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Germany and France Propose $545 Billion Coronavirus Recovery Fund: Live Coverage France and Germany Propose $545 Billion Coronavirus Recovery Fund: Live Coverage
(about 1 hour later)
Faced with economic recession and deep strains in the European Union over the coronavirus, German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday broke with German economic orthodoxy and agreed to what would amount to collective European debt to help those countries hit hardest by the pandemic. Faced with economic recession and deep strains in the European Union over the coronavirus, German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday agreed to what would amount to collective European debt to help those countries hit hardest by the pandemic.
Ms. Merkel joined with French President Emmanuel Macron to propose a 500 billion euro ($545 billion) recovery fund, financed by the European Union and repaid through the collective Brussels budget, to help European regions and economic sectors battered by the coronavirus. Ms. Merkel joined with the French president, Emmanuel Macron, to propose a 500 billion euro ($545 billion) recovery fund, financed by the European Union and repaid through the collective Brussels budget, to help European regions and economic sectors battered by the coronavirus.
Germany has always resisted collectively financing vulnerable bloc member states, but in what she described as a “one-off effort,’’ Ms. Merkel agreed to a plan whereby the European Commission, using its excellent credit rating, would borrow money for the fund. The money would be paid back over time through the joint European Union budget, which is financed by a set formula by member states. The proposal must be agreed to by the other 25 member states of the bloc, some of which have also rejected collective indebtedness in the past.
Germany has always resisted collectively financing vulnerable member states, but in what she described as a “one-off effort,’’ Ms. Merkel agreed to a plan whereby the European Commission, using its excellent credit rating, would borrow money for the fund. The money would be paid back over time through the joint European Union budget, which is financed by a set formula by member states.
“We are experiencing the biggest crisis in our history,’’ Ms. Merkel said in a joint video news conference with Mr. Macron. “It is time to fight back. Germany and France are fighting together for the European idea.”“We are experiencing the biggest crisis in our history,’’ Ms. Merkel said in a joint video news conference with Mr. Macron. “It is time to fight back. Germany and France are fighting together for the European idea.”
She added: “Because of the unusual nature of the crisis we are choosing an unusual path.’’She added: “Because of the unusual nature of the crisis we are choosing an unusual path.’’
The proposal must be agreed to by the other 25 member states of the bloc, some of which have also rejected collective indebtedness in the past. Mr. Macron called the proposal a “a profoundly unprecedented step,” although he acknowledged “there is still work to do.”
“There is still work to do,” Mr. Macron acknowledged. “But it is a profoundly unprecedented step.”
Details were scarce, but the leaders said that the money would be provided to sectors and regions most hard hit, including countries like Italy and Spain with shakier budgets.Details were scarce, but the leaders said that the money would be provided to sectors and regions most hard hit, including countries like Italy and Spain with shakier budgets.
Those receiving the funds would not be responsible for repaying them, Mr. Macron said. That would be the responsibility of the European Union as a whole through its joint budget.
In a pointed challenge to President Trump, President Xi Jinping of China on Monday offered to provide $2 billion in the fight against the pandemic and called on other nations to increase their contributions to the World Health Organization at a time when the United States has withdrawn its funding from the global health network.In a pointed challenge to President Trump, President Xi Jinping of China on Monday offered to provide $2 billion in the fight against the pandemic and called on other nations to increase their contributions to the World Health Organization at a time when the United States has withdrawn its funding from the global health network.
Mr. Xi’s remarks, delivered during an extraordinary virtual meeting of heads of state and health experts from around the world, are likely to ratchet up pressure on Mr. Trump, who last month announced that the United States would withhold its annual contribution of about $550 million to the organization, accusing it of promoting disinformation from China about the coronavirus outbreak. W.H.O. officials have denied the claims and China has insisted it was transparent and open.Mr. Xi’s remarks, delivered during an extraordinary virtual meeting of heads of state and health experts from around the world, are likely to ratchet up pressure on Mr. Trump, who last month announced that the United States would withhold its annual contribution of about $550 million to the organization, accusing it of promoting disinformation from China about the coronavirus outbreak. W.H.O. officials have denied the claims and China has insisted it was transparent and open.
In his remarks, Mr. Xi also defended his country’s handling of the outbreak and appeared to brush aside calls for an independent investigation into the origins of the virus — a demand the United States has been promoting among its allies — saying such forensics should wait until the crisis had subsided.In his remarks, Mr. Xi also defended his country’s handling of the outbreak and appeared to brush aside calls for an independent investigation into the origins of the virus — a demand the United States has been promoting among its allies — saying such forensics should wait until the crisis had subsided.
