committee. But Michael Gove, a member of Mr. Johnson’s leadership team, rejected the idea as “grotesque.”
The prime minister made all the major decisions, Mr. Gove told Sophy Ridge of Sky News on Sunday. “Nobody can say that the prime minister wasn’t throwing heart and soul into fighting this virus,” he said, adding that Mr. Johnson had been nothing other than “energetic, determined, focused and strong in his leadership.”The prime minister made all the major decisions, Mr. Gove told Sophy Ridge of Sky News on Sunday. “Nobody can say that the prime minister wasn’t throwing heart and soul into fighting this virus,” he said, adding that Mr. Johnson had been nothing other than “energetic, determined, focused and strong in his leadership.”
Mr. Johnson, who was hospitalized this month after contracting the virus, is still recuperating, but has had some contacts with officials, Mr. Jenrick said. “He’s resting and recuperating at Chequers,” Mr. Jenrick said, referring to the prime minister’s official country residence. “He’s taking his doctor’s advice.”Mr. Johnson, who was hospitalized this month after contracting the virus, is still recuperating, but has had some contacts with officials, Mr. Jenrick said. “He’s resting and recuperating at Chequers,” Mr. Jenrick said, referring to the prime minister’s official country residence. “He’s taking his doctor’s advice.”
Millions of Orthodox Christians in Europe, the Middle East and Africa are celebrating Easter, arguably the most important celebration on their calendar, under tight restrictions this weekend as the coronavirus pandemic has remolded their centuries-old traditions.Millions of Orthodox Christians in Europe, the Middle East and Africa are celebrating Easter, arguably the most important celebration on their calendar, under tight restrictions this weekend as the coronavirus pandemic has remolded their centuries-old traditions.
But the church in the former Soviet republic of Georgia has defied measures intended to stem the spread of the virus. Hundreds of worshipers gathered in churches despite the government’s declaration of a state of emergency and calls from bishops in various regions for believers to stay home, Reuters reported.But the church in the former Soviet republic of Georgia has defied measures intended to stem the spread of the virus. Hundreds of worshipers gathered in churches despite the government’s declaration of a state of emergency and calls from bishops in various regions for believers to stay home, Reuters reported.
In television footage, some faithful could be seen kissing church icons and drinking from the same spoon during Communion. The Georgian prime minister has said that the government was trying to strike a balance: Churches have been kept open to help citizens meet their spiritual needs. But the authorities have steered clear of cracking down in the pews.In television footage, some faithful could be seen kissing church icons and drinking from the same spoon during Communion. The Georgian prime minister has said that the government was trying to strike a balance: Churches have been kept open to help citizens meet their spiritual needs. But the authorities have steered clear of cracking down in the pews.
In Jerusalem, the Holy Fire ceremony was held in a near-empty church. Believers usually flock to see the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem come out of the Edicule, a shrine built where Christians believe Jesus was buried 2,000 years ago, holding candles lit by the flame. This year, most of the priests at the ceremony wore masks.In Jerusalem, the Holy Fire ceremony was held in a near-empty church. Believers usually flock to see the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem come out of the Edicule, a shrine built where Christians believe Jesus was buried 2,000 years ago, holding candles lit by the flame. This year, most of the priests at the ceremony wore masks.
Many Orthodox Christians in Greece, Russia, Serbia, Bulgaria and other countries could not attend the late-night services on Holy Saturday, since churches remained closed to the public. They instead turned to their TV sets to watch Resurrection services.Many Orthodox Christians in Greece, Russia, Serbia, Bulgaria and other countries could not attend the late-night services on Holy Saturday, since churches remained closed to the public. They instead turned to their TV sets to watch Resurrection services.
Bulgaria imposed a curfew on the capital, Sofia, in order to stop people from leaving the city for the Easter holiday, the BBC reported. The Greek government had for days been cautioning citizens not to travel across the country or gather in groups at home on Easter Sunday. Many citizens opted to roast the traditional lamb on their balconies.Bulgaria imposed a curfew on the capital, Sofia, in order to stop people from leaving the city for the Easter holiday, the BBC reported. The Greek government had for days been cautioning citizens not to travel across the country or gather in groups at home on Easter Sunday. Many citizens opted to roast the traditional lamb on their balconies.
“It’s unprecedented,” Costas Hatzopoulos, 54, an agronomist in Thessaloniki, said by phone this past week about the changes in observing the religious traditions. “But we will adapt to the provisions; we can’t do any other way.”“It’s unprecedented,” Costas Hatzopoulos, 54, an agronomist in Thessaloniki, said by phone this past week about the changes in observing the religious traditions. “But we will adapt to the provisions; we can’t do any other way.”
