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Conflict and Famine Loom As Coronavirus Spreads: Live Global Coverage Conflict and Famine Loom As Coronavirus Spreads: Live Global Coverage
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新冠病毒疫情最新消息新冠病毒疫情最新消息
Tourist destinations across Europe are scrambling to find ways to salvage their peak summer season, as the pandemic chokes a vital part of many European nations’ economies.Tourist destinations across Europe are scrambling to find ways to salvage their peak summer season, as the pandemic chokes a vital part of many European nations’ economies.
Italy’s idyllic beaches may be newly fitted with Plexiglas boxes to enforce social distancing.Italy’s idyllic beaches may be newly fitted with Plexiglas boxes to enforce social distancing.
Sicily has plans to offer visitors three nights for the price of two.Sicily has plans to offer visitors three nights for the price of two.
Portugal will allow travelers to reschedule trips until the end of 2021, urging those who won’t be able to come this year not to cancel their visits, but just to come back later.Portugal will allow travelers to reschedule trips until the end of 2021, urging those who won’t be able to come this year not to cancel their visits, but just to come back later.
With the pandemic expected to cut tourism revenues in Europe by more than half this year, countries whose economies rely on an annual influx of visitors are mapping out plans to reinvigorate the sector as they gradually loosen restrictions.With the pandemic expected to cut tourism revenues in Europe by more than half this year, countries whose economies rely on an annual influx of visitors are mapping out plans to reinvigorate the sector as they gradually loosen restrictions.
Such plans may prove vital for the European Union’s economy, which faces the worst recession in its history, experts said this week. Over 27 million people in the bloc, or 12 percent of its work force, work in the tourism industry. In southern Europe, tourism represents between 13 and 20 percent of the countries’ economies.Such plans may prove vital for the European Union’s economy, which faces the worst recession in its history, experts said this week. Over 27 million people in the bloc, or 12 percent of its work force, work in the tourism industry. In southern Europe, tourism represents between 13 and 20 percent of the countries’ economies.
But as much as Europe wants its tourists back, efforts to restart the sector may depend on what each country decides. Clubs in Ibiza may reopen, but who will dance there if the Dutch and British tourists who usually fill their floors aren’t allowed to travel?But as much as Europe wants its tourists back, efforts to restart the sector may depend on what each country decides. Clubs in Ibiza may reopen, but who will dance there if the Dutch and British tourists who usually fill their floors aren’t allowed to travel?
Travelers might plan for a trip to France, but what is a visit to Paris if the Louvre and restaurants remain closed?Travelers might plan for a trip to France, but what is a visit to Paris if the Louvre and restaurants remain closed?
Some countries, like Greece, have said they could reopen tourism to those who can travel by car, before allowing flights.Some countries, like Greece, have said they could reopen tourism to those who can travel by car, before allowing flights.
European officials have called for a coordinated “‘Marshall Plan’ to restart European tourism,” but that seems far from becoming a reality.European officials have called for a coordinated “‘Marshall Plan’ to restart European tourism,” but that seems far from becoming a reality.
While the authorities in Italy and Germany have hinted that citizens may be allowed to go abroad this summer, President Emmanuel Macron of France cautioned against too much movement too fast. Concerns are high that flows of tourists could trigger a second wave of the virus, especially as ski resorts in Austria and vacation spots in Spain and Italy may have contributed to the spread of the virus earlier this year.While the authorities in Italy and Germany have hinted that citizens may be allowed to go abroad this summer, President Emmanuel Macron of France cautioned against too much movement too fast. Concerns are high that flows of tourists could trigger a second wave of the virus, especially as ski resorts in Austria and vacation spots in Spain and Italy may have contributed to the spread of the virus earlier this year.
Poland’s presidential election, which was to be the first of its kind held in Europe since the outbreak of the coronavirus, has been indefinitely delayed just days before it was scheduled to take place.Poland’s presidential election, which was to be the first of its kind held in Europe since the outbreak of the coronavirus, has been indefinitely delayed just days before it was scheduled to take place.
The decision, made by the governing Law and Justice party on Wednesday night, came after weeks of political turmoil around the prospect of a hastily arranged “vote-by-mail” system. The election, which had been planned for Sunday, is now not expected to take place until June at the earliest and officials are still debating how to conduct the contest both safely and fairly.The decision, made by the governing Law and Justice party on Wednesday night, came after weeks of political turmoil around the prospect of a hastily arranged “vote-by-mail” system. The election, which had been planned for Sunday, is now not expected to take place until June at the earliest and officials are still debating how to conduct the contest both safely and fairly.
President Andrzej Duda, a candidate of the governing party, is a clear favorite to win and the government had been pressing for the vote to go ahead. But opposition candidates — who had to halt their campaigns during the lockdown — urged a rescheduling.President Andrzej Duda, a candidate of the governing party, is a clear favorite to win and the government had been pressing for the vote to go ahead. But opposition candidates — who had to halt their campaigns during the lockdown — urged a rescheduling.
Critics have raised concerns that the Law and Justice party is becoming more authoritarian in its approach. Authoritarian-minded leaders around the world have used the coronavirus emergency to consolidate power.Critics have raised concerns that the Law and Justice party is becoming more authoritarian in its approach. Authoritarian-minded leaders around the world have used the coronavirus emergency to consolidate power.
