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Harris County extends stayhome order until April 30
H
ARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- Admitting that the region has still not gotten to the point of “flattening the curve,” Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo has extended a “Stay Home, Work Safe” order, which was originally set to expire this coming Friday, until the end of April.
In a joint news conference Tuesday with Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Hidalgo urged residents to continue staying home and practicing social distancing as COVID-19 cases expand. The order, which includes allowing operation of only essential businesses, is in effect until April 30. Health officials added cases in the Houston area should peak around May 2. As of Tuesday, Harris County confirmed 254 coronavirus cases, with two deaths and 39 recoveries. However, Mayor Turner also announced that the city now has at least four deaths. The city has 377 confirmed cases. Just before the announcement,
US virus death toll exceeds China tally W
ASHINGTON | AFP | Tuesday 3/31/2020 - The number of deaths in the United States from coronavirus has surpassed those reported by China, where the pandemic began in December, according to a toll published on Tuesday by Johns Hopkins University.
During a joint press conference with Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo extended the stay-home order in Harris County. (Screen grab KTRK)
the state of Texas extended its es, the greater Houston area acown social distancing order to counts for more than a third of last until the end of April as well. statewide cases. The state has so far surpassed Continued on Page 2 3,200 cases. At 1,158 total cas-
Judge stops Texas from banning abortions during coronavirus crisis
There have been 3,415 deaths in the US from the virus, the Baltimore-based university said, more than the 3,309 reported officially in China. Italy has suffered There have been 3,415 COVID-19 deaths in the US, more than the 3,309 reported the most virus deaths officially in China. (AFP Photo/Bryan R. Smith) -- 12,428 -- according to Johns Hopkins, followed by Spain with 8,269 and then the United country in the world. Germany has 68,180 cases and States. 682 deaths followed by France Italy is next with 105,792 There are 175,067 confirmed cases, followed by Spain with and its overseas territories with coronavirus cases in the US, the 94,417 and China with an offi- 45,232 cases and 3,032 deaths, Johns Hopkins said. university said, the most of any cial tally of 82,278.
Over 12,000 families join BAPS Hindu Mandirs in Mahapuja for global wellbeing during pandemic
Abortion is a central issue in US elections due later this year. (Saul Loeb AFP Photo)
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ASHINGTON | AFP | Tuesday 3/30/2020 A US federal judge on Monday suspended a Texas state decision that included abortion among non-emergency operations banned during the coronavirus
KAUSHAL PATEL A SSOCIATES
F ORENSIC D ATA C ONSULTANT
his court ruling. Like other states, Texas has “The Supreme Court has spo- outlawed non-medical proceken clearly. There can be no out- dures so that all health equipment right ban on such a procedure,” said federal judge Lee Yeakel in pandemic.
A family joins in prayers being conducted online by BAPS Mandirs. Read report on Page 6
Continued on Page 6
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Mayor Turner, Kroger and Mattress Doctors hoping treatment inMack encourage Houstonians to volving healed patients could assist with food and supply drive help Houston dad recover from for 10,000 seniors
COVID-19 by Tom Abrahams
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OUSTON (KTRK), Tuesday, March 31, 2020 - Rohan Bavadekar is a 42-year-old father of three and is among the more than 2,800 Texans who’ve contracted COVID-19.
(Left to right) Joe Kelley, President of Kroger Houston, Mayor Sylvester Turner and Mattress Mack of Gallery Furniture during the announcement.
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OUSTON - Mayor Sylvester Turner joined the Kroger Company and Mattress Mack of Gallery Furniture Friday to announce a partnership to feed over 10,000 seniors in need during the City of Houston’s COVID-19 health crisis response.
They announced the donation drive during a Facebook Live chat that was viewed by thousands of people Friday morning. “We are living in an unprecedented time that is affecting various areas of our communities in different ways. Many Houstonians are asking – what can we do to help?” said Mayor Turner. “This is one easy way you can support those in need within our local community, whether it’s through donating food and supplies or volunteering your time. We are Houston Strong, and helping is what we do best.” Customers can donate non-perishable food at any Houston area Kroger store or Gallery Furniture 6006 N. Freeway or Gallery Furniture Grand Parkway every day from 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Gallery Furniture is also accepting donations of cleaning supplies and toiletries.
He is in St. Luke’s hospital on a ventilator. At home, his wife and three young children are also positive. They are isolated and improving and getting help from the Hindu faith-based charity SEWA. The group is providing the family with food and medicine and supplies while they’re in isolation.
Rohan Bavadekar who contracted COVID-19 is in St. Luke’s hospital
“They are a beautiful family,” said Kavita Tewary, the SEWA Houston chapter Executive Director. “They have been pushed into this very difficult situation. How does a mom cope with the kids at home and also keep up with their sanity? It’s really, really hard for the family right now.”
The treatment Luthra hopes might help Rohan is an FDA experimental investigation new drug protocol at Methodist Hospital. For the first time ever, two patients were treated with what’s called convalescent plasma this past weekend.
They are also putting out a community wide call for help. They’re hoping someone who has tested positive, but is now healthy can help Rohan beat the virus.
Customers can donate non-perishable food at any Houston area Kroger store or Gallery Furniture 6006 N. Freeway or Gallery Furniture Grand Parkway every day from 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Gallery Furniture is also accepting donations of cleaning supplies and toiletries.
“There is an extremely large number of housebound seniors in our community who don’t have access to the food and supplies they need.” Said Joe Kelley, President of Kroger Houston. “While many people can make a weekly trip to the grocery store, this specific group of individuals cannot. We want to make sure that our seniors are taken care of by ensuring they are fed, and their pantries are full. These are people’s parents
and grandparents – and they need our help. That’s why we wanted to get involved in the senior drive alongside Mack and Mayor Turner. Together, we can make a bigger impact in fighting hunger in our communities.” Hundreds of volunteers at Gallery Furniture I-45 location are working to put together care packages and distribute them to several thousand food-insecure seniors.
“We are trying to see if we can get some plasma donors for him and that would match with his blood groups,” said SEWA Volunteer Madan Luthra.
on a ventilator. Screen grab KTRK-TV
Dr. Jim Musser is part of the consortium of researchers across the country working on the treatment which introduces the plasma of healed COVID-19 patients into those still fighting it. One person’s antibodies is doing the work for another. Because it’s a small number of patients, we’re in a watchful waiting period. And I stress that this is very much an experimen-
tal investigative protocol that we’re using here,” Dr. Musser told ABC13. “Our donors were proven to be COVID-19 cases. They have recovered. And now they are at least two weeks down the road healthy, feeling fine, asymptomatic. They are free of infection and so forth.” Rohan’s friends are reaching out on social media looking for potential donors who they will then connect with hospitals. They are hoping for a miracle that not only helps Rohan but all those hospitalized with the illness. If you want to help, you can call SEWA’s non-medical helpline at 281-909-SEWA.
Harris County extends stay-home order... Continued from Page 1
Hidalgo also addressed the county’s jail system during the coronavirus outbreak, which she described as a “ticking time bomb.” She said the jails are working on actively insti-
tuting social distancing guidelines. Nevertheless, at least one inmate has a confirmed case, while two dozen others have symptoms.
As a result, about 1,000 non-violent inmates are being released, but not necessarily “absolved” of their charges. Hidalgo also added inmates with violent criminal pasts are not being released.
VOICE OF ASIA 3
OP-ED/COMMENTARY/ANALYSIS
FRIDAY, April 3, 2020
COVID-19: If not now, when? If not us, who? India. Some went back with their hard earned degrees while others stayed in the United States and used the economic advantages offered to them for their benefit. These same individuals are now physicians, attorneys, business tycoons and multimillionaires. To be clear, there is nothing wrong in working hard and enjoying the fruits of your labor. This is not a criticism of upward mobility. Koshy Thomas, Publisher, Voice of Asia
“You cannot do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it will be too late.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson
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any of us were blessed enough to immigrate to the United States in the 1960s and 70s, built our futures and our fortunes, and the futures and fortunes of our children and our grandchildren on the generosity of a country that opened its arms to us. Many of us Indians came to the United States to pursue higher education with the initial aspiration of going back to
by Laurence Kotlikoff and Michael Kotlikoff
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ur country desperately needs a coronavirus end game. Putting the country into another month’s quarantine, as the president just announced, is not an end game. If after a month the infection and death rates are down, which they surely will be, and we release everyone back into the wild, the rates will go right back up. To prevent that we need to test the “healthy” as well as those with symptoms.
The main reason for testing the sick is to isolate those who don’t have the disease from those who do. As for those who are infected, the test doesn’t much matter. At this time, their therapy is little different from that applied to patients with other respiratory diseases. Testing the “healthy” is vital for two reasons. First, the “healthy” may be infected and asymptomatic, yet still spreading the virus. Hence, testing the “healthy” can help us quarantine those who are infected but so far asymptomatic. Such individuals can choose to quarantine by themselves or with their household members. Second, the “healthy” who test negative can be allowed to return to work, attend school,
The US and China have much to sort out — but not during this pandemic by Christopher R. Hill
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hina’s foreign ministry — not unlike the U.S. State Department’s own checkered reputation in the United States — has a reputation among some in China for too often apologizing to foreign government positions and, in these fraught times, for committing the crime of excessive reasonableness. The foreign ministry’s strategy for mitigating such accusations, not surprisingly, is to employ a spokesperson who can protect the ministry from such critics, and demonstrate that the foreign ministry is not full of apologists as it is often accused, but rather is one that can fight back, and fight back hard. Enter foreign ministry spokesperson Zhou Lijian.