Many Scandinavian governments consider the coronavirus outbreak to be more or less under control after a month of lockdown measures. Denmark has already reopened elementary schools. Now, Norway is preparing for what officials call a “controlled” reopening, with many restrictions set to be lifted from Monday.
The Norwegian health minister, Bent Hoie, recently compared the reopening to hiking on a mountain path.
“Walking down can be as tough as walking up,” he said. “Your knees are shaking and it’s easy to stumble.”
Mr. Hoie told the broadcaster NRK that kindergartens would reopen on Monday, and that a people would once again be allowed to travel to their second homes or cabins. He also said he would ask that hospitals return to normal operations.
Mr. Hoie and Prime Minister Erna Solberg have emphasized that the reopening depends on continued positive developments. Only 16 new cases were reported on Friday — the lowest since March 9, and far below the peak at the end of March, when the nation had over 300 new cases daily. The number of hospitalized coronavirus patients in the country has dropped to 148 from more than 300.
Norway was also one of the first European countries to roll out a government app, Smittestopp, to track infections. The Norwegian Institute for Public Health said a minimum of 50 percent of the population must download it for it to be effective. By Saturday, 1.2 million people, over 25 percent of the adult population, had done so.
Here’s what else is happening around the world:Here’s what else is happening around the world:
Norway is preparing for what officials call a “controlled” reopening, with many restrictions set to be lifted from Monday. The country was one of the first in Europe to roll out a government app to track infections, but it needs 50 percent of the population to use it to be effective. As of Saturday, 1.2 million people, over 25 percent of adults, had done so.
Saudi Arabia’s highest religious body, the Council of Senior Scholars, urged Muslims worldwide to pray at home during the holy month of Ramadan if their countries have imposed distancing measures, the state news agency SPA reported on Sunday. “Remember that preserving the lives of people is a great act that brings them closer to God,” the council said. Ramadan is expected to begin in many places on Thursday.Saudi Arabia’s highest religious body, the Council of Senior Scholars, urged Muslims worldwide to pray at home during the holy month of Ramadan if their countries have imposed distancing measures, the state news agency SPA reported on Sunday. “Remember that preserving the lives of people is a great act that brings them closer to God,” the council said. Ramadan is expected to begin in many places on Thursday.
Spain on Sunday reported its lowest daily death toll in four weeks: 410 deaths overnight, a fall of 155 from the previous day. The Spanish government said on Saturday that it would extend the nationwide lockdown until at least May 9, but ease some restrictions for children starting April 27. Spain reported its lowest daily death toll in four weeks: 410 deaths overnight, a fall of 155 from the previous day. The Spanish government said on Saturday that it would extend the nationwide lockdown until at least May 9, but ease some restrictions for children starting April 27.
The biggest and busiest shopping district in Nairobi, Kenya, has been shut down for up to a week to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. The district, Eastleigh, a regional trading hub that draws thousands of people each day, was quickly closed after two deaths and a rise in infections, said the area’s lawmaker, Yusuf Hassan, said. He said the government would use the temporary closure to increase testing and fumigate stalls and shops.The biggest and busiest shopping district in Nairobi, Kenya, has been shut down for up to a week to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. The district, Eastleigh, a regional trading hub that draws thousands of people each day, was quickly closed after two deaths and a rise in infections, said the area’s lawmaker, Yusuf Hassan, said. He said the government would use the temporary closure to increase testing and fumigate stalls and shops.
Russia’s coronavirus crisis response center on Sunday reported a record rise of 6,060 new coronavirus cases over 24 hours, bringing its nationwide total to 42,853. Russia’s coronavirus crisis response center reported a record rise of 6,060 new coronavirus cases over 24 hours, bringing its nationwide total to 42,853.
When can people safely emerge from their homes? How long, realistically, before there is a coronavirus treatment or vaccine? How can the virus be kept at bay?When can people safely emerge from their homes? How long, realistically, before there is a coronavirus treatment or vaccine? How can the virus be kept at bay?
More than 20 experts in public health, medicine, epidemiology and history shared their thoughts on the future during in-depth interviews with The New York Times.More than 20 experts in public health, medicine, epidemiology and history shared their thoughts on the future during in-depth interviews with The New York Times.
Some said that American ingenuity, once fully engaged, might produce advances to ease the burdens. Several saw a path forward that depends on factors that are difficult but possible: a carefully staggered approach to reopening, widespread coronavirus testing and tracking, a treatment that works, adequate resources for health care providers — and eventually an effective vaccine.Some said that American ingenuity, once fully engaged, might produce advances to ease the burdens. Several saw a path forward that depends on factors that are difficult but possible: a carefully staggered approach to reopening, widespread coronavirus testing and tracking, a treatment that works, adequate resources for health care providers — and eventually an effective vaccine.