The $2 billion would be a vast increase in China’s contribution to the W.H.O., which last year totaled $43 million. In April, after the United States announced it would cut funding to the organization, Beijing said it would provide an additional $30 million to the W.H.O.The $2 billion would be a vast increase in China’s contribution to the W.H.O., which last year totaled $43 million. In April, after the United States announced it would cut funding to the organization, Beijing said it would provide an additional $30 million to the W.H.O.
Mr. Xi’s speech, delivered by videoconference during the opening session of the World Health Assembly, its first meeting amid the pandemic, sought to position China as a leader in the organization. He also announced increased support to African nations struggling to contain the virus with financial assistance, Chinese doctors and what he described as a “global humanitarian response depot and hub in China to ensure the operation of anti-epidemic supply chains.”Mr. Xi’s speech, delivered by videoconference during the opening session of the World Health Assembly, its first meeting amid the pandemic, sought to position China as a leader in the organization. He also announced increased support to African nations struggling to contain the virus with financial assistance, Chinese doctors and what he described as a “global humanitarian response depot and hub in China to ensure the operation of anti-epidemic supply chains.”
The W.H.O. meeting had been slated to include a vote on another contentious topic: whether Taiwan, a self-governing island that China claims as its territory, should be allowed to participate as an observer. But on Monday, Taiwan’s foreign ministry said it was pausing its bid. In a sharp critique, Alex M. Azar II, the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, charged that the W.H.O.’s handling of the outbreak in China led to unnecessary deaths and lambasted Beijing for withholding critical information about the virus as it was spreading through China.
“We must be frank about one of the primary reasons that this outbreak spun out of control,” Mr. Azar said. “There was a failure by this organization to obtain the information that the world needed, and that failure cost many lives.”
Mr. Azar said the United States would continue to push for an independent examination of the health agency’s response to the pandemic.
The drugmaker Moderna said Monday that the first coronavirus vaccine to be tested in people appears to be safe and able to stimulate an immune response against the virus.The drugmaker Moderna said Monday that the first coronavirus vaccine to be tested in people appears to be safe and able to stimulate an immune response against the virus.
The findings, which helped prompt a rally on Wall Street, are based on results from the first eight people who each received two doses of the experimental vaccine, starting in March.The findings, which helped prompt a rally on Wall Street, are based on results from the first eight people who each received two doses of the experimental vaccine, starting in March.
Those people, healthy volunteers, made antibodies that were then tested in human cells in the lab, and were able to stop the virus from replicating — the key requirement for an effective vaccine. The levels of those so-called neutralizing antibodies matched the levels found in patients who had recovered after contracting the virus in the community.Those people, healthy volunteers, made antibodies that were then tested in human cells in the lab, and were able to stop the virus from replicating — the key requirement for an effective vaccine. The levels of those so-called neutralizing antibodies matched the levels found in patients who had recovered after contracting the virus in the community.
Limited data from the early phase, however leaves much uncertainty around the vaccine’s potential success.Limited data from the early phase, however leaves much uncertainty around the vaccine’s potential success.
Dozens of companies in the United States, Europe and China are racing to produce vaccines, using different methods.Dozens of companies in the United States, Europe and China are racing to produce vaccines, using different methods.
Moderna’s announcement came just a few days after President Trump named leaders for the American government’s effort to speed up development of a vaccine, and the company has said that it is proceeding on an accelerated timetable, with the second phase involving 600 people to begin soon, and a third phase to begin in July involving thousands of healthy people. The Food and Drug Administration gave Moderna the go-ahead for the second phase earlier this month.Moderna’s announcement came just a few days after President Trump named leaders for the American government’s effort to speed up development of a vaccine, and the company has said that it is proceeding on an accelerated timetable, with the second phase involving 600 people to begin soon, and a third phase to begin in July involving thousands of healthy people. The Food and Drug Administration gave Moderna the go-ahead for the second phase earlier this month.
If those trials go well, a vaccine could become available for widespread use by the end of this year or early 2021, Dr. Tal Zaks, Moderna’s chief medical officer, said in an interview. How many doses might be ready is not clear, but Dr. Zaks said, “We’re doing our best to make it as many millions as possible.”If those trials go well, a vaccine could become available for widespread use by the end of this year or early 2021, Dr. Tal Zaks, Moderna’s chief medical officer, said in an interview. How many doses might be ready is not clear, but Dr. Zaks said, “We’re doing our best to make it as many millions as possible.”
