2020-03-28: Social Media Postees

Please be social by posting these 'POSTEES' on social media!

[Perspectives] The suffragette surgeons of Endell Street
Wendy Moore | thelancet.com | 2020-03-28
When war swept through Europe in August, 1914, more than 1000 medical men were mobilised with the British Army to France and several hundred more male doctors signed up to support the Allied war effort. Dozens of British women doctors volunteered their services too. On Aug 14, 1914, just 10 days after Britain declared war on Germany, the UK's Association of Registered Medical Women compiled a list of more than 60 members who declared themselves "willing to serve". Yet their help was bluntly declined.
thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)30641-3/fulltext?rss=yes

[Editorial] COVID-19: learning from experience
The Lancet | thelancet.com | 2020-03-28
Over the past 2 weeks, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has marched relentlessly westward. On March 13, WHO said that Europe was now the centre of the pandemic. A few days later, deaths in Italy surpassed those in China. Iran and Spain had also reported over 1000 deaths as of March 23, and many other European countries and the USA reported increasing numbers of cases, heralding an imminent wave of fatalities. Following the sweep of COVID-19 is a series of dramatic containment measures that reflect the scale of the threat posed by the pandemic.
thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)30686-3/fulltext?rss=yes

[Correspondence] COVID-19 cacophony: is there any orchestra conductor?
Antoine Flahault | thelancet.com | 2020-03-28
The first wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is currently invading the world, and several countries are now struggling to fight it or trying to delay its start to help smooth its peak size for the purpose of lowering morbidity and mortality, and thereby reduce the overall tension on their health-care system. China's first major outbreaks of COVID-19 happened in January, 2020. Then South Korea, Iran, and Italy entered into this Ravel's Bolero-like epidemic in late February and early March, 2020, and many other countries are preparing to play the same rhythmic pattern in the coming days and weeks.
thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)30491-8/fulltext?rss=yes

First train with medical supplies for Europe leaves Wuhan as China eases Covid-19 lockdown
rt.com | 2020-03-28
Beijing has resumed its railway freight service between Wuhan and Europe by delivering medical aid to Germany as authorities work to lift strict quarantine measures after the number of new cases Covid-19 dropped. | A train loaded with medical supplies and construction materials has left a station in Wuhan, the capital city of China's central Hubei Province, and is set to arrive in the city of Duisburg in Germany in two weeks, Chinese outlet the Global Times reported on Saturday. The delivery will be the first China-EU cargo freight operation from Wuhan since the city was placed under strict quarantine in Janua…
rt.com/news/484344-china-wuhan-first-train/

Covid-19 cases in Germany surge 6,294 in one day as death toll hits 325
rt.com | 2020-03-28
The number of coronavirus cases in Germany has surged by 6,294 in one day to nearly 50,000, while the death toll jumped by 72 to 325. | The Robert Koch Institute announced a fresh round of alarming statistics on Saturday morning, showing that a total of 48,582 people in Germany are confirmed carriers of the virus. | The federal agency, which is responsible for disease control and prevention in Germany, said that 325 people have died after testing positive for the illness. The figure represents an increase of 72 from Friday's tally and it is based on data collected up until midnight on Friday. | The spike in ca…
rt.com/news/484348-germany-covid-19-death-toll/

Albany, Georgia walloped by coronavirus outbreak as governor refuses to implement state-wide stay at home order
wsws.org | 2020-03-28
As of Friday the Albany area ranked second only to the New York City metro region, the epicenter of the outbreak in the US, in the number of infections per capita.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2020/03/28/geor-m28.html

Nearly 19,000 pandemic deaths in Europe as savaged health care systems are overwhelmed
wsws.org | 2020-03-28
The COVID-19 pandemic is preying on Europe's 500 million-plus population whose health care services have been decimated by years of government austerity and private sector looting.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2020/03/28/euro-m28.html

Coronavirus in Europe: Overworked hospitals become death traps
wsws.org | 2020-03-28
The criminal inactivity of European governments has led to a murderous and vicious circle of overwork, infection and work absences in hospitals throughout the continent.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2020/03/28/euho-m28.html

European Union summit on coronavirus ends in acrimony
wsws.org | 2020-03-28
The 27 European Union heads of government met via video conference on Thursday evening to discuss the coronavirus crisis.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2020/03/28/gipf-m28.html

WATCH Russian biodefense troops disinfect nursing home in coronavirus-hit Italy
rt.com | 2020-03-28
Experts from Moscow's biodefense unit have been deployed at the epicenter of the deadly Covid-19 outbreak in Italy, tasked with disinfecting a nursing home where patients died amid the coronavirus pandemic. | A Russian military biological and chemical protection team was dispatched to the Martino Zanchi nursing home in the city of Bergamo in Italy's northern Lombardy region on Friday. | Going from room to room, anti-epidemic specialists in hazmat suits and respirators sprayed disinfectant on all furniture, including beds and mattresses. They also thoroughly disinfected floors, walls and ceilings because traces…
rt.com/news/484343-italy-russia-covid19-response/

'We have many friends in the world': Italian FM says no ulterior motive to Russian Covid-19 aid, calls it 'act of solidarity'
rt.com | 2020-03-28
Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio brushed aside suggestions that aid from Moscow to combat the coronavirus pandemic came with hidden intentions, stating his country had nothing to fear from Russian assistance. | In an interview with Euronews' Giorgia Orlandi published on Friday, the reporter pressed Di Maio to reveal the "real purpose" behind Moscow's mission to deliver medical supplies to the Mediterranean nation, citing amorphous "doubts" and "fears" that the aid could shift intern…
rt.com/news/484337-italy-fm-russian-aid/

Spain suffers another record day for Covid-19 deaths as 832 perish
rt.com | 2020-03-28
Spain has recorded another record breaking day for Covid-19 deaths as 832 people died from the disease in 24 hours and the number of cases surged by over 8,000. | Spanish health officials announced on Saturday morning that 5,690 people have now died from the coronavirus in the Mediterranean country and a total of 72,248 people have contracted the illness. | The figure represents an increase of 8,189 confirmed cases on Friday's total. | While the shocking statistics are a further reminder of the threat the virus poses they offer evidence that the rate of infection has slowed in Spain. | The jump in cases is a 1…
rt.com/news/484357-spain-death-toll-coronavirus/