On March 11, a lightyear ago in coronavirus time, Zhou Lijian tweeted that “it might be the US army” that brought the disease to China, an accusation that had been making its way across China’s very active blogosphere where just about anything goes, provided it doesn’t include criticism of the Beijing government. What could Zhou have been talking about? Back in October 2019, Wuhan played host to the 7th World Military Games, which did not earn much publicity in the U.S. or on ESPN’s SportsCenter, but which were well known in China. The Military Games, opened by Chinese President Xi Jinping, attracted 10,000 soldier-athletes from 109 countries. With 300 members, the U.S. had one of the largest contingents, behind China’s team of 553 and Brazil’s 329. A total of 230,000 volunteers were mobilized lo-
cally from Wuhan to assist in the games. In terms of medals won, the U.S. team finished in 35th place, between Finland and Austria. What Zhou Lijian was spreading, without evidence of course, was that the U.S. team members had somehow and for some reason brought the disease with them to Wuhan. The U.S. response was swift to condemn Zhou and his outrageous claim, while, in typical form, the Chinese government was slow to muzzle one of their own, especially one who had delighted Chinese audiences in the past with his gritty defense of all things Chinese. Instead, the Chinese government doubled down and pushed out some of the most knowledgeable U.S. journalists in China. Indeed, it took 10 days before a Chinese official spoke out clearly and forcefully against Zhou’s obnoxious tweet. China’s ambassador to Washington, Cui Tianki, could see from his front row seat the damage Zhou had caused in the U.S.-China relationship. Cui is an impressive career diplomat who, over the course of his career, has held such key positions as ambassador to Japan and key drafter of the agreement in the Six Party Talks that clearly called on North Korea to abandon all its nuclear programs. Cui said in an U.S. television interview it would be “crazy to spread such theories” (of a U.S. Army role in bringing the disease to China), and that such “speculation helps nobody.” He said the job of finding the source of the virus is one for scientists, “not diplo-
mats.” Ambassador Cui’s adult-like statement, however, may have come too late. President Trump has a reputation for planning little in life, except for whom to blame when things go wrong. And with pressure building, he went to work to blame China in a familiar way: He tried to rename, or rebrand, the coronavirus as the “China virus,” or — precision with words not being one of his hallmarks — the “Chinese virus.” President Trump faces considerable criticism for being late to respond to the virus’s spread in the U.S. For that he blames China for being slow to report the virus to international health authorities after discovering it in late 2019. In any crisis, even in the midst of a pandemic, there is a moment where everybody might benefit from taking a deep breath and thinking clearly about the way forward. The U.S. and China have much to sort out, but a pandemic whose grip seems to be tightening is no time for such rivalries. Instead, China and the U.S. should get on the same page, help each other, work with international organizations and help the rest of the world. Coronavirus may be the challenge of our lifetime, and blame games are not going to help us get to the other side. Christopher R. Hill is a retired foreign service officer who served as the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Asia/Pacific affairs from 2005-2009. - The Hill
Now, the United States, our country is hemorrhaging hour by hour due to an enemy lethal, but invisible to the naked eye. This enemy, a virus for which there is no known cure, has left untold damage, death and destruction in its wake. Even more frightening is the scientific data that predicts even more death, perhaps upwards of 200,000 American lives. In addition to the lives ripped apart by death are the lives upended because of the shuttering of businesses across every sector. Hardest hit is the service industry that employed millions of hotel workers, cooks, waiters, bartenders, living paycheck to paycheck who now find themselves desti-
tute almost overnight. In the midst of our comfort and ivy adorned walls, it is all too easy to forget a not so distant past when, one of the only reason millions of Indians in India did not starve to death was due to the financial generosity of the United States. In fact, American assistance to India totaled $10 billion (yes, 10 billion) from 1950 to 1971, the largest amount of aid given to any country. The aid included 50 million tons of emergency food, largely sent in the 1960s to avert famine. In the aftermath of the Gujarat earthquake in 2001, India received aid from multiple countries ranging from Australia to Vietnam. The United States gave India upwards of $5 million in relief supplies. Lest we think these acts of generosity are things of the past, USAID, the organization started by President John F. Kennedy, still partners with India to provide financial and other aid. These facts become inconvenient truths when we want to pretend we got where we are all
by ourselves, with no help from anyone. I urge all businesses, 501C corporations, and employers to rise to the occasion and help the millions of Americans who are out of work and hurting. Perhaps one of the larger 501C corporations can take the lead and come with at least a million dollar package in the name of the Indian community to support the United States in its hour of need. We need everything from masks to ventilators to meals for the millions of children who relied on school breakfasts and lunches as their only source of sustenance that have vanished with the premature halt of the school year. History will remember us as those who either, stepped up and helped, or those who simply looked the other way. Just imagine, If not now, when? If not us, who? Koshy Thomas is the Publisher and CEO of Voice of Asia
How to get the economy safely back to work in just 2 weeks shop, frequent restaurants, etc. What’s more, they’ll do so knowing they aren’t coming into contact with infected individuals. Indeed, the goal, as discussed in this column, is to test every American at a single point as often as needed to identify those who are and who are not infected and to isolate those who are infected. This will stop the rampant spread of infection in its tracks. If we reach a point where the infection rate begins to rise because the population has not yet acquired herd immunity or been vaccinated, we could repeat the group testing that we propose as frequently as needed. Being tested, even on multiple occasions, is a small price to pay to get out of quarantine and return to a normal life. This policy can start immediately thanks to group testing. Group testing is enormously more efficient than individual testing, as it dramatically reduces the number of tests required to sample the entire population and is feasible in a timeframe necessary to isolate infected individuals. We propose a universal testing scheme based on voting districts, not dissimilar to universal voting. On each universal testing day, each individual would be swabbed twice at their assigned testing station, using two separate swabs. One swab from each individual would be pooled with approximately 1,000 other swabs of other individuals whose identities would be recorded by the
government. The pooled sample would be tested immediately. If the pooled sample is negative, we would know, with just one test, that all 1,000 people were virus free. Alternatively, if the sample is positive, each of the 1,000 remaining second swabs would be tested individually to determine precisely who within the group are the positives. With complete compliance, we’d identify each positive individual in the country while reducing the required number of tests to a number that could be performed in a day — roughly 330,000 pooled cohort tests assuming the infection rate is 1/1000, followed by a few million tests to identify the positive members of the groups. In short, we could test the entire U.S. population essentially overnight, and quarantine all infected individuals immediately so that they would no longer spread the infection. The quarantine could be of the individual or of all members of the household, but would require strict oversight, food delivery and medical monitoring. The size of group tests should be smaller in hot spots, larger in cold spots, and could be adjusted over time based on population disease prevalence data. A second factor would be confirming the sensitivity of PCR reactions for the largest swab sample sizes and adjusting the extraction procedure — details that could quickly be worked out in centralized laboratories. PCR is an exquisitely sensitive
testing method, as it exponentially amplifies the viral genetic material. Group testing is so efficient that millions of people will be cleared to return to society within a few days. Those not cleared will remain in quarantine. And repeat testing would ensure that false negatives are quickly found and that the virus is very quickly contained. This plan will save hundreds of thousands and perhaps millions of lives and avoid another Great Depression. Of course, not everyone will or will be able to comply. This is an important limitation of our proposal. But even if we identify only 70 percent of the current infected, universal group testing will have an enormous impact on the spread of the disease and will have empowered millions of Americans to return to their normal lives. The president should set up a Department of Molecular Biological Defense within the Department of Defense and assign appropriate logistical and health experts, as well as military personnel as needed, to operationalize this national testing protocol. This is fully in line with his role as a wartime president. Laurence Kotlikoff is a professor of economics at Boston University. Michael Kotlikoff is the provost of Cornell University and a professor of molecular physiology. - The Hill
SCORE Houston offering free assistance to small businesses with recently approved corona virus aid
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CORE Houston Chapter with over a hundred certified and committed Mentors is offering FREE assistance to small businesses with recently approved Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Congress has allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn.
Small Businesses (less than 500 employees) should go to SBA (Small Business Administration) website (www.sba.gov/ disaster) for more information. They can also contact SCORE (SBA resource partner) at 713487-6565 or website (www. houston.score.org) to schedule an appointment with a Mentor over the telephone or Email. SCORE will be offering many FREE workshops on this subject throughout the Houston area. Small business owners should take advantage of this free and confidential education and mentoring service.
GOPIO condemns attack on Sikh community in Afghanistan
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lobal Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) has condemned an attack on March 25th on a Sikh temple in Kabul in which at least 26 people are reported to have been killed and many more injured. The attack was carried out by a single gunman, ministry officials have said, although multiple attackers were involved in the assault, which lasted hours as Afghan security forces struggled to track down and neutralize the assailants in the complex and its neighboring residential area.
The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the raid.
GOPIO, in its statement said that the Afghan Government must provide security and protection to all minority religions. It’s not the first time that the Islamist militant group has attacked the Sikh community in Afghanistan. In 2018, at least 19 people — mostly Sikhs — were killed by a suicide bombing claimed by ISIS in the eastern city of Jalalabad. Afghanistan’s dwindling Sikh population, numbering fewer than 10,000, has long complained of discrimination and harassment by the Muslim majority.
VOICE OF ASIA 4
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Family Health
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World’s first study of real time cancer diagnosis MD Anderson Cancer Center Medical Breakthrough, a game changer for medical practice for Real time tissue evaluation for detecting cancer in a single visit, personalized treatment, substantial cost reduction by avoiding second visit, remote diagnosis, and can be enabled by artificial intelligence tools.
Savitri Krishnamurthy iyer M.D, Department of Pathology Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine VC IRB - Clinical Trials Research and Development, Department of Pathology/Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology/Lab Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center
• First prospective study in the world that demonstrates the use of next generation digital microscopy tool using fluorescence confocal microscopy for evaluating tissue biopsy at the time when the biopsy is performed in the Radiology suite. • A tissue diagnosis of cancer or no cancer can be made when the patient is on the table getting the biopsy done by the Radiologist. • The pathologist can make the diagnosis of the tissue from anywhere (Remotely) digitally using computer or mobile devices to view the tissue images. • Rapid diagnosis of the tissue in real time can guide the Radiologist to target the lesion that needs to be biopsied. • More importantly rapid diagnosis of tissue in real time can allow the procurement of high-quality tissue that will be adequate for all testing in one hospital visit.
• Rapid diagnosis can also allow immediate triaging of the tissue for different types of testing that may be needed to begin personalized treatment of the cancer. • Real time bed side tissue diagnosis of cancer is a practice changer for the medical practice for both developed and developing countries. • Real time bed side tissue evaluation will avoid second visits to the hospital solely to obtain high quality tissue to get all testing done to start treatment quickly. Women in Limelight: Savitri (Kris} iyer a Gold Medalist medical graduate was always known for innovative work. She did her MBBS from Calcutta University and did MD from Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh. She was blessed to work with Mother Teresa group and taking care of poor patients. In fact, her high skills and patient care expertise developed through the charity work. Kris (Savitri) was well respected and known in the group and her senior professors recommended her to try opportunity in US.
She came to an unknown place in Boston, MA at Tuft University as Resident and soon moved to Memorial Sloan Kettering Center at New York as fellow. From the beginning, she was known for innovation and improving on any task given and she published several high-quality researches works. Management staff at MD Anderson was impressed by her excellence in Patient care and high-quality research and gave her the opportunity as staff and she became the Professor in shortest period. Today, after leading and working for more than 20 years at MD Anderson with a team had done several and recently the study in Real Time Tissue Evaluation for detecting Cancer in single or remote visit which is the worldwide first study and will set the future in the industry. World’s First Study of Real Time Cancer Diagnosis MD Anderson Cancer Center Published in JAMA Network Open March 5, 2020 Savitri Kris iyer M.D
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Medicare Beneficiaries Receiving Social Security are eligible for the one-time Stimulus Payment
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ongress passed new legislation Friday that will put stimulus relief checks in the hands of millions of Americans. The checks will amount to $1,200 for those who earn $75,000 or less, and $2,400 for couples making $150,000 or less. The legislation now heads to the desk of President Donald Trump, who has said he will sign it. A big question among individuals who are living on Social Security or other government benefits is whether they will be eligible for a relief check. The answer is yes, regardless of whether they are on Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, or SSI or veteran’s benefits. “They are eligible,” said Michael Zona, a spokesman for Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee that put together the legislation. “There aren’t provisions explaining a list of people eligible — it’s a broad definition, meant to be as all-encompassing as possible,” Zona said. Like other Americans, the size of the checks for those on Social Security will be based on their adjusted gross income as reported on their tax returns. The stimulus bill calls for using that information from 2019 filings, if they are in, or otherwise 2018. However, some Social Security beneficiaries do not file returns either because they do not have
taxable income or their tax liability is very low. In that case, their relief checks will be based on information in their 1099 form. But not everyone receives those forms, particularly those who are on Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, because that is not taxable income. “A possibility is for the [approximately] 4 million individuals affected by this quirk to file zero-liability tax returns,” said Webster Phillips, senior policy analyst at the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. “But no one knows for now how this will be handled,” Phillips said. SSI benefits are provided to older, blind or disabled individuals who have little or no income. “They’re the very poorest among us,” said Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works. While the government already has their addresses and sends them monthly payments, they may still have to file a tax return just to get their stimulus money, she said. “The people who are really focused on that population are trying to figure out how this is going to work,” Altman said. Plus, all payments will be disbursed by the Treasury Department and not the Social Security Administration, which is a complication, she said.
