This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/27/world/coronavirus-news.html

The article has changed 59 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 14 Version 15
Coronavirus Live Updates: House Vote on $2 Trillion in Relief May Face Delay; Boris Johnson Tests Positive Coronavirus Live Updates: House Vote on $2 Trillion in Relief Faces Delay; Boris Johnson Tests Positive
(32 minutes later)
新冠病毒疫情最新消息新冠病毒疫情最新消息
President Trump on Friday attacked Representative Thomas Massie, Republican of Kentucky, for threatening to hold up passage of a $2 trillion stimulus package scheduled for a House vote at noon. Representative Thomas Massie, Republican of Kentucky, said on Friday that he would insist on a recorded vote on the $2 trillion stimulus package, delaying its passage. Earlier on Friday, President Trump attacked Mr. Massie for threatening to hold up passage of a $2 trillion stimulus package scheduled for a House vote at noon.
Calling Mr. Massie, a member of the ultraconservative House Freedom Caucus, a “third rate Grandstander,” Mr. Trump defended the economic stabilization bill passed unanimously in the Senate on Wednesday, and said Mr. Massie should be booted from the Republican Party.Calling Mr. Massie, a member of the ultraconservative House Freedom Caucus, a “third rate Grandstander,” Mr. Trump defended the economic stabilization bill passed unanimously in the Senate on Wednesday, and said Mr. Massie should be booted from the Republican Party.
House leaders will try at noon to pass the measure by voice vote, but they could fail if Mr. Massie follows through on his threats to object. That would mean a majority of the chamber would have to cast votes in person.
Dozens of House members rushed back to Washington on Friday from every corner of the country — defying public health advice to avoid traveling and congregating in groups — to be on hand in case that happens.
Leaders had hoped to pass the bill without a recorded vote, so that lawmakers would not be required to return to Washington.Leaders had hoped to pass the bill without a recorded vote, so that lawmakers would not be required to return to Washington.
Technically, the House cannot legislate without the presence of a quorum, defined by the Constitution as a simple majority. (The House currently has 430 members; 216 are required for a quorum.)Technically, the House cannot legislate without the presence of a quorum, defined by the Constitution as a simple majority. (The House currently has 430 members; 216 are required for a quorum.)
If even one member asserted that the House lacked a quorum and called for a recorded vote, the House would have to cease its business until 216 lawmakers arrived.If even one member asserted that the House lacked a quorum and called for a recorded vote, the House would have to cease its business until 216 lawmakers arrived.
Mr. Massie’s threats to object have stoked anger among fellow lawmakers. Mr. Massie’s threats to object had stoked anger among fellow lawmakers.
“If you intend to delay passage of the #coronavirus relief bill tomorrow morning, please advise your 428 colleagues RIGHT NOW so we can book flights and expend ~$200,000 in taxpayer money to counter your principled but terribly misguided stunt,” Representative Dean Phillips, Democrat of Minnesota, wrote on Twitter on Thursday.“If you intend to delay passage of the #coronavirus relief bill tomorrow morning, please advise your 428 colleagues RIGHT NOW so we can book flights and expend ~$200,000 in taxpayer money to counter your principled but terribly misguided stunt,” Representative Dean Phillips, Democrat of Minnesota, wrote on Twitter on Thursday.
President Trump, who has expressed reluctance in recent days to use the Defense Production Act to mobilize private industry to produce critically-needed ventilators, reversed himself Friday in a series of posts on Twitter.President Trump, who has expressed reluctance in recent days to use the Defense Production Act to mobilize private industry to produce critically-needed ventilators, reversed himself Friday in a series of posts on Twitter.
Mr. Trump lashed out at General Motors on Twitter, blaming it for the failure to begin work on new production of ventilators. He said that the company “MUST immediately open their stupidly abandoned Lordstown plant in Ohio, or some other plant, and START MAKING VENTILATORS, NOW!!!!!!Mr. Trump lashed out at General Motors on Twitter, blaming it for the failure to begin work on new production of ventilators. He said that the company “MUST immediately open their stupidly abandoned Lordstown plant in Ohio, or some other plant, and START MAKING VENTILATORS, NOW!!!!!!