Even though limited human trials of three candidates — two here and one in China — have already begun, American officials have repeatedly said that any effort to make a vaccine will take at least a year to 18 months.Even though limited human trials of three candidates — two here and one in China — have already begun, American officials have repeatedly said that any effort to make a vaccine will take at least a year to 18 months.
“My optimistic side says the virus will ease off in the summer and a vaccine will arrive like the cavalry,” one said. “But I’m learning to guard against my essentially optimistic nature.”“My optimistic side says the virus will ease off in the summer and a vaccine will arrive like the cavalry,” one said. “But I’m learning to guard against my essentially optimistic nature.”
There are still so many unknowns, including the crucial question of how many silent carriers there are around the world, a question that could be answered only by widespread antibody testing. The C.D.C. has suggested it might be 25 percent of those who test positive. Researchers in Iceland said it might be double that.There are still so many unknowns, including the crucial question of how many silent carriers there are around the world, a question that could be answered only by widespread antibody testing. The C.D.C. has suggested it might be 25 percent of those who test positive. Researchers in Iceland said it might be double that.
China is also revising its own estimates. In February, a major study concluded that only 1 percent of cases in Wuhan were asymptomatic. New research says perhaps 60 percent were.China is also revising its own estimates. In February, a major study concluded that only 1 percent of cases in Wuhan were asymptomatic. New research says perhaps 60 percent were.
The knowledge gaps are wide enough to make epidemiologists weep.The knowledge gaps are wide enough to make epidemiologists weep.
The Trump administration on Saturday doubled down in its condemnation of a crackdown on pro-democracy activists and lawmakers in Hong Kong. The crackdown is widely seen as opportunistic given the city’s preoccupation with handling the coronavirus outbreak.The Trump administration on Saturday doubled down in its condemnation of a crackdown on pro-democracy activists and lawmakers in Hong Kong. The crackdown is widely seen as opportunistic given the city’s preoccupation with handling the coronavirus outbreak.
Attorney General William P. Barr conflated the arrests of the 14 Hong Kong democracy advocates — the biggest roundup since antigovernment protests began last year — with what he called “industrial espionage” by China’s ruling Communist Party against the United States.Attorney General William P. Barr conflated the arrests of the 14 Hong Kong democracy advocates — the biggest roundup since antigovernment protests began last year — with what he called “industrial espionage” by China’s ruling Communist Party against the United States.
“I condemn the latest assault on the rule of law and the liberty of the people of Hong Kong,” Mr. Barr said in a statement. “These events show how antithetical the values of the Chinese Communist Party are to those we share in Western liberal democracies. These actions — along with its malign influence activity and industrial espionage here in the United States — demonstrate once again that the Chinese Communist Party cannot be trusted.”“I condemn the latest assault on the rule of law and the liberty of the people of Hong Kong,” Mr. Barr said in a statement. “These events show how antithetical the values of the Chinese Communist Party are to those we share in Western liberal democracies. These actions — along with its malign influence activity and industrial espionage here in the United States — demonstrate once again that the Chinese Communist Party cannot be trusted.”
Mr. Barr’s remarks echoed an earlier statement by Mike Pompeo, the secretary of state, who said Beijing had violated the agreements instituted in 1997 when the former British colony was returned to Chinese control with the promise that city would continue to “enjoy a high degree of autonomy.”Mr. Barr’s remarks echoed an earlier statement by Mike Pompeo, the secretary of state, who said Beijing had violated the agreements instituted in 1997 when the former British colony was returned to Chinese control with the promise that city would continue to “enjoy a high degree of autonomy.”
The high-profile arrests were made as Hong Kong battled to contain the coronavirus outbreak, which has helped quiet down the huge street protests but fueled further distrust of the authorities. The virus has halted protests around the world, forcing people to stay home and giving the authorities new laws for limiting public gatherings and detaining people with less fear of public blowback while many residents remained under lockdowns or with limits on their movement.The high-profile arrests were made as Hong Kong battled to contain the coronavirus outbreak, which has helped quiet down the huge street protests but fueled further distrust of the authorities. The virus has halted protests around the world, forcing people to stay home and giving the authorities new laws for limiting public gatherings and detaining people with less fear of public blowback while many residents remained under lockdowns or with limits on their movement.
A cross-platform global concert seeking to help Covid-19 response efforts featured some of the biggest names in music on Saturday.
With eight hours of performances, the event, which was organized by the antipoverty organization Global Citizens, had a run time almost as long as its name (“One World: Together at Home Special to Celebrate Covid-19 Workers”).
