(2020-04-28). WATCH: Lebanese citizens vent their ire by TORCHING bank, army vehicle, as at least 1 protester shot dead. rt.com 
A protester has been shot and killed in the Lebanese city of Tripoli, as the country's financial and economic crisis worsens under the additional pressure of the coronavirus pandemic. | The Lebanese pound has collapsed amid soaring inflation and unemployment worsened by the shutdown of the economy, exacerbating the pre-existing financial crisis which has plagued the country since October. | #ÿߟÑÿ≠ŸÖÿ±ÿßÿ° – #ÿ®Ÿäÿ…
(2020-04-28). Oppose the Attack on Food Not Bombs & Expansion of Police Power. indybay.org This flyer was distributed at the Friday protest urging the City to immediately open motels in place of the toxic congregate shelters currently housing vulnerable homeless people in crowded conditions violating CDC recommendations.
(2020-04-28). "A Plague On Both Your Houses" counterpunch.org Trump's discussion of injecting UV light and disinfectant into the body to treat COVID-19 during his daily briefing was, of course, a new low. The man, whom his secretary of state Rex Tillerson once famously described as "a moron," is obviously a toxic mix of stupidity and arrogance. So this morning MSNBC, the unofficial DNC
(2020-04-28). No need to extend Covid-19 home quarantine: Austria to let people out from May 1 and allow gatherings soon. rt.com 
Austrians will soon be able to walk with no restrictions and gather in groups of 10, as coronavirus measures will be gradually lifted starting next month. | The easing of the self-isolation measures was announced by Health Minister Rudolf Anschober, who said that the spread of the novel coronavirus remains quite slow and the forecast for the upcoming month looks "very good." He also said that the nation has coped with the epidemic "very well," all thanks to the population, which "made it possible." | The minister then said that going out will be permitted again starting from May 1, although a "minimal distance…
(2020-04-28). Egypt's president extends 3-year state of emergency by 3 months amid virus & security fears. rt.com 
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi ordered a three-month renewal for the long-running state of emergency in the country on Tuesday, citing health and security concerns. Egypt has been under a state of emergency since April 2017, when twin church bombings claimed by an Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) affiliate group killed dozens of people. | The new extension comes as the government battles to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic in the Arab world's most populous country. | The Health Ministry has so far recorded 4,782 coronavirus cases among the population of 100 million. Of those, 337 have d…
(2020-04-28). Public Health and Private Profits Under COVID-19 Pandemic. counterpunch.org 
During an interview with Jonas Salk, the creator of the polio vaccine, CBS newsman Edward R. Morrow asked who owned the patent for the vaccine. "Well, the people, I would say," said Salk. "There is no patent. Could you patent the sun?" This is what drives science and scientists like Salk: that science must be for the public good and not the private profit of companies.
(2020-04-28). Serbia cautiously eases lockdown, plans to restart public transport. rt.com 
Serbia will resume bus and rail services and allow commercial flights as part of its cautious easing of the nationwide lockdown as the rate of coronavirus infections slows, health authorities said on Tuesday. | Passenger air transport, suspended in March when Serbia introduced a state of emergency and closed its borders, will be possible from May 18, epidemiologist Branislav Tiodorovic told reporters. Commuter transport in major cities, including the capital Belgrade, will be restored in the first half of May, along with rail and bus services. Shopping malls, cafes and restaurants will also reopen on the condi…
(2020-04-28). Matt Hancock asked for apology by son of doctor who died after PPE warning. thecanary.co 
Matt Hancock has been asked for a public apology by the son of a doctor who died after warning the government about a lack of PPE.On Tuesday morning the health secretary took part in a live radio phone-in with Nick Ferrari on LBC, taking questions from members of the public.The first question came from Intisar Chowdhury, the son of Dr Abdul Mabud Chowdhury, who died earlier this month with Covid-19.Five days before he was admitted to hospital, Dr Chowdhury wrote a Facebook post asking Boris Johnson urgently to provide every NHS worker with personal protective equipment (PPE).Dr Chowdhury died on April 8 with Covi…
(2020-04-28). 'What's the US hiding?' Beijing slams Washington's Covid-19 response & 'desperate' attempts to pin blame on China. rt.com 
Beijing has called on Washington to address the concerns of its own citizens about the US response to the Covid-19 pandemic, while condemning American politicians for shifting blame for the crisis squarely onto China's shoulders. | Asked to comment on a series of American media reports on the US government's slow and often inept response to the health crisis on Monday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang relayed some of the questions raised by the reporting, asking whether Washington may have swept information about the virus under the rug. | "Recently there have been many voices in the United States that q…
(2020-04-28). We Need Healing From Our Oil-Addicted Society. counterpunch.org 
Click here to support Redwood Forest Defense Economic stimulus in response to our pandemic should stop funding fossil fuel companies with bailouts. Instead, we should prioritize welfare to rebuild our society with a sustainable approach to health so that crisis "relief" doesn't continue to fail the public or exacerbate the existential crises of climate change.
