Articles/videos, interviews & opinion pieces cover:
* situations in different regions/countries
* different views (please use your own discretion)
CORONAVIRUS & CORONAVIRUS-RELATED ITEMS - GLOBALLY/IN GENERAL
Clinical research / Clinical trials
An antibody test for the novel coronavirus will soon be available
The Economist, 2 April 2020
* When a new virus invades the human body, the immune system leaps into action. First to the scene are antibody molecules of a type called immunoglobulin m (igm). These bind with proteins on a virus’s surface, disabling it and marking it for destruction by cells called macrophages. A few days later the system produces a second type of antibody, immunoglobulin g (igg), to continue the fight. igms are short-lived. They stick around in the bloodstream for three or four weeks before disappearing. iggs, however, are the basis for a much longer-term form of immunity. This can last for many years, or even a lifetime.
African nations missing from coronavirus trials
Nature, 3 April 2020
* The World Health Organization says it wants many more African nations to participate in its SOLIDARITY trial, a global study of four potential COVID-19 treatments.
New Research On Hydroxychloroquine Shows More Positive Signs It Could Be A Treatment For Covid-19 (video - 10:42)
DoctorOz, 3 April 2020
* Brand new research on hydroxychloroquine shows more positive signs it could be a treatment for Covid-19
Coronavirus (Covid-19)
Expert Virologist: Here's Everything You Need To Understand About Coronavirus (video - 1:12:33)
Peak Prosperity, 4 April 2020
* In this video, Chris interviews expert virologist Dr. Angela Rasmussen, of the Center for Infection and Immunity at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. Chris and Dr. Rusmussen dive deep into the science of the covid-19 virus, what it does once in the body and what potential treatments show promise.
This is who is most likely to die from Covid-19: Wuhan researchers
Sowetan Live, 4 April 2020
* Men over 50 with high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes are most likely to die of Covid-19.
Coronavirus: Antarctica is the only coronavirus free place on earth (video - 2:33)
Nine News Australia, 5 April 2020
* Antarctica is the only place on earth which so far remains untouched by the coronavirus outbreak; Australia is working to ensure it stays that way.
Coronavirus: Which countries have confirmed cases?
Aljazeera, 5 April 2020
* Over 1.2 million infections are confirmed in at least 180 countries and territories, including more than 64,000 deaths.
Earth / Environment
Coronavirus: Good for the environment? | Covid-19 Special (video - 12:32)
DW News, 1 April 2020
* Animals have begun reclaiming the empty streets and without us humans in the way nature is thriving. The lockdowns have caused nitrogen dioxyde pollution levels to dive in Italy and China. From a climate perspective, the coronavirus pandemic is not entirely negative. The hastily implemented measures drastically cut emisssions - measures that otherwise would have taken years to come into effect. Can the corona crisis help our planet to breathe again?
Earth Is Vibrating Substantially Less Because There's So Little Activity Right Now
Science Alert, 4 April 2020
* Flights are grounded. Fewer trains are running. Rush hour is gone. The world - particularly in cities - is looking drastically different during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
* According to seismologists, that drastic reduction in human hustle and bustle is causing the Earth to move substantially less. The planet is 'standing still'.
Fears feral cats may starve during coronavirus lockdown
IOL, 4 April 2020
* There are hundreds of cats which could starve to death as they are locked into building parking areas, behind gates of commercial and private buildings and passages around the city.
Ground zero
I found the source of the coronavirus (video - 10:02)
laowhy86, 1 April 2020
* After 2 weeks of painstaking searching, I refute the claim that the Coronavirus started outside of China.
SPECIAL REPORT: China's deadly coronavirus cover-up (video - 25:52)
Sky News Australia, 5 April 2020
* Chinese journalists have shed light on their country’s deadly coronavirus cover-up which has led to tens of thousands of deaths and sent global economies crashing to a halt.
