Each day at just after midnight Eastern, a post like this one is created for contributors and readers of this site to upload news links and video links on the issues that concern this site. Most notably, Islam and its effects on Classical Civilization, and various forms of leftism from Soviet era communism, to postmodernism and all the flavours of galloping statism and totalitarianism such as Nazism and Fascism which are increasingly snuffing out the classical liberalism which created our near, miraculous civilization the West has been building since the time of Socrates.
This document was written around the time this site was created, for those who wish to understand what this site is about. And while our understanding of the world and events has grown since then, the basic ideas remain sound and true to the purpose.
So please post all links, thoughts and ideas that you feel will benefit the readers of this site to the comments under this post each day. And thank you all for your contributions.
This is the new Samizdat. We must use it while we can.
Chinese Regime Hoards Global Inventory of Medical Supplies, Leading to Growing Shortage Outside China
As the pandemic has spread throughout the world, hospitals have become overwhelmed by CCP virus patients.
N-95 masks, medical protective suits, goggles, surgical gloves, disinfectant, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) machines, and medical ventilators have become critical supplies to treat patients or protect medical workers from being exposed to the virus.
As many countries deal with escalating outbreaks, evidence has emerged that Chinese authorities have bought up billions of masks, as well as hundreds of tons of other critical medical supplies globally. Meanwhile, China, itself a major manufacturer of such medical supplies, has stopped exporting since January—just as the outbreak in China became severe.
https://www.theepochtimes.com/chinese-regime-hoards-global-inventory-of-medical-supplies-leading-to-growing-shortage-outside-china_3298893.html?utm_source=Epoch+Times+Newsletters&utm_campaign=e82156fac7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_04_07_12_08&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4fba358ecf-e82156fac7-242193805
(Richard: How many are going out of business right now? How long can the CCP remain in power with their economy tanking like this? What happens when the Western Nations start seizing the property of the Chinese business that are partially owned by the CCP to recover some of the expenses that they incurred during the pandemic?)
460,000 Chinese Firms Went Under in First Quarter, Underscoring Impact of Virus on Economy
Nearly half a million businesses in China closed down in the first quarter of 2020, according to data collected by online databases, revealing the extent of the epidemic’s impact on the country’s economy.
Meanwhile, business owners began protesting for government financial support as their businesses are on the brink of bankruptcy.
ADVERTISING
Since authorities realized the severity of the outbreak and began implementing lockdown measures in January, business activities have halted in much of China. At present, Wuhan, the city where the outbreak first began, is still under quarantine. Some areas, such as Jia county in Henan province, had isolation policies lifted briefly, before another outbreak led authorities to lock down the area again.
https://www.theepochtimes.com/460000-chinese-firms-went-under-in-first-quarter-underscoring-impact-of-virus-on-economy_3300743.html?utm_source=Epoch+Times+Newsletters&utm_campaign=e82156fac7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_04_07_12_08&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4fba358ecf-e82156fac7-242193805
Supporting Canadians to Think Critically About Online Health Information
The Government of Canada is funding projects to prevent misleading COVID-19 information and to support social cohesion throughout the country
GATINEAU, QC, April 7, 2020 /CNW/ – Now more than ever, Canadians need reliable news and information. The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage, announced tpday that the Government of Canada is investing $3 million in several organizations through the Digital Citizen Initiative’s Digital Citizen Contribution Program.
This funding will help combat false and misleading COVID-19 information as well as the racism and stigmatization that are often the result.
This support will help fund activities, such as public awareness tools and online workshops, to help Canadians become more resilient and think critically about COVID-19 disinformation. Funded projects will reach Canadians on a national and local scale, online and offline, in minority communities, in both official languages and in Indigenous communities.
