Positive Universe: Europe

2020-03-17: Social Media Postees

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

Quarantine for the US-NATO Military Machine?
Prof Michel Chossudovsky | globalresearch.ca | 2020-03-17
It happened almost on the same day. Italy's lockdown. People confined to their homes across the European Union. Influx of 30,000 US troops in preparation of the "Defend Europe 2020" war games against Russia in the largest display of military …
globalresearch.ca/quarantine-for-the-us-nato-military-machine/5706664

Leaders of Turkey, Germany, France, UK discuss Syria & migration crisis in videoconference
rt.com | 2020-03-17
Turkish, German, British, and French leaders discussed the Syria crisis and the migrant issue, as well as joint action against coronavirus in a videoconference, the Turkish presidency said on Tuesday. | It issued a statement saying that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also discussed methods of humanitarian aid to Syria's northwestern Idlib province, Reuters reports. | A summit was planned after Ankara opened its borders to migrants trying to enter the bloc, but the leaders decided to switch to a…
rt.com/newsline/483339-turkey-germany-france-migration/

Nine Years Ago: The US-NATO-Israel Sponsored Al Qaeda Insurgency in Syria. Who Was Behind the 2011 "Protest Movement"?
Prof Michel Chossudovsky | globalresearch.ca | 2020-03-17
It was not a protest movement, it was an armed insurgency integrated by US-Israeli & allied supported "jihadist" death squads. From Day One, the Islamist "freedom fighters" were supported, trained & equipped by NATO & Turkey's High Command.
globalresearch.ca/syria-who-is-behind-the-protest-movement-fabricating-a-pretext-for-a-us-nato-humanitarian-intervention/24591

Leaders of Turkey, Germany, France, UK discuss Syria & migration crisis in videoconference
rt.com | 2020-03-17
Turkish, German, British and French leaders discussed the Syria crisis and migrant issue as well as joint action against coronavirus in a videoconference, Turkish presidency said on Tuesday. | It issued a statement saying that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also discussed methods of humanitarian aid to Syria's northwestern Idlib province, Reuters reports. | A summit was planned after Ankara opened its borders to migrants trying to enter the bloc, but the leaders decided to switch to a video call.
rt.com/newsline/483339-turkey-germany-france-migration/

The UK and Spain make coronavirus plans to use private healthcare, with one glaring difference
Tracy Keeling | thecanary.co | 2020-03-17
Both the UK and Spain have made plans to use private healthcare facilities to help tackle the coronavirus pandemic. But there's a glaring difference between the policies. One that speaks volumes about the Conservative government. | Public good vs private profit: | The Spanish government announced that it was going to requisition private healthcare facilities and healthcare equipment suppliers and manufacturers. The government gave companies 48 h…
thecanary.co/discovery/analysis-discovery/2020/03/17/the-uk-and-spain-make-coronavirus-plans-to-use-private-healthcare-with-one-glaring-difference/

Video: New Syrian Army Offensive in Idlib Becoming Inevitable as Militants Sabotage Joint Turkish-Russian Patrols
South Front | globalresearch.ca | 2020-03-17
On March 15, Russian and Turkish forces conducted a first joint patrol in Greater Idlib in the framework of the new de-escalation agreement reached in Moscow. The planned route of the patrol goes along the M4 highway, where a buffer …
globalresearch.ca/video-new-syrian-army-offensive-idlib-becoming-inevitable-militants-sabotage-joint-turkish-russian-patrols/5706575

We Have Met the Enemy, But It May Turn Out to Be Not a Virus But Us
Dave Lindorff | zcomm.org | 2020-03-17
If people think things have gotten bad quickly in Italy, where the whole country is currently on lockdown in an attempt to try and slow the coronavirus pandemic's spread, wait until the disease really gets going her in the US, where it arrived later. We ain't seen nothing yet…
zcomm.org/znetarticle/we-have-met-the-enemy-but-it-may-turn-out-to-be-not-a-virus-but-us/

From The Plague Doctor to Plague Culture
Julian Vigo | counterpunch.org | 2020-03-17
In Italy and France during the 17th century, the plague doctor was a physician who treated victims of the bubonic plague. He would dawn a plague mask which usually resembled the face of a white bird to include a curved beak and glass, goggle-like eye holes. Inside the beak or nose-case were placed various aromas–often…
counterpunch.org/2020/03/17/from-the-plague-doctor-to-plague-culture/

Temporary work stoppage at Fiat Chrysler's Warren Truck plant as wildcat strikes spread in global auto industry
wsws.org | 2020-03-17
Actions against continued production during the coronavirus pandemic have spread from Italy to Spain, Canada and now the United States.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2020/03/17/auto-m17.html

Spain deploys army to impose coronavirus lockdown
wsws.org | 2020-03-17
Spain has registered more than 9,191 infections, becoming the second country after Italy with most new infections.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2020/03/17/spai-m17.html

No, Italy is Not Consigning 80-Year Olds to Death
Masturah Alatas | counterpunch.org | 2020-03-17
Fake News Alert. Many people around the world are circulating this Telegraph article and it appears that the main source of this news seems to be the Telegraph, not the Italian media. The Italian media, based on accounts and projections from doctors, medical practitioners, family members and analysts, speak, instead, in terms of doctors already…
counterpunch.org/2020/03/17/no-italy-is-not-consigning-80-year-olds-to-death/

It took Italian doctors days & an emergency to check her cough, and she still doesn't know if she has Covid-19
rt.com | 2020-03-17
As the EU belatedly recommends member nations seal their borders, Italy is on the frontline of the fight against coronavirus. RT talked to a student in Milan who became a witness