But the government was forced to admit defeat this week in its often clumsy effort to set up Poland’s first postal election, for an electorate of more than 30 million, in less than a month. Officials said they still expected the rescheduled vote to rely on mail-in ballots.But the government was forced to admit defeat this week in its often clumsy effort to set up Poland’s first postal election, for an electorate of more than 30 million, in less than a month. Officials said they still expected the rescheduled vote to rely on mail-in ballots.
“Our experts are going to start working today on a deep change of the law on postal elections,” said Jaroslaw Gowin, head of a junior coalition partner. “The vote will take place in a way that is recommended by the health minister and experts. It will be an all mail-in vote. In the next two years, no other form of voting will be possible.”“Our experts are going to start working today on a deep change of the law on postal elections,” said Jaroslaw Gowin, head of a junior coalition partner. “The vote will take place in a way that is recommended by the health minister and experts. It will be an all mail-in vote. In the next two years, no other form of voting will be possible.”
Still, the move is likely to only deepen the political and constitutional crisis in Poland. Critics of the governing party had called for all elections to be suspended under a formal, limited state of emergency. Instead, Law and Justice simply suspended the election four days before it was scheduled, without giving its legal reasoning.Still, the move is likely to only deepen the political and constitutional crisis in Poland. Critics of the governing party had called for all elections to be suspended under a formal, limited state of emergency. Instead, Law and Justice simply suspended the election four days before it was scheduled, without giving its legal reasoning.
“We still don’t know on what basis the elections are not taking place this Sunday,” said Marek Chmaj, an expert in constitutional law at the University of Warsaw, adding that there was no guarantee that the future election would be fair. “It’s chaos.”“We still don’t know on what basis the elections are not taking place this Sunday,” said Marek Chmaj, an expert in constitutional law at the University of Warsaw, adding that there was no guarantee that the future election would be fair. “It’s chaos.”
A flurry of speculation — some of it hopeful — that Britain would relax its coronavirus lockdown was apparently premature. Britain’s government was on Thursday planning to announce a formal renewal of its coronavirus lockdown restrictions, while warning that any imminent easing of them will be very limited.
Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary, is expected to announce on Thursday evening that the measures will be extended following a government review. Prime Minister Boris Johnson had said that he planned to announce the lifting of restrictions as soon as Monday, spurring tabloid headlines like “Happy Monday,” in The Sun, and “Hurrah! Lockdown Freedom Beckons,” in the Daily Mail. Those proclamations may have been premature.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson had said that he planned to announce the lifting of restrictions as soon as Monday, spurring tabloid headlines like “Happy Monday,” in The Sun, and “Hurrah! Lockdown Freedom Beckons,” in the Daily Mail.
Social distancing measures were first introduced on March 23 in Britain, and the government is required to review them every three weeks.
At a cabinet meeting on Thursday, Mr. Johnson told colleagues that “maximum caution” was needed to prevent a second spike in infections that would cost more lives and deal further damage to the economy, Downing Street said.At a cabinet meeting on Thursday, Mr. Johnson told colleagues that “maximum caution” was needed to prevent a second spike in infections that would cost more lives and deal further damage to the economy, Downing Street said.
“We are at a critical moment in the fight against the virus and we will not do anything that risks the progress the British public has made,” a spokesman said.“We are at a critical moment in the fight against the virus and we will not do anything that risks the progress the British public has made,” a spokesman said.
Britain risks recording the worst death toll in Europe from the coronavirus, and political opponents accuse Mr. Johnson of being slow to react to the epidemic.Britain risks recording the worst death toll in Europe from the coronavirus, and political opponents accuse Mr. Johnson of being slow to react to the epidemic.
And with good weather expected during a long weekend — Friday is Early May Bank Holiday — some fear that Britons might relax prematurely and invite a new wave of infections.And with good weather expected during a long weekend — Friday is Early May Bank Holiday — some fear that Britons might relax prematurely and invite a new wave of infections.
“Some of the reports in today’s newspapers risk sending mixed messages to people across the UK,” Mark Drakeford, the First Minister of Wales, wrote on Twitter on Thursday. “Our message this bank holiday remains the same: Stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.”“Some of the reports in today’s newspapers risk sending mixed messages to people across the UK,” Mark Drakeford, the First Minister of Wales, wrote on Twitter on Thursday. “Our message this bank holiday remains the same: Stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.”
The United Nations more than tripled the size of its humanitarian aid appeal on Thursday to help the most vulnerable countries threatened by the coronavirus pandemic, from $2 billion initially sought just six weeks ago to $6.7 billion now.The United Nations more than tripled the size of its humanitarian aid appeal on Thursday to help the most vulnerable countries threatened by the coronavirus pandemic, from $2 billion initially sought just six weeks ago to $6.7 billion now.
The enormous expansion of the appeal, announced by Mark Lowcock, the top humanitarian aid official at the United Nations, reflected what he described as an updated global plan that includes nine additional countries deemed especially vulnerable: Benin, Djibouti, Liberia, Mozambique, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sierra Leone, Togo and Zimbabwe.The enormous expansion of the appeal, announced by Mark Lowcock, the top humanitarian aid official at the United Nations, reflected what he described as an updated global plan that includes nine additional countries deemed especially vulnerable: Benin, Djibouti, Liberia, Mozambique, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sierra Leone, Togo and Zimbabwe.
While the peak of the pandemic in the poorest countries is not expected until somewhere between three and six months from now, the United Nations said in a statement that “there is already evidence of incomes plummeting and jobs disappearing, food supplies failing and prices soaring, and children missing vaccinations and meals.”While the peak of the pandemic in the poorest countries is not expected until somewhere between three and six months from now, the United Nations said in a statement that “there is already evidence of incomes plummeting and jobs disappearing, food supplies failing and prices soaring, and children missing vaccinations and meals.”