The White House had been preparing to unveil a joint venture this week between General Motors and Ventec Life Systems that would allow for the production of as many as 80,000 ventilators, but canceled the announcement, government officials said, because they needed more time to assess whether the estimated cost — more than $1 billion — was prohibitive.The White House had been preparing to unveil a joint venture this week between General Motors and Ventec Life Systems that would allow for the production of as many as 80,000 ventilators, but canceled the announcement, government officials said, because they needed more time to assess whether the estimated cost — more than $1 billion — was prohibitive.
In a series of four tweets, Mr. Trump moved from claiming on Thursday that states were overstating their need for tens of thousands of ventilators to accusing the nation’s carmakers and others of dragging their feet. The carmakers note that they have not been given any contracts yet by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and that the White House had failed to make a decision about who should be supplying the ventilators, which help critically ill patients breathe.In a series of four tweets, Mr. Trump moved from claiming on Thursday that states were overstating their need for tens of thousands of ventilators to accusing the nation’s carmakers and others of dragging their feet. The carmakers note that they have not been given any contracts yet by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and that the White House had failed to make a decision about who should be supplying the ventilators, which help critically ill patients breathe.
Mr. Trump said Friday that he would invoke the Defense Production Act, which would enable the federal government to mobilize privately-held companies to produce critically-needed supplies. But it is not clear that will speed the process. Ventilators are complex machines, using upwards of 1,500 unique parts from more than a dozen nations, and the manufacturers say they will be limited in part by the availability of parts.Mr. Trump said Friday that he would invoke the Defense Production Act, which would enable the federal government to mobilize privately-held companies to produce critically-needed supplies. But it is not clear that will speed the process. Ventilators are complex machines, using upwards of 1,500 unique parts from more than a dozen nations, and the manufacturers say they will be limited in part by the availability of parts.
Critics of the administration note that the planning for increased production should have begun in late January or February, when the alarm went out that coronavirus was headed to the United States, and that any production that begins in coming weeks will not be available until May or June.Critics of the administration note that the planning for increased production should have begun in late January or February, when the alarm went out that coronavirus was headed to the United States, and that any production that begins in coming weeks will not be available until May or June.
After Mr. Trump on Thursday suggested that New York officials were overstating their need for ventilators to treat coronavirus patients, Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York City said Friday that the president was “not looking at the facts of the astronomical growth of this crisis.”After Mr. Trump on Thursday suggested that New York officials were overstating their need for ventilators to treat coronavirus patients, Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York City said Friday that the president was “not looking at the facts of the astronomical growth of this crisis.”
Mr. Trump, who has faced a growing outcry from state, local and health officials around the nation that they will soon face critical shortages of the mechanical ventilators needed for coronavirus patients unable to breath on their own, played down the need for ventilators in an interview Thursday night with Sean Hannity, the Fox News host.Mr. Trump, who has faced a growing outcry from state, local and health officials around the nation that they will soon face critical shortages of the mechanical ventilators needed for coronavirus patients unable to breath on their own, played down the need for ventilators in an interview Thursday night with Sean Hannity, the Fox News host.
“I don’t believe you need 40,000 or 30,000 ventilators,” Mr. Trump said, in a reference to New York, where Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has made pointed appeals for federal help in obtaining them. “You go into major hospitals sometimes, and they’ll have two ventilators. And now all of a sudden they’re saying, ‘Can we order 30,000 ventilators?’ ”“I don’t believe you need 40,000 or 30,000 ventilators,” Mr. Trump said, in a reference to New York, where Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has made pointed appeals for federal help in obtaining them. “You go into major hospitals sometimes, and they’ll have two ventilators. And now all of a sudden they’re saying, ‘Can we order 30,000 ventilators?’ ”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for the coronavirus and is suffering mild symptoms, he said on Friday. He is the first leader of a major Western country known to have contracted the virus.Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for the coronavirus and is suffering mild symptoms, he said on Friday. He is the first leader of a major Western country known to have contracted the virus.
