(2020-04-17). Towards A New World Order, The Global Debt Crisis and the Privatization of the State. globalresearch.ca There is a serious health crisis which must be duly resolved. And this is a number one priority. | But there is another important dimension which has to be addressed. | Millions of people have lost their jobs, and their lifelong savings. …
(2020-04-17). Bolsonaro fires health minister, calls for reopening of Brazil's economy. rt.com 
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has fired his health minister after clashing with him over how to fight the new coronavirus. On Thursday, the president once again called for states to end stay-at-home orders that he said were hurting the economy. | Bolsonaro has described the virus, which has killed nearly 2,000 Brazilians, as "a little flu" and criticized state governors for imposing restrictions, Reuters said. Health experts and the popular outgoing minister, Luiz Henrique Mandetta, have supported the curbs. | In televised remarks met with pot-banging protests in several major cities, Bolsonaro said Mande…
(2020-04-17). Frontline Medical Workers Protest New NYC Policy Demanding Doctor's Notes When They Are Sick. democracynow.org 
A new policy at New York City's public hospitals requires medical workers who call in sick to produce a doctor's note. "We know that people just need a mental health day," says Sean Petty, a registered nurse at a public hospital in the Bronx who is organizing a protest against the policy. "Thousands of us have been exposed. Health workers are the least tested group of people in this city." Petty is a member of the board of directors of the New York State Nurses Association.
(2020-04-17). Are COVID-19 Outbreaks Peaking or Heading Higher Ahead? globalresearch.ca The short answer is it's unknown — why it's better to be safe than sorry. More below on what may lie ahead. | COVID-19 is a more contagious version of seasonal flu/influenza. | According to Professor of Immunology and Infectious Diseases/Epidemiologist Dr. …
(2020-04-17). "Gangster in the White House": Noam Chomsky on COVID-19, WHO, China, Gaza and Global Capitalism. democracynow.org 
We continue our conversation with world-renowned political dissident, linguist and author Noam Chomsky. He responds to President Trump's cuts to U.S. support for the World Health Organization and the surge in deaths in the United States to another record high, and discusses conditions in Gaza, the rise of authoritarianism around the world, and the progressive response. "This is typical behavior of autocrats and dictators. When you make colossal errors which are killing thousands of people, find somebody else to blame," say Chomsky. "In the United States, it's unfortunately the case, for well over a century, centu…
(2020-04-17). EU lockdown exits will need more open borders, jobs chief says. rt.com 
European Union countries will need to ease border restrictions to let in cross-border and seasonal workers as they gradually pull out of lockdowns and relaunch their economies, the bloc's commissioner for jobs said on Friday. | The EU Commission issued guidelines to the 27 member states in March, urging them to let critical frontier workers, such as in the health or food sectors, cross borders. Some 1.5 million people live in one EU country and work in another. The situation improved after many countries' initial reflex to close frontiers but problems remained, Jobs and Social Rights Commissioner Nicolas Schmi…
(2020-04-17). WHO first? It's time to revamp global institutions and prepare for a new post-Covid world order. rt.com 
With the WHO under attack for alleged complacency in dealing with Covid-19, the roles of other international organizations could be put under the spotlight, too. Is this a chance to rethink how global institutions should function? | When he cut funding for the World Health Organization earlier this week, US President Donald Trump accused the health body of being "China-centric," of propagating "false information about transmission and mortality" and generally of mishandling the pandemic, which has taken 135,000 lives and seen two million people infected globally. | Trump's decision to cut US funding to the WHO…
(2020-04-17). German health minister says coronavirus outbreak is now 'manageable again'. rt.com 