The following organizations are receiving immediate funding:
Upstream($95,000)
Project: Information in the Age of COVID-19
MediaSmarts ($654,134)
Project: Critical Thinking in the Digital Age: Countering Coronavirus Misinformation
Société de l’Acadie du Nouveau-Brunswick ($434,725)
Project: Portail de vérification des faits sur le COVID-19 / Fact-Checking portal on COVID-19
COVID-19 : Fédération professionnelle des journalistes du Québec ($330,164)
Project: Dépister la désinfo / COVID-19 : Track the facts
Institute for Canadian Citizenship ($490,880)
Project: Supporting New Canadian Citizens: Dispelling Discriminatory Disinformation Around COVID-19
Digital Public Square ($679,176)
Project: Countering Disinformation Relating to COVID-19
Metro Toronto Chinese & Southeast Asian Legal Clinic ($301,904)
Project: Empowering, Engaging and Equipping Canadians to Combat Anti-Asian Racism through Online Resources and Social Media: A Study to Advance Policy Development and Systemic Change
Asian Environmental Association ($64,660)
Project: Combating COVID-19 disinformation in Vancouver’s Chinese and Vietnamese language communities
Quotes
“We want to remind Canadians to be careful when searching for online information about COVID-19 and to ensure the reliability of the sources. We must be critical news consumers and make informed decisions. And in the present context, there are very real concerns surrounding discrimination and a climate of hate and fear during this uncertain time. As Canadians stand together to defeat the COVID-19 virus, we must stand together to stop xenophobia, racism and misinformation.”
—The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage
“Combatting false and misleading information online is critical, especially during this uncertain and challenging time. I am proud to support this important investment as part of my mandate to strengthen citizen resilience to online disinformation. These initiatives will help make sure that Canadians are better able to get the COVID-19 information they need to keep themselves, their loved ones, and their communities safe.”
—The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada
Quick Facts
On March 13, 2020, Canadian Heritage’s Digital Citizen Initiative launched a targeted call for proposals to support and amplify current efforts to counter COVID-19 disinformation.
Successful applicants will be rolling out their initiatives beginning this spring.
Before the last federal election, the Digital Citizen Initiative contributed $7 million over nine months to more than 20 projects that encouraged critical thinking about online disinformation and involvement in the democratic process.
The initiative supported new projects that raised awareness about news and digital media literacy through various sessions, workshops and learning materials. These projects reached more than 12 million Canadians.
https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/supporting-canadians-to-think-critically-about-online-health-information-1029073187
Government of Canada
Canadian Heritage
Information for Canadian Heritage grants and contributions recipients related to COVID-19
Supporting Canadians to Think Critically About Online Health Information
on this page :
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/news/2020/04/supporting-canadians-to-think-critically-about-online-health-information.html
Johnny U. was having difficulty getting this comment to post so he sent it to me to post for him. Thank you Johnny U.
https://hungarytoday.hu/coronavirus-hungary-deaths-cases-tuesday-817/
So Hungary may be doing very well given it has a population of 10 million.
Austria, by contrast, reports 12,000 cases in a population around 8.8 million, and Kurz the Soros pal is touted as a hero.
Western media, on the other hand, only sees the Hungarian who somehow managed to create a dictatorship right under the nose of Brussels. They don’t give two hoots that Orban may be saving Hungarian lives by his actions.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.euronews.com/amp/2020/04/06/analysis-is-hungary-dumping-democracy-amid-coronavirus-crisis
Is it really an Orban power grab?Time will tell. But can not a smidgen of pushback to the constant criticism, name calling and vilification by Brussels and its neo-Marxist propagandists be justified, telling domestic communist propagandists, at very least, that they no longer can have free reign with false narratives as they have in all the West?
When the fighters step on the scales, the featherweight had better find some way to counter the heavyweight. Is there a clear pattern forming? Did we hear anything about the bold power grab by Dystopia’s Dear Leader when he bribed legacy media companies long before the CCP virus, even? No. And now that he slowly flushes the army into the streets still no peeps of suspicion by Canadian “journalists”. Yet watch them howl at every twitch of a conservative leader:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2020-03-18/israel-coronavirus-netanyahu%3f_amp=true
No, Hungary and Israel must do things their own way. When the chips are really down they can only rely on themselves. History doesn’t always show a great track record, especially in historic times. Underdogs can only fight, for help may not be on the way:
https://youtu.be/bE1FX0Uf01I
Exclusive|Returning Chinese Find Themselves Paying for Quarantine
DR Congo: Attack blamed on ADF kills 6 near Beni
https://www.thedefensepost.com/2020/04/07/dr-congo-adf-kills-child-halungupa-beni/
“Five men and a child were killed in an overnight attack blamed on the Allied Democratic Forces militia near the eastern DR Congo city of Beni, cut off because of the coronavirus pandemic, local sources said Tuesday, April 7.