Personal protection guides/tips
Why You Should Flush With The Lid Down: Experts Warn Of Fecal-Oral Transmission Of COVID-19
Forbes, 2 April 2020
* While scientists have warned that COVID-19 can be spread by fecal-oral transmission (hence the importance of post-bathroom hand washing) the disease can also be spread through what is known as "aerosolized feces" which means that it's more important than ever to close the lid of the toilet while flushing, according to experts.
A Doctor Explains How to Make the Safest Face Mask (video - 14:55)
Dr Ryan Southworth, 22 March 2020
* A doctor explains how to make the safest face mask. This is a safe face mask that if built properly should be donated to your local emergency services. It utilizes a HEPA filter, which is much, much better than a cotton mask.
DIY *No Sew* Face Masks! (free and easy!) (video - 3:13)
Do It On A Dime, 4 April 2020
* Hey, guys! Today we are making DIY face masks. One option uses cotton pillowcase fabric as well as coffee filters. These are NOT a substitute for N-95 facemask, they only offer some protection. But some is better than none.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Medical staff
Coronavirus: US accused of hijacking shipments of masks | DW News (video - 7:33)
DW News, 4 April 2020
* Berlin's city government has accused the US of 'an act of modern day piracy' after a shipment of 200,000 protective face masks was hijacked on its way from China to Germany. The masks had been ordered by Berlin's police force from an American manufacturer producing in China. But, according to Berlin authorities, they were confiscated in Bangkok and diverted to the US. As the coronavirus pandemic worsens, demand for crucial medical supplies, such as masks and respirators, has surged worldwide, leading to unprecedented buying practices and countries outbidding each other.
Coronavirus sparks a 'war for masks' in desperate global scramble for protection
CNN, 5 April 2020
* As the coronavirus pandemic spreads across Europe and the United States, a global scramble for medical equipment such as respirator masks and gloves is underway.
Coronavirus: The NHS workers wearing bin bags as protection
BBC News, 5 April 2020
* As the death toll from coronavirus continues to climb, hospitals across the UK are working flat out to create more intensive care beds for those who are critically ill. Speaking to the BBC, one intensive care doctor describes the crippling reality of a lack of support and equipment faced by some health-care workers in England.
Ventilators
Pune man's portable ventilator draws global attention / Coronavirus India (video)
IndianExpressOnline, 4 April 2020
* The ‘Bharucha ventilator’, developed by 84-year-old Captain Rustom Bharucha, has been sold since the 1990s to nearly 150 individual doctors and hospitals. The ventilator, assembled at his tiny workshop, has been supplied in rural Maharashtra and Captain Bharuch has appreciation by the faculty at IIT Bombay.
South African company ready to roll out low-cost ventilators for the African market (include video)
How We Made It In Africa, 5 April 2020
* South African company EPCM Holdings has reacted quickly to the heightened demand for ventilators due to the Covid-19 outbreak. It will this week start producing its first low-cost ventilator (see prototype in the above video) units for delivery to several African countries.
Protests
Singing stops in Italy as fear and social unrest mount
The Guardian, 1 April 2020
* A few days into Italy’s lockdown, people across the country sang and played music from their balconies as they came together to say “Everything will be alright” (Andrà tutto bene). Three weeks on, the singing has stopped and social unrest is mounting as a significant part of the population, especially in the poorer south, realise that everything is not all right.
Coronavirus chilling protests in Chile, Hong Kong, Iraq, forcing activists to innovate
The Washington Post, 4 April 2020
* Coronavirus chills protests from Chile to Hong Kong to Iraq, forcing activists to innovate.
DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD
PART 1: AFRICA
Algeria
'True friend' China helps Algeria battle coronavirus
Sowetan Live, 4 April 2020
* As adversity strikes in the form of the coronavirus pandemic, Algeria has found a helping hand in China, an old friend and the top exporter to Africa's largest country.
Egypt
17 medics at Egypt’s main cancer center test positive for coronavirus
The Times of Israel, 4 April 2020
* Doctors criticize institute for not acting sooner, with one accusing officials of negligence for not imposing restrictions after 1st case found over a week ago.