(2020-04-28). Care home deaths will be published daily as well as hospital toll from Wednesday. thecanary.co 
The number of deaths involving Covid-19 in care homes and other settings will be published daily as well as the hospital death toll, the health secretary said.Matt Hancock said that, in an effort to "bring as much transparency as possible" to the death figures, "from tomorrow we will be publishing not just the number of deaths in hospital each day, but the number of deaths in care homes and the community too"."This will supplement the ONS [Office for National Statistics] and CQC [Care Quality Commission] weekly publication and all add to our understanding of how this virus is spreading day by day, and it will hel…
(2020-04-28). Workers Memorial Day: OSHA failing to protect people during pandemic. peoplesworld.org 
WASHINGTON— Donald Trump's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is deliberately failing to force firms nationwide to protect their workers — and the public at large — against the coronavirus pandemic, a panel of speakers say. And the result, they add, is needless deaths and illnesses not just among the workers themselves, but in the …
(2020-04-28). A cautious reopening, but gatherings still off the cards: How Europe is lifting its lockdown. rt.com 
Across Europe, leaders have made tentative steps toward easing their countries' coronavirus lockdowns. However, a return to total normality has been all but written off for the year. | The Austrian government announced on Tuesday that the spread of the coronavirus has slowed to a point where restrictions can now be lifted. Health Minister Rudolf Anschober said that Austrians may freely leave their homes from May 1, with public gatherings to follow in the near future. Though social distancing rules will still apply, businesses like hairdressers will reopen, followed two weeks later by cafes and restaurants, and…
(2020-04-28). Putin prolongs nationwide paid leave and partial lockdown until May 11 as daily Covid-19 infections surge. rt.com 
Russians will have to self-isolate until May 11, President Vladimir Putin has said, as the country braces itself for the peak of the Covid-19 epidemic, which has infected over 95,000 people nationwide. | The move, which Putin announced during a closely watched address, comes as the previous April 30 deadline was set to expire. That date was set on April 2, and involved a combination of partial lockdowns and paid holidays for all Russians working in non-essential roles. | The gradual removal of the coronavirus lockdown measures will begin from May 12, Putin said, giving the government a week to come up with rec…
(2020-04-28). New Zealand eases lockdown as coronavirus tamed in Australasia. thecanary.co 
New Zealand has eased a strict lockdown amid hopeful signs coronavirus (Covid-19) has been all but vanquished in Australasia for the moment.But elsewhere, Brazil is emerging as a potential new hotspot for infections, and fresh doubts have been raised over whether Japan would be able to host the already postponed Olympic Games next year.Europe and some US states are also continuing to gradually ease limits on movement and commerce as they try to restart their economies.But in a reminder of the virus's increasing toll, president Donald Trump said the numbers of deaths could reach 70,000 in the US, after putting the…
(2020-04-28). Most Americans will ditch live events until a Covid-19 vaccine is found — poll. rt.com 
In a potential major blow to the US' economy, arts scene and social life, a poll has found that more than half of Americans would not consider attending a live arts or sporting event before a Covid-19 vaccine is made available.