Covid Update: Europe Must Make More Effort to Halt the Pandemic
telesurenglish.net | 2020-03-17
Update: 1: 00 pm. | Italy: death toll rises to 2,503 | The Civil Protection chief Angelo Borrelli reported that 345 people died in the last 24 hours, which increased the number of deaths to 2,503 deaths. | In this European country the number of positive cases amounts to 26,062 people, 2,941 of whom have been discharged. | Since the end of February, the number of total infections since the outbreak was detected at the end of February is 31,506, counting the positives, deaths, and discharges. | US: Amazon suspends storage of non-essential products | Amazon will suspend until April 5 the storage of non-essential p…
telesurenglish.net/news/Covid-Update-Europe-Must-Make-More-Effort-to-Halt-the-Pandemic-20200317-0001.html

DOJ drops charges against 'Russian trolls' after they dared demand evidence in US court
rt.com | 2020-03-17
The US is dropping the much-hyped indictment for 'election meddling' against a company supposedly behind the so-called Russian troll farm, closing the opening chapter of special counsel Robert Mueller's Russiagate investigation. | Further pursuing the case against Concord Management & Consulting LLC "promotes neither the interests of justice nor the nation's security," the Department of Justice wrote to the federal judge overseeing the case on Monday in a motion to dr…
rt.com/usa/483279-concord-russiagate-charges-dropped/

Eduard Limonov, Soviet-Era dissident & writer who shocked Russia, dead at 77
rt.com | 2020-03-17
The Russian writer, politician and Soviet-era dissident Eduard Limonov has died at 77. His controversial 1970s memoir 'It's me, Eddie' scandalized Russia when first published in the country in 1991, selling over a million copies. | His death was announced by State Duma (national parliament) deputy and chief editor of 'Yunost' magazine Sergei Shargunov. His assistant Dmitry Sidorenko subsequently confirmed it to Moscow daily RBK. He didn't specify a cause of death, but Russian media suggested it was complications from surgery. | Shargunov told the TASS news agency that Limonov died on Tuesday evening at a hospi…
rt.com/russia/483348-writer-polititian-limonov-dies/

Bless me father, for I may be DRUNK! Russian church will DOUBLE communion wine servings to kill coronavirus
rt.com | 2020-03-17
The Russian Orthodox Church's response to the ever-changing Covid-19 situation has raised some eyebrows, but one new measure will undoubtedly receive a good reception from those partial to a tipple. | In what could only be described as an 'unorthodox' proposal, parishioners who wish to receive communion will be drinking a lot more wine than usual. | Speaking to radio station Moscow Talks, Archpriest Leonid Kalinin, a member of the Patriarchal Council for Culture, said that Moscow churchgoers would be receiving double the usual volume of the holy sacrament when attending one of the capital's churches. | "Accord…
rt.com/russia/483318-russian-church-coronavirus-wine-consumption/

'Russian troll firm' says it has a $50bn grudge to settle with US after indictment dropped by DoJ
rt.com | 2020-03-17
A Russian firm that the DoJ failed to prosecute for "sowing discord" during the 2016 election aims to take its pound of flesh

Not so scary! Russian model says if Covid-19 wipes out half of humanity, the planet will benefit
rt.com | 2020-03-17
A well-known Russian celebrity and glamour model has caused a stir online after suggesting that the death of a massive chunk of humanity would be no big deal, and that it would be good for the Earth as a whole. | Victoria Bonya, a former participant on the massively popular reality television show 'Dom-2', recorded the controversial statement on Instagram, and the clip was shared widely on Russian social media. | In her video, Bonya said that coronavirus is actually needed by the Earth and will be a positive thing for the planet. "Because [humanity] simply devoured the planet, we destroyed the planet. And, to…
rt.com/russia/483333-russian-celebrity-coronavirus-instagram-post/

With economy imploding, US losing its superpower status to make room for Russia and China, says Max Keiser
rt.com | 2020-03-17
The global markets' current implosion was 100 percent guaranteed, former Wall Street stockbroker Max Keiser told RT. According to him, the financial markets are best described as a "quadrillion-dollar Ponzi scheme." | "Central banks' policy of allowing governments and corporations to borrow, at virtually no cost, against decades of future consumption to consume now, hollowed out the global economy and made it extremely fragile," said Keiser. | He explained that industries and companies that destroyed themselves buying back their own stock (airlines, for example) are "rightfully being wiped off the face of the…
rt.com/business/483327-us-losing-super-power-status/

Airbus & Volkswagen stop production as Covid-19 brings Europe to screeching halt
rt.com | 2020-03-17
European aviation giant Airbus has decided to pause production and assembly activities at its French and Spanish facilities for the next four days to contain the spread of coronavirus. | "This will allow sufficient time to implement stringent health and safety conditions in terms of hygiene, cleaning and self-distancing, while improving the efficiency of operations under the new working conditions," the company said in a statement on Tuesday, adding that it will allow its staff to work remotely wherever possible. | Airbus' announcement came shortly after France and Spain imposed drastic measures to battle the…
rt.com/business/483293-airbus-volkswagen-stop-production/

"Defender-Europe 20" War Games, COVID-19 and NATO's Disjointed Flight Forward. Computer Simulations of Nuclear War
Brian Gray | globalresearch.ca | 2020-03-17
Presently NATO is in the initial stages of military operations called Defender-Europe 20. The 40,000 soldier strong war game exercise includes roughly 20,000 American troops and accompanying weaponry. This witnesses the largest deployment of US personnel in Europe since 1983 …
globalresearch.ca/war-games-covid-19-nato-dis-jointed-flight-forward/5706634