Istanbul Nearly Deserted Amid COVID-19 Pandemic – Video
sputniknews.com | 2020-03-28
Turkey is suspending air travel with other countries amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on 27 March.
sputniknews.com/middleeast/202003281078740725-istanbul-nearly-deserted-amid-covid-19-pandemic/

Do or Die: There's Only One Way for the EU to Avoid Breakup Amid COVID-19 Recession
sputniknews.com | 2020-03-28
Twelve years after the 2008 global economic crisis the future of the European bloc is in question again as the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed deep internal divisions at a time when a common solution is needed, economic observers say, predicting the potential demise of the EU.
sputniknews.com/analysis/202003281078740444-do-or-die-theres-only-one-way-for-the-eu-to-avoid-breakup-amid-covid-19-recession/

Spread of COVID-19 in Russia to Decline in May – WHO Representative on Health Ministry's Assessment
sputniknews.com | 2020-03-28
Earlier this week, the World Health Organisation's (WHO) representative in Russia, Melita Vujnovic, said that there was no need for a hard quarantine in Russia, adding that Moscow was "one step ahead" in its fight against COVID-19.
sputniknews.com/russia/202003281078740468-spread-of-covid-19-in-russia-to-decline-in-may—who-representative-on-health-ministrys-assessment/

Russia Registers 228 Coronavirus Cases Over Past 24 Hours – Operational Headquarters
sputniknews.com | 2020-03-28
MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The number of patients infected with COVID-19 in Russia has increased by 228 people over the past 24 hours, the country's operational headquarters for preventing the spread of coronavirus said in a statement on Saturday.
sputniknews.com/russia/202003281078740343-russia-registers-228-coronavirus-cases-over-past-24-hours—operational-headquarters/

Russian Federal Biomedical Agency Presents Drug to Treat COVID-19
sputniknews.com | 2020-03-28
Earlier in the day, Russia's operational headquarters for preventing the spread of COVID-19 reported that the number of patients infected with the coronavirus in Russia has increased by 228 people over the past 24 hours, and that one more person has died.
sputniknews.com/russia/202003281078741568-russian-federal-biomedical-agency-presents-drug-to-treat-covid-19/

Saudi Arabian Airlines to start UK repatriation flights
yenisafak.com | 2020-03-28
Saudi Arabian Airlines has agreed to operate exceptional commercial flights to allow British nationals and their families to return to the United Kingdom, according to a British embassy message sent by e-mail late on Friday.The airline will operate flights in the week starting March 29 from Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam to London's Heathrow Airport and additional flights if required, it said.
yenisafak.com/en/life/saudi-arabian-airlines-to-start-uk-repatriation-flights-3515266

Azerbaijan tightens measures against COVID-19
yenisafak.com | 2020-03-28
As the number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Azerbaijan has been increasing, the country decided to take more strict measures to stem the spread of COVID-19.The total number of confirmed cases in the country has reached 165. The death toll stands at three while 15 people have recovered from COVID-19 so far, according to the latest data compiled by the U.S.-based Johns Hopkins University.As part of its measures to curb the spread of the virus, Baku shut its southern border with Iran

Turkish Cyprus reports first COVID-19 death
yenisafak.com | 2020-03-28
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) confirmed on Saturday the first death in the country due to the novel coronavirus.A 67-year-old German male patient succumbed to the virus in Lefkosa, the Health Ministry said in a statement.The patient suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hypertension.On March 10, the first coronavirus case in the TRNC was diagnosed in a German female tourist.As of March 23, the partial curfew in the TRNC entered into force. There is a total of 61 cases in the country.After first appearing in Wuhan, China in December, the virus, officially known as COVID-19, has s…
yenisafak.com/en/life/turkish-cyprus-reports-first-covid-19-death-3515268

COVID-19: Russia confirms 228 new cases, 1 more death
yenisafak.com | 2020-03-28
Russia announced on Saturday 228 new coronavirus cases, bringing the country's total to 1,264 with an additional death.According to official figures, Moscow continues to be the epicenter of the epidemic in the country with half of the new cases.COVID-19 is now officially present in 62 of 86 Russian regions, with 49 people having recovered so far, the statement said."A total of 1,264 cases of coronavirus infection have been registered in 62 regions of the Russian Federation to date. Over the past day, four people were discharged for recovery. Forty nine people were discharged during the entire period," it said.To…
yenisafak.com/en/world/covid-19-russia-confirms-228-new-cases-1-more-death-3515265

Spain's coronavirus death toll rises by 832 overnight to 5,690
yenisafak.com | 2020-03-28
Spain's coronavirus death toll rose by 832 cases overnight to 5,690, the health ministry said on Saturday, marking a new high in the daily rise in fatalities.The total number of those infected rose to 72,248 from 64,059 on Friday.
yenisafak.com/en/world/spains-coronavirus-death-toll-rises-by-832-overnight-to-5690-3515267

The Italian war-like measures to fight coronavirus spreading: Re-open closed hospitals now
Alessandro Miani, Ernesto Burgio, Prisco Piscitelli, Renato Lauro, Annamaria Colao | thelancet.com | 2020-03-27
As recently highlighted by The Lancet, the Covid-19 outbreak started in Northern Italy has shocked Europe, while it has been questioned if China benefits from an authoritarian advantage in disease response [1,2]. In Italy, after the shutdown of the educational system (schools and Universities will remain closed at least for one month) and the collapse of the touristic sector (90% of travels and reservations cancelled), the Government officially locked down residents of all the region of Milan (Lombardia) and other 11 provinces.
thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(20)30064-X/fulltext?rss=yes

Peacekeeping radio stations provide COVID-19 information to vulnerable communities in conflict-affected countries
news.un.org | 2020-03-27
UN Peacekeeping radio stations have in recent decades helped build support for peace process in a dozen countries around the world including Cambodia, Croatia, Namibia and Timor-Leste.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2020/03/1060542

