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/2020/04/25/world/coronavirus-news.html

The article has changed 55 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 11 Version 12
India Eases Some Lockdowns; W.H.O. Cautions on ‘Immunity Passports’: Live Coverage India Eases Some Lockdowns; W.H.O. Warns Against ‘Immunity Passports’: Live Coverage
(about 1 hour later)
India eased lockdown restrictions on Friday in some parts of the country, allowing markets to reopen in rural areas and outside known hot zones, and alleviating financial stress for tens of millions of people.India eased lockdown restrictions on Friday in some parts of the country, allowing markets to reopen in rural areas and outside known hot zones, and alleviating financial stress for tens of millions of people.
After Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a nationwide lockdown last month to contain the coronavirus, most businesses shuttered across the country, except for those selling food, medicine and other essential items.After Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a nationwide lockdown last month to contain the coronavirus, most businesses shuttered across the country, except for those selling food, medicine and other essential items.
In an announcement on Friday night, India’s Ministry of Home Affairs said it would allow shops in rural areas to reopen, except liquor stores and those in malls or other large complexes.In an announcement on Friday night, India’s Ministry of Home Affairs said it would allow shops in rural areas to reopen, except liquor stores and those in malls or other large complexes.
Neighborhood and stand-alone shops in urban areas could reopen if they were outside hot zones, but markets were to remain shut, the ministry said.Neighborhood and stand-alone shops in urban areas could reopen if they were outside hot zones, but markets were to remain shut, the ministry said.
The economic toll of India’s lockdown, which is in place until at least May 3, has devastated the economy and forced millions of people to rely on government food handouts and other subsidies.The economic toll of India’s lockdown, which is in place until at least May 3, has devastated the economy and forced millions of people to rely on government food handouts and other subsidies.
India has about 24,000 known cases of the coronavirus, and nearly 800 deaths.India has about 24,000 known cases of the coronavirus, and nearly 800 deaths.
As the drumbeat grows for transparency about the secretive group guiding Britain’s response to the coronavirus — the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, or SAGE — the government acknowledged that Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s most senior aide, Dominic Cummings, has listened in on the panel’s meetings.As the drumbeat grows for transparency about the secretive group guiding Britain’s response to the coronavirus — the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, or SAGE — the government acknowledged that Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s most senior aide, Dominic Cummings, has listened in on the panel’s meetings.
But a spokesman for Downing Street said on Saturday that Mr. Cummings was not a member of the group and did not influence policy.But a spokesman for Downing Street said on Saturday that Mr. Cummings was not a member of the group and did not influence policy.
“No. 10 officials and officials from other departments attend/dial in to SAGE to listen to its discussions and occasionally ask questions, which is essential at a time the government is dealing with a global pandemic,” Downing Street said in a statement.“No. 10 officials and officials from other departments attend/dial in to SAGE to listen to its discussions and occasionally ask questions, which is essential at a time the government is dealing with a global pandemic,” Downing Street said in a statement.
Opposition leaders have demanded more transparency from the group, whose members are largely anonymous and whose meetings are held in private. The British government says it is being “guided by the science” coming from the group, but critics say the science is unclear.Opposition leaders have demanded more transparency from the group, whose members are largely anonymous and whose meetings are held in private. The British government says it is being “guided by the science” coming from the group, but critics say the science is unclear.
Jonathan Ashworth, who oversees the opposition the Labour Party’s health policy, called on the government to publish the minutes of the panel’s meetings. “We need to understand whether Mr. Cummings was contributing to the debate or influencing the debate,” he told Sky News on Saturday.Jonathan Ashworth, who oversees the opposition the Labour Party’s health policy, called on the government to publish the minutes of the panel’s meetings. “We need to understand whether Mr. Cummings was contributing to the debate or influencing the debate,” he told Sky News on Saturday.
The developments came as leaked cabinet briefings to The Guardian newspaper indicated that ministers were warned last year that Britain risked facing an influenza-type outbreak and that the country needed a robust plan to deal with it. A possible pandemic was at the top of a confidential annual national security risk assessment signed off by the government’s chief scientific adviser.The developments came as leaked cabinet briefings to The Guardian newspaper indicated that ministers were warned last year that Britain risked facing an influenza-type outbreak and that the country needed a robust plan to deal with it. A possible pandemic was at the top of a confidential annual national security risk assessment signed off by the government’s chief scientific adviser.
In other developments:In other developments:
The British government’s website for essential workers and their families to book coronavirus tests reopened on Saturday after shutting down the day before when tens of thousands of requests flooded it. But the maximum capacity had been reached by 8 a.m. on Saturday, according to a message published on the website.The British government’s website for essential workers and their families to book coronavirus tests reopened on Saturday after shutting down the day before when tens of thousands of requests flooded it. But the maximum capacity had been reached by 8 a.m. on Saturday, according to a message published on the website.
The Defense Ministry said on Friday that Britain’s armed forces would be given insect repellent to protect against coronavirus infections, but offered no evidence that the product containing a lemon eucalyptus oil extract would be effective.The Defense Ministry said on Friday that Britain’s armed forces would be given insect repellent to protect against coronavirus infections, but offered no evidence that the product containing a lemon eucalyptus oil extract would be effective.