After nearly 10 weeks of a surreal quiet, the familiar refrain of honking cars, buzzing scooters and lumbering buses sounded in Rome’s city center on Monday as many stores, bars and restaurants opened for the first time following a coronavirus lockdown.After nearly 10 weeks of a surreal quiet, the familiar refrain of honking cars, buzzing scooters and lumbering buses sounded in Rome’s city center on Monday as many stores, bars and restaurants opened for the first time following a coronavirus lockdown.
But even as restaurateurs measured the distance between tables and shop owners mopped their stoops, the fallout from months of inactivity was evident in shuttered stores and “For Rent” signs.But even as restaurateurs measured the distance between tables and shop owners mopped their stoops, the fallout from months of inactivity was evident in shuttered stores and “For Rent” signs.
The gradual reopening is being navigated across much of Europe as weeks of lockdowns make way for a return to public life. In most of Spain, restaurants also welcomed back customers on their terraces on Monday.The gradual reopening is being navigated across much of Europe as weeks of lockdowns make way for a return to public life. In most of Spain, restaurants also welcomed back customers on their terraces on Monday.
In Rome, on tables in Trattoria Settimio, Maria Teresa Luciani displayed two laminated sheets: not menus, but a certification that the storied eatery had used cleaning products approved to disinfect against the coronavirus.In Rome, on tables in Trattoria Settimio, Maria Teresa Luciani displayed two laminated sheets: not menus, but a certification that the storied eatery had used cleaning products approved to disinfect against the coronavirus.
Earlier in the day, her husband, the owner, had measured out the mandatory spacing between tables. They hadn’t put down tablecloths yet, because they had no idea how many lunchtime clients would come. “It’s the first day. We have to get used to this,” Ms. Luciani said. “It’s a bit confusing, but slowly, slowly it’ll all work out.”Earlier in the day, her husband, the owner, had measured out the mandatory spacing between tables. They hadn’t put down tablecloths yet, because they had no idea how many lunchtime clients would come. “It’s the first day. We have to get used to this,” Ms. Luciani said. “It’s a bit confusing, but slowly, slowly it’ll all work out.”
The cozy seating that was once part of the charm of Ditirambo, another downtown restaurant, has become a drawback amid the pandemic. The owner, Dado Micozzi, has been scrambling for outdoor seating alternatives.The cozy seating that was once part of the charm of Ditirambo, another downtown restaurant, has become a drawback amid the pandemic. The owner, Dado Micozzi, has been scrambling for outdoor seating alternatives.
On Monday he was overseeing a long list of protocols — including installing a traffic light system over the bathroom door — before reopening to the public later this week.On Monday he was overseeing a long list of protocols — including installing a traffic light system over the bathroom door — before reopening to the public later this week.
Efforts to reopen for delivery and takeout in recent weeks were not hugely successful, and without his main tourist clientele on the immediate horizon, Mr. Micozzi wasn’t sure how things would go. But he said he was determined to stay open.Efforts to reopen for delivery and takeout in recent weeks were not hugely successful, and without his main tourist clientele on the immediate horizon, Mr. Micozzi wasn’t sure how things would go. But he said he was determined to stay open.
“Now, we are working not for ourselves,” he said, “but for all those people who have helped us over the years.”“Now, we are working not for ourselves,” he said, “but for all those people who have helped us over the years.”
Germany is facing the first major coronavirus outbreak in a refugee center near Cologne, where the authorities said that more than 70 residents had tested positive for the virus and been placed in isolation. Another 60 residents tested negative and were moved to a different center.Germany is facing the first major coronavirus outbreak in a refugee center near Cologne, where the authorities said that more than 70 residents had tested positive for the virus and been placed in isolation. Another 60 residents tested negative and were moved to a different center.
Hundreds of migrants who arrived in Germany in the months before its borders were closed in mid-March live in refugee centers that lack the space needed for effective social distancing and where they often share bathrooms and kitchens.Hundreds of migrants who arrived in Germany in the months before its borders were closed in mid-March live in refugee centers that lack the space needed for effective social distancing and where they often share bathrooms and kitchens.
Rights groups and opposition politicians have long warned that the crowded centers posed a health risk and urged local health authorities to carry out regular tests to prevent an outbreak of the virus. Members of the opposition Greens have criticized the government for inaction.Rights groups and opposition politicians have long warned that the crowded centers posed a health risk and urged local health authorities to carry out regular tests to prevent an outbreak of the virus. Members of the opposition Greens have criticized the government for inaction.