Corona culture: Europe and the new normal
Dennis Broe | peoplesworld.org | 2020-03-27
PARIS–After its outbreak in China, Europe had been called the new epicenter of the disease, and particularly Western Europe, where the responses have varied from the new Socialist-Podemos coalition in Spain nationalizing the country's industry to a total quarantine in France by the neoliberal Macron, criticized for being three weeks too late. Some predict that …
peoplesworld.org/article/corona-culture-europe-and-the-new-normal/

In the Grip of Disease
Evaggelos Vallianatos | counterpunch.org | 2020-03-27
Even more than war, the corona virus pandemic is causing chaos. It is threatening the people of the United Kingdom as well as human beings all over the world. The virus is invisible. It can be everywhere and nowhere. Virus of confusion You turn on the radio or television and the only discussion is about this incomprehensive…
counterpunch.org/2020/03/27/in-the-grip-of-disease/

COVID-19: Health or Wealth?
Daniel Warner | counterpunch.org | 2020-03-27
Can the pandemic be separated from the economy? As the pandemic continues in Europe and the United States but seems to be subsiding in Asia, more and more questions are being raised about how to relaunch the economy. The importance of public health is being opposed to opening for business. The battle in the U.S.
counterpunch.org/2020/03/27/covid-19-health-or-wealth/

Coronavirus and the Collapse of Our Imaginations
Jonathan Carp | counterpunch.org | 2020-03-27
Right now, millions of people throughout North America and Europe are living through an unprecedented situation and making unprecedented demands. Formerly meek white-collar workers content to schlep to and from the office every day are demanding the right to telecommute. Blue-collar workers told they are essential are demanding raises- here in Washington, our grocery workers…
counterpunch.org/2020/03/27/coronavirus-and-the-collapse-of-our-imaginations/

How austerity and anti-immigrant politics left Italy exposed to viral blitzkrieg
Conn Hallinan | peoplesworld.org | 2020-03-27
As the viral blitzkrieg rolls across one European border after another, it seems to have a particular enmity for Italy. The country's death toll has far surpassed China's, and scenes from its hospitals look like something out of Dante's imagination. Why? Italy has the fourth-largest economy in the European Union, and in terms of health …
peoplesworld.org/article/how-austerity-and-anti-immigrant-politics-left-italy-exposed-to-viral-blitzkrieg/

Russia-gate: the Dead But Undead
Richard Moser | counterpunch.org | 2020-03-27
Attention all Russia-gaters! Under the cover of pandemic, the US finally dropped charges against those dastardly Russian meme-bombers! Just in case you think this is yet another conspiracy led by Trump's Department of Justice to hide something, the case against the troll farm fell apart 2 years ago when Mueller was still in charge. It's…
counterpunch.org/2020/03/27/russia-gate-the-dead-but-undead/

Coronavirus: After the EU Failed to Deliver, Italy Looks to Russia for Help
Steven Sahiounie | mintpressnews.com | 2020-03-27
The current global political scene is changing rapidly as a result of the coronavirus. New super-powers are emerging and former power-houses are weakening in the face of the crisis.
mintpressnews.com/coronavirus-after-eu-failed-italy-looks-russia-for-aid/266126/

'For common benefit of all,' Ireland nationalizes hospitals for duration of coronavirus crisis, sparking demand for US to follow suit
Eoin Higgins | nationofchange.org | 2020-03-27
"How wonderful is this. A beautiful silver lining."
nationofchange.org/2020/03/27/for-common-benefit-of-all-ireland-nationalizes-hospitals-for-duration-of-coronavirus-crisis-sparking-demand-for-us-to-follow-suit/

Number of US Covid-19 cases smashes past 90,000
rt.com | 2020-03-27
The number of people infected with the coronavirus in the United States has surged to nearly 93,000, as the country reclaims its position of having the most cases of Covid-19 in the world. | The tally from Johns Hopkins University indicates that the number of cases in the US hit 92,932 on Friday, a dramatic one-day surge of 7,576 cases on its previous figure. | The increase saw it overtake Italy, which briefly had the most confirmed cases of any country in the world when its official count of infections reached 86,498 on Friday. | Fri…
rt.com/usa/484316-us-coronavirus-case-surge-90000/

'This is low, even for you': Hillary Clinton uses record coronavirus deaths to bash Trump, gets virtual punches herself
rt.com | 2020-03-27
As the US recorded more cases of Covid-19 than any other country in the world, Hillary Clinton used the opportunity to crack jokes about President Trump. The failed presidential candidate was savaged online for her insensitivity. | As of Friday, the United States has recorded more than 94,000 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, passing out China and Italy. More than 1,400 Americans have died, hospitals are approaching capacity, and a record 3.3 million workers have filed for unemployment. | As the US passed this grim milestone, former secretary of state and 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton took the o…
rt.com/usa/484325-hillary-clinton-coronavirus-joke/

Why is the U.S. so Exceptionally Vulnerable to Covid-19?
Nicolas J.S. Davies | dissidentvoice.org | 2020-03-27
The United States has become the new center of the global coronavirus pandemic, with over 86,000 cases, more than China or Italy. More than a thousand Americans have already died, but this is surely only the very beginning of this deadly collision between the U.S.'s uniquely inadequate public healthcare system and a real pandemic. On …
dissidentvoice.org/2020/03/why-is-the-u-s-so-exceptionally-vulnerable-to-covid-19/

Foreign Policy: Can This Pandemic Usher In A New Era?
Pat Buchanan | iranian.com | 2020-03-27
To fight the coronavirus at home, France is removing all military forces from Iraq. When NATO scaled back its war games in Europe because of the pandemic, Russia reciprocated. Moscow announced it would cancel its war games along NATO's border. Nations seem to be recognizing and responding to the grim new geostrategic reality of March …
iranian.com/2020/03/27/foreign-policy-can-this-pandemic-usher-in-a-new-era/