Germany
Coronavirus Germany: Life on partial lockdown (video - 8:47)
DW News, 5 April 2020
* The economic impact of the pandemic is being felt around the world - and its people with lower incomes who are being hit hardest. In Germany, the government has agreed on an unprecedented aid package to mitigate that impact. Even so, many people have been left struggling.
Kenya
Kenya coronavirus: Raila rallies citizens, Google data shows economic dip
Africanews, 4 April 2020
* Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has urged citizens to remain disciplined and look out for loved ones amid the coronavirus outbreak that has forced government to impose a night-time curfew across the country.
Madagascar
COVID-19 : Le FMI approuve le décaissement de 165,99 millions USD pour Madagascar
MIDI Madagasikara, 4 April 2020
* Les bailleurs de fonds confirment leur confiance vis-à-vis de Madagascar, à l’instar du Fonds monétaire international (FMI), dont le conseil d’administration a approuvé vendredi un décaissement au titre de la Facilité de crédit rapide, équivalant à 122,2 millions de DTS, soit environ 165,99 millions de dollars au taux de change actuel. Ces fonds sont destinés à aider Madagascar à répondre à ses besoins urgents de balance des paiements résultant du déclenchement de la pandémie de COVID-19.
Seychelles
Coronavirus – Seychelles: United Arab Emirates (UAE) makes available to Seychelles' government Avani Barbarons resort as additional facility in fight against COVID-19
CNBCAfrica, 4 April 2020
* Under the directive of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the ‘Avani Barbarons Seychelles Resort’ will be made available to the Government of Seychelles to be used by the Department of Health as a facility to accommodate their health personnel and supporting frontline service members, in the efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19.
South Africa
Odd drop in how Covid-19 numbers grow
Mail&Guardian, 2 April 2020
* It has been nearly 30 days since the first case of Covid-19 in the country was confirmed. And though it may feel longer, it’s been a week since the country has been locked down. The lockdown instituted to quell the rapid spread of the disease, has come at an earlier stage than what many other states around the world have done. In the meanwhile, the rate of increase in the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in South Africa have declined, surprising many.
A bird's-eye view of Pretoria under lockdown (article includes video)
Rekord (Pretoria East), 4 April 2020
* A local videographer took to the streets of Pretoria to explore the eery quietness and the strangely empty streets during this unprecedented time, a time which we will look back on and tell our children about.
Gauteng calls for donations of PPE, ventilators
SAnews, 4 April 2020
* The Gauteng Health Department has called for donations of personal protective equipment (PPE) and ventilators.
SANBS calls for more donors (video)
SABC Digital News, 4 April 2020
* The South African National Blood Service is encouraging people to donate blood. Its centre in Bloemfontein has seen a decline since the lockdown.
Police minister thrilled about decrease in violent crimes during lockdown
News24, 5 April 2020
* Police Minister Bheki Cele on Sunday morning welcomed the "general decrease in serious and violent crimes", attributing this to, among other factors, the prohibition of the sale and movement of liquor since the nationwide coronavirus lockdown started on 27 March.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe uses water cannons as weapons against coronavirus
Times Live, 3 April 2020
* Zimbabwe's police began using water cannons on Friday to disinfect markets and bus ranks, turning instruments associated with repression into weapons against the new coronavirus.
PART 2: ASIA
China
Shenzhen becomes first Chinese city to ban eating cats and dogs
BBC News, 2 April 2020
* It comes after the coronavirus outbreak was linked to wildlife meat, prompting Chinese authorities to ban the trade and consumption of wild animals. * Shenzhen went a step further, extending the ban to dogs and cats. The new law will come into force on 1 May.
Tomb Sweeping Festival: China pays 'virtual' respects to ancestors
BBC News, 4 April 2020
* People in China are paying their respects to dead ancestors digitally as the country continues to face the coronavirus outbreak.
Xi Jinping wears mask despite claims CCP virus under control; China calls whistleblower doctor martyr (video - 22:38)
China in Focus-NTD, 5 April 2020
* China has been saying the #CCPvirus (#coronavirus) epidemic is under control in the country. This comes as Chinese leader #XiJinping is seen wearing a mask, leading many to question the true situation.