Medical agencies, experts and trade unions say that female health care workers’ lives are at risk because most personal protective equipment is designed for men. As one National Health Service worker told The Guardian: The equipment “is designed for a 6-foot-3-inch bloke built like a rugby player.”Medical agencies, experts and trade unions say that female health care workers’ lives are at risk because most personal protective equipment is designed for men. As one National Health Service worker told The Guardian: The equipment “is designed for a 6-foot-3-inch bloke built like a rugby player.”
A 99-year-old charity fund raiser — Tom Moore, who is also a World War II veteran — has the No. 1 song in Britain by sales this week, according to the country’s Official Charts Company. Like Captain Moore’s other ventures, the single — a rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” featuring the singer Michael Ball — is to raise money for health care charities during the coronavirus crisis.
With the number of confirmed coronavirus infections nearing three million worldwide, the death toll is creeping toward 200,000. And as Saturday dawned, much of the world was still under some form of lockdown.With the number of confirmed coronavirus infections nearing three million worldwide, the death toll is creeping toward 200,000. And as Saturday dawned, much of the world was still under some form of lockdown.
As Ramadan — the holy month of fasting, celebration and prayer for many of the world’s 1.8 billion Muslims — got underway, many mosques across the Middle East were shuttered.As Ramadan — the holy month of fasting, celebration and prayer for many of the world’s 1.8 billion Muslims — got underway, many mosques across the Middle East were shuttered.
And in Australia and New Zealand, the crowds that usually turn out for dawn services on Anzac Day were notably absent. The holiday commemorates the 1915 landing at Gallipoli and the deaths of roughly 75,000 people from the two countries who fought and died during World War I.And in Australia and New Zealand, the crowds that usually turn out for dawn services on Anzac Day were notably absent. The holiday commemorates the 1915 landing at Gallipoli and the deaths of roughly 75,000 people from the two countries who fought and died during World War I.
Still, many governments are starting to ease restrictions — or planning to. On Friday, the Czech government lifted a ban on travel, and Prime Minister Sophie Wilmès of Belgium said her country would begin a gradual easing of lockdown measures in May.Still, many governments are starting to ease restrictions — or planning to. On Friday, the Czech government lifted a ban on travel, and Prime Minister Sophie Wilmès of Belgium said her country would begin a gradual easing of lockdown measures in May.
In other places, people were defying medical advice to stay home. In Pakistan, the government bowed to pressure from clerics and allowed mosques to remain open during Ramadan. And a women’s cricket league in the tiny Pacific island nation of Vanuatu was holding its season final — a rare exception to a near-total shutdown of global sports.In other places, people were defying medical advice to stay home. In Pakistan, the government bowed to pressure from clerics and allowed mosques to remain open during Ramadan. And a women’s cricket league in the tiny Pacific island nation of Vanuatu was holding its season final — a rare exception to a near-total shutdown of global sports.
In other news:In other news:
The number of new coronavirus cases in Russia has risen by 5,966 over the past 24 hours, bringing its nationwide tally to 74,588, the country’s coronavirus crisis response center said on Saturday. It also recorded 66 new deaths from Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, bringing the total death toll in Russia to 681.
China’s National Health Commission reported on Saturday that 12 more people had fallen ill from the coronavirus and that all but one of the infections had been imported. It also reported 29 new asymptomatic cases, 25 of which were local transmissions.China’s National Health Commission reported on Saturday that 12 more people had fallen ill from the coronavirus and that all but one of the infections had been imported. It also reported 29 new asymptomatic cases, 25 of which were local transmissions.
Nearly 60 new infections were confirmed among crew members of an Italian cruise ship docked in Nagasaki, Japan, the local news media reported. About a quarter of the ship’s more than 600 crew members have tested positive for the coronavirus.Nearly 60 new infections were confirmed among crew members of an Italian cruise ship docked in Nagasaki, Japan, the local news media reported. About a quarter of the ship’s more than 600 crew members have tested positive for the coronavirus.
In Afghanistan, where the virus threatens to overwhelm a feeble health care system, the Taliban have returned to an all-out offensive, ignoring appeals for a cease-fire on humanitarian grounds.In Afghanistan, where the virus threatens to overwhelm a feeble health care system, the Taliban have returned to an all-out offensive, ignoring appeals for a cease-fire on humanitarian grounds.
The World Health Organization has warned against using coronavirus antibody tests as a basis for issuing “immunity passports” to allow people to travel or return to work.The World Health Organization has warned against using coronavirus antibody tests as a basis for issuing “immunity passports” to allow people to travel or return to work.
Laboratory tests that detect antibodies to the coronavirus “need further validation to determine their accuracy and reliability,” the global agency said in a statement on Friday. Inaccurate tests may falsely label people who have been infected as negative, or may falsely label people who have not been infected as positive, it noted.Laboratory tests that detect antibodies to the coronavirus “need further validation to determine their accuracy and reliability,” the global agency said in a statement on Friday. Inaccurate tests may falsely label people who have been infected as negative, or may falsely label people who have not been infected as positive, it noted.
Countries like Italy and Chile have weighed providing “immunity passports” to let those people who have recovered from the virus return to work, in an effort to begin easing lockdown restrictions and stem the economic fallout.Countries like Italy and Chile have weighed providing “immunity passports” to let those people who have recovered from the virus return to work, in an effort to begin easing lockdown restrictions and stem the economic fallout.