“It is so important to think globally and support the World Health Organization to curb the pandemic and prevent future outbreaks,” Lady Gaga, who helped curate the all-star lineup, said at a news conference on Monday. “We want to highlight the gravity of this historical, unprecedented and cultural movement.”
The last two hours of the show, which featured Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel as hosts, aired on NBC, CBS and ABC.
Alanis Morissette, Andrea Bocelli, Billie Eilish, David Beckham, Idris Elba, John Legend, Celine Dion, Elton John, Lizzo, Keith Urban and made appearances.
The lineup for the six-hour preshow, which tilted more heavily toward international acts, included performances by Angèle, Luis Fonsi, Jessie J, Juanes and others.
The event came together when the United Nations and the W.H.O. asked Global Citizen to support their Covid-19 response by bringing together the world through music and inspiring people to take action.
So far, the initiative has raised more than $35 million.
Human rights advocates are calling on Malaysia, which turned away at least two boats filled with Rohingya refugees, to reverse itself and start accepting the migrants.Human rights advocates are calling on Malaysia, which turned away at least two boats filled with Rohingya refugees, to reverse itself and start accepting the migrants.
Human Rights Watch said in a statement Saturday that Malaysia can be mindful of the coronavirus pandemic without endangering the lives of refugees as it responds to it.Human Rights Watch said in a statement Saturday that Malaysia can be mindful of the coronavirus pandemic without endangering the lives of refugees as it responds to it.
On Thursday, the Malaysian navy intercepted a boat with 200 Rohingya refugees, and prevented it from entering Malaysian waters, according to The Associated Press. It’s unclear what happened to that boat.On Thursday, the Malaysian navy intercepted a boat with 200 Rohingya refugees, and prevented it from entering Malaysian waters, according to The Associated Press. It’s unclear what happened to that boat.
The day before, the Bangladesh Coast Guard intercepted another boat with 382 refugees, who had been turned away from Malaysian waters weeks prior, survivors said. Although many of the refugees were removed from that boat, at least 30 people died before the rescue.The day before, the Bangladesh Coast Guard intercepted another boat with 382 refugees, who had been turned away from Malaysian waters weeks prior, survivors said. Although many of the refugees were removed from that boat, at least 30 people died before the rescue.
Malaysia’s National Security Council on Saturday defended its decision to turn away the boat over concerns the refugees would be exposed to the coronavirus. An official for the council said refugees were given food and fresh water before being turned away.Malaysia’s National Security Council on Saturday defended its decision to turn away the boat over concerns the refugees would be exposed to the coronavirus. An official for the council said refugees were given food and fresh water before being turned away.
In March, Malaysia started banning the entry of foreign nationals to curb the outbreak in the country. Malaysia, a nation of more than 30 million people, has 5,251 confirmed cases with 86 deaths, according to the World Health Organization.In March, Malaysia started banning the entry of foreign nationals to curb the outbreak in the country. Malaysia, a nation of more than 30 million people, has 5,251 confirmed cases with 86 deaths, according to the World Health Organization.
“Malaysia’s claims to support the rights of the Rohingya mean shockingly little when they push desperate refugees back to sea,” said Phil Robertson, the deputy Asia director for Human Rights Watch.“Malaysia’s claims to support the rights of the Rohingya mean shockingly little when they push desperate refugees back to sea,” said Phil Robertson, the deputy Asia director for Human Rights Watch.
The pandemic has “intensified” the misery of the Rohingya, who are confined in Myanmar and in camps in Bangladesh, Mr. Robertson said, adding that the Malaysian government “can both protect against the spread of the virus and ensure that those risking their lives at sea are rescued and given a chance to seek asylum.”The pandemic has “intensified” the misery of the Rohingya, who are confined in Myanmar and in camps in Bangladesh, Mr. Robertson said, adding that the Malaysian government “can both protect against the spread of the virus and ensure that those risking their lives at sea are rescued and given a chance to seek asylum.”
Reporting was contributed by Mujib Mashal, Fahim Abed, Fatima Faizi, Donald G. McNeil Jr., Aurelien Breeden, Kai Schultz, Benjamin Mueller, Iliana Magra, Abdi Latif Dahir, Henrik Pryser Libell, Derrick Bryson Taylor, Mariel Padilla, Rebecca Chao, Russell Goldman, Anna Holland, Yonette Joseph and Austin Ramzy.Reporting was contributed by Mujib Mashal, Fahim Abed, Fatima Faizi, Donald G. McNeil Jr., Aurelien Breeden, Kai Schultz, Benjamin Mueller, Iliana Magra, Abdi Latif Dahir, Henrik Pryser Libell, Derrick Bryson Taylor, Mariel Padilla, Rebecca Chao, Russell Goldman, Anna Holland, Yonette Joseph and Austin Ramzy.
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