World Coronavirus News II with Updates

[TomSea]

Boris Johnson 'Furious' With China's Role in Pandemic
By Eric Mack    |

China faces a "reckoning" in the United Kingdom for this global coronavirus pandemic, from spreading the disease to potentially lying about their number of cases, according to allies of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

"Of course, the only priority now is to deal with the crisis, but everybody knows that there has to be a reckoning when all this is over," a government source told the U.K.'s Daily Mail, adding China has risked becoming a "pariah state."

The outbreak in the U.K. has spread quickly of late, including to the prime minister himself, who is now in quarantine with mild symptoms, after reportedly admitting he had shaken hands with many healthcare workers.

Read more at: https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/pandemic-borisjohnson-confirmed-cases/2020/03/29/id/960407/?oRef=vuukle

China needs a Marshall plan,  international clean up and throw the rulers out.

I'm not talking about invasion but their leaders need to be held to account, the country isolated.   Something along these lines, never again.

[Cyber Liberty]

Taiwan is the Asian version of Israel.

[TomSea]

Twitter pulls down two coronavirus tweets from Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro
Queenie Wong

Twitter removed two tweets by Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro that reportedly included videos of the politician questioning social distancing and quarantine measures aimed at slowing the spread of the novel coronavirus , a sign that the company is taking a tougher stance against health misinformation.

Twitter will leave up some tweets from politicians that violate its rules because of public interest, but will likely draw the line when a tweet can lead to physical harm or violence. Earlier this month, the social network expanded its definition of harm and required users to take down tweets that included a denial of global or local health authority recommendations to decrease a person's likelihood of exposure to COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus. The move comes as social networks face criticism that they aren't doing enough to slow the spread of health misinformation.

A Twitter spokesman confirmed it pulled down the Brazilian president's tweets for spreading coronavirus misinformation. "Twitter recently announced the expansion of its rules to cover content that could be against public health information provided by official sources and could put people at greater risk of transmitting COVID-19," a Twitter spokesman said in a statement. 

Read more at:  https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/twitter-pulls-down-two-coronavirus-tweets-from-brazils-president-jair-bolsonaro/ar-BB11VDoK

[TomSea]

Brazil's Bolsonaro Flags Democracy Threat From Coronavirus
March 30, 2020

By Lisandra Paraguassu

BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro stepped up his stand-off with state governments on Monday by suggesting that democracy could be at risk if the coronavirus crisis leads to social chaos.

Bolsonaro has criticised governors in the hardest-hit Brazilian states, calling them "job-killers" for declaring lockdowns to limit the spread of the coronavirus outbreak.

"When the situation is heading toward chaos, with mass unemployment and hunger, it's fertile ground for some to exploit, seeking a way to reach power and never leave it," Bolsonaro told reporters outside the presidential palace.

Read more at:  https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2020-03-30/bolsonaro-aims-to-expedite-cash-payments-to-poorer-brazilians

Brazil has opened up stadiums to care for patients in case there is overflow and also

Police in Brazil use helicopter at the beach to disperse crowd amid lockdown: report
https://www.foxnews.com/world/police-in-brazil-use-helicopter-at-the-beach-to-chase-crowd-amid-lockdown-report

So, quite a lot to follow.

[TomSea]

Covid-19: New Zealanders bumped off repatriation flight from Peru appeal for help
Sarah Robson

Desperate New Zealanders stuck in Peru are pleading with the government for help, after they were bumped off an Australian commercial charter flight that was meant to get them home.

Over the weekend, 24 Kiwis - who had paid more than $5000 each for seats - were told by the travel company organising the flight - Chimu Adventures - that they couldn't board, because there were no same-day flights from Sydney to Auckland once they landed.

But that turned out not to be the case and there is a flight, but it was too late to make any changes.

Read more at: https://www.msn.com/en-nz/news/national/covid-19-new-zealanders-bumped-off-repatriation-flight-from-peru-appeal-for-help/ar-BB11SZZ2?li=BBSVtLJ

Peru readies massive stimulus plan to mitigate coronavirus impact: TV
Marco Aquino

LIMA (Reuters) - Peru’s government is readying a massive economic stimulus package worth around 12% of gross domestic product to help mitigate the impact of a global coronavirus pandemic, the copper-rich country’s economy minister said late on Sunday.