(2020-04-28). US unemployment may be as high as 40 MILLION – national poll. rt.com 
The soaring jobless rate in the US due to the Covid-19 outbreak may be far worse than the official data shows, as millions of Americans have been unable to file for unemployment insurance, a poll finds. | The number of those who filed for unemployment surpassed 26 million, after an additional 4.4 million claims were filed last week. As more and more people are seeking financial aid amid massive layoffs triggered by the deadly pandemic, some have complained of glitches in the government's online system. | It turns out the frustration over the application process could have resulted in massive undercounting in t…
(2020-04-28). Italy's Covid-19 daily death toll JUMPS as number of cases passes 200,000 milestone. rt.com 
Italy suffered a jump in Covid-19 fatalities on Tuesday as the illness claimed 382 more lives. It comes as the total number of people infected since the outbreak began in the Mediterranean country topped the 200,000 mark. | Tuesday's total was an increase of 49 on Monday's figure and represented the highest number of deaths from the disease in four days. The number of new confirmed cases also increased on Tuesday, and the tally of 2,091 was enough to push Italy past the 200,000 milestone. | The coronavirus has wreaked havoc in Italy since it first emerged there on February 21. With 27,359 fatalities the countr…
(2020-04-28). Government Must Pay $12 Billion to Obamacare Insurers, Supreme Court Rules. truthout.org Insurance companies are entitled to recoup $12 billion from the federal government in unpaid Obamacare claims, the Supreme Court ruled Monday in an 8-1 vote. | The companies were shielded under the "risk corridor" provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which promised compensation for companies that incurred losses in the marketplaces created by the law. | The original remuneration period lasted three years, but Congressional Republicans capped payments between 2015 and 2017, which the insure…
(2020-04-28). 'They're Right In Your Town' Tribute to Health Care Workers. thenation.com 'They're Right In Your Town' Tribute to Health Care Workers…
(2020-04-28). Democrats Poised to Propose Medicare for Those Who've Lost Health Coverage. truthout.org Democratic lawmakers are expected to announce a proposal this week for expanding Medicare to cover millions of people who lost their employer-sponsored health coverage due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to health care advocates on Capitol Hill. Meanwhile, public support for a Medicare for All universal health care system has surged during the COVID-19 outbreak. | An estimated 9.2 million workers likely lost health coverage sponsored by employers over the past month as workplaces shuttered d…
(2020-04-28). Black Oakland Demands in Light of COVID-19 and Rates of Black Death. indybay.org Across the country, Black People are being infected and dying at disportionate rates from COVID-19. In order to respond effectively to the needs of the Black community our elected officials, health experts, advocates and organizers must take a look at the ways in which the descendants of slaves, Black, African and African-Americans are most impacted by this virus through a racial and class lens.
(2020-04-28). Relief Is Funneled to the Wealthy. We Need a Financial Infrastructure Overhaul. truthout.org The coronavirus — both the pandemic itself and the economic recession it caused — are hitting marginalized groups the hardest: low-wage workers, women and people of color (especially women of color) and small businesses. But instead of providing equitable relief targeted to the most disadvantaged households and businesses, Congress and the Federal Reserve are reinforcing many of the existing disparities that made our health care system and economy so fragile to begin with. Indeed…
(2020-04-28). Mayo Clinic Q and A: Staying healthy while teleworking. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org DEAR MAYO CLINIC: With social distancing guidelines in place due to COVID-19, I've been working from home for a few weeks, and I can tell it's already taking a toll on my health. I feel more tired and less motivated to exercise and eat well, even though I have more time for both. What should …
(2020-04-28). Royal Bournemouth Hospital management and Royal College of Nursing attack frontline nurse for exposing PPE shortages. wsws.org The WSWS has received a reply from a frontline nurse to the Bournemouth Echo 's article, along with comments from other health care workers at the hospital.
(2020-04-28). What is contact tracing, and why is it important in fight against COVID-19? newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org Contact tracing is one of those terms associated with the COVID-19 pandemic that has seemingly become a part of our everyday language. But it's a public health strategy that's been used for years to combat communicable diseases. Contact tracing is the process of finding out who has recently been in close contact with a person …
(2020-04-28). COVID-19 death toll hits 5,877 in Iran: official. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 28 (MNA) — Iran's Health Ministry Spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said on Tuesday that 92,584 people have been infected with COVID-19 virus, of whom 5,877 have unfortunately lost their lives.