The W.H.O. said it supported the testing of medical workers to determine whether they have antibodies, as that data can add to the understanding of how the coronavirus behaves. But it said that most such tests currently “are not designed to determine whether those people are immune to secondary infections.”The W.H.O. said it supported the testing of medical workers to determine whether they have antibodies, as that data can add to the understanding of how the coronavirus behaves. But it said that most such tests currently “are not designed to determine whether those people are immune to secondary infections.”
The assessment came as the W.H.O. held a virtual meeting on Friday in which global heads of state vowed to cooperate on coronavirus vaccine research and treatments — though neither the United States nor China joined the initiative.The assessment came as the W.H.O. held a virtual meeting on Friday in which global heads of state vowed to cooperate on coronavirus vaccine research and treatments — though neither the United States nor China joined the initiative.
Although leaders like Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany and President Emmanuel Macron of France were vague in their pledges, the absence of any U.S. representative at the meeting was the latest sign of a withdrawal of the world’s biggest economy in tackling the coronavirus on a global scale.Although leaders like Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany and President Emmanuel Macron of France were vague in their pledges, the absence of any U.S. representative at the meeting was the latest sign of a withdrawal of the world’s biggest economy in tackling the coronavirus on a global scale.
Britain’s foreign minister and the Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates were among those in attendance.Britain’s foreign minister and the Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates were among those in attendance.
Participants agreed to make innovations against the coronavirus accessible to all, including developing countries. The main challenge, the organization said, will be to bring a vaccine or drugs to fight the virus to billions of people once scientists have found them.Participants agreed to make innovations against the coronavirus accessible to all, including developing countries. The main challenge, the organization said, will be to bring a vaccine or drugs to fight the virus to billions of people once scientists have found them.
Migrants and others sent about $689 billion in global remittances in 2018, according to the World Bank — money that relatives and friends back home depend on to survive.Migrants and others sent about $689 billion in global remittances in 2018, according to the World Bank — money that relatives and friends back home depend on to survive.
But as millions of migrant workers see their hours cut or lose their jobs, the World Bank said this week that global remittances were projected to plummet about 20 percent this year, in “the sharpest decline in recent history.” But as millions of migrant workers see their hours cut or lose their jobs because of the economic slowdown from the pandemic, the World Bank said this week that global remittances were projected to plummet about 20 percent this year, in “the sharpest decline in recent history.”
And that could have far-reaching effects in some developing and poorer nations like Mexico, which was the third-largest recipient of remittances in 2018 — after India and China, according to the World Bank — and the largest recipient of money sent from the United States.And that could have far-reaching effects in some developing and poorer nations like Mexico, which was the third-largest recipient of remittances in 2018 — after India and China, according to the World Bank — and the largest recipient of money sent from the United States.
Amid the U.S. economic slowdown in recent weeks, millions of undocumented Mexicans in the United States, like other immigrant populations, have been left vulnerable without job security and unemployment benefits.Amid the U.S. economic slowdown in recent weeks, millions of undocumented Mexicans in the United States, like other immigrant populations, have been left vulnerable without job security and unemployment benefits.
A major decrease in remittances could cause not just economic duress, but also political and social tension, said Roy Germano, who teaches international relations at New York University.A major decrease in remittances could cause not just economic duress, but also political and social tension, said Roy Germano, who teaches international relations at New York University.
“I don’t think governments want to see this money contract, because it functions as a sort of de facto social welfare system,” said Mr. Germano, the author of “Outsourcing Welfare,” a book about remittances. “In that way, they take pressure off governments to provide welfare assistance and guarantee a certain standard of living.”“I don’t think governments want to see this money contract, because it functions as a sort of de facto social welfare system,” said Mr. Germano, the author of “Outsourcing Welfare,” a book about remittances. “In that way, they take pressure off governments to provide welfare assistance and guarantee a certain standard of living.”
A park in Okinawa City, Japan, has mowed down sprawling lily fields that usually draw thousands of people, in an effort to prevent visitors from gathering and spreading the coronavirus.A park in Okinawa City, Japan, has mowed down sprawling lily fields that usually draw thousands of people, in an effort to prevent visitors from gathering and spreading the coronavirus.
Fears of the virus and a nationwide state of emergency declared this month did not deter people from visiting the Okinawa Comprehensive Athletic Park, where its lilies were approaching full bloom. In response, the park clipped 10,000 of its 16,000 lilies on Friday.Fears of the virus and a nationwide state of emergency declared this month did not deter people from visiting the Okinawa Comprehensive Athletic Park, where its lilies were approaching full bloom. In response, the park clipped 10,000 of its 16,000 lilies on Friday.
“Our staff spent a whole year growing them,” Seiji Fukushima, the park’s director, said on Saturday. “They were crying as they cut them off.”“Our staff spent a whole year growing them,” Seiji Fukushima, the park’s director, said on Saturday. “They were crying as they cut them off.”