The South American nation is planning to spend 90 billion soles ($26.41 billion) to support citizens and the key mining sector, Economy Minister Maria Antonieta Alva said in a televised interview on Sunday.

The package will have three phases of 30 billion soles each; containing the disease, ensuring companies’ payment chains by granting credit guarantees, and reactivating production.

Read more at: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-peru-idUSKBN21H08R

'We're stuck here:' Sask. couple worried after being trapped in Peru during COVID-19
Couple flew to Peru early March, previous flights out have been cancelled
David Shield · CBC News · Posted: Mar 30, 2020

A Saskatchewan couple is stranded in Peru and has no idea when they are going to be able to return home.

Heather Hind-Hluchaniuk from St. Brieux, Sask. and Russell Edwards from Melfort, Sask. have been in the country for more than three weeks and can't get a flight out.

Days after they arrived in the capital city of Lima, the country's president closed its borders and called a general quarantine.

More at:  https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/sask-couple-worried-trapped-peru-1.5514678

[TomSea]

Taiwan Says WHO Not Sharing Coronavirus Information It Provides, Pressing Complaints
By Reuters

TAIPEI—The World Health Organization (WHO) has not shared with member states information Taiwan has provided on the coronavirus including details on its cases and prevention methods, Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry said on March 30, ratcheting up its complaints.

Taiwan’s lack of membership of the U.N. body, due to Chinese pressure which claims the island as its own with no right to the trappings of statehood, has infuriated the Taiwanese government during the outbreak of the virus.

Taiwan’s government has said that keeping it out of the WHO during the outbreak amounts to playing politics with Taiwanese lives, even as the island has won plaudits for keeping its case toll so comparatively low thanks to early detection and control methods.

Read more at: https://www.theepochtimes.com/taiwan-says-who-not-sharing-coronavirus-information-it-provides-pressing-complaints_3288264.html

[TomSea]

Home | News | China
Army of PRC Twitter Bots Peddles Disinformation About Virus Origins
2020-03-30

China has set up multiple fake bot accounts on Twitter using Radio Free Asia's logo and descriptions to tweet fake news in recent months, including allegations that the coronavirus came from the U.S., a recent investigative report has found.

The tweets are sent by accounts using the RFA logo, but named after various regions of China, for example "Radio Free Guangdong," or "Radio Free Anhui."

They churn out tweets that reflect the official line of the ruling Chinese Communist Party, including the rumor that the coronavirus pandemic originated in the United States and not in the central Chinese city of Wuhan.

Read more at: https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/twitter-03302020122524.html

RFA seems to be a go-to place for news as well, right now.

[TomSea]

Why Taiwan has become a problem for WHO
BBC · March 30, 2020

 Taiwan is seen as one of the few places in the world which has successfully stemmed the spread of the coronavirus without resorting to draconian measures.

But despite its efforts, it is still effectively locked out of membership in the World Health Organization (WHO) due to its complex relationship with China.

This all exploded over the weekend when a top WHO official appeared to avoid questions about Taiwan in a TV interview that has gone viral, attracting criticism and even accusations of bias.

Read more at:  https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Why-Taiwan-has-become-a-problem-for-WHO.html?soid=1114009586911&aid=8VUpJuoWePw

The problem and fault really isn't  totally with  Mr Aylward, a Canadian (see video here: 

https://twitter.com/studioincendo/status/1243909358133473285  ),  the problem I gather is simply that the UN and then, WHO, does not recognize Taiwan.

WHO Says It’s Working With Taiwan Experts After Video Goes Viral
Thomas Mulier     ,Bloomberg•March 29, 2020

The World Health Organization said it was working with Taiwanese health experts after an interview went viral in which a senior official appeared to hang up on a reporter who asked about the island’s membership status in light of the Covid-19 outbreak.

In the segment aired by broadcaster Radio Television Hong Kong, a journalist asked Bruce Aylward, who helped lead a WHO mission to China’s Wuhan, if the organization would consider giving Taiwan membership. The footage showed him saying he couldn’t hear properly, and asking the reporter to skip to the next question. It then showed the line disconnecting after the reporter said she’d like to hear more about Taiwan.