“I’ve developed mild symptoms of the coronavirus,” Mr. Johnson said in a video posted on Twitter, noting that he was tested on Thursday after he began running a temperature and suffering a persistent cough.“I’ve developed mild symptoms of the coronavirus,” Mr. Johnson said in a video posted on Twitter, noting that he was tested on Thursday after he began running a temperature and suffering a persistent cough.
The prime minister said that he would isolate himself in his official residence, 10 Downing Street, but would not relinquish his duties. On Monday, after resisting harsher measures for more than a week, Mr. Johnson imposed a lockdown on Britain to try to curb the virus’s spread. He has continued to meet with advisers and has appeared most days at a daily televised briefing, though he did not do so on Thursday.The prime minister said that he would isolate himself in his official residence, 10 Downing Street, but would not relinquish his duties. On Monday, after resisting harsher measures for more than a week, Mr. Johnson imposed a lockdown on Britain to try to curb the virus’s spread. He has continued to meet with advisers and has appeared most days at a daily televised briefing, though he did not do so on Thursday.
“Be in no doubt that I can continue, thanks to the wizardry of modern technology, to communicate with all my top team to lead the national fight back against coronavirus,” Mr. Johnson said.“Be in no doubt that I can continue, thanks to the wizardry of modern technology, to communicate with all my top team to lead the national fight back against coronavirus,” Mr. Johnson said.
A member of Mr. Johnson’s cabinet — Matt Hancock, the British health minister — said later Thursday that he had also tested positive for the coronavirus, and had mild symptoms. He added that he was isolating himself at home.A member of Mr. Johnson’s cabinet — Matt Hancock, the British health minister — said later Thursday that he had also tested positive for the coronavirus, and had mild symptoms. He added that he was isolating himself at home.
The prime minister’s diagnosis rattled a country that was already unnerved by news that Prince Charles, the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and the heir to the throne, had tested positive for the virus. Buckingham Palace said the queen remained healthy and was sequestered at Windsor Castle. Mr. Johnson delivered his weekly briefing to the queen by telephone on Wednesday.The prime minister’s diagnosis rattled a country that was already unnerved by news that Prince Charles, the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and the heir to the throne, had tested positive for the virus. Buckingham Palace said the queen remained healthy and was sequestered at Windsor Castle. Mr. Johnson delivered his weekly briefing to the queen by telephone on Wednesday.
Mr. Johnson had staked out a more relaxed position than other European leaders about the timing and strictness of measures Britain should take to slow the spread of the virus. He initially balked at forcing pubs and restaurants to close and shutting down schools.Mr. Johnson had staked out a more relaxed position than other European leaders about the timing and strictness of measures Britain should take to slow the spread of the virus. He initially balked at forcing pubs and restaurants to close and shutting down schools.
Last weekend, however, the government shifted its strategy and embraced the more draconian measures. Mr. Johnson has insisted he is guided by scientific advice and has timed the rollout of distancing measures so they are most effective and accepted by the public. Among the questions the government will face is how many people Mr. Johnson came into contact with over the last few days. Many officials had stopped working in Downing Street, participating in meetings via conference call. But a skeleton staff worked in the residence.Last weekend, however, the government shifted its strategy and embraced the more draconian measures. Mr. Johnson has insisted he is guided by scientific advice and has timed the rollout of distancing measures so they are most effective and accepted by the public. Among the questions the government will face is how many people Mr. Johnson came into contact with over the last few days. Many officials had stopped working in Downing Street, participating in meetings via conference call. But a skeleton staff worked in the residence.