Brexit trade talks to continue despite Europe-wide coronavirus lockdown
The Canary | thecanary.co | 2020-03-27
Post-Brexit negotiations on a trade deal with the European Union will continue next week despite the UK and much of the continent being on a coronavirus-enforced lockdown. | Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove will co-chair the talks via video conference in a bid to push forward on securing an agreement with Brussels. | Downing Street has continued to insist that the government will not request to put back the December deadline for a deal to be reached. | The Prime Minister's official spokesman, when asked about a possible extension to the transition period, told reporters on 27 March: "In terms of the timetable…
thecanary.co/uk/news/2020/03/27/brexit-trade-talks-to-continue-despite-europe-wide-coronavirus-lockdown/

"In a Week We Will Be Italy": NYC ER Doctor Says the U.S. Pandemic Will Only Get Worse
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-03-26
As New York hospitals see a surge in coronavirus cases, medical workers report growing shortages of protective gear, and a nurse who tested positive after treating patients with the highly contagious disease has died. "It's pretty dire inside New York City hospitals right now," says New York City emergency room doctor Craig Spencer. "We have a growing number of patients coming in every day with coronavirus. We have people young and old, with complications, without complications, who get put on mechanical ventilators, who get put on life support to help their breathing, who have cardiac arrest. It's a daily realit…
www.democracynow.org/2020/3/26/nyc_hospitals_coronavirus

Has Saudi Arabia Shot Itself in the Foot With Its Oil Price War?
Darius Shahtahmasebi | mintpressnews.com | 2020-03-26
The impact of coronavirus has destroyed the demand for oil and neither Saudi Arabia, Russia or the United States will escape the resulting price war unscathed.
mintpressnews.com/saudi-arabia-shot-foot-oil-price-war-coronavirus/266079/

Covid-19 Pandemic: Spain Calls for a G20 Coordinated Action
telesurenglish.net | 2020-03-26
At the G20 virtual summit on Thursday, Spain's President Pedro Sanchez proposed that the United Nations become the center of the multilateral response to the Covid-19 pandemic. | RELATED: | Spain's COVID-19 Death Toll Overtakes China's | Specifically, he asked that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spearhead a global initiative to assess the damage caused by this cr…
telesurenglish.net/news/Covid-19-Pandemic-Spain-Calls-for-a-G20-Coordinated-Action-20200326-0011.html

"In a Week We Will Be Italy," Says New York ER Doctor About COVID-19 in the US
Staff | truthout.org | 2020-03-26
As New York hospitals see a surge in coronavirus cases, medical workers report growing shortages of protective gear, and a nurse who tested positive after treating patients with the highly contagious disease has died. "It's pretty dire inside New York City hospitals right now," says New York City emergency room doctor Craig Spencer. "We have a growing number of patients coming in every day with coronavirus. We have people young and old, with complications, without complications, who get put on…
truthout.org/video/in-a-week-we-will-be-italy-says-new-york-er-doctor-about-covid-19-in-the-us/

'Models don't match reality': White House coronavirus chief rejects doomsday predictions as US tops Covid-19 case count
rt.com | 2020-03-26
Even as the US overtook China in the official number of Covid-19 cases, the top physician leading the White House effort urged Americans not to panic, as models predicting the death of millions keep being proven wrong everywhere. | "The predictions of the models don't match the reality on the ground in neither China, South Korea nor Italy," Dr. Deborah Birx told reporters on Thursday. She noted that the alarmist statistics about the spread of the virus said Italy would reach 400,000 deaths by now, but the actual death toll was nowhere near that. | Italy, which has been the hardest-hit in terms of deaths from C…
rt.com/usa/484213-coronavirus-models-reality-birx/

Top CDC Official: Staggering Spike in New York 'Just a Preview' of What's Coming Elsewhere
Eoin Higgins, staff writer | commondreams.org | 2020-03-26
"I think what we're seeing in New York City and New York state right now is a real warning to other areas about what may happen or what may already be starting to happen." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/italy_coronavirus_0.jpg …
commondreams.org/news/2020/03/26/top-cdc-official-staggering-spike-new-york-just-preview-whats-coming-elsewhere?cd-origin=rss

Iraq: France withdraws forces in anti-ISIS coalition
Anadolu Agency | iranian.com | 2020-03-26
France has withdrawn its troops from Iraq, deployed as part of a U.S.-led coalition against the Daesh/ISIS terror group, according to local Iraqi media. The French forces' departure came after agreements with Baghdad, Iraq's official news agency INA quoted Abdel-Karim Khalaf, a spokesman for Iraq's caretaker Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi, as saying. Khalaf did not …
iranian.com/2020/03/25/iraq-france-withdraws-forces-in-anti-isis-coalition/

People of Rojava left to fight COVID-19 alone
Susan Price | greenleft.org.au | 2020-03-26
Healthcare Middle EastIssue 1258 Northern Syria COVID-19 RojavaMarch 26, 2020The world's richest and most powerful states have been overwhelmed by coronavirus (COVID-19), with coffins lining the streets of European t…
greenleft.org.au/content/people-rojava-left-fight-covid-19-alone

Madrid's Ice Rink Turned to Morgue as Spain Exceeds China in Coronavirus Deaths
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-03-25
We go to Madrid, Spain, one of the epicenters of the pandemic in Europe, where health workers account for nearly 14% of the country's infections. Many face limited availability of protective equipment. So many people have died that Madrid's municipal funeral home has stopped collecting bodies. A large ice rink is now being used as a makeshift morgue, and the government plans to extend the state of emergency by another 15 days in order to stop the spread of the coronavirus. "If Madrid was a country, it would actually be fifth in terms of death rate in the entire world," says María Carrión, journalist and former De…
www.democracynow.org/2020/3/25/maria_carrion_spain_coronavirus

Pompeo's focus on blaming China for coronavirus derails joint G-7 statement
rt.com | 2020-03-25
G-7 leaders reportedly balked at US insistence that Covid-19 be called the 'Wuhan virus' and blaming China for a "disinformation campaign" about it, letting the group's conference call end without a joint statement. | Following the hours-long teleconference with the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the UK