Despite the emergency declarations this month, many residents across the country still visited beaches, parks and restaurants, raising concerns about its measures to curb the outbreak. Mr. Fukushima said many service members of the U.S. military bases in Okinawa Prefecture had visited or jogged in the park despite social distancing rules, and residents had complained that many of them did not wear masks.Despite the emergency declarations this month, many residents across the country still visited beaches, parks and restaurants, raising concerns about its measures to curb the outbreak. Mr. Fukushima said many service members of the U.S. military bases in Okinawa Prefecture had visited or jogged in the park despite social distancing rules, and residents had complained that many of them did not wear masks.
The flowers are usually harvested in mid-May, when bulbs are collected and stored for planting later. The park said that the cropped lilies had been distributed to people and that it would use the opportunity to improve its soil this year.The flowers are usually harvested in mid-May, when bulbs are collected and stored for planting later. The park said that the cropped lilies had been distributed to people and that it would use the opportunity to improve its soil this year.
As of Saturday, Japan had more than 13,500 confirmed coronavirus cases and 341 deaths.As of Saturday, Japan had more than 13,500 confirmed coronavirus cases and 341 deaths.
“Composition VI,” an abstract painting by the Russian master Wassily Kandinsky, has now been restaged in the messy room of a Connecticut teenager.
His mother, Julia Vasilenko, a piano teacher, arranged cymbals, a guitar and a toy boat among the room’s contents to symbolize Kandinsky’s musical and marine motifs. A blue latex glove reminds the viewer of the present day.
People sheltering in place are seeking new ways to connection online, and amid the pandemic’s bleakness, some report a surge in creativity. Maybe this is why a Facebook group featuring lo-fi recreations of famous paintings has more than half a million members, just a few weeks after it was created.
The group — Izoizolyacia, combining the Russian words for “visual arts” and “isolation” — was started in Moscow by a project manager at a tech company. Its predominant language is Russian, but more than a third of its members live outside Russia.
The copying-artworks gag is not new, and several museums — including the Getty in Los Angeles and the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam — are encouraging homebound art fans to send in photos of efforts to bring their favorite paintings to life. But in terms of Facebook followers, at least, Izoizolyacia’s audience appears to be the most engaged.
In January, the coronavirus crisis in Wuhan, China, was at its peak: Sick patients filled hospital wards, and others lined up outside in the cold for treatment.In January, the coronavirus crisis in Wuhan, China, was at its peak: Sick patients filled hospital wards, and others lined up outside in the cold for treatment.
Four hundred miles away in Shanghai, Sakura Chan, a 29-year-old fashion designer, was struck by images from Wuhan: the hands of medical workers, chapped from dehydrating sanitizers and soap, and the impressions and facial blisters left by goggles and masks.Four hundred miles away in Shanghai, Sakura Chan, a 29-year-old fashion designer, was struck by images from Wuhan: the hands of medical workers, chapped from dehydrating sanitizers and soap, and the impressions and facial blisters left by goggles and masks.
“We looked at the photos and tried to guess what they would need,” Ms. Chan said. When she couldn’t find masks to donate, she and a team of volunteers sent sanitary pads to medics in Wuhan and other cities in Hubei Province that had been placed under lockdown.“We looked at the photos and tried to guess what they would need,” Ms. Chan said. When she couldn’t find masks to donate, she and a team of volunteers sent sanitary pads to medics in Wuhan and other cities in Hubei Province that had been placed under lockdown.
“No one was really talking about the supplies used in daily life,” Ms. Chan said.“No one was really talking about the supplies used in daily life,” Ms. Chan said.
Hospital employees initially rebuffed the group’s offers, and Ms. Chan wondered privately whether they were hesitant to accept unsolicited donations after their public calls for protective gear had been shut down by local officials.Hospital employees initially rebuffed the group’s offers, and Ms. Chan wondered privately whether they were hesitant to accept unsolicited donations after their public calls for protective gear had been shut down by local officials.
Over time, they relented, and volunteers in Wuhan reached out to help coordinate the deliveries.Over time, they relented, and volunteers in Wuhan reached out to help coordinate the deliveries.
Still, it was a challenge to organize deliveries during a lockdown that had banned most ground transportation. And some detractors accused Ms. Chan’s group of helping only women or criticized it for donating hygiene products rather than medical supplies.Still, it was a challenge to organize deliveries during a lockdown that had banned most ground transportation. And some detractors accused Ms. Chan’s group of helping only women or criticized it for donating hygiene products rather than medical supplies.
“At first, no one cared about women’s needs. We were a small Band-Aid addressing a small part of the population,” Ms. Chan said. “Then suddenly we were a topic of discussion.”“At first, no one cared about women’s needs. We were a small Band-Aid addressing a small part of the population,” Ms. Chan said. “Then suddenly we were a topic of discussion.”
“Composition VI,” an abstract painting by the Russian master Wassily Kandinsky, has now been restaged in the messy room of a Connecticut teenager. As Spain’s coronavirus numbers improve, some regional and local leaders are pushing to ease lockdown measures ahead of any central government decision.
His mother, Julia Vasilenko, a piano teacher, arranged cymbals, a guitar and a toy boat among the room’s contents to symbolize Kandinsky’s musical and marine motifs. A blue latex glove reminds the viewer of the present day. The divergences comes as Spain on Sunday prepared to allow children outdoors for the first time since its lockdown came into force in mid-March, to take a stroll for an hour within one kilometer of their home, accompanied by an adult.
