(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). Grim record: US overtakes Italy in Covid-19 death toll — Reuters tally. rt.com 
The US has become the country with most coronavirus fatalities in the world after the American death toll exceeded 19,600 people and surpassed Italy's numbers, according to calculations by Reuters. | Italy, which remained atop the grim rankings for weeks, has so far registered 19,468 deaths, with third-placed Spain reporting 16,353 people killed by the virus. | The US has taken the lead after recording around 2,000 deaths from Covid-19 on each of the last four days. | The death toll in New York state has already reached 8,627, with the Big Apple being the hardest-hit city. | New York Governor Andrew Cuomo was…
(2020-04-11). Grim record: US overtakes Italy in Covid-19 death toll as fatalities go past 20,000. rt.com The US has become the country with most coronavirus fatalities in the world after the death toll exceeded 20,280 people and surpassed Italy's numbers, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. | Italy, which remained atop the grim rankings for weeks, has so far registered 19,468 deaths, with third-placed Spain reporting 16,480 people killed by the virus. | The US has taken the lead after recording around 2,000 lethal cases from Covid-19 on each of the last four days – eventually crossing the single-day milestone on Friday. | The Big Apple has remained the nation's hardest-hit city, with death toll ther…
(2020-04-11). Anti-5G fever spreads to the Netherlands as towers suffer 'arson and sabotage'. rt.com 
Several 5G broadcasting masts across the Netherlands were damaged in what authorities have described as "a worrying development." Similar acts of sabotage have previously been seen in the UK. | The Netherlands has experienced a string of arson attacks in the past fortnight, with the latest one happening on Friday in the northern city of Groningen, according to a report by newspaper
(2020-04-11). 'They will not let that happen': OPEC cuts won't close Russian oil wells which would be impossible to reopen, says Novak. rt.com 
Oil producers will not shut down any facilities where they would be unable to relaunch operations, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said, as the OPEC and non-cartel oil producers continued talks on historic output cuts. | Speaking to the Russia-1 news channel on Saturday, the chief energy official said that he believes the oil companies themselves "will not let that happen." | Novak was addressing earlier fears that, in order to comply with massive OPEC cuts to boost the tumbling oil market, Russia will have to stop operations at low-production oil wells. Some analysts earlier told TASS that many such f…
(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). 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). Ambulances create traffic jams outside Moscow hospitals as Covid-19 patients keep coming (VIDEO). rt.com 
While heavy traffic is no longer an issue on Moscow's roads due to the coronavirus lockdown, the city's emergency medical response teams have encountered another unexpected problem — long lines of ambulances outside hospitals. | A massive queue of the vehicles was filmed outside the War Veterans Hospital in the north of the capital on Friday. The footage provided by RT's Ruptly video agency showed vans emblazoned with red crosses occupying not only the approach road to the hospital — recently repurposed to treat Covid-19 patients — but also most of the neighboring street. | It wasn't an isol…
(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). Communist Party of the Peoples of Spain: "Imperialism is the real virus that kills the people" fightbacknews.org Fight Back News Service is circulating the following statement by the Political Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Peoples of Spain (Partido Comunista de los Pueblos de España). | While Europe is being declared to be in a pre-state of emergency due to the expansion of COVID 19, the troops of the imperialist invader are moving freely throughout the partner countries of the criminal NATO coalition. For them there are no restrictions or quarantines | In yet another of its arrogant imperialist displays, NATO is violating the sovereignty of the peoples and imposing its inherent criminal…
(2020-04-11). Japanese PM imposes coronavirus state of emergency. wsws.org While the number of cases in Japan is low compared to the US and Europe, poor levels of testing are masking the real extent of the virus.
(2020-04-11). VIDEO: WHO warns against lifting restrictions too quickly. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 11 (MNA) — WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus pointed to the slowing of COVID-19 outbreak in some hardest-hit countries in Europe on Friday, warning that lifting restriction too quickly could lead to deadly resurgence.
(2020-04-11). European governments plot return to work in midst of pandemic. wsws.org As plans were being hatched over how to impose a return to work, over 4,000 new pandemic deaths were reported in Europe on Friday, bringing the total for the continent to over 70,000.
(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 …
(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). 'Extra Sauce' goes to Sarasota Filmfest. in US. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 11 (MNA) — Iran/Germany co-production 'Extra Sauce', directed by Iranian filmmaker Alireza Ghasemi, will be screened at the 22nd edition of the Sarasota Film Festival in the US.
(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). Iran names conditions for passengers returning home from Russia. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 11 (MNA) — The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Russian Federation issued an announcement on Fri. to repatriate Iranians who wish to return home amid coronavirus pandemic.