Mr. Lowcock, who heads the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said in the statement that “unless we take action now, we should be prepared for a significant rise in conflict, hunger and poverty. The specter of multiple famines loom.”Mr. Lowcock, who heads the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said in the statement that “unless we take action now, we should be prepared for a significant rise in conflict, hunger and poverty. The specter of multiple famines loom.”
Even as the 193-member organization announced the new target for humanitarian fund-raising, it was still facing challenges in fulfilling the $2 billion goal set by Secretary General António Guterres on March 25. About $1 billion has been raised.Even as the 193-member organization announced the new target for humanitarian fund-raising, it was still facing challenges in fulfilling the $2 billion goal set by Secretary General António Guterres on March 25. About $1 billion has been raised.
That money, the United Nations said, has gone to funding for hand-washing stations in vulnerable locations such as refugee camps, the distribution of gloves and masks, and the training of more than 1.7 million people, including health workers, on virus identification and protection measures.That money, the United Nations said, has gone to funding for hand-washing stations in vulnerable locations such as refugee camps, the distribution of gloves and masks, and the training of more than 1.7 million people, including health workers, on virus identification and protection measures.
Mr. Lowcock’s office projected recently that the long-term cost of protecting the most vulnerable 10 percent of people in the world from the worst impacts of the pandemic is approximately $90 billion. That amount is equivalent to about 1 percent of the current economic stimulus packages announced by the world’s most affluent countries.Mr. Lowcock’s office projected recently that the long-term cost of protecting the most vulnerable 10 percent of people in the world from the worst impacts of the pandemic is approximately $90 billion. That amount is equivalent to about 1 percent of the current economic stimulus packages announced by the world’s most affluent countries.
The Indian authorities are investigating whether the rush to reopen a chemical plant in eastern India after a long coronavirus lockdown contributed to a deadly gas leak on Thursday morning.The Indian authorities are investigating whether the rush to reopen a chemical plant in eastern India after a long coronavirus lockdown contributed to a deadly gas leak on Thursday morning.
At least eleven people have died and hundreds were rushed to hospitals after a cloud of toxic styrene gas escaped from a polymer factory owned by the South Korean company LG Corp. and located near the city of Visakhapatnam.At least eleven people have died and hundreds were rushed to hospitals after a cloud of toxic styrene gas escaped from a polymer factory owned by the South Korean company LG Corp. and located near the city of Visakhapatnam.
India had been under a strict coronavirus lockdown for the past six weeks. But the lockdown was eased this week, allowing more industries to operate, and the chemical plant started to reopen on Wednesday.India had been under a strict coronavirus lockdown for the past six weeks. But the lockdown was eased this week, allowing more industries to operate, and the chemical plant started to reopen on Wednesday.
“It seems unskilled labor mishandled the maintenance work and because of that, the gas leaked,” said Srijana Gummalla, commissioner of Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation, the local government body.“It seems unskilled labor mishandled the maintenance work and because of that, the gas leaked,” said Srijana Gummalla, commissioner of Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation, the local government body.
Dozens of men and women were left lying unconscious in the street. Mothers ran to hospitals with limp children in their arms. Police officers moved house to house to evacuate the area around the plant.Dozens of men and women were left lying unconscious in the street. Mothers ran to hospitals with limp children in their arms. Police officers moved house to house to evacuate the area around the plant.
“We could feel the strong stench of the gas. Our eyes started watering and we could smell the gas in our mouths,” said one man, D.V.S.S. Ramana, who lived near the plant and spoke by telephone as he was fleeing.“We could feel the strong stench of the gas. Our eyes started watering and we could smell the gas in our mouths,” said one man, D.V.S.S. Ramana, who lived near the plant and spoke by telephone as he was fleeing.
The upsetting images of the accident broadcast on Indian television stations immediately drew comparison to the 1984 gas leak in India’s Bhopal State, considered the world’s worst industrial accident. That leak, at a Union Carbide pesticide plant, left nearly 4,000 dead and another 500,000 injured.The upsetting images of the accident broadcast on Indian television stations immediately drew comparison to the 1984 gas leak in India’s Bhopal State, considered the world’s worst industrial accident. That leak, at a Union Carbide pesticide plant, left nearly 4,000 dead and another 500,000 injured.
LG Chemical said it was investigating how the leak in Visakhapatnam happened.LG Chemical said it was investigating how the leak in Visakhapatnam happened.
“The gas leak from the factory is now under control,” the company said in a statement.“The gas leak from the factory is now under control,” the company said in a statement.
LG acknowledged that some people had been killed in the villages around the factory, saying that it was investigating “the cause of deaths” and other damage.LG acknowledged that some people had been killed in the villages around the factory, saying that it was investigating “the cause of deaths” and other damage.
Making an appeal that just a few weeks ago would have seemed treasonous, Moscow’s mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, on Thursday called on residents not to go out to watch a fireworks display and military flyby on Saturday for the 75th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany.
Celebrations for Victory Day, a sacrosanct annual holiday, had already been scaled back dramatically because of the pandemic, with a military parade in Red Square called off.
The mayor’s request that Muscovites watch the remaining events on television highlighted growing alarm that Russia’s coronavirus outbreak is becoming much more serious.
Moscow on Thursday reported 92,676 confirmed infections, more than half the national total, but Mr. Sobyanin said the real figure was probably around 300,000. He ordered that, starting Monday, masks and gloves must be worn on public transport and in shops in the Russian capital.