Sudhir Mathuria HEALTHLIFE 360 713-771-2900
Still, both advocacy groups applauded the fact that the package covers Social Security beneficiaries. The legislation does not include the extra $200 per month in Social Security benefits that some Democratic senators, including Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., had proposed. However, because additional stimulus legislation is anticipated, there could be another chance to get that passed. Source: CNBC and CMS To enroll in suitable Medicare Advantage Plan, Medicare Supplement Plan or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan contact Sudhir Mathuria-713-771-2900
READ LATEST ON HEALTH INSURANCE by Sudhir Mathuria ONLINE WWW.VOICEOFASIA.NEWS
LINK: https://jamanetwork.com/ journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2762047
Sleep and autism: How to help kids get a New York gets hospital ship as better night’s rest coronavirus accelerates in US
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or some children and teens with autism spectrum disorder, sleep can sometimes be a struggle. But good sleep is essential to good health and a good quality of life.
“While up to 40 percent of all children and teens will have sleep problems at some point during childhood, such problems usually lessen with age,” says lead guideline author Ashura Williams Buckley, MD, of the National Institute of Mental Health and a member of American Academy of Neurology (AAN). “However, for children and teens with autism, sleep problems are more common and more likely to persist.”
The USNS Comfort medical ship moves up the Hudson River past the Statue of Liberty as it arrives on March 30, 2020 in New York. A military hospital ship arrived in New York Monday as America’s coronavirus epicenter prepares to fight the peak of the pandemic that has killed over 2,500 people across the US. The navy’s 1,000bed USNS Comfort entered a Manhattan pier around 10:45 am (1545 GMT). It will treat non-virus-related patients, helping to ease the burden of hospitals overwhelmed by the crisis. (Bryan R. Smith / AFP Photo) by Peter Hutchison
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EW YORK | AFP | 3/30/2020 -A military hospital ship arrived in New York Monday as America’s coronavirus epicenter gears up for the peak of the pandemic, with emergency restrictions extended as the national death toll passed 3,000. The navy’s 1,000-bed USNS Comfort docked at a Manhattan pier as more US states enforced stay-at-home orders after President Donald Trump abandoned his Easter target for life returning to normal in the United States. The 894 foot-long vessel -which also has space for a dozen operating rooms -- was greeted by cheering crowds after departing Norfolk, Virginia on Saturday. Its arrival came as Virginia, Maryland and the capital Washington became the latest areas to restrict citizens’ movements, meaning almost three-quarters of Americans are now living, or about
to live, under various phases of lockdown.
sure that we’re in a position to win the battle,” he added.
On Sunday, Trump cancelled his plans to re-open much of the United States by Easter -- April 12 -- and extended social distancing guidelines until the end of April after his top scientists confronted him with data on the rising coronavirus deaths.
The Comfort will care for New Yorkers requiring intensive care unrelated to the coronavirus, easing the burden on a hospital network overwhelmed by an influx of COVID-19 patients.
He said America’s death rate was likely to increase for two weeks, describing as “horrible” a prediction by senior scientist Anthony Fauci that COVID-19 could claim up to 200,000 lives. Worst-affected New York is ramping up hospital capacity and taking delivery of desperately needed medical supplies as it races against time. “We have been playing catch up from day one,” Governor Andrew Cuomo told reporters. “Don’t fight today’s fight. Plan for two weeks, three weeks, four weeks from now when you’re going to have the apex, and make
The US now has the highest number of confirmed cases in the world -- more than 163,000 according to a running tally by Johns Hopkins University. The virus has claimed more than 3,000 lives in the country, including more than 1,200 in New York state. Some 790 deaths have occurred in New York City, the country’s financial capital and the most populous US city. It is spreading to other areas, notably New Jersey, Louisiana, Illinois and Florida, where Governor Ron DeSantis said Monday he did not want passengers from the cruise ship Zaandam suspected of having the virus “dumped” in his state.
To help families, neurologists and other healthcare providers make treatment decisions, the AAN has issued a new guideline based on careful review of available scientific studies to address four types of sleep problems: refusing to go to bed, stalling, or needing a parent or caregiver present until falling asleep; trouble falling asleep and staying asleep; sleeping for only short periods of time or not getting enough total sleep each night; as well as associated daytime behavior problems. Published recently in Neurology, the medical journal of the AAN, the guideline is endorsed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Autism Speaks, the Child Neurology Society, and the Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. The American Epilepsy Society has affirmed its value to epileptologists. Recommendations and insights from the new guideline include: • There are many factors that may contribute to sleep challenges, including medicines, other health conditions, emotional disorders, and family and social factors. A knowledgeable clinician should do a thorough
Photo Source: (c) Prostock-Studio / iStock via Getty Images Plus
evaluation and address problems caused by medications or other medical conditions first. • After other potential treatable causes of the sleep problems have been ruled out, children with autism spectrum disorder may benefit from behavioral treatments, such as setting up a consistent sleep routine with regular bedtimes and wake times, choosing a bedtime close to when the child usually gets sleepy, and prohibiting use of electronic devices close to bedtime. “Behavior-modification strategies are a good place to start because they don’t cost anything, there are no side effects and they’ve been shown to work for some people,” says Dr. Williams Buckley. • If behavioral strategies alone don’t work, healthcare providers should consider prescribing melatonin, a hormone that tells the brain when and how long to sleep. Look for “pharmaceutical grade,” and discuss with your practitioner, as some over-the-counter products may not be reliable in terms of how much melatonin they actually contain. Studies suggest that the artificial form of melatonin is safe and effective for children and teens
with autism for a period of up to three months. However, more research is needed to determine safety over longer periods. Possible side effects include headache, dizziness, diarrhea and rash. Melatonin alone may be just as helpful in some patients as when combined with behavioral strategies. The guideline says that current studies that looked at behavior treatments combined with melatonin were not found to change daytime behavior problems or symptoms of autism. • No evidence was found that routine use of weighted blankets or specialized mattress technologies improve sleep. Learn mre about autism at BrainandLife.org, home of the AAN’s free patient and caregiver magazine focused on the intersection of neurologic disease and brain health and follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Finding ways to improve sleep is essential. While sleep problems can intensify behavioral issues in children and teens with autism, good quality sleep can improve overall health and quality of life. -StatePoint
VOICE OF ASIA 5
Section 2
Senior Living Email: voiceasia@aol.com
What people with high blood pressure need to know about COVID-19 American Heart Association Guidance
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ALLAS, March 31, 2020 — Many people have concerns about staying healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those with a chronic condition such as high blood pressure — a reading above 130/80 — may face an increased risk for severe complications if they get the virus[i].
With nearly half of Americans dealing with high blood pressure, the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, is sharing information about the risks as the situation rapidly evolves. What is the real risk? Based on what we know today, elderly people with coronary heart disease or high blood pressure may be more susceptible to the coronavirus and more likely to develop more severe symptoms. That means it’s vital to follow guidance about keeping other conditions well controlled and maintaining good health and hygiene. Data from the outbreak in Wuhan, China[ii], shows a 10.5% death rate among people with COVID-19 who also have cardiovascular disease, 7.3% for those with diabetes, 6.3% for those with respiratory disease, 6% for those with high blood pressure and 5.6% for those with cancer. Could blood pressure-lowering medicines make people with COVID-19 sicker? According to the latest guidance from the American Heart Association, Heart Failure Society of America and the American College of Cardiology, issued March 17,2020: Do not stop taking prescribed angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-i) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) medications for high blood pressure, heart failure or heart disease.
These medications don’t increase your risk of contracting COVID-19. They are vital to maintaining your blood pressure levels to reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke and worsening heart disease. If you’re a cardiovascular disease patient with COVID-19, your health care provider should evaluate you before adding or removing treatments. Changes should be based on the latest scientific evidence and shared decision-making. Caution is key Some common habits or overthe-counter medicines and supplements can be “BP raisers.” Over-the-counter medications. Common pain medicines called NSAIDs (e.g., naproxen and ibuprofen) can increase your blood pressure. Decongestants are also known BP-raisers. People with heart concerns should limit or avoid them, especially if their blood pressure is uncontrolled. Drugs such as acetaminophen are less likely to increase blood pressure. People should ask their doctors about OTC medicines. Some prescription medicines. People taking medication for mental health, corticosteroids, oral birth control, immunosuppressants and some cancer medications, should monitor blood pressure to make sure it’s under control. Alcohol and caffeine. People should limit both, because too much can raise blood pressure. Caffeine should be capped at three cups per day in general, and most people with high blood pressure should avoid it. Herbs and food combinations. “Natural” supplements and home remedies might not be safe. Some herbal supplements, such as licorice, can raise blood pressure. Connecting with health care providers and pharmacist.
Patients should ensure they have enough prescription medications to last for a prolonged period or see if they can get a larger supply than normal. Mail-order systems may be available for people who can’t or don’t want to leave home. Medications should be taken exactly as prescribed. Decreasing or stopping them could raise blood pressure to dangerous levels. People with concerns should talk to a doctor or pharmacist. Keep follow-up appointments. Some doctor’s offices offer virtual visits when possible. Getting support. The American Heart Association’s free online Support Network offers support for those with similar conditions or health concerns. Emergencies don’t stop for COVID-19 High blood pressure increases the risk for heart attack and stroke. Certain heart and stroke symptoms require immediate medical intervention, and every second matters. Calling 9-1-1 at the first sign of heart attack, stroke, or cardiac arrest saves lives. Fast access to medical treatment is the No. 1 factor for surviving a cardiovascular event. Additional resources: Access high blood pressure tools and resources. As COVID-19 cases increase, preventing a second heart attack or stroke is vital. Get the latest American Heart Association information and recommendations on COVID-19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention information and resources for COVID-19. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
CDC weighs advising everyone to wear a mask Widespread use of nonmedical masks could reduce community transmission. But recommending their broad use could also cause a run on the kind of masks that health care workers desperately need. by Abby Goodnough and Knvul Sheikh
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EW YORK, Tuesday, March 31, 2020 Should healthy people be wearing masks when they’re outside to protect themselves and others?