Nowruz: A season of renewal, and the time to get counted
Bitta Mostofi | iranian.com | 2020-03-25
Every spring, Iranians around the globe join with family and friends to invite the coming of a New Year or Nowruz. Nowruz is the first day of spring, historically rooted in Zoroastrianism but celebrated by Iranians of all religious persuasions as well as Afghans, Uzbeks, Tajiks, Azerbaijanis, Kurds, and many others. The celebrations on and …
iranian.com/2020/03/25/nowruz-a-season-of-renewal-and-the-time-to-get-counted/

Spanish state: Amid spiralling COVID-19 death toll, demands grow for full lockdown
Susan Price | greenleft.org.au | 2020-03-25
Healthcare Federico Fuentes Dick NicholsIssue 1258 Spain COVID-19 BarcelonaMarch 25, 2020Spain recorded 514 deaths from COVID-19 on M…
greenleft.org.au/content/spanish-state-amid-spiralling-covid-19-death-toll-demands-grow-full-lockdown

The Not-So-Shocking Report on Israeli Weapons Exports
Ramzy Baroud | dissidentvoice.org | 2020-03-24
The Middle East region, battered by wars and adjoining humanitarian crises that have left millions of people stateless, hungry and diseased, is in urgent need for peace, security and reconstruction. Thanks to the US, Russian, French, Israeli and other weapons manufacturers, however, it is now the dumping ground for military hardware, an ominous sign for …
dissidentvoice.org/2020/03/the-not-so-shocking-report-on-israeli-weapons-exports/

Last Process: 50 Postees: 2020-03-28 14:53 GMT (10:53 EST)

2020-03-27: News Headlines

The Lancet (2020-03-28). [Editorial] COVID-19: learning from experience. thelancet.com Over the past 2 weeks, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has marched relentlessly westward. On March 13, WHO said that Europe was now the centre of the pandemic. A few days later, deaths in Italy surpassed those in China. Iran and Spain had also reported over 1000 deaths as of March 23, and many other European countries and the USA reported increasing numbers of cases, heralding an imminent wave of fatalities. Following the sweep of COVID-19 is a series of dramatic containment measures that reflect the scale of the threat posed by the pandemic.

Wendy Moore (2020-03-28). [Perspectives] The suffragette surgeons of Endell Street. thelancet.com When war swept through Europe in August, 1914, more than 1000 medical men were mobilised with the British Army to France and several hundred more male doctors signed up to support the Allied war effort. Dozens of British women doctors volunteered their services too. On Aug 14, 1914, just 10 days after Britain declared war on Germany, the UK's Association of Registered Medical Women compiled a list of more than 60 members who declared themselves "willing to serve". Yet their help was bluntly declined.

Antoine Flahault (2020-03-28). [Correspondence] COVID-19 cacophony: is there any orchestra conductor? thelancet.com The first wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is currently invading the world, and several countries are now struggling to fight it or trying to delay its start to help smooth its peak size for the purpose of lowering morbidity and mortality, and thereby reduce the overall tension on their health-care system. China's first major outbreaks of COVID-19 happened in January, 2020. Then South Korea, Iran, and Italy entered into this Ravel's Bolero-like epidemic in late February and early March, 2020, and many other countries are preparing to play the same rhythmic pattern in the coming days and weeks.

RT (2020-03-27). Turkey evacuates hundreds of migrants from Greek border amid virus pandemic. rt.com Ankara has sent some 6,000 migrants waiting at the Turkish-Greek border to cross into the European Union to cities inside the country, Reuters reported on Friday, citing the Interior Ministry. The move was part of measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus. | Migrants waiting at the border crossing in Edirne province were transported in buses to state guest houses where they would be quarantined, Anadolu news agency reported. They would be moved to other regions in Turkey at the end of the quarantine, it added. | Thousands of migrants had massed at a border crossing with European Union-member Greece after T…

RT (2020-03-27). European stocks sink as spread of coronavirus explodes across continent. rt.com European markets opened significantly lower on Friday, ignoring all the stimulus pledges by governments this week, as the deadly Covid-19 pandemic continues to spread. Europe now accounts for more than half of global infections. | Britain's FTSE 100 is plummeting more than three percent during early trading in London. Stock markets in Germany and France are down over two percent. | The market fall comes as EU leaders fail to come to an agreement over the economic response to the coronavirus pandemic. During a video conference summit on Thursday, the leaders of the 27-member bloc argued over how to pull their e…

RT (2020-03-27). Europe coronavirus cases dramatically SURGE as worldwide death toll surpasses 25,000. rt.com The worldwide death toll from Covid-19 has surpassed 25,000 and researchers have detected a huge spike in Europe with Spain, Germany and the UK reporting thousands of fresh cases. | The Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center noted that the grim milestone had been reached on Friday. Professor Steve Hanke from the university said that Europe has seen a "massive surge" in cases over a 16 hour period with Spain recording over 6,000 fresh diagnoses, Germany racking up over 5,400 and the UK seeing nearly 3,000 new cases. |

RT (2020-03-27). Cat contracts coronavirus FROM sick owner in new case of human-to-animal transition. rt.com As scientists around the world battle for a cure or vaccine to Covid-19, a new case of human-to-animal transmission has arisen in Belgium, where health experts say a cat contracted the disease from its coronavirus-stricken owner. | Just one week after the pet owner in Liege, Belgium was diagnosed with Covid-19, their cat also started showing symptoms of the disease, including respiratory problems and diarrhea. | As panic over the outbreak keeps gaining ground, spokesman for Belgium's coronavirus crisis center, Emmanuel Andre, tried to reassure the public that the infected animal was an "isolated case." | "Ther…

RT (2020-03-27). Orban imposes 2-week lockdown, expects coronavirus peak in Hungary by July. rt.com Hungary is imposing a two-week lockdown to slow the spread of the coronavirus epidemic. It is expected to peak in the country in June or July, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Friday. | Citizens will be allowed to go to work, shop and take limited exercise outside during the lockdown, which starts on Saturday. However, they should keep distance from each other, Orban said on public radio. Restrictions would be enforced by police, he added. | Hungary has recorded around 300 coronavirus cases and 10 deaths, Reuters reported. Orban has said the actual number of cases is probably much higher. "Restrictions put…