The coronavirus outbreak in Germany has become manageable again, Health Minister Jens Spahn said on Friday. The number of patients who have made a recovery has been higher than the number of new infections every day this week, the minister noted. | "The outbreak has — as of today — become controllable and manageable again," Spahn told reporters, adding that the health care system had "at no time been overwhelmed so far." | Earlier, Spahn said a coronavirus contact tracing app will be ready for Germans to download and use on their smartphones in three to four weeks. Berlin has been more cautious than…
(2020-04-17). UK could have the highest death rate in Europe because government was 'too slow', doctor warns. thecanary.co 
Britain will face "further waves" of coronavirus and will probably have the highest death rate in Europe because the government was "too slow" to act, a leading physician has warned.Professor Anthony Costello, of University College London's Institute for Global Health, told a committee of MPs that the "harsh reality" is that "we were too slow with a number of things"."If we're going to suppress the chain of transmission of this virus in the next stage we all hope that the national lockdown and social distancing will bring about a large suppression of the epidemic so far — but we're going to face further wave…
(2020-04-17). Sadiq Khan's call for compulsory face masks on London transport provokes both fury and praise. rt.com 
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has urged the UK government to make wearing face masks on public transport in the capital compulsory during the Covid-19 crisis, putting him at odds with UK health advisers and dividing public opinion. | During an interview with Sky News on Friday, the mayor of London claimed that "the evidence around the world is that this [face masks] is effective." He referenced countries such as the USA, Canada, Germany and South Korea, all of whom are currently advising their citizens to wear face masks during the coronavirus pandemic. | What I'm lobbying for is for when it comes to those circumsta…
(2020-04-17). The Global Fragmentation of Public Health Systems. counterpunch.org 
In many countries, what should have been a serious problem—COVID-19—quickly escalated into a crisis. Tracking and tracing capabilities were impaired or absent, central coordination was lacking, decisive actions were not taken, and lower-level staff were tasked with making life-or-death choices. This is a reflection of the US-British-led neoliberal form of capitalism that has infected the
(2020-04-17). Medicine not missiles: Iran celebrates Army Day with unique parade to promote healing amid coronavirus crisis (VIDEO). rt.com 
Iranian authorities opted to forego the usual display of military might befitting the country's national Army Day, opting instead to pay tribute to the men and women fighting on the frontlines of the country's coronavirus crisis. | Missiles, armored vehicles and fighter jet flyovers were swapped out for disinfection trucks, mobile hospitals and soldiers dressed as doctors and nurses in hazmat suits displaying lifesaving medical equipment during Friday's demure 'Defenders of the Homeland, Helpers of Health' army parade. | The normally massive crowds were nowhere to be seen, as the more restrained affair was…
(2020-04-17). Japan's Abe tells G7 he backs WHO on coronavirus response, in contrast with Trump. rt.com 
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressed support on Friday for the role of the World Health Organization (WHO) in the campaign against the coronavirus, in contrast with President Donald Trump who has vowed to cut US funding to the agency. | Abe said at a news conference he had told fellow Group of Seven leaders on Thursday that "the international community, centering on the WHO, must cooperate to fight this infectious disease, which is having a global impact" and Japan would "firmly" support it. | "There's only the WHO that can serve as an international institution" to address the pandemic, Abe said. He di…
(2020-04-17). China denies covering up Covid-19 severity, says revision increasing deaths by 50 percent 'common practice'. rt.com 
The correction of Wuhan's Covid-19 death toll, which rose by 1,290 and now stands at 3,869, was part of a statistical verification process and is a common international practice, a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said. | Zhao Lijian rejected claims that the Chinese government had engaged in a cover-up of the severity of the outbreak, saying at a daily briefing that Beijing would not allow such a thing. | The claim has been pushed, among others, by US President Donald Trump, who froze funding for the World Health Organization (WHO) this week after accusing it of conspiring with China to mislead the w…