Covid Update: European Union Works to Bring Its Ex-Pats Back
telesurenglish.net | 2020-03-17
Update: 10: 30 | France: public deficit will rise to 3.9 percent due to the pandemic | France's Public Action and Accounts Minister Geral Darmanin Tuesday estimated that the Covid-19 pandemic will generate a fiscal deficit equivalent to 3.9 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and a 1 percent reduction in production growth in 2020. | Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire announced that his government will disburse more than US$49 billion to finance policies to counter the decline in economic activity. | France will establish a "solidarity fund" of about US$2 billion for small businesses whose revenues have decline…
telesurenglish.net/news/Covid-Update-European-Union-Works-to-Bring-Its-Ex-Pats-Back-20200317-0001.html

With US Hospitals Unprepared for COVID-19, European Students Urged Home
Staff | truthout.org | 2020-03-17
The biggest college in Norway urged students to return from countries with "poorly developed" health systems

Africans Accuse Europeans of Bringing in Coronavirus
telesurenglish.net | 2020-03-17
Africa has so far reported relatively few coronavirus cases compared to the other continents, but governments have come under growing pressure to shut down airports and place travel bans to stop Europeans from coming in and possibly bringing the virus, Middle East Eye reported. | RELATED: | African Youth Optimistic About Future on the Continent: Survey | At the start of the month, after two French nationals had tested positive for the new coronavirus in Senegal, Senegalese new…
telesurenglish.net/news/Africans-Accuse-Europeans-of-Bringing-in-Coronavirus–20200316-0016.html

Concerns over supply shortage of protective gear for frontline health workers
The Canary | thecanary.co | 2020-03-17
There are "critical" shortages of laboratory equipment, medical devices and protective equipment in some countries, European health leaders have said.The European branch of the World Health Organisation (WHO) said it was aware of some shortages and was also monitoring the potential risk of a disruption to medicine supplies.It comes after officials in Britain faced renewed calls to keep frontline staff healthy and ensure they have enough protective equipment to continue caring for patients. | "Health facilities have to have the necessary equipment to care for those seriously affected and to protect health workers…
thecanary.co/discovery/news-discovery/2020/03/17/concerns-over-supply-shortage-of-protective-gear-for-frontline-health-workers/

Older people enjoy dedicated shopping sessions at supermarkets
The Canary | thecanary.co | 2020-03-17
Older people have enjoyed dedicated shopping sessions at some supermarkets.Pensioners were able to shop at Iceland and Lidl stores before general admittance to the public.The moves come amid reports of panic buying leaving shelves empty of essentials such as toilet rolls amid concern over the impact of Covid-19.Older shoppers enter the branch of Iceland in the Kennedy Centre, Belfast, for an early dedicated shopping session (Liam McBurney/PA)At the Kennedy Centre in west Belfast, the local Iceland store opened its doors only for older people at 8am.Kennedy Centre manager John Jones said it had been a chink of lig…
thecanary.co/uk/news/2020/03/17/older-people-enjoy-dedicated-shopping-sessions-at-supermarkets/

Army enters Paris as Macron announces coronavirus lockdown in France
wsws.org | 2020-03-17
The total number of SARS-Covid-2 cases in France grew by 1,210 yesterday to 6,663, with 148 deaths.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2020/03/17/fran-m17.html

France postpones 2nd round of municipal elections to late June
rt.com | 2020-03-17
The second round of France's municipal elections, originally set for this weekend, has been postponed to June 21 after the first round of voting on Sunday was marred by record no-shows. The results of the first round of local elections on Sunday will remain valid. | The French government has been criticized for choosing to press ahead with the first round even as it imposed stringent curbs on public life in an effort to slow the spread of the new coronavirus. | President Emmanuel Macron ordered people on Monday to stay at home to avoid spreading the virus. He will ask parliament on Thursday to approve a law gr…
rt.com/newsline/483288-france-postpones-municipal-elections/

France may nationalize major companies amid market meltdown, finance minister says
rt.com | 2020-03-17
The French government said on Tuesday it is ready to use all measures necessary to support big companies suffering during the current global market turmoil caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. | "I won't hesitate to use all means available to protect big French companies," Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said on a call with journalists, adding: "That can be done by recapitalisation, that can be done by taking a stake, I can even use the term nationalisation if necessary." | According to the Financial Times citing Le Maire, Paris has also promised a package of measures worth €45 billion (US$49.8bn) to help com…
rt.com/business/483302-france-may-nationalise-major-companies/

Covid-19 pandemic could continue for 2 YEARS, German health expert warns
rt.com | 2020-03-17
A senior German disease control expert has warned that the coronavirus pandemic could continue for two years, depending on how long it takes for an effective vaccine to be developed and if people develop immunity after illness. | Speaking on Tuesday, the Robert Kock Institut's (RKI) president, Prof. Lothar Wieler, said pandemics tend to run their course in waves, and factors influencing how it unfolds from this point include how many people become immune to it after contracting the virus

Coronavirus crisis in Germany: Workers must demand factories and large enterprises be closed
wsws.org | 2020-03-17
The shareholders' profits are of more value than workers' lives for the managers, the government and also the union officials.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2020/03/17/coge-m17.html

The Stop5GL Foundation Takes Netherlands Government to Court over 5G Rollout, Citing Health Concerns
telecompaper | globalresearch.ca | 2020-03-17
The Stop5GNL Foundation has filed a suit summary proceedings against the Dutch government, to stop it from rolling out 5G. The foundation believes the deployment is unlawful because it does not protect citizens against the consequences of radiation exposure from …
globalresearch.ca/dutch-foundation-takes-government-court-5g-rollout-citing-health-concerns/5706502

Virus fight: France under lockdown, troops to enforce
yenisafak.com | 2020-03-17
In an effort to stem the further spread of coronavirus pandemic, a lockdown has been put in place in France starting at noon Tuesday.In a televised address to the nation Monday evening, President Emmanuel Macron announced that all people are to stay confined for next 15 days to avoid further infection and spread of the virus."Never has France had to take such decisions, albeit temporary, in time of peace. All our energy should be on one aim: to slow the progress of the virus."The unprecedented move came after government officials had warned the populace of the severity of the situation and that social gatherings…
yenisafak.com/en/world/virus-fight-france-under-lockdown-troops-to-enforce-3514187