India
Doctors say India must prepare for an 'onslaught' as one of Asia's biggest slums reports first coronavirus death
CNN, 4 April 2020
* One of Asia's biggest slums has confirmed its first coronavirus death as top Indian doctors warn that the country must prepare to face an "onslaught" of cases that could cripple the health system to levels far beyond what Europe and the United States are experiencing.
Israel
As Coronavirus Claims More Lives, Hospitals Look for Creative Ways to Safely Say Goodbye
Haaretz, 5 April 2020
* As the number of deaths from the coronavirus in Israel rise, hospitals are looking for solutions to allow family members to say their final goodbyes without risking their own infection.
Israel Slashes Coronavirus Tests as Supply From Germany, South Korea Runs Short
Haaretz, 5 April 2020
* Current lab material supply is only enough for a few more days' worth of coronavirus tests as laboratories, drive-thru centers slash testing.
Israel Warns of Another Coronavirus Hot Spot in Jerusalem Haredi Neighborhood
Haaretz, 5 April 2020
* As the highly contagious coronavirus spreads around the world, Israel and the Palestinians struggle to contain a local outbreak that has virtually halted daily life and led to tens of thousands of people entering quarantine.
* The ultra-Orthodox city of Bnei Brak, which has become a hotspot for the spread of the virus, has been put on lockdown. The cabinet is mulling further closures on more cities.
Taiwan
Taiwan battles WHO and China over coronavirus (video)
China Uncensored, 4 April 2020
* Taiwan is battling against not only the coronavirus, but China and the World Health Organization.
Taiwan's coronavirus response is among the best globally
CNN, 5 April 2020
* Australia and Taiwan have similar sized populations of about 24 million people, both are islands, allowing strict controls over who crosses their borders, and both have strong trade and transport links with mainland China. Ten weeks on from that date, however, Australia has almost 5,000 confirmed cases, while Taiwan has less than 400.
PART 3: EUROPE
France
Coronavirus: France racism row over doctors' Africa testing comments
BBC News, 3 April 2020
* Two French doctors have been accused of racism after a TV debate in which one suggested trials in Africa to see if a tuberculosis vaccine would prove effective against coronavirus.
Marseille’s maverick chloroquine doctor becomes pandemic rock star
Financial Times, 3 April 2020
* French virologist Didier Raoult was one of the first to administer the malaria drug to Covid-19 patients.
Italy
Cautious optimism as Italy shows initial signs of crisis slowing
Aljazeera, 2 April 2020
* A slowing rate of hospitalisations requiring intensive care may mean the peak of Italy's crisis is within sight.
Netherlands
Coronavirus: Why Dutch lockdown may be a high-risk strategy
BBC News, 5 April 2020
* The Netherlands has tried to adopt an "intelligent lockdown", but the infection is spreading rapidly and it has one of the world's highest mortality rates from the pandemic.
Spain
Spain sees COVID-19 deaths decline for 2 days in a row
AA, 5 April 2020
* 674 more deaths were recorded, bringing death toll to over 12,000
Sweden
Could Sweden's controversial COVID-19 plan pay off? (video - 2:56
Sky News, 3 April 2020
* As other countries around the world go into lockdown, Sweden is taking a radically different approach to the coronavirus outbreak.
Switzerland
Coronavirus: the situation in Switzerland
SWI (swissinfo.ch), 5 April 2020
* Switzerland is one of the countries most affected by the coronavirus, with over 20,000 positive tests and more than 600 deaths.
United Kingdom
Coronavirus: Youngest death in UK sparks panic
Nine News Australia, 5 April 2020
* A five-year-old girl has died in the United Kingdom, believed to be the youngest victim of the virus in Europe, as the death toll rose by more than 700, the worst day since the outbreak began.
PART 4: OCEANIA
Australia
Health authorities urge Australians to stay at home during Easter (video)
Sky News Australia, 4 April 2020
* Australia's chief medical officer Professor Brendan Murphy has urged Australians to refrain from breaking social distancing rules over the upcoming Easter break.
