(2020-04-11). Latest Covid-19 cultural casualty: Famed art & music festival Burning Man canceled. rt.com 
Burning Man, the flamboyant annual party held in the Nevada desert, will not take place this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, organizers have announced. Instead, a "virtual" event will be held. | The Burning Man Project said in a statement that the world-renowned festival has been canceled due to the "painful reality" of Covid-19. Organizers explained they were "heartbroken" but decided to call off the event in order to safeguard "public health and the well-being of our participants, staff and neighbors." | Burning Man 2020 was scheduled to take place in the Black Rock Desert of northern Nevada from Augus…
(2020-04-11). Cuba enraged over 'cruel & genocidal' US blockade impeding anti-coronavirus efforts. rt.com 
The suffocating sanctions in place for almost six decades make it extremely difficult for the island nation to import essential supplies needed to battle the coronavirus, Cuban health officials say. | "The United States' economic-financial blockade is the most unfair, severe, prolonged system of sanctions of all time by one country against another," Nestor Marimon, the Cuban Health Ministry's international relations director,
(2020-04-11). Real opposition? Labour's Starmer stands up for NHS workers… but gets slammed for being late & doing it on Twitter. rt.com 
Labour leader Keir Starmer has been accused of political theatrics after firing off an angry tweet about the government's handling of the coronavirus crisis. Some have asked — maybe he should do something about it then? | The internet fracas began after Health Secretary Matt Hancock stressed that UK healthcare workers fighting Covid-19 should use face masks and other medical garments "in line with the guidelines: no more and no less." He insisted that there was enough personal protection equipment (PPE) for medical personnel — but only if the equipment is worn in adherence with current protocols.
(2020-04-11). NY's Cuomo pleases crowds with 'Hero Compensation Fund' for healthcare workers… after 9 years of hospital cuts. rt.com 
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has launched a fund to support sick healthcare workers and their families, but some blame him for the dire working conditions facing the state's caregivers after nine years of hospital budget cuts. | Cuomo announced the state is working on a "Covid-19 Heroes Compensation Fund" to support healthcare workers and their families who have been diagnosed with the coronavirus during his daily briefing on Friday. It was heralded by his growing Democratic fan club as a generous, thoughtful move from a politician who cares about the "frontline workers." | AAbsent from the lovefest was any…
(2020-04-11). India sees sharpest ever single-day spike in Covid-19 cases as nationwide total nears 7,500. rt.com 
India has seen its greatest surge in new coronavirus cases since its outbreak began, counting over 1,000 infections in the space of one day, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. | The spate of new Covid-19 patients, 1,035 on Friday alone, sends India's total disease toll to 7,447, ANI reported, citing health officials. Forty new deaths were also recorded on the same day, added to the nearly 200 already accounted for. | The sudden increase in infections comes as regional authorities look to track down members of Tablighi Jamaat, a Muslim religious community, after thousands of adherents atten…
(2020-04-11). Sanctions the best cure? Trump signs order laying out visa sanctions for countries that 'delay or deny' return of their citizens. rt.com 
US President Donald Trump has signed an order envisioning penalties for foreign nations that are reluctant to take back their citizens or residents as the coronavirus ravages the US, citing "public health risks." | "Countries that deny or unreasonably delay the acceptance of their citizens, subjects, nationals, or residents from the United States during the ongoing pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 create unacceptable public health risks for Americans," the
(2020-04-11). Understanding vaccines during COVID-19. mronline.org 
Dr. Jo Anne Welsch, currently working on vaccine development for low and middle income countries at a global health organization, discusses how vaccines are developed and tested, and the implications of the process for the coronavirus.