Mr. Johnson did not appear at the daily news conference on Thursday, at which the chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, rolled out the latest plan to protect workers who have lost wages.Mr. Johnson did not appear at the daily news conference on Thursday, at which the chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, rolled out the latest plan to protect workers who have lost wages.
Stocks fell on Friday after a three-day rally as investors who initially cheered progress on a $2 trillion U.S. relief package saw signs of further economic troubles.Stocks fell on Friday after a three-day rally as investors who initially cheered progress on a $2 trillion U.S. relief package saw signs of further economic troubles.
The legislation, which was passed by the Senate, is set for a vote in the House on Friday but could be delayed if any lawmaker insists on a recorded vote. At least one Democrat and one Republican have suggested they might do so. While the plan is the largest emergency spending program in the nation’s history, some economists have said it might not be enough to counter the economic damage from the pandemic.The legislation, which was passed by the Senate, is set for a vote in the House on Friday but could be delayed if any lawmaker insists on a recorded vote. At least one Democrat and one Republican have suggested they might do so. While the plan is the largest emergency spending program in the nation’s history, some economists have said it might not be enough to counter the economic damage from the pandemic.
The S&P 500 dropped more than 3 percent on Friday.The S&P 500 dropped more than 3 percent on Friday.
Wall Street had surged for the past three days, as investors bid up shares of companies that were set to receive support from the aid bill. The S&P 500 climbed 6.2 percent on Thursday, even after the government reported a staggering jump in unemployment claims.Wall Street had surged for the past three days, as investors bid up shares of companies that were set to receive support from the aid bill. The S&P 500 climbed 6.2 percent on Thursday, even after the government reported a staggering jump in unemployment claims.
Declines in London, Paris and Frankfurt ranged from 2 to 4 percent on Friday. Earlier, Asian markets were generally higher, on the heels of Thursday’s 6 percent gain in U.S. stocks.Declines in London, Paris and Frankfurt ranged from 2 to 4 percent on Friday. Earlier, Asian markets were generally higher, on the heels of Thursday’s 6 percent gain in U.S. stocks.
A series of missteps and lost opportunities dogged the response of the the United States with its 330 million residents, which now leads the globe with known cases.A series of missteps and lost opportunities dogged the response of the the United States with its 330 million residents, which now leads the globe with known cases.
Among them: a failure to take the pandemic seriously even as it engulfed China, a deeply flawed effort to provide broad testing for the virus that left the country blind to the extent of the crisis, and a dire shortage of masks and protective gear to protect doctors and nurses on the front lines, as well as ventilators to keep the critically ill alive.Among them: a failure to take the pandemic seriously even as it engulfed China, a deeply flawed effort to provide broad testing for the virus that left the country blind to the extent of the crisis, and a dire shortage of masks and protective gear to protect doctors and nurses on the front lines, as well as ventilators to keep the critically ill alive.
“This could have been stopped by implementing testing and surveillance much earlier — for example, when the first imported cases were identified,” said Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at Columbia University.“This could have been stopped by implementing testing and surveillance much earlier — for example, when the first imported cases were identified,” said Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at Columbia University.
For now, at least, China has contained the coronavirus with draconian measures. But the pathogen had embarked on a Grand Tour of most countries on Earth, with devastating epidemics in Iran, Italy and Spain. More videos emerged of prostrate victims, exhausted nurses and lines of coffins.For now, at least, China has contained the coronavirus with draconian measures. But the pathogen had embarked on a Grand Tour of most countries on Earth, with devastating epidemics in Iran, Italy and Spain. More videos emerged of prostrate victims, exhausted nurses and lines of coffins.
While the world’s attention now shifts to its own centers of contagion, in Bergamo, Italy, the sirens keep sounding. Like the air raid sirens of the Second World War, they are the ambulance sirens that many survivors of this war will remember. They blare louder as they get closer, coming to collect the parents and grandparents, the keepers of Italy’s memory.While the world’s attention now shifts to its own centers of contagion, in Bergamo, Italy, the sirens keep sounding. Like the air raid sirens of the Second World War, they are the ambulance sirens that many survivors of this war will remember. They blare louder as they get closer, coming to collect the parents and grandparents, the keepers of Italy’s memory.
