This potential re-ordering of what is important actually started with the lockdown itself. The lockdown was never of course not anything like total. We have already made value judgements between the rate of infection and societal coherence. To give an obvious example, the Health service was not shut down. The health service underpins, it transpires, absolutely everything else.The protection of its workers, facilities and capabilities turns out to be a good to which all other goods must be sacrificed.

(Not that this is surprising, necessarily, but the revelation that hospital porters and cleaners outrank everyone except doctors and nurses in societal, if not in terms finance of indeed immigration status, has, or bloody well ought to have, occasioned a bit of a rethink.)

Rather less comfortably, but illustrative of priorities that we are now forced to actually LOOK at, it transpires that the effective protection of the GENERAL health service also trumps the safety of those who live and work in care homes for the elderly and vulnerable. In order to make room for a potential tsunami of Covid patients, hospitals had to be emptied of patients who were not at that moment in need of critical care. And if the consequences in our care homes were tragic, then the Darwinian pragmatics of the ordering of society and its priorities were disquietingly exposed as a consequence.

Similarly, it turns out that people who work in delivery and food retail are actually essential to all those bankers and playwrights who can work from home. And as lockdown is eased on the deceptively consensual idea that the economy needs to get going again, similarly brutal realities are exposed. Such as, you have to open schools or provide childcare before people can go to work. Thus, according to the Daily Mail, teachers (and children) must be heroes. To which the predictable responses of teachers, (as well as children and their parents) is You first, mate!

Teachers and underpaid people who deliver Amazon parcels while totally lacking employment rights are clearly more important than we thought! What we are doing in the easing of lockdown, in putting our societies back together in a specific order of re-openings is that we are making conscious, practical choices about how those societies actually function. This was quite impossible when we were stuck in the Trumpian universe we used to live in, where handing out free money to people who were already rich was the answer to all of lifes little difficulties. But it is, however briefly, possible now.

As I write, it appears too that it is currently the judgement of the Prime Minister that it is more important to the nation that he hangs on to his personal focus group Svengali than the entire public health strategy of the last ten weeks is fatally undermined. All of which goes to show that one consequence of the beginning of the end of lockdown, or at least the end of the beginning, is that value judgements about what matters in the ordering of society and what matters most to us, indeed, who we are, is no longer a simple matter of vapid rhetoric about all being in it together. We ared bound to get a bit controversial.

The Veil of Ignorance might be a useful thing to think about as we plan to lift the lockdown. The idea, associated most with American thinker John Rawls, is that, as a mental excercise and way of judging what happens in the real world, you set about designing a social system with NO foreknowledge of your own position in it.Given that normal,for a lot of people (as in the phrase back to normal) was and is pretty crappy, the idea is to imagine a just economy (in terms of housing, health, cultural activity etc etc) where you and your ethnic or social group have NO guarantee of being at the top.

Most people who get to design societies, from Solon to Solomon or Jefferson to Lenin, (let alone UK civil servants) have imagined themselves to be IN CHARGEbecause, through violence or the inherited benefits of violence, they WERE. But we live in a democracy, and in a democracy, we theoretically get to debate and agree how we want to live. And what matters most and in what order.

I suggest that we are in the the Vale of the Veil of Ignorance right nowin that we know everything is going to change, but none of us has the first idea to what. We are getting to debate and agree on some of this stuff right nowfrom the explosion of food distribution charities, to clapping for carers and as we come out of lockdown, we have a limited window of choosing what we actually WANT from the New Normal, of speaking aloud the unspoken consensus we are actually already using to make decisions.

To illustrate the uncertainty personally, playwrights and others have been asking Arts Councils and government ministers for years to consciously and openly decide whether they really want a professional theatre sector in Scotland or not, and to act on that choice. Guess what? Something like that decision about whether the kind of theatre we have been making in the kind of way weve been doing it actually matters is actually GOING TO HAPPEN in the next year or so! As the Prime Mnister will no doubt learn this week, the answers to your questions may not be what you thought. I only hope my bcolleagues and I can make a better case for ourselves than he did.