(2020-04-17). The New Fault Lines in a Post-Globalized World. counterpunch.org 
The coronavirus pandemic has upended the global economic system, and just as importantly, cast out 40 years of neoliberal orthodoxy that dominated the industrialized world. Forget about the "new world order." Offshoring and global supply chains are out; regional and local production is in. Market fundamentalism is passé; regulation is the norm. Public health is
(2020-04-17). The Unconscious System Plague: Will Covid-19 Finally Awaken Us? counterpunch.org 
Like others, I have thought from the first day of the Covid-19 pandemic that it was forcing us to awake from exponential life-system destruction by corporate 'business as usual' to our common life-ground. In the words of the formerly neo-liberal Governor Cuomo of New York, "It is a test of our humanity over the economy
(2020-04-17). Headlines for April 17, 2020. democracynow.org U.S. COVID-19 Deaths Surge to New Record High as 4,500+ People Die in 24 Hours, New York COVID-19 Death Toll Surpasses 12,000 While Hospitalizations Continue to Fall | , CDC Investigating SD Pork Processing Plant, Single Biggest COVID-19 Hot Spot in U.S. | , Nurses Suspended in CA for Refusing to Treat COVID-19 Patients Without N95 Masks | , $349B Paycheck Protection Program for Small Businesses Exhausted | , USAA Will No Longer Seize Stimulus Checks; ProPublica Finds Landlords Violated Eviction Ban, NY Gov. Cuomo Rules Out Relief for Undocumented Residents | , UnitedHealth Group Profits Surge as Coronavirus Spre…
(2020-04-17). Army's "Service Parade" in Tehran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 17 (MNA) — The divisions of the Iranian Army held "service parades" in Tehran and other Iranian cities on Friday, showcasing the healthcare equipment employed in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic.
(2020-04-17). Bournemouth nurse's letter to WSWS prompts widespread discussion on dangers facing NHS workers during COVID-19 pandemic. wsws.org The letter describes the appalling conditions in the hospital's COVID-19 ward and the anger of healthcare workers at management's failure to provide adequate PPE and towards Boris Johnson's Conservative government.
(2020-04-17). Trump administration's "back to work" drive will fuel pandemic. wsws.org Trump's plan is not conceived from the standpoint of public health, but to ensure that major corporations are allowed to get back to the business of squeezing profits out of workers as quickly as possible.
(2020-04-17). COVID-19: What to do if you develop symptoms while away from home. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org In many areas of the U.S. and around the world, people are being told to stay home and avoid travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, travel restrictions may not apply to employees of critical industries, such as trucking, public health professionals, financial services, and food supply. So what should someone do if they develop …
(2020-04-17). Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast: Critical care units prepare for COVID-19. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org An intensive care unit (ICU) is a special unit in a hospital where patients who are very ill can be under constant supervision by their health care team. The COVID-19 pandemic has stressed ICU and critical care units in hot spots where the virus had spread widely. On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Daniel Brown, …
(2020-04-17). Canada Member of Parliament Says 'We Need to Get Back to Work', "Successful Treatment of Hydroxychloroquine, Azithromycin and Zinc Sulphate" globalresearch.ca Sarnia-Lambton's MP wants Canada to implement COVID-19 cures she claims have been proven in the United States, but are opposed by Canadian health experts. | Marilyn Gladu, the former Conservative health critic, said the Liberals are talking about waiting for …
(2020-04-17). Brazil's Bolsonaro sacks health minister as Amazonian capital of Manaus is first to face health collapse. wsws.org Federal and local health authorities in Brazil have widely admitted losing control of the COVID-19 spread, and now Bolsonaro expects a new minister to provide a veneer of rationality to his neglect of the disease…
(2020-04-17). Trump's Obsession With Reopening the Economy Ignores Public Health Experts. zcomm.org "Right now, we're in the second inning of a nine-inning game."