At the same time, he said the number of people admitted to hospitals with pneumonia-like symptoms had stopped growing, a sign that “the situation has stabilized.” Construction sites and some factories will resume work next week, he added.
Russia’s prime minister, Mikhail V. Mishustin, and two of his ministers have tested positive, as did the head of Russia’s manned space progam, Yevgeny Mikrin, who died this week. President Vladimir V. Putin has been holed up at his country residence for more than month.
Russia had relatively few known coronavirus cases until recently, but the virus is spreading at an alarming rate — about 10,000 new infections per day since Saturday. The authorities say this is largely because of increased testing.
The mayor’s request that people skip the Victory Day celebrations drew mockery from Aleksei A. Navalny, Russia’s most prominent opposition leader. Noting that millions of rubles had been spent on the events, he said on Twitter: “Is there a better example of the phrase — ‘money to the wind?’”
Millions of Italians returned to work on Monday after nearly two months of being on lockdown because of the coronavirus. But many working parents are unsure about how to ease back into their professional lives when their young children still can’t go to school.Millions of Italians returned to work on Monday after nearly two months of being on lockdown because of the coronavirus. But many working parents are unsure about how to ease back into their professional lives when their young children still can’t go to school.
Italy, once the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in Europe, was the first European country to impose national lockdown restrictions on March 10. When it lifted some of those restrictions this week, schools, nurseries, day cares and summer camps remained closed.Italy, once the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in Europe, was the first European country to impose national lockdown restrictions on March 10. When it lifted some of those restrictions this week, schools, nurseries, day cares and summer camps remained closed.
The Italian government has issued several measures to assist families juggling work and increased parental responsibilities during the epidemic. They include an additional 15 days of annual parental leave and a one-time voucher for 600 euros (about $650) toward babysitting. Last week, the government announced it was evaluating a plan to reopen nurseries and day care centers by the summer. Schools, however, are only expected to reopen in September.The Italian government has issued several measures to assist families juggling work and increased parental responsibilities during the epidemic. They include an additional 15 days of annual parental leave and a one-time voucher for 600 euros (about $650) toward babysitting. Last week, the government announced it was evaluating a plan to reopen nurseries and day care centers by the summer. Schools, however, are only expected to reopen in September.
But families say the government hasn’t done enough and that the measures that have been introduced fall short.But families say the government hasn’t done enough and that the measures that have been introduced fall short.
Many parents — and especially mothers — fear they will be forced to choose between their jobs and their family as the country slowly crawls back to life, and have called on the government to step in and act.Many parents — and especially mothers — fear they will be forced to choose between their jobs and their family as the country slowly crawls back to life, and have called on the government to step in and act.
Across the European Union, the women’s employment average is 67 percent, compared with 54 percent in Italy. And one study on gender inequality in the country showed that women already shoulder a disproportionate amount of child care duties.Across the European Union, the women’s employment average is 67 percent, compared with 54 percent in Italy. And one study on gender inequality in the country showed that women already shoulder a disproportionate amount of child care duties.
An article published last month on Lavoce.info, an Italian website, showed that 72 percent of those expected to return to work on Monday would be men, as restrictions on construction sites and factories, where jobs are traditionally held by men, were among the first to be lifted.An article published last month on Lavoce.info, an Italian website, showed that 72 percent of those expected to return to work on Monday would be men, as restrictions on construction sites and factories, where jobs are traditionally held by men, were among the first to be lifted.
The situation, the authors wrote, would “end up increasing the workload of women” at home, where they are already responsible for much of the child care.The situation, the authors wrote, would “end up increasing the workload of women” at home, where they are already responsible for much of the child care.
Making the situation even harder, the Italian networks that normally support families — like church, after-school programs and sports centers — have also shut down.Making the situation even harder, the Italian networks that normally support families — like church, after-school programs and sports centers — have also shut down.
An additional 3.2 million people filed jobless claims in the United States last week, swelling the number of new claims since the coronavirus lockdown began to more than 33 million, according to figures released by the Labor Department on Thursday.An additional 3.2 million people filed jobless claims in the United States last week, swelling the number of new claims since the coronavirus lockdown began to more than 33 million, according to figures released by the Labor Department on Thursday.
American institutions have also wrestled with the far-reaching effects of the coronavirus pandemic this week. On Wednesday, the military temporarily barring those who have been hospitalized with the virus from joining the armed forces, and Amazon broadcasting its support of a weakened Postal Service.American institutions have also wrestled with the far-reaching effects of the coronavirus pandemic this week. On Wednesday, the military temporarily barring those who have been hospitalized with the virus from joining the armed forces, and Amazon broadcasting its support of a weakened Postal Service.
Also on Wednesday, President Trump acknowledged that deaths could rise as a result of the reopening of the American economy, saying, “Hopefully that won’t be the case.”Also on Wednesday, President Trump acknowledged that deaths could rise as a result of the reopening of the American economy, saying, “Hopefully that won’t be the case.”
Mr. Trump has demanded that the beleaguered Postal Service ratchet up its package delivery rates to avoid bankruptcy during the coronavirus crisis — a move that appears aimed at Jeff Bezos, the chief executive of Amazon and the owner of The Washington Post, a favorite target of the president.Mr. Trump has demanded that the beleaguered Postal Service ratchet up its package delivery rates to avoid bankruptcy during the coronavirus crisis — a move that appears aimed at Jeff Bezos, the chief executive of Amazon and the owner of The Washington Post, a favorite target of the president.