The attack occurred in Halungupa, some 30 km (18 miles) from Beni in North Kivu province, local official John Kambale Sibendire told AFP.
The local police chief confirmed the attack.
In a measure aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19, the region’s main three cities of Beni, Goma and Butembo have been cut off from the rest of North Kivu.
The region, torn by armed conflict for the past 25 years, has fought an Ebola epidemic – the DR Congo’s 10th – since August 2018.
If no further Ebola cases emerge, the epidemic is set to be declared over on April 12, after claiming more than 2,200 lives.
Of the 180 cases of coronavirus recorded in the DR Congo so far, including 18 deaths, at least one case was detected in Beni.
Attacks on civilians by the ADF, accused of having massacred more than 1,000 civilians since October 2014, have decreased in recent weeks.
November last year saw an upsurge of attacks, with ADF fighters killing civilians in reprisal for army operations launched against them in October.
Experts say nearly 400 have been killed since then.
The ADF began as an Islamist-rooted rebel group in Uganda that opposed President Yoweri Museveni…”
Dozens Contract Coronavirus As Outbreak Hits Pakistan Jail
https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2020/04/07/2238703/dozens-contract-coronavirus-as-outbreak-hits-pakistan-jail
“Dozens of prisoners in a Pakistani jail have contracted the novel coronavirus, officials said, with more than 150 additional inmates potentially infected as cases of COVID-19 continue to soar in the country.
At least 49 inmates at a jail in the eastern city of Lahore have tested positive, according to a tweet by the provincial chief minister late Monday.
The outbreak is believed to have stemmed from an inmate who was arrested for smuggling narcotics and had returned from Italy last month. He was diagnosed on March 23.
“Health department officials are coming every day to monitor the situation and the conditions of the patients,” Amir Rauf Khawaja, a public relations officer for the Lahore jail authority, told AFP Tuesday.
Khawaja said the test results for an additional 154 prisoners were still pending and authorities had set up a quarantine area inside the facility for inmates that had tested positive for the coronavirus.
Pakistani prisons and jails are frequently beset by shoddy health and hygiene conditions along with overcrowding making the facilities a potential flashpoint for the highly contagious coronavirus.
According to a 2019 government report, there are more than 70,000 people currently incarcerated in 114 different facilities across Pakistan, many of which are stretched beyond their intended capacity.
Ali Haider Habib from the advocacy group Justice Project Pakistan called the outbreak a cause for “great alarm”, saying “drastic measures” including releasing vulnerable prisoners needed to be taken immediately.
The Supreme Court is set to review a petition filed by the country’s attorney general calling for the early release of thousands of prisoners in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pakistani has recorded 3,864 COVID-19 cases and 54 deaths, however, the true tally is thought to be many times larger as only limited testing is available in the impoverished country of 215 million.”
20 Intl. Rights Groups Urge Bahrain to Free Opposition Figures amid COVID-19 Crisis
https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2020/04/07/2238717/20-intl-rights-groups-urge-bahrain-to-free-opposition-figures-amid-covid-19-crisis
“The Amnesty International and the Human Rights Watch along with 18 other rights groups called on the Bahraini regime to release opposition figures and journalists from jails amid the outbreak of the coronavirus in the tiny Persian Gulf state…”
Saudi Shelling Kills All Members of Yemeni Family in Sa’ada
https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2020/04/04/2236237/saudi-shelling-kills-all-members-of-yemeni-family-in-sa-ada
“All members of a Yemeni family were killed after Saudi rockets targeted a residential border area in the Arab country’s northwestern province of Sa’ada…”
Tehran Says INSTEX Insufficient Enough amid Crisis
https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2220956/tehran-says-instex-insufficient-enough-amid-crisis
“Iran has welcomed the launch of the financial mechanism known as the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX) to bypass US sanctions.
“We take the operation of INSTEX as a good omen, but this is much less than what we expect,” according to Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi.
He added that Iran also expects players in other sectors like the banking and energy sectors to meet their obligations, IRNA reported.