People sheltering in place are seeking new ways to connection online, and amid the pandemic’s bleakness, some report a surge in creativity. Maybe this is why a Facebook group featuring lo-fi recreations of famous paintings has more than half a million members, just a few weeks after it was created. But while cities like Madrid are keeping public parks shut, the mayor in the southern city of Cádiz on Sunday reopened beaches and public parks.
The group — Izoizolyacia, combining the Russian words for “visual arts” and “isolation” — was started in Moscow by a project manager at a tech company. Its predominant language is Russian, but more than a third of its members live outside Russia. Spain on Saturday reported a slight uptick in its daily death toll — 378 dead, compared with 367 on Friday. But its latest figures also confirmed that the country crossed a significant milestone this week, registering more hospital recoveries than new coronavirus cases.
The copying-artworks gag is not new, and several museums — including the Getty in Los Angeles and the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam — are encouraging homebound art fans to send in photos of efforts to bring their favorite paintings to life. But in terms of Facebook followers, at least, Izoizolyacia’s audience appears to be the most engaged. The country’s lockdown has been extended until May 9, but politicians in areas less affected by the pandemic have called for restrictions to be lifted sooner. The daily number of coronavirus fatalities has fallen below 10 in half of Spain’s 17 regions.
The push has been particularly driven by island administrations, as well as southern regions whose hospitals were never overwhelmed with Covid-19 patients.
France and the Netherlands will provide a bailout of 10 billion euros, about $10.8 billion, to salvage Air France-KLM as the fallout of the coronavirus on the travel industry exacts a devastating toll on global air carriers.France and the Netherlands will provide a bailout of 10 billion euros, about $10.8 billion, to salvage Air France-KLM as the fallout of the coronavirus on the travel industry exacts a devastating toll on global air carriers.
Air France-KLM, one of Europe’s biggest airlines, will receive a €4 billion bank loan backed by the French state and a €3 billion direct government loan, France’s finance minister, said late Friday. The Dutch government said it would provide an additional €2 billion to €4 billion in public aid.Air France-KLM, one of Europe’s biggest airlines, will receive a €4 billion bank loan backed by the French state and a €3 billion direct government loan, France’s finance minister, said late Friday. The Dutch government said it would provide an additional €2 billion to €4 billion in public aid.
The aid infusion falls short of nationalizing the company, in which the French and Dutch states each own a 14 percent share. The European Commission — the executive branch of the European Union, which has thrown out restrictions on state support amid a deep economic downturn — swiftly approved the bailout.The aid infusion falls short of nationalizing the company, in which the French and Dutch states each own a 14 percent share. The European Commission — the executive branch of the European Union, which has thrown out restrictions on state support amid a deep economic downturn — swiftly approved the bailout.
It is the third multibillion-euro lifeline extended this past week by the French government to companies battered by the coronavirus.It is the third multibillion-euro lifeline extended this past week by the French government to companies battered by the coronavirus.
Since the crisis hit, the French government has backed more than €20 billion in loans for 150,000 companies, part of a huge fiscal package to support the economy and limit mass joblessness until businesses can safely start operating again. The French economy is expected to contract by at least 8 percent this year, the sharpest drop since the end of World War II.Since the crisis hit, the French government has backed more than €20 billion in loans for 150,000 companies, part of a huge fiscal package to support the economy and limit mass joblessness until businesses can safely start operating again. The French economy is expected to contract by at least 8 percent this year, the sharpest drop since the end of World War II.
In Israel, where nearly everyone has someone to mourn from wars and continuing conflicts, Memorial Day — which is observed from Monday at sundown until Tuesday at sundown — ordinarily draws hundreds of thousands to national cemeteries.In Israel, where nearly everyone has someone to mourn from wars and continuing conflicts, Memorial Day — which is observed from Monday at sundown until Tuesday at sundown — ordinarily draws hundreds of thousands to national cemeteries.
But fears that crowds could spread the coronavirus have prompted the government to plead with people to stay away.But fears that crowds could spread the coronavirus have prompted the government to plead with people to stay away.
“It causes me immense pain that I won’t be with my brother on Memorial Day, but I know the right thing is to stay home,” said Frida Shniderman, 72, referring to her sibling, Meir Rozenchtroch, who was killed in the wake of a conflict between Israel and Syria in 1974. “Cemeteries get very crowded every year. It’s simply too risky to go now.”“It causes me immense pain that I won’t be with my brother on Memorial Day, but I know the right thing is to stay home,” said Frida Shniderman, 72, referring to her sibling, Meir Rozenchtroch, who was killed in the wake of a conflict between Israel and Syria in 1974. “Cemeteries get very crowded every year. It’s simply too risky to go now.”
Defense Minister Naftali Bennett said at a news conference that observing Memorial Day as in past years would create “a coronavirus ticking time bomb.” About one and a half million Israelis usually visit burial grounds across the country during the holiday, he said.Defense Minister Naftali Bennett said at a news conference that observing Memorial Day as in past years would create “a coronavirus ticking time bomb.” About one and a half million Israelis usually visit burial grounds across the country during the holiday, he said.
Some Israelis, however, have vowed to go to the cemeteries, arguing that they would not threaten public health as long as they maintain social distancing measures.Some Israelis, however, have vowed to go to the cemeteries, arguing that they would not threaten public health as long as they maintain social distancing measures.