(2020-04-28). Iran taking final step toward malaria elimination. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 28 (MNA) — Iran has not had any indigenous cases of malaria for two years in a row, and if the country's passes this year with no indigenous cases, the World Health Organization will grant it a certificate of malaria eradication, Ahmad Raeisi, head of the Malaria control department of the Ministry of Health, has stated.
(2020-04-28). Canada's Trudeau spearheads reckless back-to-work drive in alliance with hard-right provincial governments. wsws.org Although the pandemic continues to rage largely unchecked and none of the health measures needed to stop a "second wave" are in place, Canada's governments are pushing for a quick "reopening" of the economy.
(2020-04-28). Lebanon: one person killed in protests over price hikes. yenisafak.com A Lebanese protestor on Tuesday succumbed to his wounds he sustained in clashes between army forces and demonstrators in Tripoli city, said a health NGO.The Islamic Medical Association identified the protestor as Fawaz al-Samman. It also said 22 protestors and five soldiers were injured in the clashes that took place late Monday at Al-Nour Square during which live bullets, rubber bullets and molotov cocktails were used.Despite the spread of the novel coronavirus, Lebanese protesters took to the streets late Monday in a number of cities to protest deteriorated living conditions and spiraling food prices amid the c…
(2020-04-28). Mayo Clinic partners with state of Minnesota, University of Minnesota on breakthrough COVID-19 initiative. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org Mayo Clinic joined Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcom, the University of Minnesota, and other health system leaders to announce a breakthrough initiative to provide rapid, widespread testing for COVID-19 in Minnesota. The goal of this statewide strategy is to test all symptomatic people, isolate confirmed cases to limit the …
(2020-04-28). Two New York City health care workers commit suicide within 48 hours. wsws.org The two suicides bring the number of health care workers who have died because of the pandemic in New York state alone to at least 55.
(2020-04-28). Germany: IG Metall and works council force Volkswagen workers back despite coronavirus danger. wsws.org Production is starting up again at Volkswagen ' s main plant, the largest car factory in Europe with 63,000 employees , as the company plays roulette with the health and lives of its workforce.
(2020-04-28). Why are more men dying from COVID-19 than women? newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org Men appear to be hit harder by COVID-19 than women. Early data from China and the World Health Organization (WHO) show that more men than women are dying from COVID-19. Other countries like Spain and Italy also are seeing higher death rates among men. But why might that be? Dr. Gregory Poland, a Mayo Clinic …
(2020-04-28). Brazilian nurses go on strike in Manaus amid collapse of health care system. wsws.org The strike was a cry of desperation; in addition to the lack of PPE, nurses have not been paid their salaries, in some cases for up to eight months.
(2020-04-28). Why a Mayo Clinic expert has grave concerns about second wave of COVID-19. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org As states look toward beginning to reopen their economies, health experts are warning of a possible second wave of COVID-19 that could emerge later this year and make for an even more dire health crisis. Dr. Gregory Poland, a Mayo Clinic COVID-19 expert, offers his insight on the effect of a potential second wave of …
(2020-04-28). Black Workers Unite, Covid-19 & Black Workers Under Attack On Front Lines In City of SF. indybay.org San Francisco Black Workers Unite covered a panel on the health and safety conditions of Black city workers in San Francisco. They discuss the systemic racism, health and safety violations and retaliations against whistleblowers…
(2020-04-28). 'Unprecedented' number of DNR orders for learning disabilities patients. truepublica.org.uk By Rebecca Thomas — A learning disability care provider said it has received an "unprecedented" number of do not resuscitate forms from doctors (over COVID-19) that it believes to be illegal. Turning Point, which provides supported living and residential care for people with learning disabilities, has raised concerns to the Health Service Journal that it has …
(2020-04-28). COVID-19 From the Front Lines. counterpunch.org Some of us in the frontlines of health care have been trying to convince CDC to declare racism as a threat to public health. We think our proofs are strong. Nearly five years ago, when we started the Racism is a Public Health Threat campaign in Portland, Oregon at Race Talks PDX, hosted by long-time community justice