Last week, the first transaction was conducted by Britain, France and Germany. Mousavi stated that the transactions enabled allocating hundreds of thousands of euros to purchase medicines and medical equipment for Iran.
Iran admitted facing huge challenges in tackling the COVID-19 outbreak, knowing that it turned down a US offer to help and didn’t allow Doctors Without Borders to intervene.
In this regard, the US had been urged to reduce sanctions imposed on Iran to enable it to effectively combat this outbreak.
Notably, Washington reimposed sanctions on Tehran in May of 2018 after pulling out from the nuclear deal.
In response to this withdrawal, the three European countries decided to set up INSTEX in Jan of 2019. However, the activation process was slow and this led to an exchange of accusations between Iranians and Europeans.
INSTEX functions as a clearing house that allows Iran to continue to sell oil and import other products or services in exchange.”
Egypt to Ban Ramadan Gatherings over Outbreak, Tunisia Warns Virus Carriers
https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2221776/egypt-ban-ramadan-gatherings-over-outbreak-tunisia-warns-virus-carriers
“Egypt will ban any public religious gatherings during the holy Muslim fasting month Ramadan starting in around two weeks to counter the spread of the new coronavirus, a government statement said on Tuesday.
Muslims usually break the fast at sunset together with their families, go to the mosque to pray and spend maximum time with relatives.
But with health experts recommending social distancing measures during the global coronavirus crisis, Egypt will ban any gatherings and public iftars, or fast-breaking meals, as well as collective social activities, the ministry of Islamic endowments said in a statement.
Typically, mass iftars are held for poor people.
The ban will also apply to the seclusion of Itikaf when Muslims spend the last 10 days of the month in mosques to pray and meditate, the ministry said.
Egypt has reported more than 1,300 confirmed cases of the coronavirus with more than 250 deaths, according to a Reuters tally.
Egypt is home to some 100 million people and also the seat of the al-Azhar university, Egypt’s highest religious authority.
Ramadan will start around April 23 depending on the sighting of the moon marking the start of the month.
Egypt already last month ordered mosques and churches to shut their doors to worshippers. Prayer calls are broadcast via loudspeakers.
Tunisia warns virus carriers
Tunisia’s interior ministry warned Tuesday that people infected with coronavirus could be prosecuted for manslaughter if they contaminate others by disobeying the health ministry’s instructions.
“If someone who is sick does not self-isolate as required in line with health ministry instructions, and they contaminate someone else, we will pursue them under the penal code,” Interior Minister Hichem Mechichi told reporters.
“If that cross-contamination results in death, they can be prosecuted for manslaughter.”
Testing has confirmed some 600 cases of coronavirus in Tunisia, among which there have been 22 fatalities.
Since April 5, three hotels across the country have been equipped to take care of up to 1,500 coronavirus patients outside hospitals, according to authorities.
Around 120 people are currently staying in those hotels.
But some infected people have been reluctant to remain in quarantine.
“We will be strict in applying the law… our responsibility is to protect the people,” Mechichi said.
Tunisia imposed a 6:00 pm to 6:00 am curfew from March 18, and imposed daytime movement restrictions on citizens on March 22, in a bid to forestall the spread of the virus.
Hundreds have been arrested for breaking daytime rules and around 1,000 for breaching the nighttime curfew, according to authorities”
Saudi-backed Yemen army makes progress against Houthi advances
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200407-saudi-backed-yemen-army-makes-progress-against-houthi-advances/
“The Yemeni army today announced that it had regained control of important sites in Al-Bayda Governorate, in the centre of the country, in a military operation against the Houthis…”
Yemen’s Houthis recapture Al-Khanjar camp near Saudi border
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200407-yemens-houthis-recapture-al-khanjar-camp-near-saudi-border/
“The pro-Houthi Yemeni army yesterday recaptured the strategic Al-Khanjar camp in the northern Al-Jawf province, along the Saudi-Yemeni border…”
WFP: Food aid to Houthi-held area could be suspended
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200407-wfp-food-aid-to-houthi-held-area-could-be-suspended/
“The World Food Program (WFP) warned on Sunday that food aid to the Houthi controlled governorate of Hajjah could be suspended due to the “unacceptable” obstacles imposed by the Houthis…”
Libya government: ‘UAE drones targeted post office in Sirte’
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200407-libya-government-uae-drones-targeted-post-office-in-sirte/
“The forces of the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) announced today that Emirati drones, backing the militias of retired Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, targeted a post office in Al-Washka area in the vicinity of Sirte…”
US-led coalition leaves another military base in Iraq
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200407-us-led-coalition-leaves-another-military-base-in-iraq/
“The US-led coalition against Daesh on Tuesday handed over another military base, located west of the capital Baghdad, to Iraqi forces, according to a military source, Anadolu Agency reports.