Less myopically, lifting lockdown on a whole society brings, I think, an obligation to at least partially articulate the principles on which we can agree to its functioning. And that we MAKE those choices without knowing where in the new hierarchy we ourselves will end up! And if it turns out that the new normal, is lazily indistinguishable from the rotten, corrupt old one, well, it will turn out that that is who we are, that is who we choose to be.

It may well be that this is already happening. Maybe we should be talking about it.

Read the original here:

Lifting Lockdown and the Veil of Ignorance - bellacaledonia.org.uk

For most of computing history, keyboards have featured at least one key per letter one may wish to type as far as the Latin alphabet goes, anyway. Mobile phones of the 90s and 2000s showed us that basic typing could be accomplished with less. [foone], however, likes to go way out into left field when designing text entry methods, and post them up on Twitter.

The most elegant, in our opinion, is this binary-based design. 7 flip switches are used to set the binary value of the key you wish to press, at which point hitting the button will send the keypress. Its painfully slow for just about anything except backspace set all the switches on for keycode 127, and mash away.

This breadboard design is an excercise in frustration. A keycode is randomly generated approximately once every second. Press the button if this keycode is the one you wish to send. Reportedly, it took ten minutes to type Hello!. An analog dial design speeds things up a little, but not by much.

While these may not be useful, theyre fun experiments which we could imagine making an excellent contest at a future hacker con. If youre a big fan of the esoteric and insane when it comes to input devices, consider this typewriter simulation design.

Visit link:

2 thoughts on More Terrible Keyboards That Nonetheless Work - Hackaday

Alh Usman Shagadi: The end of an era By Hon. (Engr) Abubakar Momoh

The news started to filter in the early hours of today weds, 13th May, 2020 of the passing of a great man, a very fearless, courageous and dependable ally Alh. Usman Shagadi the Osimua of Auchi sacred kingdom.

As we mourn his exit, we are however consoled by his fulfilled life of hard work, dedication, commitment and perseverance.

The life of Shagadi is one of sweet memory having transversed the political landscape of Edo North as a very vocal and defender of our people and the oppressed since 1979. My relationship with him dated back to 1980 when as a UPN youth secretary of my ward, we operated under his leadership as the then chairman of the UPN youth wing in the old Etsako LGA and EDO North senatorial district. At that time, no meaningful meeting of the party would take place without the input of Shagadi. His opinion was always sought on any issue of importance.

He was very highly respected by both the elected and appointed functionaries of that time such as late Zika Momodu of the house of representatives, sen John Umoru, J.O.Y Abekhe/ Jack Oba, both of whom were chairmen of defunct Etsako LGA, commissioner Robson Momoh,Benson Alegbe/ Charles Adoga of Bendel state house of Assembly and a host of others.

At the advent of the new breed politics of the Babagida administration in 1989, Shagadi and I , again found ourselves in the same political associations ie liberal movement to liberal convention before the military finally decreed two political parties NRC and SDP one, a little to the right and the other, a little to the left as crafted by our erudite Prof Omo- Omoruyi of the Centre for democratic studies (CDS). Again Shagadi and I anchored our political tents with NRC after series of meetings under the leadership of Chief MCK Orbih supported by other leaders such as JB Momoh, Bruno Oshiokpekhai, PD Rigi, Yaro Lecky, commissioner Obozuwa, and a host of others.

Under the NRC, Shagadi held various positions ranging from deputy chairman to chairman of the old Etsako LGA to Etsako West LGA. Again , he became more forceful and respected as he doubled as the chairman of the national union of road transport workers (NURTW) Edo North, with a lot of army of supporters ready at all time to give him the necessary backing on whatever he wants done.

When Babagida stepped aside in 1993 culminating in the coming of

Abacha after pushing shonekan aside, a new political agenda threw up five political parties which late Bola Ige once described as five leprous fingers of one hand because of the shameless adoption of Abacha as sole presidential candidate by the five polical parties. Indeed Shagadi and I were in Kaduna stadium together along with others as stakeholders from Edo North senatorial district to listen to our leaders in UNCP declaring Abacha as the sole presidential candidate of the five registered political parties.