“My family and I will go,” said Moshe Muskal, 64, whose son Rafanel was killed in conflict between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah in 2006. “This day is so important to us.”“My family and I will go,” said Moshe Muskal, 64, whose son Rafanel was killed in conflict between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah in 2006. “This day is so important to us.”
While the government decided that it would not permit Israelis to go to cemeteries, the police will not use force to stop them, officials have said.While the government decided that it would not permit Israelis to go to cemeteries, the police will not use force to stop them, officials have said.
Israel had recorded more than 15,000 cases of the virus as of Saturday, and nearly 200 deaths.Israel had recorded more than 15,000 cases of the virus as of Saturday, and nearly 200 deaths.
President Trump has promised in a tweet to provide ventilators to Indonesia, where a rising number of coronavirus cases threatens to overwhelm the country’s poorly equipped and understaffed health care system.President Trump has promised in a tweet to provide ventilators to Indonesia, where a rising number of coronavirus cases threatens to overwhelm the country’s poorly equipped and understaffed health care system.
“Just spoke to my friend, President Joko Widodo of the Republic of Indonesia,” Mr. Trump wrote on Friday. “Asking for Ventilators, which we will provide. Great cooperation between us!”“Just spoke to my friend, President Joko Widodo of the Republic of Indonesia,” Mr. Trump wrote on Friday. “Asking for Ventilators, which we will provide. Great cooperation between us!”
In reply, Mr. Joko’s spokesman, Fadjroel Rachman, tweeted on Saturday, “Thank you very much for great cooperation between the USA and the Republic of Indonesia Mr. President.”In reply, Mr. Joko’s spokesman, Fadjroel Rachman, tweeted on Saturday, “Thank you very much for great cooperation between the USA and the Republic of Indonesia Mr. President.”
Indonesia, with a population of 270 million, is the world’s fourth largest country but has only about 8,400 ventilators to help patients with the coronavirus, which has spread to all 34 provinces.Indonesia, with a population of 270 million, is the world’s fourth largest country but has only about 8,400 ventilators to help patients with the coronavirus, which has spread to all 34 provinces.
Indonesia has reported 720 deaths from the coronavirus, the second highest toll in East Asia after China. But some officials say many more deaths have gone unreported.Indonesia has reported 720 deaths from the coronavirus, the second highest toll in East Asia after China. But some officials say many more deaths have gone unreported.
Mr. Trump also said the United States would send ventilators to three Latin American countries — Ecuador, El Salvador and Honduras — that are reeling from the pandemic. He did not say how many ventilators would be sent to any of the four countries or when they would arrive.Mr. Trump also said the United States would send ventilators to three Latin American countries — Ecuador, El Salvador and Honduras — that are reeling from the pandemic. He did not say how many ventilators would be sent to any of the four countries or when they would arrive.
Ecuador’s largest city, Guayaquil, has been especially hard hit. Hospitals and clinics have been so overwhelmed that they have been unable to treat some patients. Bodies have been found abandoned on sidewalks and slumped in wheelchairs.Ecuador’s largest city, Guayaquil, has been especially hard hit. Hospitals and clinics have been so overwhelmed that they have been unable to treat some patients. Bodies have been found abandoned on sidewalks and slumped in wheelchairs.
The Honduran president, Juan Orlando Hernández, also spoke with Mr. Trump and requested help with ventilators and testing. He said he had also asked for assistance in securing debt relief for poor countries and financial aid from international lenders.The Honduran president, Juan Orlando Hernández, also spoke with Mr. Trump and requested help with ventilators and testing. He said he had also asked for assistance in securing debt relief for poor countries and financial aid from international lenders.
In a tweet on Friday evening about his conversation with the Honduran president, Mr. Trump said, “We work closely together on the Southern Border. Will be helping him with his request for Ventilators and Testing.”In a tweet on Friday evening about his conversation with the Honduran president, Mr. Trump said, “We work closely together on the Southern Border. Will be helping him with his request for Ventilators and Testing.”
Adam Nossiter, The Times’s Paris bureau chief, moved to the city at age 3 when his father was assigned to cover the European economy for The Washington Post. He moved back in 1983, in 1999 and then in 2015 when The Times posted him there. We asked him to share his thoughts on a Paris transformed by the pandemic.
Before Paris became a theme park for the global affluent, there was an older Paris I knew as a child, where sculpted horse heads announced butcher shops and you were likelier to find céleri rémoulade at the corner than $30,000 handbags aimed at tourists.
Echoes of that Paris have come back over the last month as the coronavirus stalked the city. It’s a paradox that the empty streets have made it easier to imagine Paris as a place where people actually live, and not just a polyglot destination for shopping and playing.
Up to a quarter of the people who were in the city at the time of confinement have left, according to some estimates. The Paris of the 1960s, far more economically diverse, seems to be back. Around Montmartre, where working people still live, Parisians perch at their windows, greeting each other and just looking out; my neighborhood around Madeleine, given over to luxury shops, is dead.
France has recorded more than 22,000 virus deaths, far more than Germany, but fewer than Italy or Spain. The good news, at least for now, is that the number of patients in French hospitals has been slowly dropping. There is the grim universe of those hospitals, and then there is the surprising new world outside them.