(2020-04-17). Is it safe to wear contact lenses during the COVID-19 pandemic? newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org To prevent becoming infected with COVID-19, health experts are urging people to avoid touching their face. That's because SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can enter the body through the mouth, nose and eyes. That's left millions of people around the world who wear contact lenses wondering if they should stop wearing them and switch …
(2020-04-17). The Gangster Head of the WHO. counterpunch.org The head of the World Health Organization, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Gebreyesus, was a senior capo for the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF) gangster mafia that ruled Ethiopia from 1991-2018. During that time he served as Health Minister and Foreign Minister, cementing his credentials as a member of the inner circle of what was one of
(2020-04-17). Iran confirms 1,599 new cases of COVID-19 infection. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 17 (MNA) — Iranian Health Ministry said 1,499 new cases of COVID-19 infection have been detected in the country in the past day, increasing the total number the coronavirus patients at 79,494.
(2020-04-17). Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast: Emergency medicine in the time of COVID-19. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org Emergency medicine is a specialty that prides itself on a mantra: anyone, anything, anytime. The COVID-19 pandemic has put emergency health care providers and first responders on the front lines, fighting the spread of the virus and caring for critically ill patients. On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Annie Sadosty, a Mayo Clinic emergency medicine …
(2020-04-17). 5G — What's true, what's not and what you really need to know. truepublica.org.uk Last year, TruePublica published statistical and scientific evidence that the 5G was not as safe as we are being told. We also published a report stating that simply saying that more health research is needed on 5G —the latest generation of cell phone technology— was going to be hazardous to your reputation. And so it …
(2020-04-17). Theories on origins of COVID-19 disease. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 17 (MNA) — There are many theories about the exact origins of the novel coronavirus, designated "nCoV-2019" by the World Health Organization or commonly referred to as COVID-19 disease, also called SARS-CoV-2 because it is related to SARS pathogen. Theories about the missing link for the transmission of the new coronavirus from bats to humans abound.
(2020-04-17). What does Trump's Celebration of the Resurgent Dollar Tell us about the International Monetary System? counterpunch.org On April 7, the U.S. President Donald Trump took the stage for the White House Coronavirus Task Force press briefing. In his speech, he targeted the World Health Organization (WHO) for mismanaging the Coronavirus pandemic. Trump criticized the organization for focusing too much on China, and accused its leadership of not being proactive enough in
(2020-04-17). Mayo Clinic Laboratories launches serology testing in support of COVID-19 response. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org ROCHESTER, Minn. ? A new serology test from Mayo Clinic Laboratories that is used to identify the presence of immune response to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is now available to more health care organizations. Mayo Clinic is working closely with state and federal officials to prioritize access to its initial testing capacity to support efforts …
(2020-04-17). Mayo Clinic responds to COVID-19 financial impact. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org Mayo Clinic staff are doing extraordinary work, leading in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are proud of, and committed to, our staff and our communities as they come together to fight this global health crisis. Mayo Clinic is facing unprecedented challenges as a result of these circumstances, including a financial impact that requires significant …
(2020-04-17). Is COVID-19 the end of the handshake as we know it? newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many people to accept a "new normal" and change behaviors. One example has been the need to alter how we greet each other. As part of social distancing, health experts have recommended that people to avoid shaking hands, since hands tend to carry a lot of germs. Dr. Anthony Fauci, …
(2020-04-17). Postal Carriers are Essential Workers…They Need a Stimulus, Too. counterpunch.org The U.S. Postal Service plays a vital role in our nation's health and stability at this time of crisis. Unfortunately, it's financially strapped — and got just crumbs in the $2.2 trillion stimulus package recently passed by Congress. President Trump's response? A stream of false accusations. "They lose money every time they deliver a package
(2020-04-17). Iran Army holds health service parade on National Day. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 17 (MNA) — Iranian Army is celebrating its National Day across the country, with this year's parades featuring different style and equipment due to the coronavirus outbreak.
(2020-04-17). Thank You Farmworkers, Truckers, Delivery People and Those Oft Forgotten. indybay.org Photos and Video to thank essential workers who put themselves on the line everyday. Undocumented farmworkers have no health care. Truckers, delivery people, grocery workers keep supplies coming to those who can afford them, risking their own safety. Janitors in hospitals are heroes too. Governor Newsom, heed our call for resources to these essential workers! Photos and 3: 47 video by Jack Owicki, Pro Bono Photo.