The center where the outbreak arose was home to 489 people from dozens of countries. After one resident tested positive for the virus on Thursday, others were given protective masks and disinfectant as tests were carried out on everyone else at the facility.The center where the outbreak arose was home to 489 people from dozens of countries. After one resident tested positive for the virus on Thursday, others were given protective masks and disinfectant as tests were carried out on everyone else at the facility.
Germany has recorded 174,697 coronavirus cases and 7,935 fatalities since the outbreak began. Several of the worst outbreaks have been in nursing homes, hospitals and among migrant workers in meatpacking facilities.Germany has recorded 174,697 coronavirus cases and 7,935 fatalities since the outbreak began. Several of the worst outbreaks have been in nursing homes, hospitals and among migrant workers in meatpacking facilities.
When Iran began to reopen late last month, commuters packed subways and buses, young people lined up for takeout hamburgers and pizza, and traffic snarled highways. Shoppers crowded the traditional bazaars of Isfahan and Tehran. Worshipers resumed communal prayer at mosques during Ramadan evenings.When Iran began to reopen late last month, commuters packed subways and buses, young people lined up for takeout hamburgers and pizza, and traffic snarled highways. Shoppers crowded the traditional bazaars of Isfahan and Tehran. Worshipers resumed communal prayer at mosques during Ramadan evenings.
Three weeks later, the country has been hit by a new surge of coronavirus cases, according to health officials in some of the eight provinces where the numbers have spiked again. Health experts had predicted this would happen when the government made the call to ease restrictions in late April.Three weeks later, the country has been hit by a new surge of coronavirus cases, according to health officials in some of the eight provinces where the numbers have spiked again. Health experts had predicted this would happen when the government made the call to ease restrictions in late April.
Iran, an epicenter of the outbreak in the Middle East, reopened without meeting the benchmarks recommended by health experts, such as ensuring that widespread testing and contact tracing was in place, and recording a steady drop in cases for at least several weeks.Iran, an epicenter of the outbreak in the Middle East, reopened without meeting the benchmarks recommended by health experts, such as ensuring that widespread testing and contact tracing was in place, and recording a steady drop in cases for at least several weeks.
Other countries have also seen their coronavirus numbers fall and rise again, but the rekindled crisis in Iran may offer an important lesson for other governments trying to get the balance right between guarding public health and restarting their economies.Other countries have also seen their coronavirus numbers fall and rise again, but the rekindled crisis in Iran may offer an important lesson for other governments trying to get the balance right between guarding public health and restarting their economies.
“Other countries should look to Iran and not do what it did,” said Dr. Kamiar Alaei, an expert on Iran’s public health and president of Institute for International Health and Education in Albany, N.Y.“Other countries should look to Iran and not do what it did,” said Dr. Kamiar Alaei, an expert on Iran’s public health and president of Institute for International Health and Education in Albany, N.Y.
“They moved late to close off cities and they opened too early,” Dr. Alaei said. “What we feared is coming true.”“They moved late to close off cities and they opened too early,” Dr. Alaei said. “What we feared is coming true.”
When Prime Minister Sophie Wilmès of Belgium visited the Saint-Pierre hospital in Brussels this weekend, she was not met with praise. Instead, members of the hospital’s nursing staff lined the roadway and turned their backs on her approaching car in a silent protest over the government’s handling of the coronavirus.When Prime Minister Sophie Wilmès of Belgium visited the Saint-Pierre hospital in Brussels this weekend, she was not met with praise. Instead, members of the hospital’s nursing staff lined the roadway and turned their backs on her approaching car in a silent protest over the government’s handling of the coronavirus.
The hospital has played a central role in Belgium’s response, taking in the most Covid-19 patients in the country, and it was Ms. Wilmès’s first visit to the hospital to thank the staff since the crisis began.The hospital has played a central role in Belgium’s response, taking in the most Covid-19 patients in the country, and it was Ms. Wilmès’s first visit to the hospital to thank the staff since the crisis began.
Arriving at the hospital grounds, Ms. Wilmès was greeted by a double row of nurses and other health workers with their backs turned to her, in what has been described as “guard of dishonor.”Arriving at the hospital grounds, Ms. Wilmès was greeted by a double row of nurses and other health workers with their backs turned to her, in what has been described as “guard of dishonor.”
“Nobody can ignore the distress of the nursing staff, which was already there before the crisis and was increased with the difficulties,” Ms Wilmès told RTBF, the public broadcaster, after visiting the hospital. “We need to reassess the nursing profession.”“Nobody can ignore the distress of the nursing staff, which was already there before the crisis and was increased with the difficulties,” Ms Wilmès told RTBF, the public broadcaster, after visiting the hospital. “We need to reassess the nursing profession.”