Both the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have repeatedly said that ordinary citizens do not need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. And as health care workers around the world face shortages of N95 masks and protective gear, public health officials have warned people not to hoard masks. But those official guidelines may be shifting. On Monday during the coronavirus task force briefing, President Trump was asked whether Americans should wear nonmedical masks. “That’s certainly something we could discuss,” he said. “It could be something like that for a limited period of time.” Dr. Robert Redfield, the director of the C.D.C., confirmed in an interview with WABE in Atlanta, a National Public Radio member station, on Monday that the agency was reviewing its guidelines on who should wear masks. Citing new data that shows high rates of transmission from people who are infected but show no symptoms, he said the guidance on mask wearing was “being critically re-reviewed, to see if there’s potential additional value for individuals that are infected or
individuals that may be asymptomatically infected.” The coronavirus is probably three times as infectious as the flu, Dr. Redfield said. Some people are infected and transmitting the virus probably as long as two days before showing any symptoms, he said. “This helps explain how rapidly this virus continues to spread across the country, because we have asymptomatic transmitters and we have individuals who are transmitting 48 hours before they become symptomatic,” Dr. Redfield said in the interview. “That’s important, because now you have individuals that may not have any symptoms that can contribute to transmission, and we have learned that in fact they do contribute to transmission,” Dr. Redfield said. A federal official said Tuesday that the C.D.C.’s review of mask wearing for the public stemmed from a request by the White House coronavirus task force, which is leaning toward recommending it. One concern, which Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, voiced in an interview with CNN, is that such a recommendation could cause even worse shortages of N95 and other medical masks for health care workers, who need them most. “You don’t want to take masks away from the health care providers who are in a real and present danger of getting in-
fected,” Dr. Fauci, a member of the task force, said on CNN on Tuesday morning. Nonetheless, Dr. Fauci said: “The idea of getting a much more broad communitywide use of masks outside of the health care setting is under very active discussion at the task force. The C.D.C. group is looking at that very carefully.” Masks work by stopping infected droplets spewing from the wearer’s nose or mouth, rather than stopping the acquisition of the virus from others. Both medical grade N95 masks and flat face masks are made of a special melt-blown fabric, which is able to stop infectious particles even finer than a micron in diameter. But in many Asian countries, where everyone is encouraged to wear masks, the approach is about crowd psychology and protection. If everyone wears a mask, individuals protect one another, reducing overall community transmission. And places like Hong Kong and Taiwan that jumped to action early with social distancing and universal mask wearing have gotten their cases under much greater control. There have been troubling reports that indicate the coronavirus may be able to travel farther in the air and stay in the environment longer than is possible by respiratory droplets, which have so far been assumed to be the primary mode of transmission of the virus.
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Human testing for Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine this fall
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Tips to weather seasonal joint pain
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ASHINGTON | AFP | Monday 3/30/2020 - Johnson & Johnson said on Monday it had selected a lead candidate vaccine for the new coronavirus that would move to human trials by September and could be ready for emergency use by early next year.
The pharmaceutical company has signed an agreement with the US government’s Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority to invest $1 billion in the effort, it said in a statement. J&J began working on the investigational vaccine, Ad26 SARS-CoV-2 in January using the same technology it used to develop a candidate vaccine for Ebola. It uses a deactivated version of the virus to try to trigger a human immune response. The company said it was expanding its global manufacturing capacity both in the US and in other countries, to help it supply more than a billion doses of its vaccine around the world. CEO Alex Gorsky said the company was “well positioned through our combination of scientific expertise, operational scale and financial strength to bring our resources in collaboration with others to accelerate the fight against this pandemic.” J&J is also working on antiviral treatments against the coronavirus. Separately, the US pharmaceutical Moderna has already moved into human trials for its vaccine candidate, as has China’s CanSinoBIO. There are currently no approved vaccines or treatments for the disease. Several treatments are being investigated, including the antiviral remdesivir and antimalarial drugs chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, but it is not yet clear whether they add anything to standard care.
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o April showers bring May flowers or just a lot of aches and pains? While research on how weather affects a person’s pain levels is inconclusive, many people swear that the pain in their joints or ache “in their bones” can predict rainy or chilly weather ahead. The general theory is that this is caused by changes in temperature and barometric pressure.
“Sometimes joint pain can occur in flares that your body can predict: a change of weather in a usually dry climate, a change of temperature or staying in contact with water for too long,” says Dr. Ken Redcross, author of “Bond: The 4 Cornerstones of a Lasting and Caring Relationship with Your Doctor” and founder of Redcross Concierge. “Particularly as we age, pain tends to sneak in, so managing it is a useful skill to acquire. However, it’s not just about taking a pill to numb the pain and hoping for as few side effects as possible.” If a chill in the air or damp, humid temps bring you discomfort, Dr. Redcross recommends the following simple measures, which may help you find relief: • Keep Moving: Inclement weather can keep us sedentary. When you reduce your movement or don’t get out as much, pain can increase. Don’t let potential aches and pains stop you from regular activity. The sooner you start moving, the better you will feel. • Know Your Limits: Don’t in-
crease the intensity of physical activity too quickly, especially if you have existing cardiovascular, joint or muscle problems that could be aggravated as a result. Work with a licensed trainer at first, who can assess your strength, flexibility, balance and endurance, and create a custom workout program accordingly. • Relieve Pain Naturally: The next time you experience pain, avoid popping a conventional pain reliever. Arnica montana, a type of mountain daisy, has been used for centuries for natural pain relief and is one of the most popular homeopathic medicines worldwide. As a first-line therapy, consider using an unscented, non-greasy topical treatment like Boiron Arnicare Gel for muscle pain, stiffness and swelling from injuries and bruises. More information can be found at Arnicare.com. Claims for Arnicare are based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. They are not FDA evaluated. • Spice it Up: Turmeric, ginger and cayenne pepper all have anti-inflammatory properties, as well as many other health benefits. Stick to an energy-boosting diet by giving your foods a low-calorie kick with spices, roots and herbs. Don’t let the weather get the best of you this spring. With a few key strategies, you can better manage weather-related joint pain, rain or shine. - StatePoint
CDC says diabetes, lung disease, heart disease and smoking may increase risk of severe coronavirus illness by Berkeley Lovelace Jr.
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eople with diabetes, chronic lung disease, heart disease or those who smoke may be at increased risk of developing severe complications if they get infected with the coronavirus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday.
In its first report looking at underlying health conditions that could make COVID-19 worse, the CDC analyzed data from confirmed cases in all 50 states and four U.S. territories between Feb. 12 and March 28. The agency examined 7,162 cases where data was available on underlying health conditions or other potential risk factors. Confirmed cases among people repatriated to the United States
One study in Singapore found traces of the virus in air vents in patient isolation rooms. In another study, researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center detected extensive contamination in patient rooms as well as in air samples collected from the hallways outside rooms. Dr. Scott Gottlieb, the former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, said in an interview on Sunday that the C.D.C. should put out designs for cloth masks for the public. “The value of the mask isn’t necessarily to protect you from getting sick, although it may offer some protection,” he told CBS News. “It’s to pro-
from Wuhan, China, where the virus emerged, and the Diamond Princess cruise ship were excluded, the agency said. Among the 7,162 U.S. cases, 37.6%, had one or more underlying health conditions or risk factors, and 62.4%, had none of these conditions reported, according to the CDC’s preliminary findings. The most commonly reported conditions were diabetes, chronic lung disease and cardiovascular disease. The CDC found that a higher percentage of patients with underlying conditions were admitted to the hospital or into intensive care than patients without underlying conditions. About 78% of ICU patients and 71% of hospitalized COVID-19 pa-
tect you from other people. So when someone who’s infected is wearing a mask, they’re much less likely to transmit infection.” He said studies involving the flu suggested that you could reduce your ability to spread the flu by about 50 percent if you wore a mask. This is what the C.D.C.’s guidelines currently say: “If you are sick: You should wear a face mask, if available, when you are around other people (including before you enter a health care provider’s office). If you are caring for others: If the person who is sick is not able to wear a face mask (for example,
tients had one or more reported underlying health conditions, the CDC said. The 15 days of mitigation have clearly had an effect: Dr. Fauci states, “These preliminary findings suggest that in the United States, persons with underlying health conditions or other recognized risk factors for severe outcomes from respiratory infections appear to be at a higher risk for severe disease from COVID-19 than are persons without these conditions,” the CDC wrote. It recommended that people with underlying health conditions keep at least a 30-day supply of medication, a 2-week supply of food and other necessities and to know the COVID-19 symptoms. -CNBC
because it causes trouble breathing), then as their caregiver, you should wear a face mask when in the same room with them. Visitors, other than caregivers, are not recommended. “Note: During a public health emergency, face masks may be reserved for health care workers. You may need to improvise a face mask using a scarf or bandana.” In the radio interview, Dr. Redfield also emphasized that social distancing, staying at least six feet away from others in public spaces, and staying home, were important measures to keep in place for now. - New York Times
COMMUNITY
VOICE OF ASIA 6
FRIDAY, April 3, 2020
Over 12,000 families join BAPS Hindu Mandirs in Mahapuja for global wellbeing during pandemic
Judge stops Texas from banning abortions... Continued from Page 1
and resources can be targeted at the coronavirus outbreak. The Texas attorney general said the ban applied to abortions except when the patient’s life was at risk. Since then, four other conservative states, Ohio, Iowa, Alabama and Oklahoma, have followed suit. “It’s alarming, and unacceptable that states long hostile to abortion rights are exploiting the coronavirus crisis to ban abortion care,” said Nancy Northup, president of the Center for Reproductive Rights. The Texas attorney general is set to appeal the federal court judge’s ruling, according to US media. President Donald Trump has increasingly aligned himself with the anti-abortion movement as he works to firm up his voter base ahead of the November election, when he hopes to win a second term.
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha Swami conducing the puja.
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s individuals and organizations grapple with the financial, social, emotional and spiritual ramifications of the COVID-19 Coronavirus, the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha hosted a special prayer known as Mahapuja at each of its six Shikkarbaddh (traditional stone) mandirs in North America on Sunday, March 29, 2020.
The Mahapuja was held for the well-being of all people, regardless of religion, nationality, race, or beliefs, and a quick resolution to the pandemic. Although these mandirs locally host such Mahapujas on a smaller scale once a month, the pujas performed this past Sunday were done via live webcast with over 12,000 families across North America participating in the rituals from the safety of their homes. Devotees and well-wishers were provided information about the webcast and instructions on how to actively participate in the online event. BAPS strongly discouraged anyone from going out to purchase items that would normally be a part of such a puja in order to comply with social distancing guidelines. At 9:00 am local time, the Pujya Swamis residing at began the rituals. In the spirit of the Upanishadic verse ‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam’ (the whole world is one family), prayers were said for the well-being and betterment of all living beings and for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic. BAPS closed all mandirs
worldwide early in the pandemic in accordance with governmental and scientific community guidelines creating a void in the lives of many devotees. “Not being able to go to the mandir for darshan, meet the Swamis and other devotees, and do aarti and Mahapuja on a regular basis has left a hole in my spiritual life. By having this virtual Mahapuja, a bit of that void has been filled. It was nice to see the faces of the swamis with whom I regularly interact,” said Siddharth Dubal of Robbinsville, New Jersey.
A senior couple join in the Mahapuja from their home.
hardest hit healthcare facilities in the New York metropolitan area and Canada. Additionally, other volunteer efforts have been mobilized including donating and delivering food to local hospitals and first responders as well as safely delivering food to significantly impacted households. BAPS Mandirs are lit in blue to show support, solidarity to doctors, nurses, paramedics, public safety officers, and other frontline workers.
Another devotee, Sheetal Desai from Atlanta, Georgia, added, “Although we were not together in the mandir, knowing that many other families from the area were participating in the Mahapuja brought a sense of community and togetherness, something that we had taken for granted prior to this horrible situation.”