I was then a local government council chairman taking directives from Governor Baba Adamu Iyam and Youth Earnestly Asking for Abacha (YEAAH).I recalled that as we left the venue that day, both Shagadi and I beleived that that excercise will not last. I can vividly remember some of the national leaders of UNCP then as Alh Isah Mohammed national chairman,Gbazeagwu Nweke Gbazeagu, national secretary, Ibrahim Mantu, national publicity secretary, Sgt Awuse and Amodu Sheriff who was national treasurer . That political era was short lived with the death of Abacha and subsequently MKO Abiola who was detained for four years.

In the build up to the current political dispensation in 1998, Shagadi and I identified with PDP.

In PDP, Shagadi was again saddled with the responsibility of overseeing the affairs of the party in Etsako West LGA as pioneer chairman. He performed very well and succeeded to instal Lucky James as council chairman and subsequently Lucky Igbinedion as governor of Edo state. This time around Shagadi was always advocating equality of leadership among the three senatorial districts because of his strong feeling of a vacuum of Edo North leadership that could measure up with Tony Anenih, S.O Ogbemudia and the Esama of Benin.

The reason for this is because the notable political leader of Edo North , M.C.K Orbih was not in PDP at inception. Throughout the first tenure of Igbinedion, Shagadi, along with other leaders like Malik Afegbua, PD Rigi, JB Momoh, Zika Momodu, Mike Umoru, Naboya and I were into series of meetings on how best to have a formidable leadership in Edo North. Our focus then was how to bring on board the governorship aspiration of Mike Oghiadomhe-then deputy governor of Edo state. Infact Shagadi was in the forefront of this struggle.

This move did not come without a price as all of us and other leaders across edo north were deregistered from PDP. Although a similar thing happened in Edo south, which was a product of power tussle. The rest is now history as this ignoble art quicken our move to embrace the new political party ACD AC -ACN put in place by Atiku Abubakar and the Jagaban- Bola Tinubu with a continued search for relevance by Edo North spear headed by Shagadi.

There was a sigh of relief one day when Shagadi told Maliki and I in one of our meetings that he got the information that our dogged labour leader Comrade Adams Oshiomole was interested in the governorship of Edo state though not in AC. We gave ourselves the task of convincing him to identify with the new party -AC as the surest way to clinch the governorship of the state because of our strong belief that he would get the support of the state government of Lucky Igbinedion.

This move yielded positive result when Malik, Kassim Dokpesi,Eshieshi and I met with comrade in labour house in 2006 and with a follow up visit by Malik and Shagadi to his residence in Kaduna after ACN meeting to convince him to identify with ACN which he eventually yielded to.

In all the struggles during the election and the post election litigations that lasted for one year seven months in tribunal and court of appeal, Shagadi remained a strong pillar . Each time we were in court presided over by justice Orilonishe, Shagadi would always sit first on the seat which comrade would sit in order to avert any possible devilish plans against him . This was a clear demonstration of the firm belief and protection of the principal to actualize the struggle without being hunted.

From the foregoing, it is discernable why Shagadi and I easily flown together during our brief sojourn in SDP which was occasioned by our disagreement with the establishment after membership registration and election of executives of APC in 2014. The story of Shagadis pfatherly and friendly role in our sojourn in SDP is essentially for another time as he rightly provided the necessary shield to neutralise the barrage of forces against our movement.

I shall ever live to remember him for the embarrassment he saved us from, in the hands of the police force when it was ready to be used to crush us. When he eventually decided to return to APC in 2016 , he felt very sad that we were not together but that did not in any way affect our relationship as we were always in close contact. Certainly this was the only time since 1979 when both of us were fighting at cross divide in any election.

Though he won the governorship with Obaseki while we lost with Pastor Ize- Iyamu, however judging from what is on ground today in the state, one has no regret not to belong in that struggle.Without sounding immodest, Shagadi was a rally point, unifier, a dogged fighter, straight forward in his dealings and above all a good family man. As we mourn him, we pray Almighty Allah to repose his soul in Aljanat firdaus amen. To his children, be comforted with the legacy of fulfilled life lived by Shagadi. We will surely miss him. Adieu Shagadi, the Shagamoko of our time, till the final day when we shall all meet to part no more.