The protesting workers were expressing disappointment with the government’s broader health care policy, which has involved budget cuts and staff shortages, and their actions during the pandemic, representatives said.The protesting workers were expressing disappointment with the government’s broader health care policy, which has involved budget cuts and staff shortages, and their actions during the pandemic, representatives said.
Belgium, with a population of 11.5 million, has had more than 55,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and over 9,000 deaths, making it one of the worst per capita death rates in Europe. Those figures include suspected cases and cases in care homes, which is not the case in some other countries.Belgium, with a population of 11.5 million, has had more than 55,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and over 9,000 deaths, making it one of the worst per capita death rates in Europe. Those figures include suspected cases and cases in care homes, which is not the case in some other countries.
“There is fatigue and a lot of anxiety,” Philippe Leroy, the hospital’s head, said of medical workers, though he said that the prime minister’s visit was appreciated. “I think they needed to express a lot of things.”“There is fatigue and a lot of anxiety,” Philippe Leroy, the hospital’s head, said of medical workers, though he said that the prime minister’s visit was appreciated. “I think they needed to express a lot of things.”
One month after a lockdown was lifted in Wuhan, China, once the center of the coronavirus outbreak, people are learning how to navigate life on the other side. This is one of their stories.One month after a lockdown was lifted in Wuhan, China, once the center of the coronavirus outbreak, people are learning how to navigate life on the other side. This is one of their stories.
Spring in Wuhan, China, is the start of crawfish season. Crawfish braised, crawfish fried, crawfish coated with chilies — and always devoured with family and friends.Spring in Wuhan, China, is the start of crawfish season. Crawfish braised, crawfish fried, crawfish coated with chilies — and always devoured with family and friends.
But Hazel He doesn’t plan to have another feast like that until at least next year.But Hazel He doesn’t plan to have another feast like that until at least next year.
“Anywhere where there are crowds, there is still some degree of risk,” Ms. He, 33, said.“Anywhere where there are crowds, there is still some degree of risk,” Ms. He, 33, said.
Avoiding risk shapes everything Ms. He does these days. Though residents are allowed to move around the city again, she still chats with her friends by video. Before going outside with her 6-year-old son, she peers out her window to make sure no one is around. She recently let him play on the swings near their apartment again, but they don’t leave the neighborhood.Avoiding risk shapes everything Ms. He does these days. Though residents are allowed to move around the city again, she still chats with her friends by video. Before going outside with her 6-year-old son, she peers out her window to make sure no one is around. She recently let him play on the swings near their apartment again, but they don’t leave the neighborhood.
The anxiety is not nearly as overwhelming as it had been in the early days of the outbreak, when Ms. He would cry while watching the news and her son would ask her what was wrong.The anxiety is not nearly as overwhelming as it had been in the early days of the outbreak, when Ms. He would cry while watching the news and her son would ask her what was wrong.
But, like others in Wuhan, she is still approaching normalcy tentatively, understanding how fragile the victory is. Last week, six new coronavirus cases were reported there, after more than a month of no new reported infections.But, like others in Wuhan, she is still approaching normalcy tentatively, understanding how fragile the victory is. Last week, six new coronavirus cases were reported there, after more than a month of no new reported infections.
“Wuhan has sacrificed so much,” she said. “Taking care of ourselves is our responsibility to everyone else.”“Wuhan has sacrificed so much,” she said. “Taking care of ourselves is our responsibility to everyone else.”
Ms. He is unsure when her company will resume the face-to-face meetings that are core to her job as a recruiter, but she reminds herself that her mortgage is manageable. She will have to wait until at least July to register her son for elementary school. But for now she is content to practice arithmetic with him at home.Ms. He is unsure when her company will resume the face-to-face meetings that are core to her job as a recruiter, but she reminds herself that her mortgage is manageable. She will have to wait until at least July to register her son for elementary school. But for now she is content to practice arithmetic with him at home.
“It’s as if we were running a race, and I’m currently 50 meters behind,” she said. “But as long as I catch up later, it’s the same.”“It’s as if we were running a race, and I’m currently 50 meters behind,” she said. “But as long as I catch up later, it’s the same.”
Japan has fallen into a recession for the first time since 2015, as its already weakened economy was dragged down by the coronavirus’s impact on businesses at home and abroad.Japan has fallen into a recession for the first time since 2015, as its already weakened economy was dragged down by the coronavirus’s impact on businesses at home and abroad.