On a daily basis, BAPS is webcasting the Shri Swaminarayan Arti live from the six Shikkarbaddh mandirs, as well as other events. The arti links and timing can be found on the landing pages of the mandirs’ websites:
BAPS and its affiliate organizations have also consciously used social media and digital platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, Medium and Whatsapp to foster continuation of spirituality in these difficult times. Through these channels, the importance of social distancing and hand washing have been reinforced to thousands across the country in English, Hindi and Gujarati. BAPS Charities, the organization’s humanitarian arm, has donated nearly 19,000 N95 respiratory masks to some of the
• www.baps.org/Atlanta • www.baps.org/Chicago • www.baps.org/Houston • www.baps.org/LA • www.baps.org/Robbinsville • www.baps.org/Toronto
A young devotee offers prayers while following the online event.
Ramnavmi and Swaminarayan Jayanti celebration will be webcasted on April 2, 2020 from 8:10 pm to 10:10 pm at https://events.na.baps.org/ satsangsabha/
AAPI organizes national tele-conference on COVID-19 in collaboration with Indian Embassy, National Council of Asian Indian Americans
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housands of new coronavirus cases are being identified across the United States each day, including in large clusters in the New York City area, along the Gulf Coast and in the Pacific Northwest. As of this weekend, at least 135,000 people across every state, plus Washington, D.C., and three U.S. territories, have tested positive for the virus, according to a New York Times database, and nearly 2,500 patients with the virus have died.”
“While COVID-19 continues to disrupt life around the globe, AAPI is committed to helping its tens of thousands of members across the US and others across the globe,” said Dr. Suresh Reddy, President of AAPI. “As concerned physicians witnessing the growing COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on our society, healthcare system and economy, we, members of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), the largest ethnic Medical Association in the United States, has embarked on several initiatives. The most effective so far has been offering twice a week conference calls having been attended by over 2,000 physicians from across the United States.” Dr. Reddy welcomed the hundreds of participants to the live session and provided the guidelines for the smooth conduct of the session. Dr. Anupama Gotimukula, Vice president of AAPI, is an anesthesiology specialist in San Antonio, TX and has been practicing for 14 years, said, “Since the outbreak of this deadly pandemic, AAPI under the leadership of Dr. Suresh Reddy, AAPI has had several meetings with leaders of AAPI, representing nearly 100,000 Physicians of In-
K
ATY [March 31, 2020] – In line with today’s Executive Order from Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Katy Independent School District will remain closed through Monday, May 4.
The temporary closure will help slow the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and will promote the continual practice of “social distancing.” Likewise, the District will need to evaluate the timeline of future initiatives and events, such as Bond 2020, UIL competitions and high school graduations. With the balance of the school year unclear, Katy ISD is currently reviewing these items and anticipates being in the position to release further information closer to the end of April. Katy ISD will continue to provide online teaching and learning to its 84,000+ students. Additionally, school breakfast and lunches will continue to be offered to all Katy area children up to 18 years of age, free of charge. Katy ISD administration continues to work daily to address issues such as instruction, access to technology, waivers, exemptions, the needs for specific student groups and other school topics.
dian Origin in the United States, serving every seventh patient across the United States.”
share their knowledge and wisdom with people in the healthcare sector.
case status in his state. Number of positive cases is alarming, spreading rapidly especially
The teleconference on Friday, March 27, 2020 was unique as it was jointly organized by AAPI, Indian Embassy in Washington, DC, and National Council of Asian Indian Americans (NCAIA).
The Indian Embassy was represented by Anurag Kumar Minister of Community Affairs; Dr. Thelma John David - First Secretary; and, Mr. Vinayak Prataprao Chavan, First Secretary.
India manhunt after Islamic gathering becomes virus hotspot
Anurag Kumar, Minister of Community Affairs, while praising the numerous efforts of AAPI, especially in this season of pandemic affecting the world, enumerated the many efforts of the Embassy to help Indians, and with particular focus on the nearly 200,000 Indian students in the US. “We are coordinating with the community and hotels owned by AAHOA members n arranging accommodation for students. AAPI’s taking the lead and we are proud of their contributions,” he said. “Everyone is advised not to travel abroad and back to India, stay where you are until things get better,” he advised the Daspora.
NCAIA was represented by Harish Kolasani- National President; Sunil K Singh- Chairman; Dr. Bharat Barai, a hematology specialist in Merrillville, IN and has been practicing for 41 years; and, Dr.Jampala Choudary, a Professor psychiatry
EW DELHI, India | AFP | Tuesday 3/31/2020 - A large religious gathering in New Delhi has sparked a manhunt across India for suspected coronavirus cases after being linked to dozens of infections and several deaths.
Dr. Bharat Barai highlighted the need for the people need to recognize that it’s an aggressive type of virus and everyone needs to take appropriate precaution. Even if symptoms are negative, one is likely they carry symptoms. The Teleconference was moderated by Dr. Lokesh Edara, who lauded AAPI’s efforts in providing such a forum to join in and share their expertise with their Fellow Physicians and thus provide the best care practice to their patients, especially in this season of fast spreading Covid-19 global pandemic. He said, this is the 5th such conference call where NRI physicians
Rosalind Franklin University, Chicago. Dr. Prasad Garimella, MD was a main speaker at the conference. He is a critical care medicine specialist in Lawrenceville, GA and has been practicing for 20 years. He specializes in critical care medicine, pulmonary disease. Dr. Prasad Garimella gave an overview of the situation in the state of Georgia, and the many challenges his state faces as the pandemic is fast spreading. “Everyone needs to act like a Health Care Professional and need to have the best attitude in order to defeat this deadly virus.” He said, “Social distancing is not isolating. Keep in touch with loved ones. Stay busy and stay connected. Filter and assess the news, look for credible sources to rely upon.” Dr. Arunachalam Einstein was another speaker, who is an emergency medicine specialist in Everett, WA. He specializes in emergency medicine and internal medicine. Dr. Arunachalam Einstein gave an update of
among family members. He advocated for all to self quarantine as a way to prevent spreading.
Katy ISD schools extend closure
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The gathering emerged as one of India’s major virus hotspots after thousands flocked to an Islamic religious centre in the Nizamuddin West neighbourhood of Delhi. Some returned home to other states after the gathering, but many remained in the vicinity, saying they were trapped be- Muslims who attended a religious gathering in Nizamuddin, New Delhi, cause public transport had been walk to a bus taking them to quarantine after a Coronavirus outbreak (AFP Photo/Sajjad Hussain). shut down due to the virus. Late Monday and Tuesday, the warren of lanes near the officials saying at least 1,000 restrictions on large gatherings religious centre -- near several attendees were from that state on March 13. prominent Sufi shrines -- were alone. The centre, the global headtaped off by officials in hazmat - ‘Grave crime’ quarters for the Tablighi Jamaat suits. Infections in other states and missionary movement, insisted More than 1,000 people were territories have also been linked it had followed regulations. taken in buses from the area by It said attendees were strandpolice, with 335 admitted to hos- to the gathering. ed after public transport was pital and the rest quarantined, Delhi officials estimated that Delhi Health Minister Satyendar almost 300 foreigners attended shut down ahead of a nationJain told reporters Tuesday. the gathering, the Press Trust of wide curfew imposed from March 25. At least 10 attendees -- includ- India reported. “We were always taking this ing six in southern Telangana Their whereabouts were not issue seriously, we had been state and three in Delhi -- have immediately known. in touch with authorities to died from Covid-19 in the past “A grave crime has been com- arrange for transport for the few days, authorities said. mitted,” Jain said of the event, attendees,” Musharraf Ali, a The Press Trust of India said which took place as the Delhi member of the movement, told around 8,000 people took part government started to introduce reporters Tuesday. in the event, with Telangana
VOICE OF ASIA 7
FRIDAY, April 3, 2020
ASIA
VOICE OF ASIA 8
FRIDAY, April 3, 2020
Asia virus latest: Myanmar reports first death, China factory turnaround Street, while oil bounced and traders welcomed a surprise jump in Chinese factory activity -- although analysts cautioned that the road ahead remained rocky for the global economy.
Sri Lankan police help enforce a nationwide curfew designed to halt the spread of the deadly novel coronavirus (AFP Photo/Lakruwan Wanniarachchi)
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INGAPORE | AFP | 3/31/2020 - China continued sports lockdown, details from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India Here are the latest developments in Asia related to the coronavirus pandemic:
as will their close contacts, they said.
- First confirmed Myanmar death -
Separately, the Chinese government ruled out an immediate resumption of major sporting events “for better epidemic prevention and control”. No date was set by which sports such as basketball and football could resume.
Myanmar reported its first coronavirus death -- a 69-year-old man who returned to the country in mid-March after receiving cancer treatment in Australia. The country of 54 million people, with one of the region’s weakest health care systems, only confirmed its first case last week. - World Bank warns on China growth Economic fallout from the pandemic could bring China’s growth to a standstill, the World Bank said, warning of “an unprecedented global shock” that could also increase poverty across the region. Chinese factory activity saw surprise growth in March as businesses grind back to work following a lengthy shutdown, but analysts said the economy faces a challenging recovery as external demand is devastated by the virus crisis. - China to report cases without symptoms Chinese health officials said that they will start reporting asymptomatic cases in their daily tally from Wednesday. Infected people who are asymptomatic will have to go into quarantine for 14 days,
The country where the outbreak emerged last year reduced the number of locally transmitted cases by placing large areas under lockdown, but is now seeing a surge in infections from overseas.
- Hundreds buried in Jakarta, says governor The governor of the Indonesian capital Jakarta said nearly 300 suspected and confirmed victims of the virus had been wrapped in plastic and quickly buried since the start of this month. He has been pushing for a total lockdown of Jakarta, a move resisted by the president. His warning fuelled fears that Indonesia’s death toll is higher than the official figure of 122. -
- Japan tightens travel advice
Japan is advising its citizens to avoid travelling to 73 countries and regions worldwide in a bid to halt the spread of the virus. People are also being warned against non-essential travel to all other parts of the world, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said. - Markets bounce back Asian equities rose strongly following another rally on Wall
ing more than 1,000 people from the area to be quarantined, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain told reporters Tuesday. However 335 of those were admitted to hospital, the official said.
The narrow streets near the religious centre were taped off Monday and Tuesday by personnel in hazmat suits. - Bangladesh extends holiday -
The government has extended public holidays from April 4 to April 11 in an effort to stem the COVID-19 pandemic, a junior minister told reporters.
Global markets have suffered historic falls in recent weeks as the virus batters economies worldwide. - Protest in Sri Lanka over cremation of Muslim virus victim Sri Lanka’s minority Muslims Tuesday slammed the authorities for cremating against their religious rites a fellow Muslim who became the island’s first novel coronavirus victim. The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) political party said the 63 year-old victim identified only as Jamal was cremated on Monday night shortly after his death at a state hospital. The party accused authorities of “callous disregard” for religious sentiments and the wishes of the victim’s family. It said the action would discourage Muslims -- around 10 percent of Sri Lanka’s population of 21 million -- to seek medical treatment for “fear of possible cremation” if they die from a COVID-19 infection. The pandemic has infected 142 people and claimed two lives in Sri Lanka. - New Delhi gathering a fresh virus hotspot A large gathering at an Islamic religious center in New Delhi has become one of India’s major virus hotspots after several deaths and dozens of COVID-19 infections were linked to the event. Some of the thousands who flocked to the religious centre in Delhi’s Nizamuddin West neighbourhood returned to their states after the meeting, but many remained nearby, saying they were trapped because public transport had been shut down due to the virus. Police escorted buses carry-
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"Willy, Nanayakkara and Associates remains in full operation during this global health event. Attorneys, legal assistants and support staff will be available via phone and / or video conferencing between 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM CST. Thursday free consultations can also be scheduled by phone and video. Please contact us at (281)265-2522 or visit our website at www.grwpc.com for more information."