Later when the call was reconnected, the presenter asked him to comment on Taiwan’s progress in containing the virus. Aylward replied that all areas of China have done well and wished Hong Kong luck in its efforts.

More:  https://news.yahoo.com/says-working-taiwan-experts-video-132158810.html

[TomSea]

Jamaica imposes all island curfew for seven days starting April 1
Monday, March 30, 2020

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced that effective, Wednesday, April 1 there will be an all island curfew starting at 8:00 each night and ending at 6:00 am the following day.

The curfew imposition will end at 6:00am on Wednesday, April 8.

Informing the public of the measure at a  press conference at Jamaica House, he explained that the move had become necessary as the Government expects that there will be a significant rise in the number of COVID -19 infections.

Read more at: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/Jamaica_imposes_all_island_curfew_for_seven_days_starting_April_1?profile=0

So, I believe, Jamaica hasn't been hit too hard yet... so they are taking steps to protect themselves.

[Gefn]

If you go to Bing there is a link under the search box with a world map with real time results/stats.

It’s pretty amazing but it awfully depressing.


@TomSea and mods

[Formerly Once-Ler]

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1244977299486883840

Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump

I watched a portion of low rated (very) Morning Psycho (Joe) this Morning in order to see what Nancy Pelosi had to say, & what moves she was planning to further hurt our Country. Actually, other than her usual complaining that I’m a terrible person, she wasn’t bad. Still praying!
8:18 AM · Mar 31, 2020

It's these kind of calls for bi-partisan unity during a national crisis that have Americans who didn't think President Trump was fit for office, now giving him their support. /sarc

Always
Be
Trolling

[TomSea]

Elephants face being chained up and left to starve in Thailand after coronavirus crushed the country's tourism industry

    Images have surfaced of elephants chained up and underfed in Chiang Mai

    Tourism funds the 600lb of food each day needed to keep the elephants alive

    Campaigners fear they will be used in illegal logging along the Thai-Myanmar border - in breach of a 30-year-old law which banned the use of elephants

    Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?

By Ryan Fahey For Mailonline and Afp

Published: 04:42 EDT, 31 March 2020 |

Read more at:  https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8170933/Elephants-face-chained-left-starve-Thailand-coronavirus.html

From article:

A locator map shows Chiang Mai, where elephant parks are being shuttered down due to dwindling tourists since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic

More images there, a Buddhist Monk with one of the elephants, I hope they can be taken care of.

[Smokin Joe]

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1244977299486883840
It's these kind of calls for bi-partisan unity during a national crisis that have Americans who didn't think President Trump was fit for office, now giving him their support. /sarc

Always
Be
Trolling

I kinda see it as pointing out the obvious. She had to stuff the "relief" Bill with pork, kickback money for the DNC and other 'features' that have the American taxpayer reaching for the soap in the shower, again.
There will be no bipartisan unity, not so long as Democrats are one of the Parties.

[sneakypete]

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1244977299486883840
It's these kind of calls for bi-partisan unity during a national crisis that have Americans who didn't think President Trump was fit for office, now giving him their support. /sarc

Always
Be
Trolling

@Once-Ler


Gee,and we were THIS close to having her,Chuckie,and the rest of the DNC agreeing to be responsible and put America ahead of themselves,too!

</S> (needed the sarcasm tag because it's likely you would think it's true.)

[TomSea]

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1244977299486883840
It's these kind of calls for bi-partisan unity during a national crisis that have Americans who didn't think President Trump was fit for office, now giving him their support. /sarc

Always
Be
Trolling

Oh, really? Pelosi would keep money from families that need it to fund abortion? And we are criticizing the president?

@Once-Ler

Pelosi's behavior, the impeachment charade, all of this is beyond the pale.

[Formerly Once-Ler]

I kinda see it as pointing out the obvious.

It's not.

She had to stuff the "relief" Bill with pork, kickback money for the DNC and other 'features' that have the American taxpayer reaching for the soap in the shower, again.