(2020-04-11). Cat scratch fever? Indian state orders ZOOS to report suspected coronavirus cases among animals after tiger in US tests positive. rt.com 
The Indian state of Maharashtra has instructed zoos and rescue centers to send reports on animals showing signs of Covid-19, after concerns were raised when a tiger living in a US zoo was diagnosed with the deadly virus. | The Maharashtra Zoo Authority (MZA) on Friday called on facilities across the state to provide information on any captive animals displaying symptoms of the coronavirus, which include all the typical signs of the illness in humans, such as fever, coughing or difficulties breathing. | "So far we have no reports of any animals showing unusual symptoms or ill-health across any captive animal ce…
(2020-04-11). NY's Cuomo pleases crowds with 'Hero Compensation Fund' for healthcare workers – after 9 years of hospital cuts. rt.com New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has launched a fund to support sick healthcare workers and their families, but some blame him for the dire working conditions facing the state's caregivers after nine years of hospital budget cuts. | Cuomo announced the state is working on a "Covid-19 Heroes Compensation Fund" to support healthcare workers and their families who have been diagnosed with the coronavirus during his daily briefing on Friday. It was heralded by his growing Democratic fan club as a generous, thoughtful move from a politician who cares about the "frontline workers." | Absent from the lovefest was any m…
(2020-04-11). China sends virologists & aid to Russia ahead of its Covid-19 peak. rt.com 
Just out of its own fight against the coronavirus, China has sent several tons of medical supplies as well as a team of virologists and doctors that will share their firsthand experience with their Russian colleagues. | Invited by the city authorities of Moscow, the Chinese medical team boarded their flight on Saturday, Russia's consulate in Harbin, China said. The task force is comprised of "renowned Chinese virologists and doctors who have huge clinical experience and practical knowledge," the consulate stated. | | © Russian Consulate in Harbin | The mission, run by China's National Health Commission…
(2020-04-11). Public backlash as star journo Ross Kemp allowed into Covid-19 ward, but visits remain off limits for mortals. rt.com 
Relatives and friends of Covid-19 patients aren't allowed to visit their loved ones in hospital. But celebrity journalist Ross Kemp and his camera crew are. Commenters on twitter are furious. | More than 78,000 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus have been recorded in the UK, with more than 1,500 of these critical. Owing to the risk of transmission, the National Health Service (NHS) last week
(2020-04-11). 'I'm sorry you feel that way' — UK Home Secretary Patel savaged for non-apology to NHS workers. rt.com 
As Britain's beleaguered healthcare workers fall ill with Covid-19, Home Secretary Priti Patel has said she's sorry they feel angry, but not for her government's role in equipment shortages. Her remark only fuelled further anger. | As the coronavirus death toll in the UK climbed to just under 10,000 on Saturday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock revealed that 19 health workers have died after contracting the deadly virus. The workers themselves have blamed the government for failing to provide enough Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and have become increasingly angry since Hancock insisted on Friday that "ther…
(2020-04-11). First group of volunteers assembled as Russia prepares for human testing of Covid-19 vaccine. rt.com 
The initial human volunteers have been selected to test a Russian vaccine against the deadly new coronavirus in trials set to begin in late June. The project's chief developer is leading by example by taking his place among them. | Work on the biological preparation began in February at the Vector Institute, Russia's leading virology and biotechnology research center. It's based in Novosibirsk, the largest city in Siberia. Earlier in April, researchers announced that the vaccine had successfully passed trials on mice and ferrets, with preparations for human testing in full swing. | The first stage will see 60…
(2020-04-11). 1st squad of volunteers assembled as Russia prepares for human testing of Covid-19 vaccine. rt.com The fist team of people who will test a Russian vaccine against the coronavirus on themselves — in trials that begin in late June — have been selected, and the lead developer of the drug is among them. | Work on the vaccine began in February at the Vector Institute, Russia's leading virology and biotechnology research center, in Novosibirsk, Siberia. Earlier in April, the researchers announced that the drug successfully passed trials on mice and ferrets, with preparations for human testing in full swing. | The first stage of clinical testing will see 60 people participating, Rinat Maksyutov, Vector…
(2020-04-11). Unprecedented: US becomes 1st country to report 2,000+ Covid-19 deaths in SINGLE DAY, breaking global record. rt.com 
The US has counted more than 2,000 Covid-19 fatalities in the space of 24 hours, smashing all previous daily death tolls worldwide as the US outbreak shows little sign of abating, according to Johns Hopkins University. | On Friday, 2,108 new deaths were reported in the US, data gathered by Johns Hopkins shows, putting the US' total at over 18,600, just shy of Italy's death toll, the overall leader in fatalities globally. | After Thursday's casualty count saw a brief drop-off, deaths again surged on Friday, the country's deadliest day yet. | Though US President Donald Trump has stated that the US' epidemic is n…
(2020-04-11). [Editorial] Palliative care and the COVID-19 pandemic. thelancet.com Palliative care services are under-resourced at the best of times. The 2017 Lancet Commission on Palliative Care and Pain Relief described the widespread lack of access to inexpensive and effective interventions as a travesty of justice. And these are not the best of times. As health systems become strained under COVID-19, providing safe and effective palliative care, including end-of-life care, becomes especially vital and especially difficult.
