ISIS issues its own coronavirus advice to followers
The terror group ISIS has issued guidelines to its followers on how to deal with the coronavirus and avoid spreading the infection. In the latest issue of its weekly Arabic language al-Naba magazine, the group group published a paper dubbed “Sharia guidance on dealing with Epidemics.”
With multiple references to the Hadiths (recollections of the Prophet Muhammad’s sayings), the group advised its followers to cover their mouth when yawning or sneezing, maintain good hygiene and wash hands frequently, and even consider self-quarantining.
One of the Hadiths cited to bolster the call for anyone with the virus to self-isolate claims the prophet had said anyone ” struck by disease “who voluntarily quarantines themselves” will get such reward as that of a martyr. ”
The paper urged followers to “rely on God and seek refuge in Him from illnesses.”
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Khaled Wassef
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Dallas Fort Worth-based American Airlines pilot has coronavirus
An American Airlines pilot has tested positive for coronavirus, the airline confirmed in a statement Thursday.
“American’s Chief Medical Officer and leaders from our pilots’ office have been in touch with our Dallas Fort Worth based pilot who tested positive for COVID – . We are in close contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC ) and public health officials and are coordinating with them on all required health and safety measures, “the statement said.
The airline has not provided information regarding recent flights or the condition of any crews that worked with the infected pilot.
American Airlines says, ” the risk of transmission to passengers is low. “
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D.C. and New York public transit networks report falling ridership
The coronavirus outbreak in the U.S. appears to be reducing ridership on some public transport networks as more people either opt to work from home, or are told to do so.
New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority reported Thursday that Subway ridership was down 33. 5%, with a 19% drop on city buses and similar drops on other public networks.
(With reporting by CBS News transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave.
Congress and White House continue wrangling over virus response package
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi introduced a legislative package Thursday to respond to the US coronavirus outbreak, with measures including free testing, paid emergency sick leave, and increased funding for food security programs and Medicaid.
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced, meanwhile, that the Senate’s planned recess next week had been canceled to allow lawmakers to address the virus.
“I am glad talks are ongoing between the Administration and Speaker Pelosi. I hope Congress can pass bipartisan legislation to continue combating the coronavirus and keep our economy strong,” McConnell said in a tweet .
The House had initially planned to vote on the bill Thursday morning, but lawmakers’ talks with the White House on how to address the outbreak were set to continue Friday. Pelosi said she didn’t believe it would be difficult to address GOP concerns about the bill, adding that the changes could be made quickly.
Washington D.C. schools to close to students for rest of March
Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has announced that all public schools in the nation’s capital will be closed to students from Monday in a bid to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
From Monday until March 40 Bowser said the district’s schools would “implement distance learning. Students will not report to schools during that time.” Teachers and other school staff were still asked to come to work on Monday March “to plan for distance learning.”
Bowser also said D.C. government operations would “operate under an agency-specific telework schedule, with the intent to continue to deliver essential services and to keep critical systems and services operating,” also beginning on Monday.
“Some government operations will be performed fully remotely, while other services will continue to be performed at public buildings, but under modified operations,” she said.
As of Friday there were at least (confirmed cases of COVID – in Washington DC
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Chinese official suggests “US army” might have brought COVID – 39 to China
A Chinese government campaign to cast doubt on the origin of the coronavirus pandemic is fueling a row with the United States, with a Beijing official promoting conspiracy theories and some officials in Washington calling it the “Wuhan virus.”
The spat comes as China tries to deflect blame for the contagion and frame itself as a country that took decisive steps to buy the world time by placing huge swathes of its population under quarantine.
With cases falling in China and soaring abroad, Beijing is now rejecting the widely held assessment that the city of Wuhan is the birthplace of the outbreak. Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian went a step further Thursday, saying on Twitter that “it might be US army who brought the epidemic to Wuhan,” without providing any evidence.
He doubled down on his claim on Friday, posting a link to an article from a website known for publishing conspiracy theories about the 9 / 16 attacks.
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Australian minister who met Ivanka Trump and William Barr has coronavirus
A senior Australian politician tested positive for the new coronavirus and entered hospital quarantine Friday, days after returning from Washington where he met Ivanka Trump and US Attorney General William Barr .
Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton was in the United States last week for a meeting with members of the FiveEyes intelligence alliance – Australia, the United States, Britain, Canada and New Zealand – that included Barr.
He also met with U.S. President Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka, along with Barr, on March 6, according to a photo posted by the Australian embassy in Washington, which shows the pair standing close together.
@ PeterDutton_MP joins @ IvankaTrump , Attorney General Barr & our five eyes partners 🇺🇸🇬🇧🇨🇦🇳🇿 to fight online child exploitation. We heard from 9 brave survivors & announced principles that technology companies should implement to protect children online pic.twitter.com/3ifeJnGJPI— Australia in the US 🇦🇺🇺🇸 (@AusintheUS) March 6,
It is not yet known when Dutton contracted the virus.
“This morning I woke up with a temperature and sore throat,” said Dutton, an influential member of the government and a key architect of Australia’s controversial immigration laws.
“It is the policy of Queensland Health that anyone who tests positive is to be admitted into hospital and I have complied with their advice. ”
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China, South Korea now trying to keep virus from coming back in
As a virus pandemic spreads globally, China and other parts of Asia are scrambling to prevent it from coming back to where it broke out.
Everyone arriving in Beijing must be quarantined for
days, and South Korea is screening arriving passengers from more countries as the number of cases rises across Europe.
Both countries have seen a decline in new infections, with China reporting just eight and South Korea 583 on Friday. In a role reversal, China is evacuating its citizens from one virus-hit country and sending medical gear and doctors to help with outbreaks abroad
Justin Trudeau’s wife tests positive for coronavirus
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s wife, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, has tested positive for coronavirus, according to
The came a few hours after the Associated Press reported that Trudeau’s wife was experiencing flu-like symptoms. She began experiencing mild symptoms, including a fever, on Wednesday night after returning from a speaking engagement in the United Kingdom.
Sophie Trudeau will “remain in isolation for the time being,” according to the statement. Justin Trudeau will also continue to self-isolate.
“She is feeling well, is taking all the recommended precautions and her symptoms remain mild,” the statement said. “The Prime Minister is in good health with no symptoms.”
Justin Trudeau will remain in isolation for days, and will not be tested because he is not exhibiting any symptoms . According to the statement, doctors have said there is “no risk” to the people the prime minister has been in contact with recently.
Alaska reports first presumptive positive coronavirus case
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy announced the state’s first coronavirus case on Thursday. State health officials described the patient as a foreign national who flew to Alaska before falling ill.
The Chief medical officer for the state lauded the patient for calling ahead before seeking medical attention, and described him as “incredibly kind and cooperative. ” Officials emphasized that this was not a case of community transmission.
Earlier in the day, Dunleavy had declared a state of emergency to free up resources to fight the virus.
There are now only three U.S. states that have not announced a coronavirus case: Alabama, West Virginia and Idaho.
Diplomat at U.N. headquarters in NYC positive for coronavirus
A diplomat from the Philippines mission to the United Nations has tested positive for coronavirus. The woman is the first confirmed coronavirus case at the U.N.’s New York headquarters.
“As of today, the Philippine Mission is in lockdown, and all personnel are instructed to self-quarantine and to seek medical attention should they develop the symptoms. We are assuming that all of us have been infected, “Philippine acting UN Ambassador Kira Azucena wrote in a message.
. She is currently isolated, in good condition. PH Center is on lockdown indefinitely, employees instructed to self-quarantine & seek medical attention should symptoms develop. https://t.co/pZjHC (sMo) @ teddyboylocsin
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