This is the law that passed unanimously and was signed by President Trump, yes?

There will be no bipartisan unity, not so long as Democrats are one of the Parties.

I expect $Trillions more of bipartisan unity.  As my President often says "We will have to see."  Thanks for your reply @Smokin Joe

[Smokin Joe]

It's not.This is the law that passed unanimously and was signed by President Trump, yes? I expect $Trillions more of bipartisan unity.  As my President often says "We will have to see."  Thanks for your reply @Smokin Joe

Well, it is obvious to those of us who watch what the Democrats do.
Sure, it was unanimous, but I'm not about to mistake political posturing for unity.
They are all stuck having to appear to "do something", but that isn't even skin deep, otherwise they would not have haggled what they did over it in the face of the panic. NOT unity. Jus' politics.

[Formerly Once-Ler]

@Once-Ler
</S> (needed the sarcasm tag because it's likely you would think it's true.)

I'm dumb like that sometimes @sneakypete .  I thought you were Anti-Dubya on another thread because I believed some of your previous posts that had no sarcasm tag.  I was so pleasantly surprised that you had no criticism.  It was sweet.

[Formerly Once-Ler]

Well, it is obvious to those of us who watch what the Democrats do.
Sure, it was unanimous, but I'm not about to mistake political posturing for unity.
They are all stuck having to appear to "do something", but that isn't even skin deep, otherwise they would not have haggled what they did over it in the face of the panic. NOT unity. Jus' politics.

I don't expect the President to become pals with the rats.  I expect him to fake it better for the good of the nation.

[Smokin Joe]

I don't expect the President to become pals with the rats.  I expect him to fake it better for the good of the nation.

It's a little late for that. How about they fake it, for a change?

[sneakypete]

I'm dumb like that sometimes @sneakypete .  I thought you were Anti-Dubya on another thread because I believed some of your previous posts that had no sarcasm tag.  I was so pleasantly surprised that you had no criticism.  It was sweet.

@Once-Ler

I am Anti-Dumbya. Then,now,and forever and ever,amen.

[Formerly Once-Ler]

@Once-Ler

I am Anti-Dumbya. Then,now,and forever and ever,amen.

Maybe you forget somedays.
http://www.gopbriefingroom.com/index.php/topic,394834.msg2180626.html#msg2180626

[catfish1957]

I don't usually put out a PSA on much, but during this crisis I hope and wish everyone would just take a few minutes while you are out to thank the delivery person, the mailman, the policeman, the fireman, the stockman, materials production operation and maintnenance employees, the truck driver, the checkout clerk,  and everyone else who is doing their best to stay safe while keeping society, the supply chain, and the economy going.

Showing some verbal appreciation is a tremendous morale booster for many of these who could probably really use it right now.

And God bless those in the Medical profession right now who are basically the infantry soldiers in this mess.

[Formerly Once-Ler]

It's a little late for that. How about they fake it, for a change?

Like Coumo?

https://thehill.com/homenews/media/488067-cnns-bash-praises-trumps-tone-the-kind-of-leader-that-people-need

CNN's Bash praises Trump's tone: 'The kind of leader that people need'

“If you look at the big picture, this was remarkable from the president of the United States,” Bash said following the briefing. “This is a nonpartisan, this is an important thing to note and to applaud from an American standpoint, from a human standpoint.”

“He is being the kind of leader that people need, at least in tone, today and yesterday, in tone that people need, and want and yearn for in times of crisis and uncertainty,” she added.
 
Trump on Tuesday said his focus is saving "the maximum number of lives" while declaring the economy will come "roaring back."

“We are looking to save the maximum number of lives,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “Everything else is going to come back. A life is never going to come back. Our economy is going to come roaring back.”

[FeelNoPain]

It's a little late for that. How about they fake it, for a change?

    Because "they" aren't the president. He has the bully pulpit. He should be doing it. Did Obama or Bush hop on twitter every time they were pilloried with responses reminiscent of tween girl venom? They were both re-elected; let's see in November if Trump can say the same thing.

    I am certain that swing voters can't wait to sign up for 4 more years of this daily belching of immaturity and diminishment from the office of the presidency.