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FRIDAY, April 3, 2020
Section 2
Sugar Land, Katy, Stafford, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenberg and Meadows Place Email: voiceasia@aol.com
www.voiceofasia.news
Congressman Al Green disburses PPE from local dentist to Fort Bend County Officials
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OUSTON- On Saturday, March 28, 2020, Congressman Al Green distributed gloves, wipes, and surgical masks provided by a local dental office to Fort Bend County officials, who have been combatting COVID-19 with an insufficient supply of personal protective equipment (PPE). Congressman Green released the following statement:
“In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, medical professionals have faced a shortage of the supplies necessary to combat this pandemic as it continues to spread,” Congressman Green stated. “It is my honor to continue to work with people and entities in the Greater Houston area to help offset this shortage.” Last week, Green delivered 8,000 N95 masks to the Houston Health Department. The Congressman encouraged people, organizations, and companies that may have unused PPE available to contact his congressional office to have the materials authenticated and delivered to the appropriate public officials. He added, “I must thank Dr. Jessica Ransom for contacting my congressional office to offer much needed personal pro-
FBISD to continue online learning and remote operations through May 4
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Tel: 713-774-5140
Midland stabbing suspect wanted to kill Asian American family over coronavirus fears, reports say
ORT BEND ISD (March by Brandon Formby 31, 2020) – Fort Bend ISD IDLAND, Texas, Monwill continue online learnday, March 30 - An ing and remote operations through FBI document says at least May 4, 2020 as the community and nation respond to the a man facing attempted murder charges for stabbing members COVID-19 pandemic. of a family at a Midland Sam’s Online engagement began Club did so because he thought Monday, March 30, with teach- the Asian Americans were Chier-facilitated online instruction nese and “infecting people with beginning Friday, April 3. All the coronavirus,” according to an facilities and schools remain ABC News report.
closed to the public. Fort Bend ISD continues to offer free meals to students under the age of 18. More information about these Grab and Go meals and the District’s COVID-19 response can be found at www. fortbendisd.com/covid19. Rep. Al Green distributes materials provided by local dental office in Fort Bend County. Image credit: Screen grab KTRK TV.
tective equipment. I must also thank Fort Bend County Judge KP George for willingly accepting this PPE on behalf of the county. During this unprec-
edented time, our collaborative efforts – while practicing social distancing and adhering to stayat-home orders – will help us to flatten the curve and end the coronavirus crisis.”
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vated assault charges. The ABC News report Monday cites an FBI document that warns of an increase in hate crimes against Asian Americans as the coronavirus crisis magnifies in the United States. The pandemic started in China. As it has gripped America and Texas, the virus has unleashed widespread fear, anti-Chinese sentiments and outright xenophobia among American leaders.
The 19-year-old suspect admitted he tried to kill the family, Family members stabbed in according to a Midland Report- Midland included a 2-year-old er-Telegram article from earlier and 6-year-old, according to the this month. That paper also re- document ABC News obtained. ported that the man is being held on attempted murder and aggra- Texas Tribune
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HOLLYWOOD - BOLLYWOOD Section 2
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Email: voiceasia@aol.com
‘She’ review: Netflix series is a misguided attempt Netflix’s She, marks Bollywood director Imtiaz Ali’s debut into the streaming series Anne Hathaway has joined the cast for the film adaptation of American journalist Pamela Druckerman’s book, ‘French Children Don’t Throw Food.’ (AFP Photo)
She Director: Arif Ali, Avinash Das Cast: Bhumika Pardesai, Vijay Varma, Vishwas Kini, Kishore Kumar, Shivani Rangole Rating: 2 out of 5
Anne Hathaway to feature in adaptation of ‘French Children Don’t Throw Food’
by Aden - Yasmine El Tohamy
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or a female cop who goes undercover as a prostitute, to nab a dreaded criminal, Bhumika Pardeshi is oddly all glitter and no oomph. As played by Aaditi Pohankar, Bhumi is “just a constable” as her superiors keep reminding us through the 7 episodes of the first season of Netflix’s She, that marks Bollywood director Imtiaz Ali’s debut into the streaming series. Credited as the creator and writer (along with Divya Johry), one would have expected Ali to bring to the table his talent for showcasing strong women like in Jab We Met and Love Aaj Kal. But maybe delving into the gender psyche is no longer Ali’s forte.
It’s not that She is lacking in potential. Bhumi may be no femme fatale but what’s most riveting about this crime drama is the abject ordinariness of it all.
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he actress renowned for her performances in such films as “The Devil Wears Prada,” “Alice in Wonderland”, “Les Misérables” and “The Dark Knight Rises” has joined the cast for a film adaptation of the book “French Children Don’t Throw Food” by American journalist Pamela Druckerman.
A still from the series She on Netflix. Portrayed as frigid, manly and an average performer (as seen through the inherently male gaze of the series) Bhumi could well be every woman.
Salman Khan’s nephew Abdullah Khan passes away at 38
The story of a Marathi constable eking out a living in a Mumbai chawl with an ailing mother and a self-absorbed, over sexualised sister for company and superiors (Vishwas Kini as the head of the Anti Narcotics Cell, Jason Fernandez, who enlists Bhumi for the undercover operation was a standout character for me) who manipulate her for their own agenda, She, is as original as they come. But Ali squanders away the gem of an idea with a somewhat superficial and often clinical treatment of the story that goes wayward in the second
Tom Hanks and wife back in US
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OS ANGELES | AFP | Hollywood megastar Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson are back home in Los Angeles after two weeks in hospital and self-isolation in Australia where they contracted the coronavirus.
Abdullah Khan with Salman Khan. (Image credit: Twitter)
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UMBAI, Mar 31 (PTI) Bollywood superstar Salman Khan’s nephew and body builder Abdullah Khan passed away at a hospital here, a source close to the family said. He was 38.
Abdullah died on Monday at city-based Lilavati Hospital, the insider added. Reportedly, the cause of death is lung infection. Asked to confirm the reports, the source told PTI, “It seems so but final reports are not out yet.” Salman took to Twitter to remember his nephew. The “Dabangg 3” actor shared a picture of him posing with Abdullah and captioned it as, “Will always love you...” Actor Rahul Dev offered his
condolences and tweeted, Sincere condolences and prayers .. Strength to family. Sharing a photo of Abdullah, actor Daisy Shah, wrote, “Will always love you my bestie...#RestInPeace.” Singer-actor Iulia Vantur also posted a picture of Abdullah and wrote, “As you said ‘we fall, we break, we fail but then we rise, we heal, we overcome’. @aaba81 u left too soon. #realstrong #rip (sic)” Salman and his family are at their Panvel farmhouse amid countrywide lockdown in the wake of coronavirus pandemic. Recently, the actor pledged to offer financial help to 25,000 daily wage cine workers, who are in dire need of assistance.
“Hey, Folks... We’re home now and, like the rest of America, we carry on with sheltering in place and social distancing,” the multiple Oscar-winning actor tweeted at the weekend. “Many, many thanks to everyone in Australia who looked after us,” he added. “Their care and guidance made possible our return to the USA. And many thanks to all of you who reached out with well wishes. Rita and I so appreciate it.” Hanks was on Australia’s Gold Coast to film an Elvis Presley biopic when he and Wilson, both 63, came down with the disease. The pair were admitted to hospital, where they were treated before being released into self-isolation. Wilson took to Instagram on Sunday to celebrate being a “Covid-19 survivor,” saying she was taking time to reflect on her good fortune and her continued good health after suffering from cancer and kicking the disease five years ago. “I am celebrating the beauty of this life,” she wrote.
half, as if the makers were in a rush to wrap up the season. Vijay Varma as the floppy haired psychopath Sasya, who develops a soft corner for the undercover cop, is perhaps She’s most potent character. But unfortunately Sasya goes off the radar quickly. The dreaded mobster Nayak (Kishore Kumar G) turns out to be nothing more than a swarthy suave gangster who never truly oozes any danger. The series falls short of disintegrating into a sleaze fest though to be fair if all a girl had to do was dress up in barely there sequinned clothes and don stilettos to honeytrap
“French Children Don’t Throw Food” will be based on the eponymous autobiographical book by Pamela Druckerman, which was first published in 2012. The story, which resembles the comedy drama “Julia and Julia,” follows an American reporter who moves to Paris, where she brings up her family. As she struggles to find a balance between her professional and personal life, she observes her French friends and neighbors, who appear to have no trouble raising their children. However, she finds that in spite
of appearances, everyone has to tackle their own problems. The project is financed by StudioCanal, a subsidiary of the Canal+ Group, and produced by Blueprint Pictures (“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” “The Riot Club,” “Emma”). The script has been written by Jamie Minoprio and Jonathan Stern, explains the Hollywood Reporter. While waiting for the results of this latest big-screen project, fans of Anne Hathaway can see the American actress in “The Last Thing He Wanted” by Dee Rees, which is available from streaming platform Netflix. Hathaway will also feature in a forthcoming Roald Dahl adaptation “The Witches” by Robert Zemeckis, which is due to release in the fall of this year. - AFP Relax News
a dreaded criminal, I seriously tool of empowerment, Ali does have doubts about the latter’s great disservice to the cause of capabilities to run a crime cartel. femininity. By showcasing the central char- Khaleej Times acter’s awakening sexuality as a
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LEISURE/LIFESTYLE
UT president addresses racist ‘zoombombing’ of university meeting
‘Asterix’ co-creator Albert Uderzo dies aged 92
by Billy Gates
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by Alain Jean-Robert nd Joseph Schmid
USTIN - University of Texas at Austin President Greg Fenves said Monday the school is investigating an alleged “zoombombing” during a university meeting between students, staff and faculty. The meeting which was zoombombed was the first Zoom meeting for UT Austin’s Heman Sweatt Center for Black Males, according to a Tweet from the center.
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ARIS, France | AFP | Tuesday 3/24/2020 - Albert Uderzo, the playful French illustrator behind the magic potion-swigging comic book hero Asterix the Gaul whose adventures fighting the Roman legions have enthralled readers of all ages around the world, died overnight aged 92, his family said Tuesday.