The Coalition forces have so far withdrawn from six military bases across Iraq over the past few weeks.
The military source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “The Coalition forces on Tuesday morning withdrew from its military base in Abu Gharib area.”…”
Qatar secured 2022 FIFA World Cup through bribery, conclude US prosecutors
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200407-qatar-secured-2022-fifa-world-cup-through-bribery-conclude-us-prosecutors/
“US prosecutors concluded yesterday that officials of world football’s governing body were bribed before voting in favour of awarding Qatar and Russia the right to host the FIFA World Cup in 2022 and 2018 respectively.
The conclusion was reached after a lengthy investigation.
A 70-page document contains details of the investigation. Several former executive committee members of FIFA “were offered or received bribes in connection with their votes,” the probe found.
The American prosecutors said that they had evidence of “profiteering and bribery in international soccer” which they claim, “have been deep-seated and commonly known practices for decades.” Accusations of corruption were also levelled at a sports marketing company and three media executives.
Nicolas Leoz, the former president of South America’s football governing body, Conmebol, and ex-Brazil Federation supremo Ricardo Teixeir are both accused of taking money “in exchange for their votes in favour of Qatar to host the 2022 World Cup.”
Qatar has denied acting improperly despite persist allegations of bribery since the rich Gulf state won the right to host football’s biggest tournament ten years ago. Significantly, it beat the US to the finish line.
Yesterday’s indictment does not specify who was behind the alleged bribery, a fact that is likely to be cited by the Qataris while insisting on their innocence over the matter. Previous probes have failed to connect officials in Doha directly with bribery.
Nevertheless, with Russia having staged the World Cup almost two years ago, focus is likely to turn once again on the Gulf State. Whether FIFA will reopen an inquiry into how the votes were cast is not yet clear.
The choice of Qatar as the host for the 2022 FIFA World Cup has been a bone of contention with its neighbours in the Gulf. Saudi Arabia and the UAE in particular have watched enviously at Qatar preparing to take centre stage for months and have insisted that the honour of hosting the tournament should be shared across the region.
Last year, the UAE was discovered to have employed the services of a British Conservative MP and a London-based public relations firm in a campaign to paint the government in Doha in a negative light and have the tournament taken away from Qatar.”
Self-immolation of Syrian man shows the financial impact coronavirus measures have caused refugees in Lebanon
https://english.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2020/4/7/syrians-self-immolation-highlights-woes-of-refugees-during-lebanons-outbreak
“A Syrian refugee in his fifties set himself on fire in Lebanon’s Bekaa region on Sunday, later dying of third degree burns, after reportedly struggling to pay rent due to being without work for several months.
Unsettling footage, filmed by a nearby resident, emerged, showing the man – who was identified in reports as Bassam al-Hallak – on fire as he walked across wasteland, while another person attempted to extinguish the flames with a bucket of water.
Hallak was transferred to a hospital in the Bekaa, where he was in critical condition and suffering third degree burns. He later succumbed to his wounds, the National News Agency reported on Sunday…”
Algeria, Morocco using coronavirus to curb freedoms, activists say
https://english.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2020/4/7/algeria-morocco-using-coronavirus-to-curb-freedoms-activists-say
Taliban recalls negotiators after suspending prisoner exchange talks
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-afghanistan-taliban/taliban-recalls-negotiators-after-suspending-prisoner-exchange-talks-idUSKBN21P2OU
“The Taliban on Tuesday recalled the group’s negotiators from Kabul hours after they suspended talks on a prisoner exchange process with the Afghan government, a spokesman for the hard-line Islamist group said in a tweet.
Suhail Shaheen, a spokesman for Taliban’s political office in Qatar, said “the intentional delays in the release of our prisoners violates the peace agreement, therefore we call back our technical team back from Kabul”.