(2020-04-11). [World Report] Tsinghua University launches School of Public Health. thelancet.com The new school will focus on infectious diseases and aims to strengthen public health policy in China. Shawn Yuan reports.
(2020-04-11). [World Report] Virtual health care in the era of COVID-19. thelancet.com Patients are under lockdown and health workers are at risk of infection. Paul Webster reports on how telemedicine is being embraced like never before.
(2020-04-11). [Perspectives] Helen Boyle: pioneer of early mental health treatment. thelancet.com In 1939, Helen Boyle gave her inaugural address as the first woman President of the Royal Medico-Psychological Association (later the Royal College of Psychiatrists). "Every general hospital is failing in its duty", she said, "if it does not have at least an outpatient department for nervous patients". When she began her career, psychiatric treatment for all but the wealthy was largely confined to public asylums. Boyle's had been one of the first voices raised in favour of early diagnosis and treatment for mental breakdown.
(2020-04-11). [Obituary] Elizabeth Wurtzel. thelancet.com Author who wrote about mental health, and lawyer. Born July 31, 1967, in New York City, NY, USA, she died of metastatic breast cancer on Jan 7, 2020, in New York City, aged 52 years.
(2020-04-11). [Comment] Centring sexual and reproductive health and justice in the global COVID-19 response. thelancet.com Global responses to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic are converging with pervasive, existing sexual and reproductive health and justice inequities to disproportionately impact the health, wellbeing, and economic stability of women, girls, and vulnerable populations. People whose human rights are least protected are likely to experience unique difficulties from COVID-19.1 Women, girls, and marginalised groups are likely to carry a heavier burden of what will be the devastating downstream economic and social consequences of this pandemic.
(2020-04-11). [Perspectives] Bills of Mortality: tracking disease in early modern London. thelancet.com In a plague year, the numbers are the narrative. "The Bill of Mortality, to all our griefs, is encreased 399 this week, and the encrease general through the whole city and suburbs, which makes us all sad", noted Londoner Samuel Pepys on Nov 9, 1665. Those who have been following the toll of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections and deaths in the news and on social media will know how Pepys felt. But what was the Bill of Mortality?
(2020-04-11). [Comment] Offline: COVID-19—bewilderment and candour. thelancet.com "This disease is unlike anything I have seen before. If you end up on ICU, you are potentially in real trouble. I have never seen anything like it before." These words were written by one intensive care physician working at a London teaching hospital. As deaths accumulate, the early message that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 causes mostly a mild illness has been shown to be dangerously false. One in five patients develop complications and are at grave risk. A further misunderstanding concerns age.
(2020-04-11). Will This Public Health Crisis Lead to a Voting Rights Crisis? truthout.org Welcome to Moyers on Democracy. | Bill's guest in this episode is the journalist David Daley. His best-selling first book, Ratf**ked — Why Your Vote Doesn't Count, showed how Republicans used gerrymandering to lock up control of many state and local government for years, possibly — decades — and remains their strategy. In his most recent book — Unrigged: How Americans Are Battling Back to Save Democracy — he travels America to report on the grassroots activists devoted to voting r…
(2020-04-11). Wood Pellet Plant in Mendocino County Threatens Public Health. indybay.org Community members assert ongoing and uncorrected hazardous pollution being emitted from the Mendocino Forest Products wood pellet production plant in Calpella, Mendocino County, California.