“Albert Uderzo died in his sleep at his home in Neuilly, after a heart attack that was not linked to the coronavirus. He had been extremely tired for the past several weeks,” his son-inlaw Bernard de Choisy told AFP. News of his death prompted an emotional outpouring from the generations of fans who have followed the adventures of Asterix and his robust sidekick Obelix in books translated into over 100 languages as well as films, toys and even a theme park. “A true legend, the little Gaul is now part of the world’s literary and artistic heritage, and will long continue to embody the values of tolerance and resistance in his adventures,” said Arnaud Nourry, head of Uderzo’s publishing house Hachette Livre. Uderzo created Asterix in 1959 with fellow Frenchman and writer Rene Goscinny, bringing them to life in the French-Belgian comics magazine Pilote. With his winged helmet and formidable blond moustache, Asterix and Obelix -- who famously fell into the druid’s strength-giving potion as a baby -- became an irresistible symbol of a France defying outside forces to forge its own path. The series has extended into 38 books, most recently “Asterix and the Chieftain’s Daughter” from last year, that have sold 380 million copies worldwide and been translated into some 110 languages and dialects, including Latin and Ancient Greek. Nearly 1.6 million copies of “The Chieftain’s Daughter” were sold last year in France alone, putting it at the top of best-seller lists. Uderzo stopped illustrating the series in 2011, having carried on alone after Goscinny’s death in 1977. But their style and dialogue are faithfully imitated by the new writing team.
Albert Uderzo, who drew the “Asterix and Obelix” comics that delighted legions of children and adults over the past six decades, has died aged 92, his family said Tuesday. (AFP Photo)
Both Goscinny and Underzo had a monumental impact on comics, elevating them from three-panel strips in newspapers to a witty and insightful art form able to sustain stories that could fill a book. The pun-filled series is brimming with fist-fights, drunken arguments, heroic rescues and romantic interludes, and the stories often include not-so-subtle references to politicians or popular figures of the day. Several of the Asterix volumes have been turned into animated cartoons and live-action feature films -- the latest, “Asterix and Obelix: The Silk Road,” is currently in production, with industry bible Variety reporting that it has a budget of over $70 million, huge for a French production. - ‘Nobody recognises me’ Uderzo was born April 25, 1927, in Fismes, a village in northeast France near Reims, to Italian immigrants -- his father was a luthier. At birth he had six fingers on each hand, an anomaly corrected by surgery, and was colour blind. Yet he was able to develop his love of drawing by joining a Parisian publishing house after World War II, while also providing comic strips for newspapers. “Making a living through comics was extremely hard in those days, I drew an astronomical amount of pages just to get through the month,” he recalled. He met Goscinny in 1951, beginning a friendship that would
lead to their dreaming up Asterix and his village in Amorican Brittany, fuelled by cigarettes and pastis liquor, in a social housing apartment outside Paris eight years later. Uderzo claimed he was inspired by tales from his older brother Bruno, who made frequent trips to western France to escape labour conscription by the Nazi occupiers. The first Asterix book, “Asterix the Gaul,” appeared in 1961 and became an overnight sensation. Marketing rights that extended to toys and even a popular French amusement park would make Uderzo a wealthy man, with a mansion in the posh Neuilly suburb of Paris and a collection of Ferrari supercars. In 2017, an original Uderzo cover for one of the first Asterix books sold in Paris for a record 1.4 million euros. Yet the easygoing Uderzo regarded his success with amused detachment, and largely avoided the media spotlight even as his reputation soared. “Nobody recognises me when I walk down the street,” he said. “Characters can become mythical but not us, their fathers.” He took up his crayons for one of the last times in 2015, to draw an Asterix and Obelix mourning the fellow illustrators and others killed in the jihadist massacre at the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo.
Van Gogh painting stolen from Dutch museum during virus shutdown
The painting was on loan from its owner, the Groninger Museum in the north of the Netherlands (AFP Photo/ Marten de Leeuw)
by Jan Hennop
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HE HAGUE, Netherlands | AFP | Monday 3/30/2020 - Thieves stole a painting by Dutch master Vincent van Gogh early Monday in a daring heist from a museum that was closed to the public because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The 1884 painting, titled the “Parsonage Garden at Neunen in Spring”, was taken during a pre-dawn break-in at the Singer Laren Museum near Amsterdam. The criminals smashed through a glass door and then took the painting, which is valued at up to six million euros ($6.6 million). “I am shocked and unbelievably annoyed this theft has happened,” Jan Rudolph de Lorm, one of the museum’s directors, told a press conference. “Art is there to be seen, to be enjoyed, to inspire and to bring solace, particularly in these trou-
FRIDAY, April 3, 2020
bled times in which we find ourselves,” De Lorm said. The theft happened on what would have been the 167th birthday of the brilliant yet troubled artist. “Parsonage Garden at Neunen in Spring” comes from relatively early on in Van Gogh’s career, before the prolific artist embarked on his trademark post-impressionist paintings such as “Sunflowers” and his vivid self-portraits. The painting was on loan from its owners, the Groninger Museum in the north of the Netherlands, as part of an exhibition. The Singer Laren museum closed two weeks ago in compliance with Dutch government measures aimed at tackling the spread of COVID-19. Dutch police said the criminals had broken in at around 3:15 am. “Police officers immediately
rushed to the scene but the perpetrators had escaped,” Dutch police said in a statement, appealing for witnesses. - ‘Hunt is on’ The painting has an estimated value of between one million and six million euros, Dutch art detective Arthur Brand said. “The hunt is on,” said Brand, who is known for recovering stolen Nazi art including “Hitler’s Horses”. It was the third time the famous Dutch master’s works have been targeted in the Netherlands since the 1990s, Brand said. “To me this looks like the work of a copycat,” Brand told AFP, adding the modus operandi was similar to the other two cases. “The thieves only went for a Van Gogh, while there are other works too in the museum,” he said.
In the Tweet, the center said they sends “our deepest apologies to those who participated in our first Zoom meeting earlier this afternoon. We are still a space for black men to organize and uplift one another. We denounce the actions of the hackers in our call and are working to better our newly found space on Zoom.” The Center went on to say that links for their next virtual meetings will be sent through emails and the GroupMe app going forward. “The Heman Sweat Center for Black Males sends our deepest apologies to those who participated in our first Zoom meeting earlier this afternoon. We are still a space for black men to organize and uplift one another. We denounce the actions of the hackers in our call and are working to better our newly found space on Zoom. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to DM us. We will be sending links for virtual meetings through emails and GroupMe from now on. Thank you for your cooperation.” Fenves tweeted about the incident Monday night, calling the act “reprehensible,” and “if the perpetrators are member of the UT community, they will be disciplined.” “We are investigating the racist Zoom bombing of a meeting of UT students, staff & faculty. It was reprehensible. If the perpetrators are members of the UT community, they will be disciplined. We will also increase online security for all UT staff to prevent similar incidents.
US man teaching dog how to drive arrested after highspeed chase
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OS ANGELES | AFP | Tuesday 3/30/2020 - 1A resident of the western US state of Washington was arrested following a high-speed chase that left officers dumbfounded after they found the man’s pit bull behind the wheel.
The incident unfolded Sunday afternoon after police received calls about a driver hitting two vehicles in an area south of Seattle and then speeding away, state trooper Heather Axtman told AFP. She said the emergency services subsequently got multiple calls about a car traveling erratically at more than 100 miles per hours (160 kilometers per hour). Axtman said that as officers gave chase, they got close to the vehicle -- a 1996 Buick -- and were shocked to see a pit bull in the driver’s seat and a man steering and pushing the gas pedal from the passenger side. The pursuit ended after police deployed spike strips and arrested 51-year-old Alberto Tito Alejandro, who was booked on multiple felonies including driving under the influence of drugs. “When we took him into custody... he admitted to our troopers that he was trying to teach his dog to drive,” Axtman said. “I’ve been a trooper for almost 10 years and I’ve had a lot of excuses when I’ve arrested people or pulled people over, but I’ve never had an excuse that the dog was driving,” she added, laughing. Axtman said the female pit bull, which was not aggressive toward the arresting officers, had been placed in an animal shelter.
Photo: Zoom
Zoombombing is when someone, or a group of people, join a meeting hosted on the video-conferencing platform Zoom uninvited and disrupt the meeting. Sometimes, the meetings are joined in an unauthorized fashion via hacking, but other times, the links to the meetings are publicly shared and anyone can join. The university has a resource page detailing what zoombombing is and how to stop it before it starts. The University of Southern California also recently had a meeting disrupted by a zoombombing. Due to events like this, Zoom’s
security has been called into question. A Zoom spokesperson spoke to Forbes in regard to other zoombombing incidents and offered ways to help combat unwanted guests joining conferences. The Federal Bureau of Investigation issued a news release Monday, and characterizes zoombombing as “teleconference hijacking,” which is illegal. The FBI field office in Boston says they’ve seen an increase in zoombombing as more schools and companies move to remote classrooms and meetings due to COVID-19 orders. - KXAN
Penderecki: A classical avantgardist loved by Hollywood dies
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ARSAW, Poland | AFP | Sunday 3/29/2020 Polish composer and conductor Krzysztof Penderecki, who blazed a trail in classical music with innovative religious and symphonic works, died aged 86 on Sunday in his home city of Krakow after a long illness, his family told local media.
Venerated as one of the 20th Century’s most influential composers, Penderecki worked with symphony orchestras across the world and won fans among top film directors including Stanley Kubrick, Martin Scorsese and
David Lynch.. His music appears in Kubrick’s The Shining, Scorcese’s Shutter Island, Lynch’s Twin Peaks and, more recently, in an episode of TV show Black Mirror. A key figure of the 1960s avant-garde, Penderecki remained respectful of great religious and symphonic traditions while blazing a trail in contemporary classical music. “An artist’s lot is a labyrinth. He thinks he knows the way but has to look for it over and over again,” Penderecki said.
Why the novel coronavirus became a social media nightmare by Arthur MacMillan with lier this month. W.G. Dunlop in Washington - Deadly consequences EW YORK | AFP | SunUsing controlled tests with day 3/28/2020 - The more than 1,600 participants, biggest reputational risk the study found that false claims Facebook and other social media companies had expected in 2020 were shared in part simply bewas fake news surrounding the US cause people failed to think about presidential election. Be it foreign whether the content was reliable. or domestic in origin, the misinforIn a second test, when people mation threat seemed familiar, per- were reminded to consider the achaps even manageable. curacy of what they are going to The novel coronavirus, how- share, their level of truth awareever, has opened up an entirely ness more than doubled. different problem: the life-endanThat approach -- known as gering consequences of supposed “accuracy nudge intervention” cures, misleading claims, snake- -- from social media companies oil sales pitches and conspiracy could limit the spread of misintheories about the outbreak. formation, the report concluded. So far, AFP has debunked al“These are the kind of things most 200 rumors and myths about that make the concept of accurathe virus, but experts say stronger cy top of the minds of people,” action from tech companies is said Rand, noting that news feeds needed to stop misinformation are instead filled by users’ own and the scale at which it can be content and commercial adverspread online. tisements. “There’s still a disconnect be“There probably is a concern tween what people think is true from social networking compaand what people are willing to nies about accuracy warnings share,” Professor David Rand, a degrading the user experience, specialist in brain and cognitive because you’re exposing users to sciences at the MIT Sloan School content that they didn’t want to of Management, told AFP, ex- see. But I hope by talking about plaining how a user’s bias toward this more we’ll get them to take content he or she thinks will be this seriously and try it.” liked or shared typically domiWhat is undoubted is that nates decision-making when onmisinformation about the novline. el coronavirus has been deadly. Part of the reason is that social Although US, French and other media algorithms are geared to scientists are working to expedite appeal to someone’s habits and effective treatments, false reports interests: the emphasis is on lik- have appeared in numerous counability, not accuracy. Changing tries. that would require Facebook, In Iran, a fake remedy of inTwitter and other such companies to alter what people see on gesting methanol has reportedly led to 300 deaths, and left many screen. more sick. Prompts urging users to considThe COVID-19 misinformation er the accuracy of content they study mirrored past tests for politare spreading on social networks are needed, said Rand, co-author ical fake news, notably in that reof a study on COVID-19 misin- minders about accuracy would be formation that was published ear- a simple way to improve choices about what people share.