Turkish FM congratulates Slovenian counterpart
yenisafak.com | 2020-03-17
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Tuesday held a phone talk with Anze Logar, the newly appointed foreign minister of Slovenia.Cavusoglu congratulated Logar on his appointment to…
yenisafak.com/en/news/turkish-fm-congratulates-slovenian-counterpart-3514179

Coronavirus care: Northern Irish supermarket prioritises older shoppers
yenisafak.com | 2020-03-17
A Northern Irish supermarket opened one hour early on Tuesday to allow older customers to shop safely and avoid coronavirus-related panic buying, sparking similar moves south of the border in Ireland.The west Belfast store of the Iceland chain of supermarkets will continue to open at 0800 GMT each day, reserving the first hour for elderly customers, after worried shoppers began rushing to grocery stores last week jostling to buy essentials that have flown off shelves.Older shoppers, some with family members to help and one carrying a walking stick, queued up next to each other at the Kennedy shopping centre befor…
yenisafak.com/en/news/coronavirus-care-northern-irish-supermarket-prioritises-older-shoppers-3514183

No French coronavirus curfew measures for now: government spokeswoman
yenisafak.com | 2020-03-17
The French government has no plans to implement a curfew to enforce the country's strict lockdown measures aimed at fighting the coronavirus outbreak, said government spokeswoman Sibeth Ndiaye."We are not envisaging a curfew at this stage," she told a media briefing.France's draconian measures kicked in at midday local time on Tuesday, with President Emmanuel Macron describing the fight against the virus as a "war".Some 100,000 police will be deployed to enforce the lockdown. Checkpoints will be set up nationwide and those on the move will have to be able to justify their journey on a printed ministry document, p…
yenisafak.com/en/world/no-french-coronavirus-curfew-measures-for-now-government-spokeswoman-3514186

Morocco confirms 2nd death from coronavirus
yenisafak.com | 2020-03-17
Morocco confirmed a second death from the novel coronavirus on Tuesday, according to the health ministry.A 75-year-old man from Sale city in north-western Morocco had died from the disease, the ministry said in a statement.The ministry said a Moroccan national in Casablanca who recently visited France was infected with the virus, taking the total infections in the country to 38.On Sunday, Moroccan authorities created a $1 billion fund to upgrade health facilities and help the country's economic sectors in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.The disease, known as COVID-19, emerged in Wuhan, China last December, a…
yenisafak.com/en/life/morocco-confirms-2nd-death-from-coronavirus-3514184

Balanced nutrition crucial to strengthen immune system
yenisafak.com | 2020-03-17
Vitamin D and NRF2 molecule strengthen body's defense mechanism, and are effective in combating viruses, according to a pharmacologist."Vitamin D is effective in combating the coronavirus because it strengthens the immune system. Those who are deficient in vitamin D should definitely receive a treatment," Dr. Coskun Usta, an expert at Akdeniz University in Turkey's Mediterranean resort city of Antalya, told Anadolu Agency.He stressed that a balanced nutrition

Boris Johnson Promises Fiscal Lifeline As UK Industry Groups Slam Gov't Inaction On Coronavirus
sputniknews.com | 2020-03-17
Firms across the United Kingdom has come under intense pressure to survive as the coronavirus impacts revenue streams and employee productivity. Numerous major organisations representing British business interests have called on the UK government to take tougher measures to preserve the economy.
sputniknews.com/uk/202003171078594197-boris-johnson-promises-fiscal-lifeline-as-uk-industry-groups-slam-govt-inaction-on-coronavirus/

European Shares Start to Rise After Coronavirus Panic Sends Them to Historic Low
sputniknews.com | 2020-03-17
The accelerating spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus has forced governments across the globe to shut borders and businesses to close their doors. The panic has affected global supply chains and, hence, stock markets, which are suffering their worst time in years.
sputniknews.com/business/202003171078594979-european-shares-start-to-rise-after-coronavirus-panic-sends-them-to-historic-low/

Paris on Lockdown Due to Covid-19 Outbreak – Video
sputniknews.com | 2020-03-17
On Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation amid the Covid-19 outbreak and urged people to observe travel restrictions to stop the spread of the deadly infection.
sputniknews.com/europe/202003171078595319-paris-on-lockdown-due-to-covid-19-outbreak—video/

Many European Countries Impose Quarantines as the US Declares State of Emergency
sputniknews.com | 2020-03-17
On this episode of Fault Lines, hosts Garland Nixon & Lee Stranahan discussed the coronavirus after the US declared a state of emergency and countries in the European Union have imposed increasingly tight restrictions on travel. We also talked about last night's Democratic debates.
sputniknews.com/radio_fault_lines/202003171078582581-many-european-countries-impose-quarantines-as-the-us-declares-state-of-emergency/

Spain Nationalizes Health Care as Its Coronavirus Cases Double
Staff | truthout.org | 2020-03-17
Europe is the epicenter of coronavirus, and Spain now has the second most cases in Europe, with more than 2,000 new cases in 24 hours and the number of deaths doubled. We'll go to Madrid for an update, where more than half of the country's cases have been reported. This comes as the Spanish government announced it is nationalizing hospitals and private healthcare companies to better manage the pandemic. We are joined by María Carrión, a freelance journalist and former Democracy Now! producer who is also execu…
truthout.org/video/spain-nationalizes-health-care-as-its-coronavirus-cases-double/

Iran calls on Europe to defy US sanctions amid COVID-19 outbreak
Press TV | iranian.com | 2020-03-17
Iran's foreign minister has called on London and the European Union to defy Washington's anti-Iran sanctions amid the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. In a Monday phone conversation with his British counterpart Dominic Raab, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif denounced the US' illegal and unilateral sanctions against Iran as an obstacle to the battle …
iranian.com/2020/03/17/iran-calls-on-europe-to-defy-us-sanctions-amid-covid-19-outbreak/