(2020-04-28). Let Cruise Workers Off the Death Ships Now! counterpunch.org Crews Held Hostage as Virus Rages — Unionize Seafaring Workers! Solidarity with the Trapped Seamen: We Demand Testing, Treatment, Housing, Union-Scale Wages and the Right to Repatriation! The novel coronavirus pandemic has hit frontline workers around the world. First and foremost, many health and hospital workers who have heroically been treating patients with COVID-19 have
(2020-04-28). Key Point on Those Going Back to Work: Low-Paid Workers Tend to Be in Poorer Health. cepr.net Jim Tankersley had a very good piece in the NYT pointing out that those being forced back to work as the economy reopens are mostly lower paid workers, who don't have the option to telecommute and disproportionately people of color. One important point that was left out is that these workers are also more likely …
(2020-04-28). UN chief urges governments to use pandemic to 'rebuild our world for the better'. thecanary.co UN chief António Guterres has said the coronavirus pandemic has exposed how fragile societies are but that if governments work together on common challenges, including the climate crisis, it can be an opportunity to "rebuild our world for the better". | Speaking at a two-day international meeting on climate breakdown, the secretary-general said the only effective response to the worldwide health emergency is "brave, visionary and collaborative leadership". | "The same leadership is needed to address the looming existential threat of climate disruption," Guterres said, noting that the past decade was the hottest s…
(2020-04-28). NSAIDS and heart disease: Mayo Clinic Radio Health Minute. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org They're common over-the-counter pain medications that are used millions of times. But on this Mayo Clinic Radio Health Minute, Dr. Rekha Mankad explains why caution should be used when taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. To listen, click the link below. NSAIDS and heart disease…
(2020-04-28). Covid-19: Oxford University Vaccine Proves Effective in Monkeys. telesurenglish.net The Jenner Institute at Oxford University in the United Kingdom successfully tested a vaccine against COVID-19 in Rhesus macaques, scientists revealed on Monday. | RELATED: | The results of the research will be released next week, a month after testing the drug on six Rhesus macaques. | The vaccine was given to the six monkeys at the U.S. National Institutes of Health's Rocky Mountain Laboratory in Montana. | The…
(2020-04-28). Nicaragua: VP Rosario Murillo Grateful for UNICEF Donation. telesurenglish.net Nicaraguan Vice President, Rosario Murillo, recognized Monday UNICEF's donation to the Central American nation during the COVID-19 outbreak. The UN body sent 1,659 health kits to schools and other scholastic institutions as they combat the COVID-19 crisis. | RELATED: | According to Murillo, both UNICEF and the Nicaraguan Education Ministry will hold a virtual meeting to discuss distance education's challenges during social isolation due to the COVID-19 si…
(2020-04-28). Putin Extends National Paid Leave to May 11. telesurenglish.net Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday extended the national paid leave introduced to contain the spread of COVID-19 to May 11. | RELATED: | "We are now facing a new, perhaps the most intense stage in the fight against the epidemic. The risks of getting infected have reached a climax. The threat, the mortal danger of the virus persists, and this can affect everyone," Putin said in a televised address to the nat…
(2020-04-28). Building resilient cities, post-coronavirus necessity. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 28 (MNA) — When a global disaster spreads out in the form of coronavirus pandemic, how communities will survive the aftermath crosses everyone's mind, However, how can one particular intervention succeed in strengthening a city against epidemics and disasters?
(2020-04-28). Haiti: Food Crisis Persists Amid COVID-19 Pandemic. telesurenglish.net Haiti's UN representative, Elisabeth Byrs, said there is a famine and food crisis possibility in the Caribbean nation due to the economic COVID-19 impact. | RELATED: | Byrs requested immediate food aid to the World Food Program and stressed the COVID-19 emergency harmed food production. The UN representative expressed her concern about possible famines after the virus outbreak aggravated the severe social situation in Haitian territory…
(2020-04-28). El Salvador's president brands gangs and opposition as "plagues" wsws.org The Salvadoran oligarchy's response to the pandemic is characterized by indifference to the lives of the working class and a turn toward dictatorship.
(2020-04-28). Propaganda: Sky News — sycophancy dressed up as journalism. truepublica.org.uk By TruePublica Editor: Last Sunday — Aubrey Allegretti, political reporter for Sky News has his article published with the headline — "Coronavirus: 'Not responsible' to reveal lockdown exit plan — and no vaccine this year, says foreign secretary." It was essentially a story parroting nonsense from Dominic Raab. The first paragraph read — "The UK …