(2020-04-17). G20 Suspends Debt Payments for Poor Countries As the Coronavirus Spreads. indybay.org The G20 announced a suspension of debt payments and interest for the world's 76 poorest countries in order to bolster health services to confront the coronavirus.
(2020-04-17). Mayo Clinic teaming up with area organizations to collect face masks. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) recently recommended that all people wear cloth face masks or coverings when in public. While face masks do not replace social distancing measures, they help prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others. Mayo Clinic, and local government and health care partners, have come together to collect and …
(2020-04-17). Health service parade in Rasht on National Army Day. en.mehrnews.com RASHT, Apr. 17 (MNA) — The units of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Army held nationwide 'health service parade' on the National Army Day, displaying the force's equipment in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic.
(2020-04-17). Prescribing an overdose: A chapter in the opioid epidemic. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org ROCHESTER, Minn.
(2020-04-17). Freedom of Assembly is Sick. indybay.org For decades, this country was governed as if the climate crisis were a myth. However, it favors natural disasters and diseases that are difficult or impossible to treat. The denial of these problems and the refusal to deal with the destructive effects of capitalism are the reason why the USA is particularly ill-equipped to face future challenges.
(2020-04-17). India and the Coronavirus. counterpunch.org While the corona virus has focused much of the world on Europe and the United States, India promises to be the greatest victim of the disease. But other than a slick public relations campaign, the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has done little to confront the crisis. Indeed, a number of policy moves by
(2020-04-17). Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast: Pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org COVID-19 is the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Because SARS-CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus, researchers are still learning how the virus affects the body. And this raises questions for pregnant women. Can COVID-19 affect pregnancy? Is breastfeeding safe? How can a pregnant woman protect herself from the disease? On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, …
(2020-04-17). Infographic: Convalescent plasma. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org Check the?Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website?for additional updates on COVID-19. For more information and all your COVID-19 coverage, go to the?Mayo Clinic News Network?and?mayoclinic.org.
(2020-04-17). NYC death rates from COVID-19 reveal class division and national oppression. fightbacknews.org New York, NY – As of April 6, the rates of death from COVID-19 are twice as high for Latinos and Black residents of New York City as they are for white residents. According to the Bureau of Communicable Disease Surveillance System, the rate of death from COVID-19 is 22.8 people per 100,000 among the Latino community, 19.8 per 100,000 people among the Black community, and only 10.2 per 100,000 white people. These numbers are based on 63% of confirmed cases in New York City. | This stark divide in death rates is outrageous yet unsurprising. Many factors underlie these numbers, including differences in access to hea…
(2020-04-17). When to seek emergency care during COVID-19 pandemic. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org In an effort to reduce the burden on hospitals due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to lower the risk of disease transmission, people are asked not to go to emergency rooms if they think they may have COVID-19 symptoms but otherwise feel okay. Instead, they're asked to call their primary care provider to discuss their …
(2020-04-17). Coronavirus death toll in Belgium tops 5,000. yenisafak.com At least 313 more deaths from the coronavirus were seen in Belgium over the past 24 hours, health officials announced on Friday, bringing the tally to date to 5,163.According to the latest data from the Federal Public Service of Health, as many as 1,329 new cases were reported.Both the Flanders and Wallonia regions saw 44-44% of the new patients, while 11% of recent cases are from the capital, Brussels.So far, six out of 10 patients have been from Flanders.In total, 36,138 people have been infected in the country since the outbreak.A total of 320 people were recently taken to hospital, while healthcare facilities…
(2020-04-17). COVID-19: Foreigners drive Singapore record case spike. yenisafak.com Singapore recorded its highest daily spike in coronavirus cases on Thursday, pushing the overall count close to 4,500.In its daily update on Friday, the Health Ministry said 728 cases