The country — whose economy is the world’s third-largest after that of the United States and China — shrank by an annualized rate of 3.4 percent in the first three months of the year, Japan’s government said on Monday.The country — whose economy is the world’s third-largest after that of the United States and China — shrank by an annualized rate of 3.4 percent in the first three months of the year, Japan’s government said on Monday.
That makes it the largest economy to officially enter a recession, often defined as two consecutive quarters of negative growth. Other major economies around the world are set to follow as efforts to contain the outbreak ripple around the globe.That makes it the largest economy to officially enter a recession, often defined as two consecutive quarters of negative growth. Other major economies around the world are set to follow as efforts to contain the outbreak ripple around the globe.
Businesses had already been staggering before the coronavirus hit.Businesses had already been staggering before the coronavirus hit.
Consumer spending dropped after the Japanese government in October increased a tax on consumption to 10 percent from 8 percent, a move that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s administration said would help pay down the national debt — the highest among developed nations — and fund the growing demand for social services as the country’s workers age.Consumer spending dropped after the Japanese government in October increased a tax on consumption to 10 percent from 8 percent, a move that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s administration said would help pay down the national debt — the highest among developed nations — and fund the growing demand for social services as the country’s workers age.
Days later, a typhoon hit the country’s main island, inflicting enormous damage and further driving down economic activity.Days later, a typhoon hit the country’s main island, inflicting enormous damage and further driving down economic activity.
This year, the pandemic crushed Japan’s exports, forced it to postpone the Olympics and then put the country on a soft lockdown.This year, the pandemic crushed Japan’s exports, forced it to postpone the Olympics and then put the country on a soft lockdown.
On the health front, the efforts seem to have paid off. The total number of deaths attributed to the outbreak was 756 as of Monday, far lower than in other major developed nations. But each of those decisions has had a profound economic impact.On the health front, the efforts seem to have paid off. The total number of deaths attributed to the outbreak was 756 as of Monday, far lower than in other major developed nations. But each of those decisions has had a profound economic impact.
As a handful of the world’s sports leagues come back to life, they have searched for ways to maintain the feeling of crowded stadiums, even in places devoid of spectators.As a handful of the world’s sports leagues come back to life, they have searched for ways to maintain the feeling of crowded stadiums, even in places devoid of spectators.
One popular choice, from Germany’s top soccer league to Taiwanese professional baseball, has been to fill seats with figures not subject to social distancing rules: cardboard cutouts that depict hometown supporters holding signs and smiling.One popular choice, from Germany’s top soccer league to Taiwanese professional baseball, has been to fill seats with figures not subject to social distancing rules: cardboard cutouts that depict hometown supporters holding signs and smiling.
Over the weekend, a soccer team in South Korea opted for something a little more lifelike — to its deep embarrassment. The club F.C. Seoul apologized on Monday after placing what it believed were ordinary mannequins in the stands for a match against Gwangju F.C., but which were quickly recognized by many fans as sex dolls.Over the weekend, a soccer team in South Korea opted for something a little more lifelike — to its deep embarrassment. The club F.C. Seoul apologized on Monday after placing what it believed were ordinary mannequins in the stands for a match against Gwangju F.C., but which were quickly recognized by many fans as sex dolls.
On social media, some noted the telltale signs, like the business logos for sex toy marketers on the dolls’ clothing and their physiques. Of the roughly two dozen dolls in the stands, nearly all were women.On social media, some noted the telltale signs, like the business logos for sex toy marketers on the dolls’ clothing and their physiques. Of the roughly two dozen dolls in the stands, nearly all were women.
“We had tried to add some fun in the no-spectator match,” the club said in a statement. “But we have not checked all the details, and that is clearly our fault.”“We had tried to add some fun in the no-spectator match,” the club said in a statement. “But we have not checked all the details, and that is clearly our fault.”
The incident was a blemish for the K League, the top professional soccer league in South Korea. After a weekslong delay, it resumed play on May 8, as the country has waged a successful fight against the coronavirus.The incident was a blemish for the K League, the top professional soccer league in South Korea. After a weekslong delay, it resumed play on May 8, as the country has waged a successful fight against the coronavirus.
It won global attention as one of the first major soccer leagues to retake the field. A dozen broadcasters abroad have bought rights for the season, eager to show games to fans starved for sports.It won global attention as one of the first major soccer leagues to retake the field. A dozen broadcasters abroad have bought rights for the season, eager to show games to fans starved for sports.