But on Wednesday, Amazon and other online retailers began a seven-figure advertising campaign — starting on Fox News — to endorse a multibillion-dollar rescue package proposed by Democrats. The businesses could be disrupted significantly if the Postal Service increased its rates or went bankrupt.But on Wednesday, Amazon and other online retailers began a seven-figure advertising campaign — starting on Fox News — to endorse a multibillion-dollar rescue package proposed by Democrats. The businesses could be disrupted significantly if the Postal Service increased its rates or went bankrupt.
The pandemic is already affecting the Defense Department, whose officials said that its new measure prohibiting the enlistment of some former coronavirus patients was “interim guidance,” and that it would most likely be updated as military officials learn more about Covid-19 and its long-term risks.The pandemic is already affecting the Defense Department, whose officials said that its new measure prohibiting the enlistment of some former coronavirus patients was “interim guidance,” and that it would most likely be updated as military officials learn more about Covid-19 and its long-term risks.
The military is struggling to figure out how to better manage and protect America’s 1.2 million active duty troops. As of Wednesday morning, there have been more than 7,000 coronavirus cases recorded among military personnel, contractors and Defense Department civilians.The military is struggling to figure out how to better manage and protect America’s 1.2 million active duty troops. As of Wednesday morning, there have been more than 7,000 coronavirus cases recorded among military personnel, contractors and Defense Department civilians.
The coronavirus pandemic has brought some service professions to a standstill, with often devastating impacts on small but unexpectedly essential niches of the economy.The coronavirus pandemic has brought some service professions to a standstill, with often devastating impacts on small but unexpectedly essential niches of the economy.
That includes the driving school industry, though there is likely to be little sympathy for the instructors, especially in Germany, where getting a license is a grueling and costly rite of passage.That includes the driving school industry, though there is likely to be little sympathy for the instructors, especially in Germany, where getting a license is a grueling and costly rite of passage.
Driver education is a big deal in Germany, reflecting the role that cars play in the national psyche as well as an obsession with formal training.Driver education is a big deal in Germany, reflecting the role that cars play in the national psyche as well as an obsession with formal training.
Like restaurants and hair salons, driving schools can’t function without social contact, and though a few states in Germany have tried to make accommodations, training is on hold in much of the country.Like restaurants and hair salons, driving schools can’t function without social contact, and though a few states in Germany have tried to make accommodations, training is on hold in much of the country.
“There is no money coming in at all,” said Christine Timmer, owner of a driving school in Munich that caters to English-speaking expatriates, whose driver’s licenses are often not valid in Germany. “I will be able to manage for two to three months, but after that I really don’t know.”“There is no money coming in at all,” said Christine Timmer, owner of a driving school in Munich that caters to English-speaking expatriates, whose driver’s licenses are often not valid in Germany. “I will be able to manage for two to three months, but after that I really don’t know.”
More than a quarter of German driving schools believe that the coronavirus crisis will push them into bankruptcy, according to a survey by an industry association.More than a quarter of German driving schools believe that the coronavirus crisis will push them into bankruptcy, according to a survey by an industry association.
The consequences will ripple through the economy. Beyond the loss of an estimated 10,000 jobs, the pipeline of new pizza delivery drivers is temporarily shut off, as is the supply of neophyte car buyers when the suffering German auto industry needs all the customers it can get.The consequences will ripple through the economy. Beyond the loss of an estimated 10,000 jobs, the pipeline of new pizza delivery drivers is temporarily shut off, as is the supply of neophyte car buyers when the suffering German auto industry needs all the customers it can get.
Britain’s central bank painted a grim picture on Thursday of the country’s economy in the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic. The Bank of England that the economy in the April-June quarter would be close to 30 percent smaller than at the end of 2019, as consumer spending would fall by nearly 30 percent, while business revenues, investment and trade all contracted sharply.Britain’s central bank painted a grim picture on Thursday of the country’s economy in the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic. The Bank of England that the economy in the April-June quarter would be close to 30 percent smaller than at the end of 2019, as consumer spending would fall by nearly 30 percent, while business revenues, investment and trade all contracted sharply.
The bank said that for the whole of 2020 the economy was likely to shrink by 14 percent, compared to a 1 percent increase in 2019.The bank said that for the whole of 2020 the economy was likely to shrink by 14 percent, compared to a 1 percent increase in 2019.
But the bank, which also announced it would hold interest rates steady at 0.1 percent, said it foresaw economic activity picking up “materially in the latter part of 2020 and into 2021” after the lockdowns in Britain and elsewhere were eased and people were able to return to work. It forecast a strong jump in economic growth of 15 percent in 2021.But the bank, which also announced it would hold interest rates steady at 0.1 percent, said it foresaw economic activity picking up “materially in the latter part of 2020 and into 2021” after the lockdowns in Britain and elsewhere were eased and people were able to return to work. It forecast a strong jump in economic growth of 15 percent in 2021.
In its report, the bank said that it had tested the financial strength of major British banks and found that they were strong enough to continue lending in the difficult economic environment.In its report, the bank said that it had tested the financial strength of major British banks and found that they were strong enough to continue lending in the difficult economic environment.
The bank, which described its report as a “scenario” rather than a formal forecast, acknowledged that the outlook for both the British and global economies was unusually uncertain and depended on the evolution of the pandemic and “how governments, households and businesses respond.” On Wednesday, the European Commission projected a 7.4 percent collapse in the European Union economy for 2020.The bank, which described its report as a “scenario” rather than a formal forecast, acknowledged that the outlook for both the British and global economies was unusually uncertain and depended on the evolution of the pandemic and “how governments, households and businesses respond.” On Wednesday, the European Commission projected a 7.4 percent collapse in the European Union economy for 2020.