Vanguard

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Alh Usman Shagadi: The end of an era - Vanguard

She said she was so hurt then whenever they point this out to her and she felt so insecure with her legs. Kasi grabe yung negative energy, she says. Andaming time talaga ng bashers. But over the years, alam nyo, natutuhan kong tanggapin ang legs ko. Yes its not straight. Its kinda ganyan, parang parenthesis, yun ang sinasabi nila. E, wala e. Parte siya ng pagkatao ko.

But someone made her realize that being bow legged is not really a big thing. Before, sobra ang insecurity ko rito. Pero alam niyo kung sino nagpa-realize sa akin na huwag magpa-insecure? Si DJ (Daniel Padilla, her boyfriend.) Through DJ na-overcome ko ang insecurity ko about my legs. Na-realize kong lahat naman tayo, merong imperfections. Siguro nagkataon, ibinigay sa akin ni God yung legs ko. And anong gagawin ko? E, di nagwo-workout ako para ma-excercise siya. And tatanggapin ko, kasi hello?! Hindi naman ako makukulong dahil sa pagkasakang ko!

At this point of her video, Kathryn even raised her legs to show them off. Basta now, I love my legs! Si DJ love din niya ang legs ko! Ngayon tanggap ko na siya 100 percent! Come on, bashers! You kiss my f*cking legs! Hahaha!

Her fans tell Kathryn that its Ferdie Topacio, the lawyer of her rival, Nadine Lustre, who spearheaded the annoying Tweets against Kathryn about #SakangsiKathryn comparing her legs to a pair of pliers that are far apart from each other.

Honestly, though, Kathryns fans have more reason to gloat as their idol is the Box Office Queen who starred in the highest grossing local film of all time, Hello Love Goodbye, whereas Nadines career is neither here nor there after the two last two movies she did, Ulan and Indak proved to be both big flops at the tills last year.

Excerpt from:

Kathryn proud of being bow-legged - Journal Online

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa and the SA Cabin Crew Association are considering taking legal action against the business rescue practitioners of South African Airways, they said in a joint statement late on Friday afternoon.

The two unions, which together form a majority of union representation at the embattled state-owned airline, say they are eyeing a court application to have the BRPs removed.

Captain Grant Back, chairperson of the SAA Pilots' Association (SAAPA), said on Friday evening that they too believe the BRPs have not fulfilled their obligation and will also consider court action to have the the BRPs removed.

"We look forward to work with the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) and the rest of labour in finding a workable solution to revive SAA and keep it as a national asset, which is necessary to kickstart our economy when we come out of the Covid-19 period," said Back.

The National Transport Movement (NTM) has already rejected the current proposal of the BRPs, "because it suggests the payment of severance packages are subject to the sale of certain assets and approval by creditors".

The permutations are leading to the future of the airline narrowing to two options which are liquidation versus restructuring," NTM president Mashudu Raphetha

said on Friday evening.

"It seems the balance of forces are leaning towards the possibility of a liquidation, which may give rise to a new airline."

The South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) also indicated earlier on Friday that it "rejects with contempt" the BRPs' proposal. It regards the proposal as an "attempt to blackmail workers".

Saftu claims the aim is "to collapse SAA in order to open the way for its privatisation".

A week ago the DPE rejected a request for further funding of about R10 billion from the BRPs in order to complete the business rescue process.

The BRPs had also earlier started a section 189 process with employees on restructuring the company. About a week ago the BRPs offered all SAA employees (excluding Mango and SAA Technical staff, subsidiaries which are not in business rescue) severance packages at the end of April to all staff.

SAAPA is of the view that the entire section 189 process has been just "a box-ticking excercise from the beginning". SAAPA claims labour has not been consulted to their satisfaction nor had informnation requested been provided, such as the business plans the BRPs referred to along the way.

"How do you have a section 189 process without a plan?" asks Back.

Employees have been given until next week to accept the agreement, which has since been adjusted.

Up to April, all employees have received their full salaries.

'Defend the airline'

"We are calling on government, and in particular the Department of Public Enterprises in the interest of saving SAA, to join our application to defend the airline, and work with us in developing a turnaround plan that will secure the future of the airline and save jobs," Numsa and Sacca state.