The grandchildren wave from terraces, and spouses sit back on the corners of now empty beds. And then the sirens start again, becoming fainter as the ambulances drive away toward hospitals crammed with coronavirus patients.The grandchildren wave from terraces, and spouses sit back on the corners of now empty beds. And then the sirens start again, becoming fainter as the ambulances drive away toward hospitals crammed with coronavirus patients.
There have been 8,165 deaths in Italy, the Bergamo area has suffered more than most. Officially 1,328 people have died there. The actual toll may be four times higher, so many that the local paper is given over to death notices.There have been 8,165 deaths in Italy, the Bergamo area has suffered more than most. Officially 1,328 people have died there. The actual toll may be four times higher, so many that the local paper is given over to death notices.
Once known as a quiet and wealthy province, Bergamo is now a place where Red Cross workers go door to door, carrying away the afflicted.Once known as a quiet and wealthy province, Bergamo is now a place where Red Cross workers go door to door, carrying away the afflicted.
“At this point, all you hear in Bergamo is sirens,” said Michela Travelli.“At this point, all you hear in Bergamo is sirens,” said Michela Travelli.
In an emotional tribute to the workers of the National Health Service, millions across Britain took to their windows, doorsteps and balconies to simultaneously applaud those risking their own health to help others.In an emotional tribute to the workers of the National Health Service, millions across Britain took to their windows, doorsteps and balconies to simultaneously applaud those risking their own health to help others.
From stone cottages in the Lake District to apartment buildings in London, an explosion of sound pierced the darkness as people clapped, played instruments and rang bells in a show of solidarity.From stone cottages in the Lake District to apartment buildings in London, an explosion of sound pierced the darkness as people clapped, played instruments and rang bells in a show of solidarity.
Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey and the London Eye were among the London landmarks bathed in blue light in tribute.Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey and the London Eye were among the London landmarks bathed in blue light in tribute.
Even as the country prepared for the worst, with an army of 500,000 volunteering to help ease the burden on government workers, London hospitals were already struggling to meet the demands of the first wave of patients.Even as the country prepared for the worst, with an army of 500,000 volunteering to help ease the burden on government workers, London hospitals were already struggling to meet the demands of the first wave of patients.
And there was a deep awareness that much more will be asked of medical workers in the days ahead.And there was a deep awareness that much more will be asked of medical workers in the days ahead.
The dangers facing doctors, nurses and other caregivers has been demonstrated in every country where the virus has insinuated itself.The dangers facing doctors, nurses and other caregivers has been demonstrated in every country where the virus has insinuated itself.
And the strains on strong health care systems — with protective gear and vital equipment in desperately short supply — underscored the possible tragedy in developing nations.And the strains on strong health care systems — with protective gear and vital equipment in desperately short supply — underscored the possible tragedy in developing nations.
In Spain, health care workers have been infected at an alarming rate, accounting for more than 10 percent of cases.In Spain, health care workers have been infected at an alarming rate, accounting for more than 10 percent of cases.
The toll on doctors in Italy continues to grow, with at least 37 dying after contracting the virus.The toll on doctors in Italy continues to grow, with at least 37 dying after contracting the virus.
In New York, the story of Kious Kelly, an assistant nurse manager at Mount Sinai West hospital in Manhattan, has gripped the nation.In New York, the story of Kious Kelly, an assistant nurse manager at Mount Sinai West hospital in Manhattan, has gripped the nation.
Mr. Kelly texted his sister, Marya Patrice Sherron, on March 18 to say he had contracted the coronavirus and was on a ventilator in the intensive care unit.Mr. Kelly texted his sister, Marya Patrice Sherron, on March 18 to say he had contracted the coronavirus and was on a ventilator in the intensive care unit.