A restaurant in Amsterdam is giving diners a trial run of what nights out might look like in a country seeking to avoid a second pandemic peak.A restaurant in Amsterdam is giving diners a trial run of what nights out might look like in a country seeking to avoid a second pandemic peak.
Patrons of the ETEN restaurant are seated in closed glass cabins that fit two or three people, arranged outside on a sunny patio. Servers wear transparent face shields and latex gloves, and deliver food and drinks on extended wooden trays.Patrons of the ETEN restaurant are seated in closed glass cabins that fit two or three people, arranged outside on a sunny patio. Servers wear transparent face shields and latex gloves, and deliver food and drinks on extended wooden trays.
“We already had those green houses, so after a brainstorm we decided to offer them for people already living together,” said Sjoerd Houben, office and venue manager for Mediamatic, the art center that runs the restaurant. “This way they can have a cozy dinner with a great view.”“We already had those green houses, so after a brainstorm we decided to offer them for people already living together,” said Sjoerd Houben, office and venue manager for Mediamatic, the art center that runs the restaurant. “This way they can have a cozy dinner with a great view.”
For now, the idea is being tested on family and friends of employees: Dutch restaurants are not scheduled to reopen until June 1 and will only be allowed to serve a maximum of 30 customers at a time.For now, the idea is being tested on family and friends of employees: Dutch restaurants are not scheduled to reopen until June 1 and will only be allowed to serve a maximum of 30 customers at a time.
In the Netherlands, where most people socialize outside their homes, the decision to close all restaurants and bars left many longing for somewhere to gather. In Amsterdam, people can be seen roaming the streets with takeout coffee cups, one of the few options still on offer.In the Netherlands, where most people socialize outside their homes, the decision to close all restaurants and bars left many longing for somewhere to gather. In Amsterdam, people can be seen roaming the streets with takeout coffee cups, one of the few options still on offer.
But this week, the government revealed its long-awaited step-by-step approach to lifting restrictions, which will allow for shops to reopen and people to walk the streets as long as they keep one and a half meters, or 4 feet, apart.But this week, the government revealed its long-awaited step-by-step approach to lifting restrictions, which will allow for shops to reopen and people to walk the streets as long as they keep one and a half meters, or 4 feet, apart.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte has called on businesses to come up with ways to incorporate this social distancing rule into their ways of doing business, predicting that the Dutch should get used to what he calls the “meter-and-a-half” society, at least for now.Prime Minister Mark Rutte has called on businesses to come up with ways to incorporate this social distancing rule into their ways of doing business, predicting that the Dutch should get used to what he calls the “meter-and-a-half” society, at least for now.
A large consignment of personal protective equipment, or P.P.E., from Turkey, which the British government had relied on to ease a severe shortage of supplies in the country, has been judged unusable by inspectors because the items do not meet safety standards.A large consignment of personal protective equipment, or P.P.E., from Turkey, which the British government had relied on to ease a severe shortage of supplies in the country, has been judged unusable by inspectors because the items do not meet safety standards.
All 400,000 protective gowns that arrived in Britain last month were classified as “faulty” and are being stored at a facility near Heathrow Airport in London, the Department of Health and Social Care said on Thursday.All 400,000 protective gowns that arrived in Britain last month were classified as “faulty” and are being stored at a facility near Heathrow Airport in London, the Department of Health and Social Care said on Thursday.
The revelations about the purchase came as British officials faced mounting criticism over their handling of national equipment shortages that saw health care workers advised to reuse their equipment.The revelations about the purchase came as British officials faced mounting criticism over their handling of national equipment shortages that saw health care workers advised to reuse their equipment.
“This is a global pandemic with many countries procuring P.P.E., leading to shortages around the world, not just the U.K.,” the Department of Health and Social Care said in a statement. “If equipment does not meet our specifications or pass our quality assurance processes, it is not distributed to the front line.”“This is a global pandemic with many countries procuring P.P.E., leading to shortages around the world, not just the U.K.,” the Department of Health and Social Care said in a statement. “If equipment does not meet our specifications or pass our quality assurance processes, it is not distributed to the front line.”
It was not immediately clear whether Britain would send the supplies back to Turkey and seek a refund, and the government has not released information on how much money was spent on the items. Britain faced similar embarrassment in April when it purchased millions of unproven test kits from China that proved unfit for their planned use, and cost the country $20 million.It was not immediately clear whether Britain would send the supplies back to Turkey and seek a refund, and the government has not released information on how much money was spent on the items. Britain faced similar embarrassment in April when it purchased millions of unproven test kits from China that proved unfit for their planned use, and cost the country $20 million.
Last month, a manufacturing company in the Republic of Ireland stepped in to alter a supply of unusable protective equipment that had been bought from China, The Irish Post reported. The company trimmed the legs of faulty jumpsuits and used them to lengthen the sleeves of protective gowns.Last month, a manufacturing company in the Republic of Ireland stepped in to alter a supply of unusable protective equipment that had been bought from China, The Irish Post reported. The company trimmed the legs of faulty jumpsuits and used them to lengthen the sleeves of protective gowns.
Another 50,000 P.P.E. kits supplied by China to India were discarded after failing to conform with health and safety standards.Another 50,000 P.P.E. kits supplied by China to India were discarded after failing to conform with health and safety standards.