RT (2020-03-27). Poll: Russians split down the middle on presidential terms reset as Putin's approval rating falls. rt.com Following a few months of political shocks in Russia, voters have become used to surprises. But opinion seems to be divided on whether restarting the clock on time spent in the Kremlin is worth supporting, says a new survey. | Pollsters at the Levada Center report that 48 percent of their respondents support the nullification of terms, and 47 percent are against, with 5 percent undecided. | Levada also revealed that Putin's approval rating is on the decline: It stood at 69 percent in February but decreased to 63 percent in March. | Named for its founder, the late Yuri Levada, the polling company is regarded by…

RT (2020-03-27). Russia records third coronavirus patient death as number infected surpasses 1,000. rt.com Another person diagnosed with Covid-19 has died in Moscow, bringing the overall death toll in Russia to three people. 196 new cases were announced on Friday, which means the nationwide number of infected now stands at 1,036. | The latest victim was a 70-year-old woman with a number of underlying conditions. She had suffered from diabetes for 20 years and also had terminal renal failure and other diseases. | The two other Russian deaths, announced on Wednesday, also involved elderly patients, aged 88 and 73 respectively. Last week, a 79-year-old woman was initially thought to have succumbed to coronavirus, but…

RT (2020-03-27). Surveying the virus battlefield: Russian military medics inspect Covid-19 health facilities in Bergamo, Italy (VIDEO). rt.com Russian military medics carried out reconnaissance at health facilities in Bergamo, where the elderly are being treated for the coronavirus, before engaging in the fight against the disease on Italian soil. | The Russian experts, sporting full protective gear, inspected four hospitals with their Italian colleagues on Friday. They examined the layout of the buildings and talked to staff to come up with a list of urgent measures needed to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and establish the scope of disinfection activities. | The Russian contingent of around 100 servicemen and 22 Kamaz trucks arrived in Italy on…

RT (2020-03-27). Coronavirus creeps closer to Putin as Kremlin staffer diagnosed with Covid-19. rt.com With news of Boris Johnson's coronavirus infection and Justin Trudeau's self isolation, it's clear that jobs which involve lots of meetings and shaking hands aren't the safest occupations at present. | Now, in Russia, fears are growing that the disease might have already infiltrated President Putin's closest circle. The anxiety has been fueled by confirmation on Friday that at least one employee of the presidential administration has contracted Covid-19. | Putin's spokesman told reporters he was aware of the situation. However, Dmitry Peskov said the individual concerned did not have direct contact with Putin.

RT (2020-03-27). Sinking global economy & cheap crude take big bite out of Russia's forex reserves. rt.com Russian gold and foreign currency holdings have shed almost $30 billion or more than five percent in one week in the biggest drop since the global financial crisis amid the coronavirus pandemic and crashing oil prices. | According to the latest data released by the country's central bank, the reserves stood at $551.2 billion as of March 20, down from $581 billion a week earlier. The regulator explained the decline with negative revaluation. | The nation's forex holdings faced almost a similar drop in October 2008, when the reserves shrank by $30.6 billion to $487 billion. Another steep decline occurred in the…

RT (2020-03-27). Britain, EU negotiators to hold first joint committee talks on Monday. rt.com British and EU negotiators will hold the first meeting of a joint committee as planned on Monday, a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said. The statement came after trade talks were put on hold because of the coronavirus outbreak, Reuters reported. | The spokesman said the meeting would be co-chaired by senior British Minister Michael Gove and European Commission Vice-President Maros Sefcovic and would take place remotely rather than in person due to the coronavirus. Video conference and conference calls are among the options being considered. | The joint committee will oversee the implementation, app…

Conn Hallinan (2020-03-27). How austerity and anti-immigrant politics left Italy exposed to viral blitzkrieg. peoplesworld.org As the viral blitzkrieg rolls across one European border after another, it seems to have a particular enmity for Italy. The country's death toll has far surpassed China's, and scenes from its hospitals look like something out of Dante's imagination. Why? Italy has the fourth-largest economy in the European Union, and in terms of health …

Dennis Broe (2020-03-27). Corona culture: Europe and the new normal. peoplesworld.org PARIS—After its outbreak in China, Europe had been called the new epicenter of the disease, and particularly Western Europe, where the responses have varied from the new Socialist-Podemos coalition in Spain nationalizing the country's industry to a total quarantine in France by the neoliberal Macron, criticized for being three weeks too late. Some predict that …

RT (2020-03-27). France trying to repatriate 30,000 of its nationals — FM. rt.com France is still trying to repatriate 30,000 of its citizens from overseas due to the coronavirus, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on Friday. Over the last week, France has brought home around 100,000 people, the minister told Europe 1 radio. | Malaysia and France have organized chartered flights to fly out hundreds of their citizens stranded in Cambodia after the Southeast Asian nation sealed its borders and cancelled flights, Reuters reported. | A special charter flight departed on Thursday with 413 French people on board. Another 100 French nationals will be leaving Cambodia on Saturday and many mor…

RT (2020-03-27). France's coronavirus death toll nears 2,000 as 300 more die in Covid-19 pandemic. rt.com The death toll from the Covid-19 outbreak has reached 1,996 in France after the country's health authorities confirmed that 299 more people have died there in a 24-hour period. | Announcing the latest fatalities on Friday evening, France's director-general of health also said that there have been a total of 32,964 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in the state, up from 29,155 a day prior. | Earlier Friday, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe warned of "very difficult" days ahead as the country sees a rise in cases, and said the government would extend a raft of nationwide restrictions aimed at curbing the s…

RT (2020-03-27). Spain's Covid-19 death toll SPIKES again as 769 die in new single day record. rt.com Spain's health ministry has announced that it has suffered another record breaking day for Covid-19 deaths as 769 people fell victim to the disease in one day. | Health officials revealed on Friday morning that the number of fatalities jumped to 4,858, while the number of confirmed infections in the country has risen from 56,188 to 64,059. | The rate of infection has seemingly slowed, however, with the 7,871 jump in new cases making a 14 percent increase on the previous day. That compares favorably to the 18 percent increase announced on Thursday and Wednesday's 20 percent surge. | Worryingly, however, the mor…