Earlier on Friday, in a public address about Covid-19 funding, Minister of Finance Tito Mboweni spoke of a "new economy" that could emerge after the lockdown ends. He said there will be new opportunities for companies to grow. Referenciing Gordhan, Mboweni said a new airline could arise from "the ashes of SAA".

Numsa and Sacca accuse the BRPS of having "an agenda to strip the assets of the airline" and to liquidate it.

"We are left with no choice but to approach the court, not only to remove them but also to demand a full breakdown of exactly how they have spent our hard earned tax money...This is a battle for the very survival of the airline and for all the working class families who will be affected " say the two unions.

Repeated bailouts

On Tuesday the DPE informed the unions at a meeting, which excluded the BRPs, that SAA can no longer depend on financial support from government. This comes after government has repeatedly bailed out the airline over the years, often at the very last minute.

Representatives of the SA Transport and Allied Workers Union, National Union of Metalworkers of SA, the SAA Pilots' Association, the National Transport Movement, the Aviation Union of Southern Africa and the Southern Africa Cabin Crew Association were among those in attendance.

The DPE said all parties need to commit to a creative solution to avoid the business rescue process, which started in December last year, from failing. According to the DPE, a consultative forum would be established for talks on how best to ensure the well-being of employees.

NTM says it is seeking clarity from the DPE as to the options government can offer SAA employees. The union also points out that it would need longer than the current deadline given by the BRPs to caucus its members properly once it is clear what the various options and their implications are.

The union Solidarity has also expressed the need to obtain more clarity on the role and function of the so-called "Leadership Compact" proposed at the meeting with the DPE in lieu of the business rescue process.

"Not only are thousands of our members' and their families' livelihoods at stake, but also the entire airline industry and the economy of SA," Solidarity said in a letter to the DPE.

Back says SAAPA will not sign the employment termination contract put on the table by the BRPs in its current form. As for any other amended offers from the BRPs, SAAPA would, after due consideration, be required to first get a mandate from its membership to respond to the BRPs.

The BRPs said in response to the threat of legal action, that the Section 189 process continues and the offer of termination of employment is still on the table.

In the view of the BRPs a winding down process would obtain a better option for employees and creditors than a mere liquidation.

On Thursday the BRPs said the airline cannot survive beyond month end, and the choices left are either a forced liquidation or a winding down process. The practitioners said they do not have sufficient funds available to continue honouring the obligations of SAA to its employees beyond 30 April 2020.

"At this juncture, we wish to register our grave concern and disappointment that, despite substantial cash injection amounts that have been dedicated to the business rescue process, no plan has been forthcoming," says Solidarity.

"This delay in delivery...has, in itself, exacerbated the crisis that existed before the business rescue process. Our concerns are because sincere efforts to find a resolve may carry the unintended consequence of prolonging the entire process of business rescue, which SAA can ill afford."

The DPE referred Fin24 to the BRPs for comment.

* This article as updated to include comment from SAAPA, NTM, Saftu and Solidarity.

Read the original here:

Unions threaten legal action to have SAA business rescue practitioners removed - Fin24

It's set to be another glorious day in London.

Temperatures are forecast to reach 24 degrees, meaning the capital will be hotter than Spain, Greece and Tenerife on Thursday (April 23).

According to the BBC, it will be hottest in most parts of London at around 2pm.

Although it's vital we stay at home due to the coronavirus lockdown, anyone who has a garden will be able to bask in the sunshine.

Alternatively, others will be able to enjoy the sunshine while out on their daily excercise.

Here's when it's expected to be hot in your part of the capital.

There will be highs of 23 degrees on Thursday, with the hottest temperatures forecast for 2pm to 4pm.

A gentle breeze will give those enjoying the sunshine in their gardens or while exercising the chance to cool off.

Temperatures will reach a nice 20 degrees by 12pm, and will increase further throughout lunchtime.

After reaching a high of 24 degrees, it will start to cool down, although it's still expected to be 18 degrees at 8pm.

The North of the capital is set to be sunny with a gentle breeze, with highs of 23 degrees.

The hottest part of the day is forecast to be 2pm.

Much like other parts of London, Stratford will feel more like Barcelona on Thursday.

Highs of 23 degrees are forecast, with temperatures hottest at lunchtime.

Get more news updates for your local area by putting your postcode into our handy widget below:

Want more news? Go to our homepage.