Japan
Coronavirus Cases in Japan by Prefecture
Nippon, 5 April 2020
* In this periodically updated article, we look at the total number of COVID-19 infections in each of Japan's prefectures.
New Zealand
Covid 19 coronavirus: How Google's been tracking Kiwis during lockdown
NZHerald, 5 April 2020
* New Zealanders are mostly staying at home during lockdown, with trips to the supermarket down by 54 per cent and transport hubs by 84 per cent, according to a new data report from Google.
Covid 19 coronavirus: New lockdown law officially bans swimming, hunting, surfing
NZHerald, 5 April 2020
* There is now no doubt - fishing, swimming, surfing, hunting and tramping are banned under new lockdown laws.
PART 5: THE CARIBBEAN, CENTRAL AMERICA, NORTH AMERICA & SOUTH AMERICA
Brazil
Bolsonaro under fire as mass graves dug in coronavirus hit Brazil (video - 0:53)
The Telegraph, 4 April 2020
* Brazil's hard-Right president is facing mounting pressure over his increasingly isolated position on coronavirus, as infectious disease specialists warn that his strategy will lead to the "total collapse" of the country's health system.
Colombia
Coronavirus crisis in Colombia triggers reversal in migration from Venezuela
Colombia Reports, 5 April 2020
* Colombia’s migration authority confirmed Saturday it had helped 600 Venezuelan immigrants to return to their native country after the coronavirus crisis had left them without food or shelter.
Ecuador
'They're leaving us to die': Ecuadorians' plead for help as virus blazes deadly trail
The Guardian, 3 April 2020
* Dead bodies kept in homes or dumped on roadsides as authorities and hospitals are overwhelmed by Covid-19 in Andean nation’s second city.
Ecuador vice president apologises after coronavirus corpses left on streets
AFP via News24, 5 April 2020
* Ecuador's vice president Otto Sonnenholzner has apologised after scores of bodies were left on the streets of Guayaquil as the coronavirus ravages the horror-struck port city.
Hawaii
State’s coronavirus testing to now include asymptomatic residents
Hawaii News Now, 4 April 2020
* Dr. Scott Miscovich said one medical study ― issued a couple of days ago — shows that as much as 20 percent of the people who are infected but are asymptomatic could in fact be spreading the disease.
Mexico
Aumenta a 79 cifra de muertos en México por coronavirus (video - 2:41)
Milenio, 4 April 2020
* Ciudad de México es la entidad con mayor número de muertes por coronavirus.
Panama & Peru
Peru, Panama Limit Movement By Gender In Bid To Slow The Coronavirus
NPR, 3 April 2020
* Across the world, officials have been desperately adopting sweeping measures in a bid to keep people separated and the coronavirus at bay. But even among the wide range tried so far, one attempted solution in Peru and Panama has proven unusual: Officials in both countries have begun to limit their residents' movement by gender — with men only allowed to leave the home on some days and women on others.
United States of America
7 Questions We Need Answered about COVID-19 (video - 3:27)
Tipping Point with Liz Wheeler on OAN, 1 April 2020
* Questions related to situation in USA
Chris Cuomo on life with Covid-19: The beast comes out at night (video - 10:20)
CNN, 2 April 2020
* CNN's Chris Cuomo describes what his experience has been like with the Covid-19 coronavirus.
Jeff Sessions: China lied to us and we must investigate its 'cover-up' (video - 11:07)
Fox News, 4 April 2020
* Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions joins 'CAVUTO Live' to discuss China's role in the coronavirus pandemic and crisis.
Coronavirus Live Updates: New U.S. Hot Spots Emerge; Trump Predicts ‘a Lot of Death’
The New York Times, 5 April 2020
* The president appeared to suggest that the government was stockpiling an anti-malarial drug in the hope of treating the virus.
* In Finland, decades of stocking up on protective gear has given the country an advantage.
Coronavirus map of the US: latest cases state by state
The Guardian, 5 April 2020
* The number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 continues to grow in the US. Mike Pence, the vice-president, is overseeing the US response to the coronavirus.