Rojava welcomes refugees from Idlib
Susan Price | greenleft.org.au | 2020-03-17
Imperialism & war International solidarity Peter BoyleIssue 1257 Northern Syria Rojava RefugeesMarch 17, 2020While Turkey an…
greenleft.org.au/content/rojava-welcomes-refugees-idlib

Last Process: 50 Postees: 2020-03-17 20:04 GMT (16:04 EST)

2020-03-16: News Headlines

RT (2020-03-16). Macron condemns 'unilateral' border control measures, discusses issue with Merkel — Elysee. rt.com French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday condemned unilateral border control measures taken by some EU countries in a bid to control the coronavirus outbreak. The statement from the Elysee Palace came following a phone briefing with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and EU officials. | However, the Elysee warned that measures at the EU's external borders could be announced "in the coming hours," Reuters said. | The discussion between Macron and Merkel came after Germany decided to temporarily introduce border controls on the borders with Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, and Denmark starting Monday in…

RT (2020-03-16). Germany introduces border checks with 5 countries over coronavirus, still keeps broad-scale exemptions. rt.com The spread of the deadly coronavirus epidemic has forced Germany to introduce travel restrictions and enhance control over people's movements. But economic concerns are still high for Berlin. | On Monday morning, Germany imposed checks and suspended visa-free travel on its land borders with five nations: France, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark and Luxembourg. Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic have not been affected by the new restrictions so far. | From now on, foreigners crossing the border from any of the five nations in question must have "a valid reason to travel" or they will be denied…

RT (2020-03-16). Coronavirus just got real in Moscow: outdoor events banned, schools closed, indoor crowds restricted. rt.com After videos went viral at the weekend showing Russian soccer fans chanting about the coronavirus in packed stadiums, some expressed concern that the country was in denial over Covid-19. If so, that ended on Monday. | In Moscow, all outdoor events have been banned and schools will be closed. Meanwhile, indoor gatherings will be restricted to a maximum of 50 people. The orders were published on the website of the capital's mayor Sergey Sobyanin and came only a few hours after a spokesman said the Kremlin "saw no need" to introduce a state of emergency. | Under the measures, schools will be shut from March 21, w…

RT (2020-03-16). Coronavirus situation in France 'extremely worrying' & getting worse rapidly, top health official warns. rt.com French people should not underestimate the threat of the coronavirus since the situation in the country is already dire and likely to get worse fast, a senior health official has warned, adding that people need to stay home. | There are almost 5,500 confirmed coronavirus cases in France, with over 400 people in serious condition. The situation with the epidemic is "extremely worrying" with the epidemic moving very fast, senior health official Jerome Salomon said. | "The number of cases doubles every three days. I would like our fellow citizens to realize that there are hundreds of people who are sick, in inten…

RT (2020-03-16). European Space Agency's Kourou spaceport SUSPENDS launches over coronavirus pandemic. rt.com The French space agency operating the ESA spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, has decided to suspend all launches, citing health concerns over the "rapid spread" of the deadly coronavirus epidemic. | France is currently struggling to stem the spread of the deadly disease officially known as Covid-19, which has already infected almost 4,500 nationwide. Its national space agency (CNES) has now joined the effort, by announcing it would "reorganize" the work of its four centers — including the Kourou spaceport located in the remote overseas territory of French Guiana. | COVID-19. Le CNES réorganise ses activi…

RT (2020-03-16). Global stock markets plunge despite drastic action by governments as coronavirus paralyses economies. rt.com World equities continued to fall on Monday, even as the US Federal Reserve slashes rates to zero and launches a massive quantitative easing program to try to offset the coronavirus impact on the global economy. | European stocks opened sharply lower on Monday, reacting to the shutdown taking place on the continent as efforts continue to contain the outbreak. Spain has imposed a 15-day nationwide lockdown, banning its 46 million citizens from all non-essential movement. France and Germany have strengthened their borders in order to contain the spread of the virus. | London's FTSE 100 index opened Monday's tradi…

RT (2020-03-16). Reluctant to close its borders despite pandemic, Germany to crack down on 'non-essential' travel. rt.com Facing the alarming spread of the coronavirus, Berlin has decided to tighten border controls, limiting "non-essential" travel with neighboring countries. Germany saw a spike in Covid-19 cases, which jumped by 1,000 in one day. | The move was announced by Interior Minister Horst Seehofer late Sunday. Germany will re-introduce checks on the borders with Austria, France, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Denmark starting Monday morning. | "The spread of the coronavirus is progressing quickly and aggressively… one of the most important measures will be to cut off the chain of infection," Seehofer stated. | Also on rt…

RT (2020-03-16). German federal & state govts agree to shutter most shops, clubs, churches. rt.com Federal and state governments in Germany agreed sweeping rules shutting everything from non-essential shops to bars, clubs, theatres, brothels, museums and churches, Reuters reports. The measures are being taken in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus, the federal government said. | A statement published on Monday said that grocery shops, markets, banks, pharmacies and delivery services would remain open. Restaurants and other eating establishments would generally be allowed to open between 6am and 6pm. | Shops that remained open would have to implement heightened hygiene measures and monitor their entr…

RT (2020-03-16). Germany's Bavaria declares state of emergency, announces ‚Ç¨10mn fund to reduce coronavirus impact. rt.com The premier of Germany's southern state of Bavaria declared a state of emergency on Monday, Reuters reported, as the number of new coronavirus cases continues to rise. | Markus Soeder also announced a fund worth up to €10 billion ($11.21 billion) to help the region withstand the coronavirus outbreak. | "The situation is very serious and changing daily, unfortunately not for the better," the Bavarian leader said. He added that the regional government could buy stakes in struggling companies to prevent insolvencies. | Bavaria announced on March 13 that it was closing all schools, kindergartens and nurseries…