(2020-04-11). German hospitals become COVID-19 hotspots for health care workers. wsws.org According to the Robert Koch Institute, more than 2,300 doctors and nurses have been infected with coronavirus in Germany.
(2020-04-11). Tips for connecting to Mayo Clinic using Patient Online Services. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org ROCHESTER, Minn. ? Telehealth is becoming more important as a way of delivering health care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Video appointments are one form of telehealth that is seeing an increased usage. Patients also can take advantage of the telehealth offerings available through patient portals. Mayo Clinic's patient portal, Patient Online Services, offers its patients several …
(2020-04-11). Mayo Clinic Minute: Blood donations in demand. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org Healthy adults are being asked to make an appointment to donate blood to help meet the ongoing demand for blood products. Dr. Justin Kreuter, a transfusion medicine specialist at Mayo Clinic, says donating blood is safe, and one blood donation can potentially save up to three lives. Watch: The Mayo Clinic Minute youtu.be/ASSzPwnf2ow Journalists: Broadcast-quality …
(2020-04-11). Reporting Your Neighbors for Violating Stay-At-Home Orders. indybay.org David Cole, national legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) stated: "All kinds of constitutional liberties are being constrained right now. They are restricted because there's a reason to restrict them. In a time like this, you have to defer substantially to public health experts." But does this mean that we should be ratting-out our neighbors for violating COVID-19 stay-at-home orders?>
(2020-04-11). IMN urges Nigeria to free Sheikh Zakzaky amid outbreak. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 11 (MNA) — The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) has called on the country's authorities to free Sheikh Ibrahim al-Zakzaky, who is already suffering from health problems, from imprisonment given the risks of COVID-19 outbreak.
(2020-04-11). US trade talks must be put on hold to deal with Covid-19 pandemic, demand campaigners. truepublica.org.uk A group of charities and campaigning groups has written to the government, calling on them to halt trade negotiations with the United States to focus instead on the health and economic consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic. The letter was sent following comments made by the United States Trade Representative on Monday 23 March 2020 in which …
(2020-04-11). Mayo Clinic expert says be diligent, patient when COVID-19 guidelines change. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org Guidelines to help slow the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, are in place across the U.S. Dr. Stacey Rizza, an infectious diseases specialist at Mayo Clinic, says it's important to be diligent in following the current health guidelines and recommendations, especially as they continue to change. "I want to remind everyone that sometimes we …
(2020-04-11). COVID-19 SF DPH Healthcare Workers Under Attack, Health & Safety, Racism & Retaliation. indybay.org The COVID pandemic is being used to violate union contracts and retaliate against whistleblowers. This pandemic is also hitting Black workers and their families even more heavily. There is also no enforcement by Governor Newsom's Cal-OSHA which has fewer than 200 inspectors for 18 million workers.
(2020-04-11). Mayo Clinic Q&A: Plan for healthy meals, fewer trips to the grocery store during pandemic. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org DEAR MAYO CLINIC: During the COVID-19 outbreak, I'm trying to limit trips to the grocery store. But I want to continue to eat healthy meals. What foods should I consider stocking up on, knowing that I probably won't be buying anything fresh for a couple of weeks? ANSWER: Most people are in the habit of …
(2020-04-11). Iranians voice solidarity with Japanese amid pandemic. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 11 (MNA) — A number of Iranian university students and healthcare personnel have sent messages of support to the Japanese nation in the battle against the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease.
(2020-04-11). Apple and Google Partner on COVID-19 Contact Tracing Technology. telesurenglish.net Apple and Google on Friday announced a joint effort to enable the use of Bluetooth technology to help governments and health agencies reduce COVID-19 spread. | RELATED: | Apple and Google said in a joint statement that they will launch a comprehensive solution that includes application programming interfaces (APIs) and operating system-level technology to assist in enabling contact tracing, as public health official…
(2020-04-11). Traffic schemes annulled in major cities: health min. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 11 (MNA) — Health Minister Saeed Namaki announced on Saturday that, under the framework of implementing 'social distancing' plan, traffic schemes in Tehran and other major cities have been cancelled.