In 2017 and 2018, 2,000 jobless Finns were given 560 euros (about $600) a month, tax-free and with no strings attached. Finland called it the world’s first randomized nationwide experiment with a universal basic income. The policy had been gaining supporters among those worried about automation destroying jobs, but interest is rising more broadly as pandemic lockdowns put millions out of work.In 2017 and 2018, 2,000 jobless Finns were given 560 euros (about $600) a month, tax-free and with no strings attached. Finland called it the world’s first randomized nationwide experiment with a universal basic income. The policy had been gaining supporters among those worried about automation destroying jobs, but interest is rising more broadly as pandemic lockdowns put millions out of work.
On Wednesday, Finland delivered a full assessment of the experiment’s results. In short, basic income recipients were happier but didn’t find jobs more readily than a control group of similarly unemployed workers. Proponents say that this is encouraging because it dispels fears that a basic income would encourage people to work lessOn Wednesday, Finland delivered a full assessment of the experiment’s results. In short, basic income recipients were happier but didn’t find jobs more readily than a control group of similarly unemployed workers. Proponents say that this is encouraging because it dispels fears that a basic income would encourage people to work less
Still, Finland decided against expanding the trial, and instead is looking to direct aid for low-income citizens via the tax system.Still, Finland decided against expanding the trial, and instead is looking to direct aid for low-income citizens via the tax system.
As governments look for ways to stimulate their cratering economies, the idea of paying everyone a basic income “was kind of avant-garde but has become mainstream,” says Roope Mokka, a co-founder of the research institute Demos Helsinki. “The pandemic has revealed the inequalities in society in a brutal way. This speaks to universal solutions.”As governments look for ways to stimulate their cratering economies, the idea of paying everyone a basic income “was kind of avant-garde but has become mainstream,” says Roope Mokka, a co-founder of the research institute Demos Helsinki. “The pandemic has revealed the inequalities in society in a brutal way. This speaks to universal solutions.”
He admits that the idea of free money for everyone remains a tough sell politically, even during a pandemic. But he expects governments to “do something that’s effectively the same thing” as a universal basic income, especially if unemployment persists in the absence of a vaccine.He admits that the idea of free money for everyone remains a tough sell politically, even during a pandemic. But he expects governments to “do something that’s effectively the same thing” as a universal basic income, especially if unemployment persists in the absence of a vaccine.
All viruses mutate, and the coronavirus is no exception. But there is no compelling evidence yet that it is evolving in a way that has made it more contagious or more deadly.All viruses mutate, and the coronavirus is no exception. But there is no compelling evidence yet that it is evolving in a way that has made it more contagious or more deadly.
A preprint study — posted online, but not published in a scientific journal and not yet peer-reviewed — has set the internet afire by suggesting otherwise.A preprint study — posted online, but not published in a scientific journal and not yet peer-reviewed — has set the internet afire by suggesting otherwise.
On April 30, researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico claimed to have found a mutation in the coronavirus that arose in Europe in February and then rapidly spread, becoming dominant as the virus was introduced into new countries.On April 30, researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico claimed to have found a mutation in the coronavirus that arose in Europe in February and then rapidly spread, becoming dominant as the virus was introduced into new countries.
The mutation, they wrote, “is of urgent concern,” because it made the coronavirus more transmissible. But experts in viral evolution are far from convinced.The mutation, they wrote, “is of urgent concern,” because it made the coronavirus more transmissible. But experts in viral evolution are far from convinced.
Mutations are tiny changes to genetic material that occur as it is copied. Human cells have many so-called proofreading proteins that keep mutations rare. Viruses are far sloppier, producing many mutants every time they infect a cell. Natural selection can favor viruses carrying a beneficial mutation, leading it to spread more widely.Mutations are tiny changes to genetic material that occur as it is copied. Human cells have many so-called proofreading proteins that keep mutations rare. Viruses are far sloppier, producing many mutants every time they infect a cell. Natural selection can favor viruses carrying a beneficial mutation, leading it to spread more widely.
But it’s also possible for a neutral mutation to become more common simply by chance, a process known as genetic drift.But it’s also possible for a neutral mutation to become more common simply by chance, a process known as genetic drift.
“I don’t think they provide evidence to claim transmissibility enhancement,” Sergei Pond, an evolutionary biologist at Temple University, said of the new report in an email.“I don’t think they provide evidence to claim transmissibility enhancement,” Sergei Pond, an evolutionary biologist at Temple University, said of the new report in an email.
In fact, Dr. Pond said, the mutation, known as D614G, has arisen not just once, but several times independently. On some of those occasions, viruses carrying the mutation didn’t take off in the population. Instead, the gene reverted to its original form, suggesting that D614G didn’t give the virus any special advantage.In fact, Dr. Pond said, the mutation, known as D614G, has arisen not just once, but several times independently. On some of those occasions, viruses carrying the mutation didn’t take off in the population. Instead, the gene reverted to its original form, suggesting that D614G didn’t give the virus any special advantage.
No one has ruled out the possibility that a mutation could arise that would make the virus more transmissible. And it’s possible that D614G has provided some sort of edge.No one has ruled out the possibility that a mutation could arise that would make the virus more transmissible. And it’s possible that D614G has provided some sort of edge.
But it will take much more evidence to rule out other explanations.But it will take much more evidence to rule out other explanations.