For those willing to brave police checks, this is a remarkable chance to rediscover Paris. In recent days, I saw for the first time — in a relationship with France that is nearly 60 years old — an epicenter of mass tourism, the beguiling Place du Tertre at the top of Montmartre. The little village square was nearly empty, and a worried Parisian stopped to ask if I wasn’t taking a chance by being out on my bike.
But it is all an illusion. Paris is no more Paris without its smart young people chattering outside at now closed cafes than New York is New York without skyscrapers. Paris reduced to its architectural essence is grandiose but cold, an unreal postcard.
Yet it is also a fertile theater for the imagination. Tap here to read the rest of Adam Nossiter’s essay on a changed Paris.
Vanuatu, a Pacific island nation of 300,000 people, gave sports fans worldwide what they’d been craving on Saturday: something to watch, live, with the outcome unknown.Vanuatu, a Pacific island nation of 300,000 people, gave sports fans worldwide what they’d been craving on Saturday: something to watch, live, with the outcome unknown.
Cricket may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the Vanuatu Cricket Association livestreamed its Women’s Super League final, inviting sports fans everywhere to take a break from the recorded footage that many have had to settle for during the pandemic.Cricket may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the Vanuatu Cricket Association livestreamed its Women’s Super League final, inviting sports fans everywhere to take a break from the recorded footage that many have had to settle for during the pandemic.
“We thought it’s our duty to provide the world with some live sport,” said Shane Deitz, the chief executive of the Vanuatu Cricket Association and a former player for the Australian national team. “It’s one of the only live sports around the world at the moment. We can showcase a bit of cricket for everyone who is in lockdown.”“We thought it’s our duty to provide the world with some live sport,” said Shane Deitz, the chief executive of the Vanuatu Cricket Association and a former player for the Australian national team. “It’s one of the only live sports around the world at the moment. We can showcase a bit of cricket for everyone who is in lockdown.”
Vanuatu, like many other small Pacific nations, has managed to keep the coronavirus from spreading, or even arriving, if official figures are correct.Vanuatu, like many other small Pacific nations, has managed to keep the coronavirus from spreading, or even arriving, if official figures are correct.
The country went into lockdown late last month as a precaution. After it was hit by a major cyclone on April 6, the lockdown was lifted so that people could recover and rebuild.The country went into lockdown late last month as a precaution. After it was hit by a major cyclone on April 6, the lockdown was lifted so that people could recover and rebuild.
During the match on Saturday, small crowds of fans could be seen surrounding the pitch, standing or sitting a few feet apart, clearly enjoying the sight. Comments on the cricket association’s Facebook page, where the livestream was shown, thanked Vanuatu for sharing.During the match on Saturday, small crowds of fans could be seen surrounding the pitch, standing or sitting a few feet apart, clearly enjoying the sight. Comments on the cricket association’s Facebook page, where the livestream was shown, thanked Vanuatu for sharing.
President Trump’s suggestion that an injection of disinfectant could help combat the coronavirus prompted warnings on Friday from health officials across the country, as well as the makers of Clorox and Lysol and several Fox News personalities.President Trump’s suggestion that an injection of disinfectant could help combat the coronavirus prompted warnings on Friday from health officials across the country, as well as the makers of Clorox and Lysol and several Fox News personalities.
Injecting bleach or highly concentrated rubbing alcohol “causes massive organ damage and the blood cells in the body to basically burst,” Dr. Diane P. Calello, the medical director of the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System, said in an interview. “It can definitely be a fatal event.”Injecting bleach or highly concentrated rubbing alcohol “causes massive organ damage and the blood cells in the body to basically burst,” Dr. Diane P. Calello, the medical director of the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System, said in an interview. “It can definitely be a fatal event.”
The White House spent much of the day trying to walk back Mr. Trump’s remarks, which he made at Thursday’s press briefing. “Leave it to the media to irresponsibly take President Trump out of context and run with negative headlines,” said Kayleigh McEnany, the White House press secretary.The White House spent much of the day trying to walk back Mr. Trump’s remarks, which he made at Thursday’s press briefing. “Leave it to the media to irresponsibly take President Trump out of context and run with negative headlines,” said Kayleigh McEnany, the White House press secretary.
But the president later undermined her argument when he told journalists that he had been “asking a question sarcastically to reporters like you just to see what would happen.” Now, Mr. Trump’s advisers are encouraging him to skip the daily briefings or field fewer questions from the reporters.But the president later undermined her argument when he told journalists that he had been “asking a question sarcastically to reporters like you just to see what would happen.” Now, Mr. Trump’s advisers are encouraging him to skip the daily briefings or field fewer questions from the reporters.
Here’s what else is happening in the U.S.:Here’s what else is happening in the U.S.:
Mr. Trump’s decision to suspend family-based immigration because of the coronavirus is the beginning of a broader strategy to reduce the flow of foreigners into the United States, Stephen Miller, Mr. Trump’s immigration adviser, told a group of conservatives, according to an audio recording of the conference call obtained by The Times.Mr. Trump’s decision to suspend family-based immigration because of the coronavirus is the beginning of a broader strategy to reduce the flow of foreigners into the United States, Stephen Miller, Mr. Trump’s immigration adviser, told a group of conservatives, according to an audio recording of the conference call obtained by The Times.