RT (2020-03-27). 'This is low, even for you': Hillary Clinton uses record coronavirus deaths to bash Trump, gets virtual punches herself. rt.com As the US recorded more cases of Covid-19 than any other country in the world, Hillary Clinton used the opportunity to crack jokes about President Trump. The failed presidential candidate was savaged online for her insensitivity. | As of Friday, the United States has recorded more than 94,000 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, passing out China and Italy. More than 1,400 Americans have died, hospitals are approaching capacity, and a record 3.3 million workers have filed for unemployment. | As the US passed this grim milestone, former secretary of state and 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton took the o…

RT (2020-03-27). Italy yet to reach coronavirus contagion peak, national health chief warns, as 712 die in one day. rt.com Italy has yet to see the worst of the coronavirus pandemic spreading through the country, a senior health official has warned, a day after more than 700 people died in a single 24-hour period. | "We haven't reached the peak and we haven't passed it," the head of the Superior Health Institute, Silvio Brusaferro, told a press conference on Friday. He noted, however, that there were "signs of a slowdown" in the number of infections, suggesting that the health crisis could turn a corner soon. | Figures released on Thursday showed 712 new Covid-19 deaths, bringing the nationwide total to 8,215. | Brusaferro said th…

RT (2020-03-27). Number of US Covid-19 cases smashes past 90,000. rt.com The number of people infected with the coronavirus in the United States has surged to nearly 93,000, as the country reclaims its position of having the most cases of Covid-19 in the world. | The The increase saw it overtake Italy, which briefly had the most confirmed cases of any country in the world when its official count of infections reached 86,498 on Friday. | Fri…

Nicolas J.S. Davies (2020-03-27). Why is the U.S. so Exceptionally Vulnerable to Covid-19? dissidentvoice.org The United States has become the new center of the global coronavirus pandemic, with over 86,000 cases, more than China or Italy. More than a thousand Americans have already died, but this is surely only the very beginning of this deadly collision between the U.S.'s uniquely inadequate public healthcare system and a real pandemic. On …

RT (2020-03-27). Italy's WORST day: Coronavirus death rate highest since start of outbreak with 900+ fatalities. rt.com Italy has experienced its worst day yet in the country's devastating coronavirus epidemic, with 919 deaths recorded in the last 24 hours — the highest single-day total since the pandemic began. | The highest-ever single-day spike in fatalities brought Italy's death toll to 9,134, a number that has long since surpassed the outbreak's original epicenter in China. Italy had 86,498 confirmed cases as of Friday, also exceeding China's numbers as Beijing has seen new infections all but flatline. | While single-day deaths in the country had been on the decline for several days, Friday's numbers show Italy is no…

Alessandro Miani, Ernesto Burgio, Prisco Piscitelli, Renato Lauro, Annamaria Colao (2020-03-27). The Italian war-like measures to fight coronavirus spreading: Re-open closed hospitals now. thelancet.com As recently highlighted by The Lancet, the Covid-19 outbreak started in Northern Italy has shocked Europe, while it has been questioned if China benefits from an authoritarian advantage in disease response [1,2]. In Italy, after the shutdown of the educational system (schools and Universities will remain closed at least for one month) and the collapse of the touristic sector (90% of travels and reservations cancelled), the Government officially locked down residents of all the region of Milan (Lombardia) and other 11 provinces.

Staff (2020-03-27). Headlines for March 27, 2020. democracynow.org U.S. Leads World in Reported COVID-19 Cases as Hospitalizations Surge, Trump Doubts New York City's Need for 30,000 Life-Saving Ventilators, Politico: President Trump Failed to Follow Pandemic Playbook, Squandering Precious Time, Detroit and Chicago Join New Orleans as U.S. Coronavirus Hot Spots, House to Vote on Record-Shattering $2.2 Trillion Coronavirus Relief Package, Three Unaccompanied Migrant Children Test Positive for COVID-19, Jailed Asylum Seekers Stage Hunger Strike, Demanding Release During Pandemic, Activists Demand Release of Aging Prisoners as Coronavirus Spreads, Hospitals in Spain and Italy on th…

WSWS (2020-03-27). Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa. wsws.org Amazon workers in France, metalworkers in Italy, postal workers in Britain and doctors in Zimbabwe are among those taking job action to protest lack of adequate safety measures in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Andrew Korybko (2020-03-27). Russia Is Responding Better Than Everyone Else to World War C. globalresearch.ca The largest country in the world is faring surprisingly well when it comes to surviving World War C, which is greatly attributable to Russia's proactive measures in taking COVID-19 as serious as possible, including through border closures and the forthcoming …

Paul Antonopoulos (2020-03-27). Montenegro Being Accelerated to the European Union in a Face-saving Regime. globalresearch.ca Italians furious at the lack of help and solidarity from the European Union began removing flags of the Union throughout the country and replaced them with Chinese and Russian ones. As this is happening in a long-time member of the …

Thomas Klikauer — Norman Simms (2020-03-27). Corona in Germany: Hording and Authoritarianism. counterpunch.org By 26 March 2020, what the world calls "Coronavirus" and the USA calls "Covid-19" had affected 197 countries and territories with almost 20,000 deaths globally. While 20,000 looks like rather an insignificant number given the 7.8 billion people on planet earth, a highly reputable source — worldometer — noted on that day the ranking of

Richard Moser (2020-03-27). Russia-gate: the Dead But Undead. counterpunch.org Attention all Russia-gaters! Under the cover of pandemic, the US finally dropped charges against those dastardly Russian meme-bombers! Just in case you think this is yet another conspiracy led by Trump's Department of Justice to hide something, the case against the troll farm fell apart 2 years ago when Mueller was still in charge. It's

Steven Sahiounie (2020-03-27). Coronavirus: After the EU Failed to Deliver, Italy Looks to Russia for Help. mintpressnews.com The current global political scene is changing rapidly as a result of the coronavirus. New super-powers are emerging and former power-houses are weakening in the face of the crisis.