He said he could text, but not talk.He said he could text, but not talk.
“‘I’m OK,’” he wrote, Ms. Sherron recalled in an interview on Thursday. “‘Don’t tell Mom and Dad. They’ll worry.’”“‘I’m OK,’” he wrote, Ms. Sherron recalled in an interview on Thursday. “‘Don’t tell Mom and Dad. They’ll worry.’”
Mr. Kelly, 48, died late Tuesday.Mr. Kelly, 48, died late Tuesday.
After weeks of rising tensions, Mr. Trump called China’s leader, Xi Jinping, and offered words of sympathy and praise for the Chinese government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic.After weeks of rising tensions, Mr. Trump called China’s leader, Xi Jinping, and offered words of sympathy and praise for the Chinese government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
“China has been through much & has developed a strong understanding of the Virus,” Mr. Trump wrote on Twitter. “We are working closely together. Much respect!”“China has been through much & has developed a strong understanding of the Virus,” Mr. Trump wrote on Twitter. “We are working closely together. Much respect!”
Even for Mr. Trump, the shift in tone was striking, coming only days after he made a point of referring to the coronavirus as a “Chinese virus.”Even for Mr. Trump, the shift in tone was striking, coming only days after he made a point of referring to the coronavirus as a “Chinese virus.”
A day before the call, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters in Washington that “the Chinese Communist Party poses a threat to our health and way of life, as the Wuhan virus outbreak clearly has demonstrated.”A day before the call, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters in Washington that “the Chinese Communist Party poses a threat to our health and way of life, as the Wuhan virus outbreak clearly has demonstrated.”
Mr. Trump and Mr. Xi last spoke directly in February, and both took part in a video conference call of leaders of the Group of 20 nations on Thursday.Mr. Trump and Mr. Xi last spoke directly in February, and both took part in a video conference call of leaders of the Group of 20 nations on Thursday.
China’s readout of the two leaders’ conversation was more restrained. Perhaps mindful of criticism of the country’s early handing of the epidemic, Mr. Xi stressed in the call that China had been sharing information in “an open, transparent and responsible manner” with the World Health Organization and the United States.China’s readout of the two leaders’ conversation was more restrained. Perhaps mindful of criticism of the country’s early handing of the epidemic, Mr. Xi stressed in the call that China had been sharing information in “an open, transparent and responsible manner” with the World Health Organization and the United States.
“I am paying very close attention and worried about the development of the epidemic in the United States,” Mr. Xi said.“I am paying very close attention and worried about the development of the epidemic in the United States,” Mr. Xi said.
“China understands the difficult situation the U.S. is currently in and is willing to provide as much support as it can within its power,” China’s foreign ministry said, referring to Mr. Xi’s comment.“China understands the difficult situation the U.S. is currently in and is willing to provide as much support as it can within its power,” China’s foreign ministry said, referring to Mr. Xi’s comment.
Children the world over — and their parents — are having to grapple with the new reality that in many places, schools are unlikely to reopen before the start of the new academic year in autumn, with closures likely to last for months rather than weeks.Children the world over — and their parents — are having to grapple with the new reality that in many places, schools are unlikely to reopen before the start of the new academic year in autumn, with closures likely to last for months rather than weeks.
For some students, the challenge runs even deeper.For some students, the challenge runs even deeper.
In China, the outbreak and subsequent shutdown exposed a digital divide that saw some children left without access to online learning. Now the United States, which surpassed China in its number of cases on Thursday, is navigating the same territory.In China, the outbreak and subsequent shutdown exposed a digital divide that saw some children left without access to online learning. Now the United States, which surpassed China in its number of cases on Thursday, is navigating the same territory.
Allia Phillips, a fourth grader on the honor roll, was excited about picking up an iPad from her school in Harlem last week after her school was forced to close. But the shelter she lives in with her mother and grandmother does not have internet. And her mother worries that she will be left behind.Allia Phillips, a fourth grader on the honor roll, was excited about picking up an iPad from her school in Harlem last week after her school was forced to close. But the shelter she lives in with her mother and grandmother does not have internet. And her mother worries that she will be left behind.