RT (2020-03-16). European solidarity doesn't exist, only China can help us: Serbia goes full emergency over coronavirus. rt.com Caught off guard by the EU's ban on medical exports, Serbia found help in China as it struggled to prepare for the Covid-19 outbreak, the Serbian president said, adding that it has become clear that European solidarity is a myth. | Serbia is the latest country to impose severe restrictions on travel and public gatherings in response to the global epidemic. As President Aleksandar Vucic declared a national emergency on Sunday, he had some scalding remarks for the EU. | The crisis has proven that European solidarity, only exists "on paper," Vucic said, citing the ban on the export of medical equipment and suppli…

Dennis Broe (2020-03-16). 'Taken Down' and the underbelly of the Irish economic miracle. peoplesworld.org First it was called the Celtic Tiger and then the Celtic Phoenix. The rise of Ireland to a European economic powerhouse was fueled initially by a housing boom which then crashed in the wake of the bursting of the U.S. housing bubble. The Phoenix then rose from the ashes fueled this time by foreign direct …

RT (2020-03-16). Ryanair to ground majority of its European fleet over next 10 days, complete cuts 'can't be ruled out'. rt.com Budget airline Ryanair has announced that it will ground the majority of its fleet of over 450 Boeing 737-800 aircraft over the next 10 days in response to the coronavirus crisis, adding that a total suspension might take effect. | The company said that government restrictions and flight bans across Europe had a significant and negative impact on its ability to operate. As a result, the airline has reduced working hours and payments, slashed discretionary spending and frozen recruitment. | Wherever flight restrictions are not in place, the airline said that social distancing protocols may be implemented on fli…

RT (2020-03-16). Greece to quarantine all arrivals from abroad. rt.com The Greek government announced on Monday it will shut all shops apart from supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, petrol stations and food delivery services, in a bid to fight the coronavirus. The closure of retail stores will begin from Wednesday. | Greece had already cancelled mass gatherings and closed bars, restaurants, playgrounds and gyms. So far the country has reported 331 confirmed cases of infections and four fatalities, Reuters reported. | Authorities will also put anyone arriving from abroad into quarantine for two weeks, the statement said. The 14-day quarantine will apply to anyone entering the country…

RT (2020-03-16). Spain & Portugal increase border controls to slow coronavirus spread. rt.com Portugal is suspending rail and air traffic to and from Spain for a month, while Madrid is denying entry to everyone bar residents and a few others on land borders, in a bid to control the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

RT (2020-03-16). Coronavirus cardio: Watch as a Spanish fitness instructor holds rooftop keep-fit session for isolated residents in Seville (VIDEO). rt.com Residents at a Spanish apartment complex joined together from the safety of their own rooms as they took part in a mass fitness session conducted by an instructor on their roof. | With large parts of Spain currently on lockdown due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, many citizens are currently isolating themselves in their hopes to help reduce the spread of the highly-contagious disease. | Local fitness group Sano Sevilla Los Bermejale decided that they wanted to help give those housebound residents the chance to get up and get moving, as an instructor appeared on the roof of their central concourse building…

RT (2020-03-16). Hungary to shut borders to international passengers, close cultural & sports events, PM Orban says. rt.com Hungary will close its borders for international passengers, Prime Minister Viktor Orban told parliament on Monday. The country will also close cultural and sports events and establishments and limit the opening hours of restaurants. | All shops will be shut except food stores, pharmacies and drug stores, he said, asking those over 70 to stay at home and all events to be canceled except for family gatherings. Restaurants must close at 3pm. | The country will need monetary and fiscal tools to tackle the expected grave economic impact from the spread of the coronavirus, Orban said. He added that many jobs would…

RT (2020-03-16). Constitutional Court approves amendments resetting presidential terms limits, poll says majority would vote for Putin in 2024. rt.com Just a week ago, the general consensus among Russian political experts was that Vladimir Putin would likely leave the Kremlin in four years. But a week is a long time in politics, as the old cliche goes. | Following last Tuesday's dramatic parliamentary intervention by Valentina Tereshkova, quite a lot has rapidly changed. The MP, previously better known as the first woman in space, proposed "that after the updated Constitution comes into force, the current president, like any other citizen, has the right to be elected to…

RT (2020-03-16). 'I'll get better, I have enough toilet paper': Russian kite surfing champion laughs off contracting coronavirus. rt.com Russian kite surfing champion Peter Tyushkevich laughed off his coronavirus diagnosis, saying he has enough toilet paper to recover from the dangerous infection. | The 2009 world champion revealed he is infected by the contagious virus which has swept across the world. | "I have contracted coronavirus. Now, I'm in the infectious diseases hospital, please meet one of those Ru…

RT (2020-03-16). Russia to launch $4 BILLION anti-crisis fund to stabilize economy. rt.com Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced on Monday the establishment of a 300-billion-ruble anti-crisis fund in order to support the country's economic sectors and citizens amid the global coronavirus pandemic. | "We have developed a number of priority measures, and I think it is necessary to take a number of actions today to prevent the negative impact of coronavirus on the country's economy and people's lives," said Mishustin, who has headed the government's Coordinating Council to combat the spread of Covid-19. | The prime minister said that the government will soon launch a single hotline and an…

RT (2020-03-16). Rammstein's Till Lindemann turns bubble boy with giant 'coronavirus protective gear' at Moscow gig. rt.com You have to be quite cheeky to gather thousands of people together amid coronavirus fears. But Till Lindemann apparently had an ace up his sleeve — a giant iridescent bubble to protect him during his Moscow concert. | The Rammstein star is currently on tour in Russia, together with Swedish multi-instrumentalist Peter Tagtgren. On Sunday the two performed at the VTB Arena in Moscow and had an unusual prop — a giant plastic bubble to take | In actu…