Early on Tuesday the militant group broke off talks with the Afghan government on a prisoner exchange by calling it a series of “fruitless meetings” that were seen as crucial steps in peace talks being brokered by the United States after it agreed on a troop withdrawal pact with the militants.
Their decision represented the latest setback for the U.S.-led effort to end America’s longest war and decades of strife in Afghanistan that also has been hampered by violence and a leadership feud between the country’s top politicians.
The February pact between the United States and the Taliban, under which U.S.-led international forces will withdraw in phases in exchange for Taliban security guarantees, is the best chance yet of ending the 18-year U.S. military involvement in Afghanistan.
But peace hinges on talks between the U.S.-backed Afghan government and the militants. A prisoner exchange is meant to build confidence on both sides for those talks.
A spokesman for the government said it would continue working on the prisoner release plan…”
Muslims should still fast Ramadan despite coronavirus: Al-Azhar committee
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/366821/Egypt/Politics-/Muslims-should-still-fast-Ramadan-despite-coronavi.aspx
“Muslims should fast during Ramadan regardless of the coronavirus outbreak, an Al-Azhar committee said in an urgent session on Tuesday, amid concerns that the pandemic would affect affect the Islamic fasting month, which is set to begin on April 23.
Al-Azhar’s jurisprudence committee said in an official statement that there was “no scientific evidence yet of a link between fasting and contracting the virus.”
“Sharia rulings on fasting remain unchanged that fasting is an obligation for all Muslims, except those exempted from the fasting with a valid excuse,” it said.
The statements come amid debate on social media over whether the pandemic will affect Ramadan, and uncertainty over the effect on the hajj pilgrimage, which is normally undertaken by over 2 million pilgrims…”
‘I do not agree with suspending work’ completely over coronavirus, says Egypt’s President Sisi
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/366800/Egypt/Politics-/I-do-not-agree-with-suspending-work-completely-ove.aspx
“Egypt’s President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has said that the coronavirus situation in Egypt is “reassuring and under control” due to the efforts exerted by the state’s apparatuses, adding that he is not in favour of suspending work in the country.
The virus has so far infected 1,322 people in Egypt and killed 85.
In a televised speech on Tuesday during an inspection tour of the Armed Forces’ personnel and equipment assigned to assist the civil sector in confronting the virus, El-Sisi emphasised that Egypt can overcome this crisis only with the help of citizens, adding that compliance with the preventative measures would contribute to easing these precautions.
El-Sisi, who appeared wearing a medical mask, stressed the state’s readiness to distribute medical masks at half-price or for free if needed, adding “we have to pay more attention to the virus.”
“We do not want to take tougher actions that could put more restrictions on people’s movement, but we need to stick to all precautions,” he added.
The president also underscored that Egypt’s wheat stockpile is sufficient, saying “there is no problem in the strategic wheat reserves… and Egypt is ready to conduct expensive deals if necessary.”
He stressed that “I don’t agree with suspending work completely in all sectors… it is dangerous… but we must take all pre-emptive measures.
“There are millions of people working for the state… but we have reduced the numbers… and suspended universities and schools… so we have removed the necessity for about 20 million people to be in crowded places.”
“If you [government institutions] want to work with only 50 percent [of the workforce] or less… it is possible… especially with seniors and women.”
He also called on the private sector not to touch their workers’ salaries or lay them off during these conditions.
“The government did not reduce employees’ salaries and I ask the private sector to do the same. We have called on the government to continue working with limited employment without affecting pay.”
The president also warned of “the scepticism campaign against the state,” saying that “this will not undermine our will to confront this challenge.”
“Why would we withhold coronavirus updates? All countries see this crisis… it is not our fault,” he said.
The president added that these campaigns have failed previously to undermine people’s confidence in the state during the drilling project of the Suez Canal or other challenges.
“Our confrontation of this evil fiction will last as it tries to return once again,” the president pointed out.
He also reviewed the economic measures taken by the state to support different sectors and categories during this crisis, including providing allowances of EGP 500 for irregular workers for three months and taking the necessary measures to disburse the salaries of regular workers like those in the tourism sector.