An estimated 114,000 children in New York City live in shelters and unstable housing, and many worry that school closures will hit them the hardest.An estimated 114,000 children in New York City live in shelters and unstable housing, and many worry that school closures will hit them the hardest.
In much of Europe, schools are preparing to be closed through the spring. In Spain, where the outbreak has exploded and schools remain closed indefinitely, parents are struggling to keep their children focused. An extension of an initial two week countrywide lockdown has made that task more challenging.In much of Europe, schools are preparing to be closed through the spring. In Spain, where the outbreak has exploded and schools remain closed indefinitely, parents are struggling to keep their children focused. An extension of an initial two week countrywide lockdown has made that task more challenging.
“During the first week, we were all about drawing and writing and practicing with numbers,” Clara Gonzalez, a 28-year-old mother of two, said. The second week was less about activities. “They sleep less, they have a holiday-like schedule.”“During the first week, we were all about drawing and writing and practicing with numbers,” Clara Gonzalez, a 28-year-old mother of two, said. The second week was less about activities. “They sleep less, they have a holiday-like schedule.”
The Spanish government is trying to salvage the school year and the main exams, including ones for entering university, amid growing concerns that a prolonged lockdown could make that impossible. On Thursday, Isabel Celaá, Spain’s education minister, said she expected schools to reopen in May or June, so that the year would not be lost, but critics say that may be wishful thinking.The Spanish government is trying to salvage the school year and the main exams, including ones for entering university, amid growing concerns that a prolonged lockdown could make that impossible. On Thursday, Isabel Celaá, Spain’s education minister, said she expected schools to reopen in May or June, so that the year would not be lost, but critics say that may be wishful thinking.
You can take several steps to slow the spread of the coronavirus, and keep yourself safe. Be consistent about social distancing. Wash your hands often. And when you do leave your home for groceries or other essentials, wipe down your shopping cart and be smart about what you are purchasing.You can take several steps to slow the spread of the coronavirus, and keep yourself safe. Be consistent about social distancing. Wash your hands often. And when you do leave your home for groceries or other essentials, wipe down your shopping cart and be smart about what you are purchasing.
Huge crowds clashed with Chinese police officers on Friday on a bridge connecting the provinces of Hubei and Jiangxi, one of the largest signs yet of public frustration and unrest at the center of the coronavirus outbreak in China.Huge crowds clashed with Chinese police officers on Friday on a bridge connecting the provinces of Hubei and Jiangxi, one of the largest signs yet of public frustration and unrest at the center of the coronavirus outbreak in China.
It was not immediately unclear what prompted the clash, which took place on a bridge spanning the Yangtze River. But Hubei residents have faced rampant discrimination and fear across China since the outbreak first emerged in the provincial capital, Wuhan. And this week is the first time in two months that they have been free to leave the province, after the government eased a lockdown ordered to contain the virus.It was not immediately unclear what prompted the clash, which took place on a bridge spanning the Yangtze River. But Hubei residents have faced rampant discrimination and fear across China since the outbreak first emerged in the provincial capital, Wuhan. And this week is the first time in two months that they have been free to leave the province, after the government eased a lockdown ordered to contain the virus.
Videos on social media showed overturned cars, police officers with shields pushing against large crowds, and groups of people rocking what appeared to be police vehicles, or shattering their windows. One video showed hundreds of people marching across the bridge, shouting, “Go Hubei!”Videos on social media showed overturned cars, police officers with shields pushing against large crowds, and groups of people rocking what appeared to be police vehicles, or shattering their windows. One video showed hundreds of people marching across the bridge, shouting, “Go Hubei!”