RT (2020-03-16). Patient ESCAPES from Moscow coronavirus hospital, chief doctor slams 'ignorant behavior'. rt.com It appears some Russians really don't like the idea of being quarantined over Covid-19. After a well-publicized hospital breakout in Saint Petersburg last month, a Moscow patient decided to play copycat. | Apparently unconcerned about infecting others around the capital, a woman suspected of having coronavirus escaped from a medical facility, according to Denis Protsenko, the head physician at Moscow's Kommunarka Hospital. | "I have to deal with the ignorant behavior of hospitalized patients who do not understand the situation and the danger of spreading Covid-19 in the city," he said. "I ask my colleagues to…

Andre Vltchek (2020-03-16). America Attacks the World, The World Levitates Towards Russia, China. globalresearch.ca Frankly and in summary: recently The United States of America has crossed several lines, committing atrocities, in many parts of the world. In the past, no country could get away with this; such situations would inevitably lead to war. | Presently, …

Deepa Kumar, Patrick Barrett (2020-03-16). What Role Did Sexism Play in Warren's Failed Presidential Bid? commondreams.org Pete Buttigieg, Sen. Senator Elizabeth Warren, Former Vice President Joe Biden, and Sen. Bernie Sanders participate in the fifth Democratic primary debate of the 2020 presidential campaign season co-hosted by MSNBC and The Washington Post at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia on November 20, 2019. (Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/democratic_party_2020_sanders_warren_1.jpg …

Amandla Thomas-Johnson (2020-03-16). Coronavirus: Africans Accuse Europeans of 'Coronising' the Continent. globalresearch.ca The large number of Europeans being diagnosed with coronavirus in Africa has sparked debate and ridicule, with one Senegalese newspaper questioning whether France was out to "coronise" its former colony after two French nationals received a positive diagnosis. | With around …

WSWS (2020-03-16). Coronavirus could lead to collapse of German healthcare system as early as May. wsws.org The number of people infected in Germany has tripled since Wednesday.

WSWS (2020-03-16). Coronavirus outbreak: The German government was warned of the dangers of a looming pandemic and did nothing. wsws.org A risk analysis by the Robert Koch Institute eight years ago had already warned that inadequacies in Germany's health system could mean death for millions when confronted with a novel virus.

Steve Sweeney (2020-03-16). China Sends Medical Experts to Support Italy and Spain's Fight Against Coronavirus. globalresearch.ca China has sent a team of medical experts and aid to support Italy and Spain in their fight against coronavirus after Rome blasted the European Union for ignoring its pleas for help. | A charter flight with a nine-member Chinese medical-aid …

Kate Hudson (2020-03-16). US to Practice Invasion of Europe. globalresearch.ca Defender Europe 20, NATO's biggest wargames for over 25 years, is getting under way this month. 20,000 US troops are participating in the US's largest deployment to Europe in over quarter of a century. With 18 states involved totaling 37,000 …

WSWS (2020-03-16). Trump administration official admits coronavirus could kill millions in US. wsws.org The World Health Organization has declared Europe the new epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, as more people have died outside China than within it.

WSWS (2020-03-16). Coronavirus spreads to Turkey, risking a rapid outbreak. wsws.org On Sunday, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Turkey rose from six to 18, while at least 3,000 people are reportedly under quarantine.

Jason Ditz (2020-03-16). Egypt Coordinating Support for Syrian Kurds to Fight Turkey. globalresearch.ca Since the US pulled its support from the Kurdish SDF in Syria, there hasn't been much talk of them getting foreign aid, while Turkish forces continue to square up against them in the Syrian northeast. | Reports now are that Egypt …

yenisafak (2020-03-16). Kazakhs told to work remotely where possible due to coronavirus. yenisafak.com Kazakhstan instructed local companies on Monday to allow their employees to work remotely where possible due to the coronavirus outbreak."Today all companies, state-owned and private, that can switch to remote work must do so," Labour and Social Protection Minister Birzhan Nurymbetov told a briefing.

yenisafak (2020-03-16). Trump sought to buy German firm for coronavirus vaccine. yenisafak.com German politicians slammed U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday for trying to buy a German pharmaceutical company which has been working on a possible vaccine for coronavirus."Germany is not for sale," Economy Minister Peter Altmaier said on Twitter, and added that the government was in contact with the Tuebingen-based company CureVac on this offer.The weekly Welt am Sonntag reported earlier that Trump offered $1 billion to CureVac but demanded that the company should develop the coronavirus vaccine "only for the United States".Foreign Minister Heiko Maas sharply criticized the U.S. president for trying to get "

yenisafak (2020-03-16). British soldier hospitalised in Poland with coronavirus. yenisafak.com A British soldier infected with coronavirus is in hospital in Ostroda, northern Poland, Polish state-run news agency PA…

yenisafak (2020-03-16). Four asylum seekers apply to EU court for justice. yenisafak.com Four asylum seekers who were injured by Greek security forces along the Turkey-Greece border, applied to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), according to a health official on Monday.The asylum seekers applied to the ECHR through their lawyers, Ali Cengiz Kalkan, the provincial health director of northwestern Edirne province told Anadolu Agency.Kalkan added that other 25 asylum seekers who were also subject to the Greek violence are preparing to apply to the international court.Asylum seekers have been waiting on the Greek border for the last 18 days to cross through Edirne to reach Europe. Greek security f…