(2020-04-11). Govt. to pursue health-based policy in fight against COVID-19: Rabiei. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 12 (MNA) — The government of the Islamic Republic of Iran will follow up health-based policy in the fight against coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.
(2020-04-11). Iran Health Ministry announces 1,837 new COVID-19 cases. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 11 (MNA) — Iran's Health Ministry Spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said on Saturday that the death toll from the coronavirus outbreak in Iran has risen to 4,357 with 70,029 confirmed cases.
(2020-04-11). Rouhani urges people to observe protocols to contain COVID-19. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 11 (MNA) — President Hassan Rouhani lauded people's cooperation in the fight against the coronavirus outbreak, calling on them to continue observing the health protocols to help curb the disease.
(2020-04-11). Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast: CDC recommends wearing cloth masks in public. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends that Americans wear wearing cloth masks in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. The CDC considers cloth masks an additional, voluntary public health measure. On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Gregory Poland, a …
(2020-04-11). Cuban Doctors Arrive in Angola to Train 1500 Health Technicians. telesurenglish.net Angola's Health Minister Silvia Lutucuta informed that 1,500 health technicians will be trained by Cuban doctors in matters of family medicine for community epidemiological surveillance. | RELATED: | "The training will take place at Girassol Hospital… because it has excellent simulators for practical classes, which is an indispensable condition," local outlet SAPO reported. | With that training, "Angolan doctors will…
(2020-04-11). Systemic Racism Is Making Coronavirus Worse in Black America. truthout.org The COVID-19 global pandemic is a nightmare unfolding before our eyes that could have devastating impacts that Black Americans could feel most acutely. With scarce testing, health care workers and ventilators, combined with a pattern of red state governors ignoring science and placing profits above people, there are signs that Black communities across the country are
(2020-04-11). How does COVID-19 affect the heart? newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org The effects of COVID-19 on the lungs are well-known. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, more information is becoming available about the role the virus, called SARS-CoV-2, has on the heart. "Individuals with known cardiovascular disease are at an increased risk of more severe complications from respiratory viral illnesses, including the flu and COVID-19," says Dr. …
(2020-04-11). COVID-19 expert answers questions about the do's and don'ts of social distancing. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org Countries, states and cities are encouraging people to stay home and practice social distancing by implementing various restrictions to help curb the spread of COVID-19. Some areas have implemented certain restrictions, such as stay-at-home orders. The rules vary in different areas, which is why Dr. Nipunie Rajapakse, an infectious diseases expert, says it's important that …
(2020-04-11). Coal Industry Seeks Cuts to Payments for Miners With Black Lung Amid Pandemic. truthout.org Some of the largest coal companies in the United States are using the coronavirus crisis to pressure Congress to slash the tax that finances the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund, a lifeline for more than 20,000 miners whose lung disease makes them The Washington Post
(2020-04-11). Science Saturday: The importance of antibody testing in addressing COVID-19. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org If there's one thing the world has learned so far in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, it's the important role of testing for the disease. The ability to know who has the virus and who doesn't provides critical information for people and entire regions. Early testing involved collecting cells from the back of the …
(2020-04-11). COVID-19: Mayo Clinic expert answers questions about masks after CDC updates its recommendation. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending people wear nonmedical cloth masks while in public to decrease the risk of COVID-19 transmission from person to person. The cloth masks should: Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face.Be secured with ties or ear loops.Include multiple layers of fabric.Allow for breathing …
(2020-04-11). Trump administration using pandemic to deport 30,000 refugees and asylum seekers to Mexico. wsws.org US government has been using an obscure statute on communicable diseases to expel tens of thousands.
(2020-04-11). Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast: COVID-19 update. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org On today's Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Gregory Poland, an infectious diseases expert and head of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group, shares the latest information on the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Poland discusses antibody testing, immunity, and how the scientific and research communities are collaborating to fight this disease. Click the player below: Mayo Clinic Q&A is available …