A man who identified himself as Ma Yanzhou, the Communist Party leader of Huangmei, urged the crowds to disperse. He said he would speak with officials in Jiujiang, the city on the other end of the bridge from Hubei, to resolve the dispute.A man who identified himself as Ma Yanzhou, the Communist Party leader of Huangmei, urged the crowds to disperse. He said he would speak with officials in Jiujiang, the city on the other end of the bridge from Hubei, to resolve the dispute.
“We strive to solve this problem immediately so that everyone can go to Jiujiang to work,” he said into a megaphone.“We strive to solve this problem immediately so that everyone can go to Jiujiang to work,” he said into a megaphone.
He added, “Everybody gathering on the bridge is extremely dangerous. First, there is a danger to traffic safety. Second, there is the danger of spreading the virus.”He added, “Everybody gathering on the bridge is extremely dangerous. First, there is a danger to traffic safety. Second, there is the danger of spreading the virus.”
Hubei residents, with the exception of those in Wuhan, have been free to leave the province since Wednesday if they obtain a “green” health code. But many have already faced difficulties finding transportation, or have been turned away by communities in their destinations.Hubei residents, with the exception of those in Wuhan, have been free to leave the province since Wednesday if they obtain a “green” health code. But many have already faced difficulties finding transportation, or have been turned away by communities in their destinations.
For nearly three weeks, most Italians have been under lockdown, observing the government’s order to stay at home. And with so many people at home, crime is at a record low.For nearly three weeks, most Italians have been under lockdown, observing the government’s order to stay at home. And with so many people at home, crime is at a record low.
Crime dropped 64 percent from March 1 through March 20, compared to the same period last year, according to statistics published this week by the Italian Interior Ministry.Crime dropped 64 percent from March 1 through March 20, compared to the same period last year, according to statistics published this week by the Italian Interior Ministry.
Not unexpectedly, with everyone in their homes, there was a significant decline in house break-ins. Distancing measures have also meant a decrease in pickpocketing, down 75.8 percent from last March, and prostitution has dropped. Drug offenses also declined.Not unexpectedly, with everyone in their homes, there was a significant decline in house break-ins. Distancing measures have also meant a decrease in pickpocketing, down 75.8 percent from last March, and prostitution has dropped. Drug offenses also declined.
Online fraud has increased, however, according the Interior Ministry report, with fake fund-raising websites popping up and sites selling masks and other products at astronomical markups.Online fraud has increased, however, according the Interior Ministry report, with fake fund-raising websites popping up and sites selling masks and other products at astronomical markups.
Police officers have been busy monitoring the streets, to make sure anyone outdoors has a good reason. Since the lockdown began on March 11, nearly 2.7 million people have been stopped by police and 115,000 fined.Police officers have been busy monitoring the streets, to make sure anyone outdoors has a good reason. Since the lockdown began on March 11, nearly 2.7 million people have been stopped by police and 115,000 fined.
Reporting was contributed by Michael Cooper, Alan Blinder, David E. Sanger, Donald G. McNeil Jr., Maya Salam, John Eligon, Amy Qin, Marc Santora, Megan Specia, Elian Peltier, Raphael Minder, Jason Horowitz, Fabio Bucciarelli, Nikita Stewart, Michael Crowley, Lara Jakes, Jesse Drucker, Carl Hulse, Emily Cochrane, Steven Lee Myers, Matina Stevis-Gridneff, Steven Erlanger, Caitlin Dickerson, Annie Correal and Neil MacFarquhar.Reporting was contributed by Michael Cooper, Alan Blinder, David E. Sanger, Donald G. McNeil Jr., Maya Salam, John Eligon, Amy Qin, Marc Santora, Megan Specia, Elian Peltier, Raphael Minder, Jason Horowitz, Fabio Bucciarelli, Nikita Stewart, Michael Crowley, Lara Jakes, Jesse Drucker, Carl Hulse, Emily Cochrane, Steven Lee Myers, Matina Stevis-Gridneff, Steven Erlanger, Caitlin Dickerson, Annie Correal and Neil MacFarquhar.