On Monday, though, the spotlight was an uneasy one. The Instagram page of F.C. Seoul was filled with messages from fans outraged that the club had not noticed that the mannequins were “so obviously” sex dolls. Some derided the team’s management as clueless and lamented the global humiliation that ensued.On Monday, though, the spotlight was an uneasy one. The Instagram page of F.C. Seoul was filled with messages from fans outraged that the club had not noticed that the mannequins were “so obviously” sex dolls. Some derided the team’s management as clueless and lamented the global humiliation that ensued.
Governments across the globe are in an unusual position of discouraging people from using public transit, an urban staple that has long been considered an essential tool in fighting congestion and climate change but is now a risk in the spread of the coronavirus.Governments across the globe are in an unusual position of discouraging people from using public transit, an urban staple that has long been considered an essential tool in fighting congestion and climate change but is now a risk in the spread of the coronavirus.
Scenes of commuters packed elbow-to-elbow are now a major public health risk, as one cough or sneeze could expose dozens to infectious respiratory droplets. But governments have also acknowledged that many people, including medical workers, have no viable alternatives.Scenes of commuters packed elbow-to-elbow are now a major public health risk, as one cough or sneeze could expose dozens to infectious respiratory droplets. But governments have also acknowledged that many people, including medical workers, have no viable alternatives.
Officials have asked passengers to stay away if possible, leaving room for those who need it to safely practice social distancing, even if that means drying up some of the revenue that keeps the systems running.Officials have asked passengers to stay away if possible, leaving room for those who need it to safely practice social distancing, even if that means drying up some of the revenue that keeps the systems running.
Some, like Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio in New York, have discouraged use of public transportation, while others are taking direct steps to thin out the crowds.Some, like Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio in New York, have discouraged use of public transportation, while others are taking direct steps to thin out the crowds.
In Australia, Sydney’s central business district will add bike lanes and pop-up parking lots to deal with an increase in automobile traffic. And in, London the subway’s capacity will be capped at around 13 to 15 percent so that passengers can stay six feet apart. Some may be asked to wait to enter a station until it empties out.In Australia, Sydney’s central business district will add bike lanes and pop-up parking lots to deal with an increase in automobile traffic. And in, London the subway’s capacity will be capped at around 13 to 15 percent so that passengers can stay six feet apart. Some may be asked to wait to enter a station until it empties out.
“If you can, please walk or cycle for all or part of your journey, including to complete your journey if traveling into central London,” Vernon Everitt, a managing director for the city’s transit network, said in an email to passengers on Sunday.“If you can, please walk or cycle for all or part of your journey, including to complete your journey if traveling into central London,” Vernon Everitt, a managing director for the city’s transit network, said in an email to passengers on Sunday.
Fighting foreign pressure to account for the initial spread of the coronavirus, the Chinese Communist Party deflected in one of its leading journals, saying in effect that the virus could have come from anywhere.Fighting foreign pressure to account for the initial spread of the coronavirus, the Chinese Communist Party deflected in one of its leading journals, saying in effect that the virus could have come from anywhere.
The article, published in the party’s magazine Qiushi over the weekend, is China’s latest effort to push back against demands on multiple fronts for a fuller accounting of where the virus came from and especially how it spread from Wuhan.The article, published in the party’s magazine Qiushi over the weekend, is China’s latest effort to push back against demands on multiple fronts for a fuller accounting of where the virus came from and especially how it spread from Wuhan.
Last week, Xinhua, China’s main state-run news agency, issued a long question-and-answer article disputing that the virus had leaked from a lab in that city and that China had failed to act quickly to stop its spread.Last week, Xinhua, China’s main state-run news agency, issued a long question-and-answer article disputing that the virus had leaked from a lab in that city and that China had failed to act quickly to stop its spread.
The Trump administration has pressed the lab theory, which is viewed skeptically by many scientists in China and abroad. Before the World Health Assembly’s meeting on Monday to discuss the crisis, Australia, the European Union and other governments have called for an international inquiry into the pandemic while keeping distant from the lab theory.The Trump administration has pressed the lab theory, which is viewed skeptically by many scientists in China and abroad. Before the World Health Assembly’s meeting on Monday to discuss the crisis, Australia, the European Union and other governments have called for an international inquiry into the pandemic while keeping distant from the lab theory.
Such calls are discomfiting for the Chinese government, which has been eager to set aside evidence that officials played down the outbreak and restricted reporting, delaying a response from the central government.Such calls are discomfiting for the Chinese government, which has been eager to set aside evidence that officials played down the outbreak and restricted reporting, delaying a response from the central government.