Museum exhibitions in much of the world were put on pause in early or mid-March, postponed indefinitely as many countries issued strict stay-at-home orders. But as shutdowns continue, it has become clear that some shuttered shows will not reopen. Others will never open their doors. Many more are in limbo.Museum exhibitions in much of the world were put on pause in early or mid-March, postponed indefinitely as many countries issued strict stay-at-home orders. But as shutdowns continue, it has become clear that some shuttered shows will not reopen. Others will never open their doors. Many more are in limbo.
The behind-the-scenes work on a major museum exhibition usually takes years, involving fund-raising, difficult loan negotiations with other museums and collectors, scholarship and catalog production, events planning, complicated transport and sometimes major restoration.The behind-the-scenes work on a major museum exhibition usually takes years, involving fund-raising, difficult loan negotiations with other museums and collectors, scholarship and catalog production, events planning, complicated transport and sometimes major restoration.
Some cancellations are already stacking up. The Royal Academy in London has canceled two exhibitions slated for this summer that were traveling internationally from other museums. At the Royal Scottish Academy, the centerpiece of its programming is an annual exhibition that has been moved entirely online.Some cancellations are already stacking up. The Royal Academy in London has canceled two exhibitions slated for this summer that were traveling internationally from other museums. At the Royal Scottish Academy, the centerpiece of its programming is an annual exhibition that has been moved entirely online.
The Museum of Fine Arts Ghent in Belgium opened the largest-ever display of Jan van Eyck’s work, “Van Eyck: An Optical Revolution,” on Feb. 1. The city of Ghent dedicated an entire year to the celebration of van Eyck, plastering walls and even wastebaskets with posters about him.The Museum of Fine Arts Ghent in Belgium opened the largest-ever display of Jan van Eyck’s work, “Van Eyck: An Optical Revolution,” on Feb. 1. The city of Ghent dedicated an entire year to the celebration of van Eyck, plastering walls and even wastebaskets with posters about him.
The museum closed on March 13 because of the coronavirus and announced last week that the show would not reopen.The museum closed on March 13 because of the coronavirus and announced last week that the show would not reopen.
Maximiliaan Martens, an expert in early Netherlandish painting, will always have the memory of standing in a room filled with van Eyck’s portraits right after they were hung, an experience he said was “indescribable.” Never before had these portraits been in the same room, even in van Eyck’s lifetime.Maximiliaan Martens, an expert in early Netherlandish painting, will always have the memory of standing in a room filled with van Eyck’s portraits right after they were hung, an experience he said was “indescribable.” Never before had these portraits been in the same room, even in van Eyck’s lifetime.
When they can travel again, the portraits will scatter around the world once more. The Ghent altarpiece will eventually return to the cathedral for good. These works will almost certainly never be reassembled.When they can travel again, the portraits will scatter around the world once more. The Ghent altarpiece will eventually return to the cathedral for good. These works will almost certainly never be reassembled.
Munir Mohamad Mangal, an Afghan general who had served in the country’s security forces for four decades, most recently as national police commander, died on May 2 at his home in Kabul. He was 70.Munir Mohamad Mangal, an Afghan general who had served in the country’s security forces for four decades, most recently as national police commander, died on May 2 at his home in Kabul. He was 70.
The cause was Covid-19, the Interior Ministry said. He was Afghanistan’s highest-profile casualty of the pandemic and the second member of his family to die of the virus. His son, a physician, also died.The cause was Covid-19, the Interior Ministry said. He was Afghanistan’s highest-profile casualty of the pandemic and the second member of his family to die of the virus. His son, a physician, also died.
“He was a patriot — a strong and calm officer,” said a former colleague, Mirza Mohammad Yarmand, who had worked with General Mangal for several years.“He was a patriot — a strong and calm officer,” said a former colleague, Mirza Mohammad Yarmand, who had worked with General Mangal for several years.
In a time when promotion to general became more about political connections and less about the years spent in the force, General Mangal had climbed the ladder, Mr. Yarmand said. He could relate to the officers at different levels — he had been there.In a time when promotion to general became more about political connections and less about the years spent in the force, General Mangal had climbed the ladder, Mr. Yarmand said. He could relate to the officers at different levels — he had been there.
Read the full obituary here.Read the full obituary here.
Reporting and research was contributed by Stephen Castle, Tariq Panja, Jason Karaian, Richard Pérez-Peña, Karen Zraick, Jack Ewing, Fahim Abed, Joanna Berendt, Thomas Erdbrink, Elian Peltier, Ceylan Yeginsu, Megan Specia, Jeffrey Gettleman, Stanley Reed, Rick Gladstone, Jason M. Bailey, David Halbfinger, Carl Zimmer, Richard C. Paddock, Lin Qiqing, Sophie Haigney, Elisabetta Povoledo, Elaine Glusac, Tariro Mzezewa, Mariel Padilla and Sara Firshein. Reporting and research was contributed by Andrew Higgins, Anton Troianovski, Andrew E. Kramer, Oleg Matsnev, Stephen Castle, Tariq Panja, Jason Karaian, Richard Pérez-Peña, Karen Zraick, Jack Ewing, Fahim Abed, Joanna Berendt, Thomas Erdbrink, Elian Peltier, Ceylan Yeginsu, Megan Specia, Jeffrey Gettleman, Stanley Reed, Rick Gladstone, Jason M. Bailey, David Halbfinger, Carl Zimmer, Richard C. Paddock, Lin Qiqing, Sophie Haigney, Elisabetta Povoledo, Elaine Glusac, Tariro Mzezewa, Mariel Padilla and Sara Firshein.