Daniel Warner (2020-03-27). COVID-19: Health or Wealth? counterpunch.org Can the pandemic be separated from the economy? As the pandemic continues in Europe and the United States but seems to be subsiding in Asia, more and more questions are being raised about how to relaunch the economy. The importance of public health is being opposed to opening for business. The battle in the U.S.

WSWS (2020-03-27). Europe's COVID-19 death toll reaches over 16,000. wsws.org Years of slashing health and social care budgets, together with government inaction, have taken a grim toll, with health workers forced to make decisions as to who lives and dies.

Jonathan Carp (2020-03-27). Coronavirus and the Collapse of Our Imaginations. counterpunch.org Right now, millions of people throughout North America and Europe are living through an unprecedented situation and making unprecedented demands. Formerly meek white-collar workers content to schlep to and from the office every day are demanding the right to telecommute. Blue-collar workers told they are essential are demanding raises- here in Washington, our grocery workers

Pepe Escobar (2020-03-27). Why France Is Hiding a Cheap and Tested Virus Cure. globalresearch.ca What's going on in the fifth largest economy in the world arguably points to a major collusion scandal in which the French government is helping Big Pharma to profit from the expansion of Covid-19. Informed French citizens are absolutely furious …

WSWS (2020-03-27). Total coronavirus cases in United States surge past Italy, China. wsws.org The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the US has risen tenfold in a week, to 85,594.

Lucas Leiroz de Almeida (2020-03-27). Covid-19: Lithuania on the Brink of a Catastrophe. globalresearch.ca COVID-19 expands in Lithuania. Having registered its first official case in February, the country currently has almost 300 infected people and four confirmed deaths. Taking into account that the official numbers tend to differ from the real ones due to …

sputniknews (2020-03-27). World War II Not Over 'Until I Sent That Message' – US Veteran. sputniknews.com WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – World War II was technically still going on until US radio operator Gregory Melikian sent a coded message to the world that Germany surrendered to the allies.

sputniknews (2020-03-27). Lukashenko Plans to Come to Moscow for WWII Victory Anniversary Celebrations. sputniknews.com MINSK (Sputnik) – Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced on Friday his intention to come to Moscow for the parade celebrating the 75th anniversary of victory in World War II.

sputniknews (2020-03-27). Belgium Confirms Case of COVID-19 Transmission From Human to Cat — National Centre. sputniknews.com BRUSSELS (Sputnik) – Laboratory staff in Belgium have confirmed a case of COVID-19 transmission from human to animal, after a man who contracted the disease also infected his pet cat, a representative of the country's coronavirus reference laboratory confirmed on Friday.

sputniknews (2020-03-27). World Ocean Council Expresses Interest in Cooperating With Russian Companies in Arctic. sputniknews.com MOSCOW (Sputnik), Andrei Savenkov – The World Ocean Council (WOC), a global business association promoting corporate ocean responsibility, in an interview with Sputnik voiced interest in developing collaboration with Russian businesses in the Arctic amid increasing exploration and production of hydrocarbons there.

sputniknews (2020-03-27). Russian Space Agency Says Will Change 2020 Launch Schedule Due to COVID-19 Outbreak. sputniknews.com MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The Russian Space Agency Roscosmos will adapt its planned launch schedule for this coming year in light of the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic that has caused the suspension of satellite production in Europe, the agency's press service said on Friday.

sputniknews (2020-03-27). One Coronavirus Case Confirmed in Vladimir Putin's Administration. sputniknews.com There have been three coronavirus-related deaths in Russia as of Friday, with the total number of cases suprassing 1,000. Most cases have been registered in the capital, Moscow.

sputniknews (2020-03-27). Du Hast…COVID-19: Rammstein Singer Till Lindemann Tests Positive for Coronavirus – Reports. sputniknews.com With the spread of the coronavirus, more and more well-known people are falling victim to the virus; earlier in the day, it was reported that UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson had tested positive for COVID-19.

sputniknews (2020-03-27). Boozy Sex Orgy Busted in Madrid for Violating Coronavirus Lockdown. sputniknews.com With more than 4,000 coronavirus-related deaths, Spain is Europe's worst-hit country after Italy. The country has been under a near-total lockdown for about two weeks now as the government is grappling with a growing number of infections.

sputniknews (2020-03-27). Saudi Oil Industry at Risk as American, European Refiners Refusing Riyadh's Crude — Reports. sputniknews.com Oil prices collapsed to their lowest levels in decades in March amid coronavirus concerns and OPEC+'s failure to reach a deal on production cuts, which prompted Riyadh and its allies to open the taps.

sputniknews (2020-03-27). Indian Banking Regulator's Emergency Rate Cut a 'Bazooka' Moment in Fighting Covid-19 – Analysts. sputniknews.com New Delhi (Sputnik): Central banks across the globe have triggered emergency measures to support the economy and industry in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic: efforts have been taken either in the form of reduction in benchmark rates, which has been done by the US Federal Reserve, or a stimulus as is the case with the European Central Bank.

yenisafak (2020-03-27). Friday Muslim prayers led on TV due to virus in Turkey. yenisafak.com With all-important Friday congregational prayers banned in mosques over coronavirus fears, Turkey's top religious authority today led the faithful via television screens.Ali Erbas, head of the Religious Affairs Directorate, delivered a sermon on television to help stem the virus' spread.Just like last week, Friday congregational prayers are prohibited nationwide, with the exception of Bestepe Mosque in the capital Ankara, said the directorate in a statement.On Monday, the directorate announced that congregational prayers had been suspended as a public safety measure during the pandemic.Turkey has confirmed a tota…

yenisafak (2020-03-27). Turkey launches website to share live COVID-19 updates. yenisafak.com The Turkish Presidency launched a website on Friday to announce the latest updates and data worldwide about the coronavirus pandemic.The website, established by the Digital Transformation Office affiliated to the Presidency provides data about the cases, death tolls, and recoveries per country infected with the virus by clicking on the country featured on the world map.The website

Last Process: 50 Citations: 2020-03-27 23:56 GMT (19:56 EST)