Do you have a story? Email samuel.truelove@reachplc.com.

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London weather: Here's when 24C heat will arrive in your part of London - MyLondon

Take a walk, but remember to stay 6 feet away from the nearest person.

For about six million Californians 65 and up, life has gotten a lot harder.

Last weekend, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that seniors and people with chronic illnesses need to stay home to protect themselves from the novel coronavirus.

While public health experts agree that self-isolation and social distancing during this time is extremely important, they're also worried about the toll it can take on seniors' mental health and well-being.

Let's be honest: it's probably going to be tough. But here are some tips for surviving hopefully, even thriving while stuck at home.

GET DIGITALLY CONNECTED

Many seniors depend on activities at senior centers and volunteer work to keep them active and social.

But public health experts like Dr. Anna Chodos, professor of medicine and geriatrics at UCSF, say there are many other ways to connect with people without being physically present.

She encourages seniors to call the Institute on Aging's Friendship Line. It's a hotline where older people can make a friend over the phone and have someone to talk to if they are lonely.

"It's a good resource to give people if they can't get in touch with their families," Dr. Chodos said.

She's also encouraging family members of isolated seniors to "please call them regularly." Also, if your older family member doesn't know how to use video functions like FaceTime, help them figure it out. (Here's Apple's handy guide. There's also Skype, Facebook video chat and Google Hangouts).

KEEP VOLUNTEERING AND EXERCISING, BUT CHANGE IT UP

If you're a senior who has a regular volunteer job that is now on hold, why not see if there's a way to help out online or over the phone?

Also, since going to the gym or a workout class is currently not an option, Dr. Lisa Gibbs, chief of geriatrics at UC Irvine School of Medicine, recommends finding a workout online or from streaming programs like Netflix. The National Institute on Aging has an exercise campaign called Go4Life that includes online video workouts. Here's a sample:

Or ... get outside! For now, local public health officials have not prohibited outdoor excercise. So take a walk. Just make sure you are six feet away from other people and avoid body fluids.

Gardening or excercising in your yard, if you have one, are also good options.

THAT EPIC NOVEL YOU'VE BEEN MEANING TO WRITE

It's a great time to pick up hobbies that have been on the backburner for a while, such as learning to play a musical instrument or taking an online class. Check out AARP's guide to online learning.

Jeannette, 68, from Fullerton told KPCC's AirTalk she's taking advantage of her free schedule to write a book.

TACKLING ANXIETY

There's isolation. And then there's being stuck in a small space with your whole family. Kenneth Wiatrak, 68, lives with his wife and two teenagers in a one-bedroom apartment in Studio City.

"How do you self isolate when there's no room to isolate?" he wondered.

Wiatrak is also the primary source of income for his family. He works as a photographer and a cameraman, and he's concerned about missing work and not being able to pay the bills.

"What's my chance of keeping working and not contracting the disease versus other ways to make ends meet?" Wiatrak asked.

Doctors are concerned that anxiety will affect seniors in the coming weeks. During this critical period, health experts are encouraging seniors to stay in touch with their health care provider.

Seniors shouldn't be afraid to tell their doctor that they are stressed out, Dr. Chodos said. She said there are a lot of mental health resources by phone that doctors can provide.

The news itself can be anxiety-inducing. Don't sit in front of the television watching news about COVID-19 all day, Dr. Gibbs said. She recommended choosing one trusted source and checking only once or twice a day for updates.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?

If you're younger and in good health, there are many ways to help without compromising a senior's health (or your own):

Have more questions? Watch a Q&A about coronavirus and seniors with Kim McCoy Wade, director of the state Department of Aging, moderated by CalMatters reporters Ana Ibarra and Judy Lin:

SOME STRAIGHT TALK ABOUT COVID-19

We're all living through this extraordinary and frightening pandemic. The vast majority of our newsroom has been working from home (here's some advice on that) since March 11 to bring you calm, helpful reporting. We are answering your questions and taking more.

LAist is known for our events listings but now hopefully we'll be known for our non-event listings and tips for parents to try to keep you sane. And we're looking for your nominations for everyday heroes in this time of crisis. We're here to help. And if you can help support that effort financially, we'd be grateful.