yenisafak (2020-03-16). African countries step up measures over coronavirus. yenisafak.com The new coronavirus known as COVID-19 has so far spread to 26 African countries, and many suspended flights to China, Europe, the U.S. and South Korea as part of measures to fight the virus.As the number of coronavirus cases rose in African countries, Kenya, Djibouti, Ghana, South Africa, Gabon, Senegal, Ethiopia and Mauritania have restricted travel to countries where the virus has spread and also suspended schools.The novel coronavirus was first seen in the North African countries in the continent and spread fast to other regions, mostly via infected passengers coming from Europe.The number of confirmed coronav…

yenisafak (2020-03-16). Sports events around the world hit by coronavirus pandemic. yenisafak.com Major sports events around the world that have been hit by the coronavirus outbreak: OLYMPICS* The Tokyo 2020 Olympics torch lighting ceremony in ancient Olympia was held without spectators.* The Olympic Games flame handover in Athens will be done in an empty stadium on March 19.* The Hellenic Olympic Committee suspended the remainder of the torch relay through Greece to avoid attracting crowds.OLYMPIC TRIALS* U.S. trials for wrestling (April 4-5) were postponed.* U.S. Rowing postponed its team trials.* U.S. diving trials (April 3-5) were postponed. All USA Diving events postponed for next 30…

sputniknews (2020-03-16). Picturesque Croatian Town Selling Real Estate for Just 15 Cents US in Bid to Attract Residents. sputniknews.com The tiny community, believed to have been founded as early as the 12th century, lies just 2 km west of the Hungarian border, and was ruled by the Kingdom of Hungary until the early part of the 20th century.

sputniknews (2020-03-16). France Slaps Record ‚Ç¨1.1 Billion Fine on Apple For Anti-Competitive Practices. sputniknews.com France's competition authority has ruled that the tech giant abused its economic dominance over independent retailers in France and that its actions barred them from competing on price.

sputniknews (2020-03-16). Fourteen People Face Trial Over November 2015 Attacks in France – Prosecutor's Department. sputniknews.com In November 2015, a series of coordinated attacks took place in Paris and in the suburb of Saint-Denis, claiming the lives of 130 people, 90 of them at the Bataclan theatre.

sputniknews (2020-03-16). Source Reveals Why NATO Warships in Black Sea Can't Collect Intelligence Against Russian Fleet. sputniknews.com The US and its Western European allies regularly send warships to the Black Sea, with other NATO countries bordering the body of water including Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey maintaining a sizable permanent presence in the region.

sputniknews (2020-03-16). Microsoft Teams Down as Many Europeans Work Remotely Amid Coronavirus Pandemic – Reports. sputniknews.com This is the second time the service faces a major outage this year. Last month, it went down after Microsoft had failed to renew its key SSL security certificate.

sputniknews (2020-03-16). Moscow Presents Report on 96 Living Veterans of Latvian SS Legion. sputniknews.com MOSCOW (Sputnik) – A report with names of 96 veterans of the Latvian Legion — part of the Nazi SS organization — who live in the United States, Canada and other countries was presented on Monday at a round table at the Rossiya Segodnya news agency.

Sputnik News (2020-03-16). Iranian Hails New UK Stance on Arrested Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe & Repayment Of Debt. iranian.com Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who possesses both British and Iranian passports, has been under arrest in Iran since April 2016 over allegations that she plotted against the government, claims that she has consistently denied. She was sentenced to five years in an Iranian jail. The Iranian ambassador to the United Kingdom, Hamid Baeidinejad, welcomed a new approach …

Eoin Higgins, staff writer (2020-03-16). 'A Kind of Triumph of Spirit': Locked Down Italians Singing From Balconies Inspire Hope Across World. commondreams.org "This is why so many people through many centuries fall in love with Italy." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/italy.singing.jpg …

Julia Conley, staff writer (2020-03-16). Norway University Calls On Students to Return Home From Countries With 'Poorly Developed Health Systems'—Such as the US. commondreams.org "Norway is correct… the U.S. is a poorly developed country." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/gettyimages-1208902464_1.jpg …

Yves Smith (2020-03-15). After bloody day, Coronavirus meltdown continues. Big danger: Italian and Eurobanks are set to blow. mronline.org There are so many wheels coming off that analysts and the business press is on coronavirus crisis overload. And unlike 2008, the Fed can't save anyone from the Grim Reaper. |

RT (2020-03-15). Long lines beset US airports with passengers reportedly waiting up to 10 HOURS to get through due to Covid-19 screening (PHOTOS). rt.com Thousands have lined up in long queues to get their bags and pass customs at airports across the US, with photos of the crowds going viral. The chaos has been blamed on enhanced coronavirus checks under the European travel ban. | Also on rt.com | | O'Hare Airport in Chicago, Illinois, one of world's busiest airports by passenger traffic, has been overwhelmed with a sea of people, with photos and videos by stranded travelers showing long lines leading up to the baggage line and cu…

RT (2020-03-15). Covid-19 air travel cull: Nordic flag carrier SAS to 'temporarily' lay off 90% of employees as it halts traffic. rt.com Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has decided to halt "most of" its flights, stating that the demand for air travel has effectively fallen to zero. The move comes along with "temporary work reductions," affecting some 10,000 employees. | "As an effect of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, and the measures that authorities have taken, the demand for international air travel is essentially non-existent," the flag carrier of Denmark, Norway and Sweden said in a statement Sunday. | Starting on Monday, SAS will "halt most of its traffic" and resume its operations only when "conditions to conduct commercial aviation" ar…

Andre Vltchek (2020-03-15). West Attacks the World: The World Levitates towards Russia and China. dissidentvoice.org Frankly and in summary: recently The United States of America has crossed several lines, committing atrocities, in many parts of the world. In the past, no country could get away with this; such situations would inevitably lead to war. Presently, war is "avoided" only because the world is too frightened of Washington and its mafia-style …

Last Process: 50 Citations: 2020-03-16 19:56 GMT (15:56 EST)

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