(2020-04-11). 'Greyish' goes to Animayo filmfest. in Spain. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 11 (MNA) — Iranian short animated piece 'Greyish' directed by Eghbal Shirzaei Sani has made it into the competition program of the 15th edition of Oscar-qualifying Animayo Film Festival in Spain.
(2020-04-11). UK has not reached COVID-19 peak so lockdown will stay. yenisafak.com Britain has not yet reached the COVID-19 peak which would allow for an easing of tight restrictions of movement, health minister Matt Hancock said on Saturday.The death toll in British hospitals has reached almost 9,000, with 980 more deaths reported on Friday, a figure which exceeded the deadliest day so far in Italy, the country worst hit by the virus.Among those who have been infected is Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is recovering in hospital after spending three nights in intensive care. His office said he was improving and was back on his feet although his recovery was still at an early stage.Britain imp…
(2020-04-11). COVID-19: Turkey model country with strong health system, social assistance. yenisafak.com Strong measures Turkey has taken to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus outbreak as well as its solid public health system and generous social assistance schemes have made the country a model for many others in the fight against the deadly virus.COVID-19 outbreak was first detected on December 12, 2019, in Wuhan in Hubei province of China. It was later declared a "pandemic" by the World Health Organization.As the virus have begun spreading rapidly around the globe, countries have reacted to the threat by announcing a series of counter measures accompanied by social restrictions in varying degrees.Turkey h…
(2020-04-11). Erdogan sends UK PM letter, medical supplies. yenisafak.com Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent a letter Friday to U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson regarding medical supplies sent to help Britain cope with the coronavirus, according to Ankara's communication directorate.Erdogan noted the strong alliance between the two nations and offered condolences to the victims of the virus. He said the military cargo plane was sent to demonstrate solidarity with "friend and ally, the United Kingdom, which is having a hard time." "We carefully monitor the measures taken by the UK authorities against the COVID-19 outbreak," Erdogan said wished success to everyone who is worki…
(2020-04-11). Turkey: Some 14,000 returnees from abroad in quarantine. yenisafak.com Turkey has currently been quarantining nearly 14,000 citizens who came from abroad as part of measures to stem the spread of novel coronavirus, an official said on Saturday.A total of 13,968 citizens are under quarantine at the dormitories across 63 provinces, said Youth and Sports Minister Mehmet Kasapoglu who oversees student dormitories in the country.Kasapoglu also said that 17,504 citizens were released from quarantine after completing the mandatory 14-day period.After emerging in Wuhan, China last December, the virus has spread to at least 185 countries and regions.The pandemic has killed over 103,500 peopl…
(2020-04-11). Turkey's economic stability package acts like shield against pandemic. yenisafak.com Turkey recently introduced an economic stability package to shield individuals and firms against the economic impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic.The country announced it would support salary payments, postpone loans and provide flexibility for taxpayers to protect markets amid the uncertainty caused by the outbreak.Providing free healthcare services to all, Turkey is often cited as a model country in its response to the virus, including its distribution of face masks to all residents between the ages of 20 and 65 and mobilization of its security forces to help the elderly by doing their shopping and meeting…
(2020-04-11). Dutch coronavirus cases rise by 1,316 to 24,413. yenisafak.com The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the Netherlands rose by 1,316 on Saturday to 24,413, health authorities said, with 132 new deaths.The country's cumulative death toll is 2,643, the Netherlands' National Institute for Health (RIVM) said in its daily update.
(2020-04-11). China, South Korea see slight rise in coronavirus cases. yenisafak.com As the epicenter of the new coronavirus has shifted to Europe and the U.S., Chinese and South Korean health authorities on Saturday reported slight rise in new cases.According to China's National Health Commission (NHC), 46 new cases were reported Friday on the Chinese mainland and Xinjiang region, with 42 of them having recently returned from abroad.Three new deaths were reported in the central Hubei province. The novel coronavirus originated in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei, in December.On Thursday, 42 new cases were confirmed on the mainland China, with one death from Wuhan.The NHC data showed imported cases on…
(2020-04-11). Spain's daily coronavirus death toll drops to 510. yenisafak.com Spain registered another 510 coronavirus deaths on Saturday, bringing the total number of fatalities to 16,353, according to the Health Ministry.The figure represents a continued downward trend in daily fatalities since hitting a peak of 950 slightly more than a week ago. Saturday's toll is the lowest daily since March 23.Since Friday, 4,830 more cases were confirmed, pushing the total number of cases to 161,852. Of those, 59,109 people have recovered.Spain's state of emergency has been extended until April 26, but Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said this week it looked likely that the government will need to exte…
(2020-04-11). Dutch Arsonists Set Telecoms Towers Alight in Series of UK-Style Attacks Amid 5G Fears. sputniknews.com The string of incidents follows reports earlier this week that at least twenty cellular base stations in the UK were torched by protesters amid unsubstantiated fake news rumours spread online about an alleged link between 5G technology and COVID-19.