See more here:

A Guide For Seniors On Coping In The Age Of Coronavirus - LAist

Italy registers a record 627 deaths in one day from Coronavirus. Italy has announced a further tightening ofrestrictions due to the Coronavirus emergency, in a bid to get people off the streets and remain at home, reports Italian news agency ANSA.

The nationwidemeasures are in place from 21 March until 25 March, the end-date of the existing orderwhich in allprobablilitywill be extended.

The measures include a ban on outdoor play or recreation, however people may still take outdoor excercise, on their own, provided they stay in the area of their residence and maintain a distance of at least one metre from others.

Access to public parks,villas, gardens and playgrounds is prohibited.

On public holidays, and the days either side, all travel is forbidden to anywhere that is not your principal residence, including second homes.

Milan has called in soldiers to patrol its streets while Rome is stepping up its controls on motorists and pedestrians still in circulation.

Italy's death toll from the Coronavirus pandemic has reached 4,032, according to the latest figures released on 20 March by the country's civil protection agency, and reported by ANSA.

The number offatalities is up 627 since the day before, the highest one-day death count anywhere in the world, including China, since the Covid-19 pandemic began.

The overall number of those whohave contracted Coronavirus in Italy - including the deceased and the 5,129 people who haverecovered - now stands at 47,021.

Photo LaPresse

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Coronavirus: Italy tightens restrictions as death toll tops 4,000 - Wanted in Rome

KATHMANDU, March 21: Announcing a slew of measures to contain the possible spread of the novel coronavirus, Prime Minister KP Oli in an address to the nation on Friday urged people not to be panicked by the current situation but to take necessary precautions to stay safe.

Prime Minister Oli announced the closure of all public and private services, except essential services, for two weeks. The government has been taking stringent measures to prevent a possible spread of COVID-19 in the country.

The prime minister announced the closure of all international flights to and from Nepal from Sunday until March 31. But the government has decided not to close the borders.

Giving priority to the health and security of passengers coming through the border entry points, arrivals will be processed after mandatory health checkups. Necessary coordination will be made with neighboring countries in this regard, said Oli.

The government has decided to close down the operation of long-route public buses from Monday until further notice but domestic flights will operate, he said.

All services to be delivered from public, community and private institutions at the federal, provincial and local levels are closed from March 22 till April 3, except for essential services listed in the Nepal Gazette, he further said.

The Nepal Gazette updated six months ago lists as essential services 17 services related to transportation and the distribution of essential foods, drinking water, petroleum, health services and internal security. Posts and telecommunications, press and publications, military equipment and garbage management, banking, insurance and electricity wont be affected by the government closure decision.

The government had already decided to close down educational institutions including schools and colleges, cinemas, clubs, party venues and other crowded places for a month. More steps can be taken with your (peoples) cooperation, depending on the situation of the pandemic, said Oli in his address.

The prime minister has also appealed to the public to maintain proper sanitization and avoid crowds and commutes outside unless necessary.

Keeping in view the possible shortage of essential goods in the market, Prime Minister Oli also urged people not to stock up on essentials more than their need.

Dont be swayed by rumors and follow the advice of experts, doctors or technicians, be patient, excercise endurance and caution, and dont panic, Oli urged.

See the original post:

PM tells nation not to panic over virus - myRepublica

Issued on: 18/03/2020 - 18:54Modified: 18/03/2020 - 18:54

On Tuesday evening, people across France gathered at their balconies and windows to clap for the countrys health workers battling the coronavirus pandemic as the country went into lockdown.

The applause was triggered by calls across social media throughout Tuesday, as the country headed towards its first night under a government enforced lockdown that has seen people prevented from leaving their homes other than to work, excercise, shop for food or get medical treatment.

Using the hashtags#OnApplaudit (We Applaud) and #TousAlaFentre (All at the Window), French people were asked to start applauding en masse at either 7pm or 8pm and to continue doing so at the same time every night.

It is an initiative that first started in Italy and Spain, both under lockdown amid the coronavirus outbreak, and has since spread to other countries including Greece, Portugal and Switzerland.

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#WeApplaud: French pay tribute to health workers from their balconies - FRANCE 24 English