The president also said that export enterprises will be exempted from introducing the fiscal position certificate that is required to disburse their dues from the Export Support Fund until June.
He added that 30 percent of export arrears will be disbursed over three tranches from the Export Support Find.
The president’s directives to support the sectors affected by the coronavirus have come into force, Finance Minister Mohamed Maait said following El-Sisi’s meeting with the Cabinet’s Economic Cluster.
The minister noted that the government has prepared a draft law offering facilitation to the economic, productive and service sectors affected by the repercussions of this global epidemic.
The law allows the government to postpone the payment of taxes and other financial obligations for these sectors without additional financial burdens, the minister added.”
Religious groups forced to stay away from places of worship
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2192361/1-religious-groups-forced-stay-away-places-worship/
“LAHORE: In a more aggressive push for physical distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19, places of worship across Punjab are suspending regular prayer services.
As the province grapples with a rapid increase in infected cases, religious groups have decided to cancel all gatherings and congregational prayer services.
“Several important events, including the upcoming Easter Mass, will not take place this year due to the pandemic,” said Pastor Shahid Miraj. All churches, he said, will remain shut during the health crisis. “Only essential church staff comes in every day,” the pastor said.
Fearing an increase in the overall number of infected cases across the country, the government has already limited the Friday prayers at mosques in many parts of the country. According to health experts, Punjab being the most populous province also remains the most vulnerable to the virus…”
“This Man is My Father” – Dr. Marc Siegel Defends the Hydroxychloroquine Treatment for Coronavirus
Tucker: Experts can’t predict when coronavirus pandemic will end
Trump criticizes World Health Organization
WHO calls for “dignified” seizure of sick family members
A smart voice in the crowd;
https://www.zerohedge.com/health/michael-big-short-burry-blasts-unjustifiable-lockdowns-most-devastating-economic-force
April 07 2020 – Macron in Seine-St-Denis – just outside Paris
made in China ???
https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=iq3_1586207455
the rebel –Homeless locked out: Hotels full of refugees while Canadians suffer on streets during coronavirus
Breaking: Trump is firing 7 IGs in one fail swoop, sources confirm to
@RealClearNews
. Most likely will be the IGs that were appointed by Pres. Obama or beforehand.
He wants his own people in those positions now.
Trump during his briefing said he has “put in 7 names” for IGs.
https://twitter.com/susancrabtree/status/1247657858033844224
==============================================
More info.: Trump changing a total of 7 IGs rt now — more changes may come later.
Replacements include those for several IGs who were operating in acting positions, including Fine, and the CIA IG.
Others were at Dept. of Ed. and Tennessee Valley Auth. Atkinson is part of 7
https://twitter.com/susancrabtree/status/1247681096247963649
the gateway pundit – President Trump to Fire Several Deep State IGs at Once
[…]For example, at the Monday Coronavirus Task Force press conference the media were trying to hit Trump up with a new “report” that came out from an anonymous HHS Inspector General that there is not enough testing at US hospitals.
Trump pushed back at the presser to find out that this IG was just appointed in January – then he pushed for more info and her name is Christi Grimm and she was a big part of HHS under Obama and heavily involved with Obamacare.
Now we come to find that this Christi Grimm is apparently spearheading the new “get Trump” effort to “investigate” him over the coronavirus response.
She also sat on this report from the end of March until TODAY and released it to the media as if it was a new report. Furthermore it was a PHONE SURVEY OF 323 HOSPITALS IN 46 STATES.
Grimm is pushing bogus complaints that President Trump is responsible for the Coronavirus numbers in New York and Washington DC.
Fired ICIG Michael Atkinson was involved in spearheading the first impeachment against Trump and Grimm may be behind impeachment 2.0!
President Trump is right to clean house, Tom Fitton said.
twitter @TomFitton
At best, IG reports are both exposés and cover-ups at the same time. The typical IG is a vehicle for anti-conservative and anti-reform Deep Staters to target enemies. @RealDonaldTrump is right to clean house
https://twitter.com/TomFitton/status/1247689088859160576
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2020/04/president-trump-fire-several-deep-state-igs/
Trump goes one-on-one with Hannity discussing coronavirus efforts
President Trump phones into ‘Hannity’ in exclusive Fox News interview.