(2020-04-11). UK Private Plane Turned Back From France After Breaking COVID-19 Restrictions. sputniknews.com Like most other governments, France's has imposed stringent limits on public movement in an effort to tackle the spread of the Coronavirus, with people only being allowed to travel from their homes if it is deemed absolutely essential, such as to get groceries or to go to work when working from home is not possible.
(2020-04-11). France, Canada Deny Quid Pro Quo Over China's Coronavirus Aid and Huawei 5G Role. sputniknews.com Generous donations of crucial medical equipment from China to Western countries have prompted speculation that it was either a PR stunt or an attempt to leverage market access for Huawei, which has long been accused by the US of spying on behalf of Beijing.
(2020-04-11). Mobsters 'Goodwill' Gestures to Needy in Italy Driven by Criminal Motives, Mafia Expert Claims. sputniknews.com The COVID-19 pandemic has been wreaking havoc on Italy, a European country particularly hard-hit by the novel respiratory disease that has killed thousands, with its medical system overwhelmed and small businesses devastated.
(2020-04-11). Russian, Italian Troops Disinfect Retirement Homes in Three Lombardy Towns. sputniknews.com BERGAMO, Italy (Sputnik) – Russian military personnel and Italian military nuclear, biological and chemical experts have jointly disinfected nursing homes in three settlements in Italy's Lombardy region, the Russian Defence Ministry announced on Saturday.
(2020-04-11). Netherlands Confirms 1,316 New Coronavirus Cases in 24 Hours Bringing Total to 24,413. sputniknews.com The country's death toll from coronavirus is 2,643, the Netherlands' National Institute for Health (RIVM) reported.
(2020-04-11). Syrian Forces Demine 1.7 Hectares of Land Over Past 24 Hours – Russian Defence Ministry. sputniknews.com MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Syrian armed forces engineers have removed land mines from 1.7 hectares (4.2 acres) of territory and dismantled 43 explosive devices over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defence Ministry's Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides said on Saturday.
(2020-04-11). Russian Telescope Pierces Heart of the Galaxy to Probe Hidden Secrets. sputniknews.com The Russian-German space observatory "Spektr-RG", launched in July 2019, seeks to compile a map of the universe over the following four years, taking high-resolution pictures of the sky in the X-ray spectrum.
(2020-04-11). Russian Cosmonauts Begin 3D Bioprinting Experiment on ISS. sputniknews.com MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Russian cosmonauts at the International Space Station (ISS) have started printing inorganic components of rat bone tissue as part of an experiment devised by Russian company 3D-bioprinting Solutions, managing partner Yusef Khesuani said on Saturday.
(2020-04-10). Cuban Medical Science in the Service of Humanity. counterpunch.org 
By 21 March, Cuba had sent healthcare professionals to 37 countries to collaborate in combating the pandemic. Italy received 53 Cuban medics who had previously worked in West Africa during the deadly Ebola outbreak of 2014. Cuba also stepped into the breach in mid-March when a cruise ship with over 600 mostly British passengers and
(2020-04-10). Cuban Development of Biomedical High Technology. counterpunch.org 
As the United States and the nations of Europe experience the sad tragedy of an uncontrolled pandemic, they for the most part have not noticed the well-organized and coherent plan of the Cuban government against Covid-19, being carried out with the determined and patriotic support of the people; nor the availability of a Cuban created
(2020-04-10). Moscow expects producers outside OPEC+ to cut oil production by 5 mln BPD – Energy minister. rt.com 
On top of the OPEC+ deal that will see oil output cut by 10 million barrels per day, producers outside the group are expected to slash the supply by at least five million more, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said. | "We believe that, in addition to the 10 million barrels [cut], which was undertaken by OPEC+, there would be another 5 million barrels from oil producers outside of OPEC+," Novak said Friday, while speaking to Russian television. | Canada, for instance, was ready to cut its output by some 1 million bpd, Novak said. The minister did not give any estimates on how much the US or others might…
(2020-04-10). Cuban Medical Science in the Service of Humanity. counterpunch.org By 21 March, Cuba had sent healthcare professionals to 37 countries to collaborate in combating the pandemic. Italy received 53 Cuban medics who had previously worked in West Africa during the deadly Ebola outbreak of 2014. Cuba also stepped into the breach in mid-March when a cruise ship with over 600 mostly British passengers and