The president on Friday signed the $484 billion relief bill into law, replenishing a fund for small businesses and providing money for hospitals and testing. The Congressional Budget Office said it expected the federal budget deficit to hit $3.7 trillion for the 2020 fiscal year, which would be its largest size as a share of the economy since World War II.The president on Friday signed the $484 billion relief bill into law, replenishing a fund for small businesses and providing money for hospitals and testing. The Congressional Budget Office said it expected the federal budget deficit to hit $3.7 trillion for the 2020 fiscal year, which would be its largest size as a share of the economy since World War II.
Georgia, Alaska and Oklahoma began reopening businesses on Friday, though the relaxed rules varied. Georgia recommended that salon owners perform temperature checks. Alaska allowed limited in-store shopping, while Oklahoma reopened its state parks.Georgia, Alaska and Oklahoma began reopening businesses on Friday, though the relaxed rules varied. Georgia recommended that salon owners perform temperature checks. Alaska allowed limited in-store shopping, while Oklahoma reopened its state parks.
Reopening the country will require antibody testing, which is now being subjected to its own tests. Scientists compared 14 of them, and the news wasn’t good. Only one test delivered no false positives — and just two others did well 99 percent of the time.Reopening the country will require antibody testing, which is now being subjected to its own tests. Scientists compared 14 of them, and the news wasn’t good. Only one test delivered no false positives — and just two others did well 99 percent of the time.
An ad hoc network of companies, wealthy individuals, academics and former diplomats has emerged to help the United States get the Chinese-made goods it needs to save coronavirus patients and protect front-line workers — and, perhaps, to help polish China’s dented image along the way. Reporting was contributed by Anton Troianovski, Kai Schultz, Dera Menra Sijabat, Richard C. Paddock, Tiffany May, Mike Ives, Kirk Semple, Elian Peltier, Liz Alderman, Tess Felder, Elaine Yu, Hisako Ueno, Adam Rasgon, Adam Nossiter, Evan Easterling, Andrew LaVallee, Damien Cave, Jin Wu, Declan Walsh, Alexandra Stevenson, Raphael Minder, Abdi Latif Dahir, Nicholas Kulish and David Gelles. Wang Yiwei contributed research.
The United States faces a desperate shortage of medical gear, including masks and ventilators, and Chinese factories are able to produce them. But a snarled supply chain and complicated politics stand between production and delivery, and people with stakes in keeping the U.S.-China relationship alive are stepping in to help.
The group includes business leaders like Jack Ma and Joseph Tsai, the founders of Alibaba, the Chinese e-commerce giant; Marc Benioff, a co-founder of Salesforce, who struck a pact with Alibaba last year to sell its services in China; and Yichen Zhang, the chairman of Citic Capital, a major Chinese investment firm affiliated with a state-run conglomerate.
Responding to calls for help from doctors, Mr. Zhang saw a chance to help one of Citic Capital’s portfolio companies, which got into the business of making protective gear for China during its own outbreak, and Yale University, which his daughter attends. He sent 10,000 masks and 40 protective gowns to Yale’s health clinic.
“It’s a business opportunity and a social responsibility,” said Henry Yin, Mr. Zhang’s assistant.
When Tom Moore, a British World War II veteran, set out to raise money for charities benefiting the National Health Service, he had a goal of 1,000 pounds ($1,236). He exceeded it by far.
Completing laps around his garden, Captain Moore, 99, has raised more than £28 million, about $35 million, setting a Guinness world record for the most money raised by an individual through a charity walk. And on Friday he set another record through a different charitable undertaking in the coronavirus pandemic.
A rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” — the Rodgers and Hammerstein show tune popularized by a Gerry and the Pacemakers cover in 1963 — that he recorded topped the singles chart on Friday, making Captain Moore the oldest person to go No. 1 on Britain’s Official Singles Chart, less than a week before his 100th birthday.
The song — recorded with the N.H.S. Voices of Care Choir and the British actor and singer Michael Ball — had 82,000 combined chart sales, according to the Official Charts Company, with proceeds benefiting N.H.S. Charities Together.
As the race for No. 1 approached its weekly end, the Canadian singer The Weeknd tweeted on Thursday to encourage British listeners to support Captain Moore’s cover. The Weeknd then finished second.
Members of Liverpool F.C., the soccer club that has long used “You’ll Never Walk Alone” as an anthem, congratulated Captain Moore on Twitter.
“I think it’s amazing that this would happen to me,” he said in an interview on BBC Radio 1.
“I think we’ve got to accept that what is going on at the moment is very serious,” he added. “But I think we must also remember that things will get better.”
Reporting was contributed by Anton Troianovski, Kai Schultz, Dera Menra Sijabat, Richard C. Paddock, Tiffany May, Mike Ives, Kirk Semple, Elian Peltier, Liz Alderman, Tess Felder, Elaine Yu, Hisako Ueno, Adam Rasgon, Adam Nossiter, Evan Easterling, Andrew LaVallee, Damien Cave, Jin Wu, Declan Walsh, Alexandra Stevenson, Nicholas Kulish and David Gelles. Wang Yiwei contributed research.