The Qiushi article argues that questions of the coronavirus’s origins are best left to scientists free of political interference. But it uses highly tendentious descriptions of the research to suggest that the coronavirus may not have first spread from China.The Qiushi article argues that questions of the coronavirus’s origins are best left to scientists free of political interference. But it uses highly tendentious descriptions of the research to suggest that the coronavirus may not have first spread from China.
Governors across the United States are weighing the risks of reopening, particularly if it produces a surge of new coronavirus cases and deaths.Governors across the United States are weighing the risks of reopening, particularly if it produces a surge of new coronavirus cases and deaths.
“This is really the most crucial time, and the most dangerous time,” Gov. Mike DeWine of Ohio, a Republican, said Sunday on the CNN program “State of the Union.”“This is really the most crucial time, and the most dangerous time,” Gov. Mike DeWine of Ohio, a Republican, said Sunday on the CNN program “State of the Union.”
Pressure is building for officials to revive commerce and chart a path for states to edge toward a semblance of normalcy, and some are discussing plans for starting school in the fall.Pressure is building for officials to revive commerce and chart a path for states to edge toward a semblance of normalcy, and some are discussing plans for starting school in the fall.
The push to reopen has been fueled by swelling frustration as unemployment soars, businesses declare bankruptcy or announce that they will not survive the shutdowns. Some businesses have reopened in defiance of state orders.The push to reopen has been fueled by swelling frustration as unemployment soars, businesses declare bankruptcy or announce that they will not survive the shutdowns. Some businesses have reopened in defiance of state orders.
On Friday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, a Democrat, filed an emergency rule allowing for the owners of restaurants, bars and other establishments that open prematurely to be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a punishment of up to a year in jail and up to a $2,500 fine.On Friday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, a Democrat, filed an emergency rule allowing for the owners of restaurants, bars and other establishments that open prematurely to be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a punishment of up to a year in jail and up to a $2,500 fine.
Gov. Gavin Newsom of California, a Democrat, said on CNN that he understood the stress and anxiety that the pandemic and associated restrictions are causing. “The question is,” he added, “how do you toggle back and make meaningful modifications to the stay-at-home order?”Gov. Gavin Newsom of California, a Democrat, said on CNN that he understood the stress and anxiety that the pandemic and associated restrictions are causing. “The question is,” he added, “how do you toggle back and make meaningful modifications to the stay-at-home order?”
The moves come as reported new coronavirus cases in the country have declined in recent weeks, and as more states have allowed a wider array of businesses to resume.The moves come as reported new coronavirus cases in the country have declined in recent weeks, and as more states have allowed a wider array of businesses to resume.
In New York, state and city officials are calling on many more residents to get tested to help the state reopen. To underscore this point, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York was tested during his live news briefing on Sunday. He also announced a new website that would help New Yorkers identify testing sites near where they live.In New York, state and city officials are calling on many more residents to get tested to help the state reopen. To underscore this point, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York was tested during his live news briefing on Sunday. He also announced a new website that would help New Yorkers identify testing sites near where they live.
And President Trump continued to express eagerness to see a resumption of some activities. In phone comments during a golf broadcast on Sunday, he said he missed sports and wanted “big, big stadiums loaded with people.”And President Trump continued to express eagerness to see a resumption of some activities. In phone comments during a golf broadcast on Sunday, he said he missed sports and wanted “big, big stadiums loaded with people.”
Reporting was contributed by Farnaz Fassihi, Aurelien Breeden, Steven Erlanger, Denise Grady, Pam Belluck, Mihir Zaveri, Karen Zraick, Christopher Buckley, Ben Dooley, Melissa Eddy, Sheera Frenkel, Sandra E. Garcia, Abby Goodnough, Javier C. Hernandez, Makiko Inoue, Mike Isaac, Cecilia Kang, Raphael Minder, Steven Lee Myers, Sharon Otterman, Elisabetta Povoledo, Monika Pronczuk, Choe Sang-Hun, Eric Schmitt, Megan Specia, Daniel Victor and Neil Vigdor. Reporting was contributed by Andrew Jacobs, Farnaz Fassihi, Aurelien Breeden, Steven Erlanger, Denise Grady, Pam Belluck, Mihir Zaveri, Karen Zraick, Christopher Buckley, Ben Dooley, Melissa Eddy, Sheera Frenkel, Sandra E. Garcia, Abby Goodnough, Javier C. Hernandez, Makiko Inoue, Mike Isaac, Cecilia Kang, Raphael Minder, Steven Lee Myers, Sharon Otterman, Elisabetta Povoledo, Monika Pronczuk, Choe Sang-Hun, Eric Schmitt, Megan Specia, Daniel Victor and Neil Vigdor.