(2020-04-10). Interview with Italian communists on COVID-19 impact and the working class. fightbacknews.org Fight Back! interviews Guido Salza, the head of the International Relations Department of the Italian communist organization Fronte Popolare. | Fight Back!: How are the working people of Italy being impacted by the pandemic? | Guido Salza: A clear picture of the dynamics of the infection are not yet apparent. However, it is likely that the working class is paying the highest price. Similar to what happened in China, COVID has spread very fast in the most industrial areas of our country. The more concentrated the production and population are (as it is in Lombardia, Piemonte, Veneto and Emilia Romagna), the more t…
(2020-04-10). Last Chance to Save the Euro? counterpunch.org After a faulty start to the coronavirus pandemic, the European Union members appear to be getting their act together, as they all appear to have abandoned ruinous slash-and-burn austerity policies (including budget cuts to health care, education and other social services) in order to cope with the onset of a global depression. At least that's
(2020-04-10). Cuban Development of Biomedical High Technology. counterpunch.org As the United States and the nations of Europe experience the sad tragedy of an uncontrolled pandemic, they for the most part have not noticed the well-organized and coherent plan of the Cuban government against Covid-19, being carried out with the determined and patriotic support of the people; nor the availability of a Cuban created
(2020-04-10). Memoir: A Liberation Theology Stations of the Cross in Northeast Brazil. counterpunch.org Padre Andreas, a Jesuit priest from Spain, came on a radical mission to the impoverished hillside shantytown of Alto do Cruzeiro in the municipio of Timbauba, a sugarcane market town in Pernambuco Brazil. At the time, 1989, I was living on "the Alto" (the hill) with the rural workers, sugarcane cutters, and fishermen and women
(2020-04-10). Medical aid cargo from Bulgaria arrives in Iran. iranian.com Head of Bazargan Customs Administration Sadegh Namdar announced on Friday that Bulgari's eight-ton consignment including anti-coronavirus medical requirements arrived in Iran through Sari Su trans-boundary market at Iran-Turkey joint Bazargan border. Namdar explained that this is the second cargo which arrives in Iran through Sari Su trans-boundary market, after conducting the required coordination between Iranian and Turkish customs officials. …
(2020-04-10). Pairing 'Green Deal' With 'Just Recovery' in EU, Groups Embrace Tackling COVID-19 and Climate Emergency in Tandem. commondreams.org The global climate advocacy group 350.org on Friday welcomed a new demand from 11 member nations of the European Union to use the continent's Green Deal policy guidelines as a framework for economic recovery from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/47334840292_fa37a41eed_o_1.jpg …
(2020-04-10). High-security Siberian prison ON FIRE after inmates riot (VIDEO). rt.com 
A fire broke out on Friday night at a strict penal colony in eastern Siberia, over 4,000km east of Moscow. According to officials, multiple buildings were set alight by prisoners. | Media reports coming from the Irkutsk region suggest about 300 people have been injured. REN TV reports that the fire began when inmates burned the prison's woodworking shop. Russia's Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) reported that the situation is now under control. Videos and photos depicting the burning prison have flooded the internet. | On Thursday, it was reported that unrest began in the prison at lights-out when one pr…
(2020-04-09). US boasts of intercepting 2 Russian military planes on routine training flight far off Alaska. rt.com 
The US Air Force has reported intercepting two Russian scout planes that entered its "defense identification zone" off Alaska. Moscow says it was a training flight and the planes came nowhere near US airspace. | US F-22 Raptor fighters, supported by an aerial refueling KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft and an early warning E-3 AWACS plane, were mustered to intercept Russian military aircraft over the Bering Sea on April 8, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) reported in a series of tweets on Thursday. | The intercept happened north of the Aleutian Islands, which stretch from the coast of Alaska far…
(2020-04-09). Headlines for April 9, 2020. democracynow.org Coronavirus Pandemic Could Push 600 Million More People into Poverty, New York Reports Record 779 Coronavirus Deaths in Just 24 Hours, General Motors to Deliver 30,000 Ventilators, with Most Arriving Long After Projected COVID-19 Peak, Kansas to Allow Crowded Church Services as L.A. Expands Order on Face Coverings, California Fast-Food Workers Strike, Demanding Hazard Pay and Protections Against COVID-19, Trump Touts Unproven Treatments of Hydroxychloroquine and Zinc for COVID-19, World Health Organization Head: "Please Don't Politicize This Virus", Researchers Find Coronavirus Arrived in New York from Europe in…
(2020-04-09). How the Coronavirus Is Testing Putin's Leadership—and the System He Created. thenation.com How the Coronavirus Is Testing Putin's Leadership—and the System He Created…