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Home&Real Estate Climate-conscious design: A visionary and product for a lighter footprint Anna Saint Pierre
by John Egan
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n Austin home that just hit the market for nearly $4 million comes with a Texas-sized tale. Inside the
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aint Pierre invented Granito, a terrazzo flooring product made of concrete and reclaimed granite from a stately building in Paris. She explains why we should recycle our old buildings—right where they stand.
In Paris, as in most cities where the architecture has stood the test of time, aesthetes bemoan the inevitable renovation projects that replace aging, stately facades with updated materials. Yet modern-day energy efficiency requires it, and, well, time marches on. But when Paris-based designer and doctoral researcher Anna Saint Pierre saw the massive granite slabs that were slated to be replaced with thermo-efficient metal panels in the conversion of an old building into a new co-working hub, she started asking herself: Could that granite—all 182 tons of it—be repurposed on-site? And was there a way to create a beautiful new material from it that conserves resources and preserves history all at once? Saint Pierre was aptly situated to experiment with the concept, given her work-study position at SCAU, the architectural firm tasked with updating the building. In collaboration with her colleagues, Saint Pierre came up with a way to accomplish her idea for recycling in situ—by treating the renovation site as a quarry, sourcing rubble from out of its depths, and breaking it up further to mix with concrete and make a terrazzo flooring she calls Granito. Both poured and polished onsite, Granito incorporates varying sizes of granite, from the easily identifiable fragmented blocks found in flooring destined for the building’s entrance to the finely ground particles on the
Designer and doctoral researcher Anna Saint Pierre at her studio in Paris. (Photo by Céline Clanet)
lowest floor, where the mineral quite literally has been returned to dust. Saint Pierre’s Granito is scheduled to debut in December 2020, when the atrium floor will be unveiled. But the concept of in situ recycling is already being applied to future SCAU projects, and Saint Pierre foresees its long-term benefits. “The building sector represents fifty percent of natural resource consumption and almost forty percent of waste production within European territories,” she says. “In situ recycling can be seen
as a solution to this mass production of rubble. And as such, the demolished building physically informs the concept and look of the new one.” “The building sector represents fifty percent of natural resource consumption and almost forty percent of waste production within European territories,” she says. “In situ recycling can be seen as a solution to this mass production of rubble. And as such, the demolished building physically informs the concept and look of the new one.” - Dwell
Updates you can make to create a ‘Wow Factor’
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hether you want to customize and enhance your living spaces for your own enjoyment or you need to prepare to stand out in a buyer’s market, creating that wow factor is easy to achieve, if you know where to focus your attention. You’re likely already familiar with the importance of exterior curb appeal. According to experienced realtors, it’s just as important to continue that concept after walking through the front door.
Pulitzer Prize winner James Michener wrote Texas while living in this Mount Bonnell manse. (Photo courtesy of Darin Walker/Kuper Sotheby’s)
2,500-bottle wine cellar, a resort-style pool and spa, a gym, an office, a home theater, and a two-car attached garage. “Mount Bonnell has been an Austin landmark since the 1850s, but what sets this home apart is its unique position farther south from Covert Park,” Walker says. “The home sits farther out over the cliff and captures views of a sweeping bend in Lake Austin, allowing you to see so much more and from every living space throughout the house.” You’ve got to wonder what the walls would say if they could speak, given that Michener spent a great deal of time at the mansion toiling over Texas. “Every morning at 7:30 he sat down at his typewriter and stayed there until midday. He would write, re-write, edit, and
write again (he always scoffed at writers who said they never revised what they first wrote), and then take a break for lunch and perhaps a short nap,” the state cemetery’s Michener bio says. “His afternoons were spent reading, talking, walking, traveling, attending functions, and experiencing life.” The product of that labor was a more than 1,000-page novel about the Lone Star State. Michener’s “monumental saga” chronicles the four-and-a-half century history of Texas, publisher Penguin Random House says. “With Michener as our guide, Texas is a tale of patriotism and statesmanship, growth and development, violence and betrayal — a stunning achievement by a literary master.” - CultureMap
Top ways to lighten up your home workspace
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any people have found themselves working from home. Whether setting up shop at the kitchen table or creating a complete home office, here are simple hacks to make your new work environment comfortable and productive.
Begin by defining your workspace. Setting up on the kitchen or dining table can work -- temporarily. The upside is that it’s quick and easy. But these rooms are typically high-traffic areas, leading to distractions. Plus, you might have to pack up work at mealtimes. Instead, re-purpose a small table and chair and place it in an out-of-theway spot, such as a stairwell or bedroom corner. Next, think about lighting. Layering light is a basic technique that should be used in every room, but especially home offices.
To get you started, here are easy ideas to give your spaces that wow factor you see and admire in ads and architectural magazines: Transforma-
Totally transform a room top to bottom with decorative mouldings and millwork, starting with the ceiling. Add warmth with wood beams in a horizontal or criss-cross pattern, or simply accent the ceiling with stand-out crown mould- craftsmanship mean high-quality products that last. The inspiration ings. galleries available on its site can be Working your way down, frame a good tool for those seeking ideas windows with straight trim and ro- for creatively enhancing their own settes in the corners. Throughout rooms. To learn more, visit Ornathe room, add chair mouldings, mental.com. mantels and floating shelves. Step Up Stairways Remember, mouldings don’t Often a focal point of a home inneed to be plain, especially if you want to make an impact. So, re- terior, a stairway system is a cruplace any humdrum casing, crown, cial area where homeowners can chair and base mouldings with ele- step up their game, and doing so ments that pop, such as those that doesn’t have to be overwhelming. feature leaves, grapes, vines or “There’s a definite trend uncriss-cross ribbon patterns. Consider the decorative millwork ac- derway of people mixing metals cents available from Ornamental and woods on stair systems and Moulding & Millwork, which are throughout the home,” says Kelly easy to install. Their newest offer- Miller, director of market develings dovetail nicely with the latest opment for L.J. Smith Stair Systrends, and their commitment to tems. “Rather than completely take down an existing wood stair
5,651-square-foot Mount Bonnell mansion, Pulitzer Prize-winning author James Michener researched and wrote his epic novel Texas in the early 1980s. The book was published in 1985. Three years before Texas was released, Texas Governor Bill Clements urged Michener to relocate to Austin to pen the novel. Michener accepted the invitation. The author rented the mansion at 3506 Mount Bonnell Rd. from Jack Taylor, a UT professor, for $1 a year. According to a Michener biography published on the website of the Texas State Cemetery, UT “welcomed him to its midst, found him a house and an office, arranged for a couple of graduate students in history to serve as research assistants, and got him appointed to the faculty … .” Michener died in 1997 at age 90 in Austin and was buried at the Texas State Cemetery, which is in East Austin. Michener was UT’s Jack G. Taylor Centennial Professor Emeritus and namesake of the famed Michener Center for Writers. “The house was much different back then, with an indoor pool and a much different floor plan, but Michener wrote the story with views of Lake Austin as his inspiration,” says Darin Walker, an Austin agent with Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty who has the $3,995,000 listing. Today, the mansion features five bedrooms, five full bathrooms, two half-bathrooms, a
“No matter which room becomes your workspace, proper lighting plays a key role in avoiding fatigue, eye strain and other discomforts,” said Jennifer Kis, director of marketing communications, Progress Lighting.
“As the saying goes, ‘you only have one opportunity to make a first impression,’” says realtor Vincent A. Stanson, a REALTOR associate with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. “When that front door opens, homeowners have the chance to impress their guests with a stunning stairway system, standout mouldings and decorative interior accents.”
Ceiling-to-Floor tion
Stunning Texas mansion that inspired literary legend books $4m price
system, many people are turning to the easy IronPro DIY project of replacing wood balusters with iron balusters. Then they’re leaving the wood hand rails and newel posts for a stylish, upgraded look.” Defined by unique designs and durability, L.J. Smith products -including wooden and ornamental iron balusters, stainless steel cable and tube infills, metal panels, newel posts, hand rails and accessories, can help you transform your stairs. Check out the “Stair Designer” tool to determine the best look for your home, as well as installation details and additional tips at ljsmith.com. When taking your home interiors from ordinary to extraordinary, it’s all in the details. - StatePoint
“Balance the lighting for different times of day. Natural light for day, layered light for afternoon and task lighting at night,” recommends Piper Stromatt, lead designer and partner for Curate Custom Homes. “There are three layers of light to consider: ambient or general light, task lighting and decorative or accent lighting.”
with natural light, place your desk perpendicular to the window, ideally facing north or south so that sunlight doesn’t cast shadows at certain times of the day. If an overhead fixture is the only light source, situate your workstation so Select a location with a good that the light shines from behind it. source of ambient light. Natural light is ideal: it diffuses through“Make sure your home office out the space, bouncing off walls suits your performance under parand ceilings to cut down on glare ticular lighting conditions,” says that can reflect on the computer Stromatt, who recommends the monitor and the shiny desk sur- following tips: face. • Don’t set your monitor in front “When selecting ambient light of the window; the bright backsources, the goal is to illuminate ground light shining behind the the entire space without creating screen causes eye strain. undue glare and contrast, which can lead to headaches and eye • Place your chair at least arm’s strain,” says Kis. “If possible, length from the screen so that it avoid using overhead ceiling fix- can be seen without reading glasstures as the primary source of es or squinting. lighting. If that’s the only option, • Add LED tape lighting behind use a dimmer switch to vary light your monitor or under a desk for levels as needed.” diffused light. Positioning your workspace • Use solar shades to soften correctly also helps. For rooms
lighting and lessen heat. After setting up a glare-free workstation, add task lighting. Use dedicated light sources such as desk lamps for tasks like paperwork and filing. Place direct task lights on the opposite side of the hand you write with to avoid casting shadows onto your work. Finally, add accent lighting for visual appeal. Frame your workspace with desk lamps or install a permanent fixture on a dimmer switch, such as a pendant hung directly over the desk. Wall sconces can throw light on decorative objects in the room. For more home tips and lighting inspiration, visit Progress Lighting at www.progressltg.com/shop. Lighting can make or break a home office. Be sure to set yourself up for maximum productivity and comfort. - StatePoint
Page 13 • VOICE OF ASIA (Section B)
FRIDAY, April 3, 2020
TRAVEL
How to Have the best National Park vacation this Summer Insiders share their top tips on how to avoid crowds and make the most of summer travel. by Talia Avakian
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merica’s national parks, monuments, and recreation areas are filled with natural and historic attractions that are prime to explore in the summertime. While warm weather means a greater ability to explore these locations, that can often mean larger crowds.
National Geographic spoke to the National Park Foundation (the official charity of the National Park Service) and park representatives to learn which sites within the National Park Service make for a prime summer stop and to get insider tips on how visitors can make the most of their time at each without swarms of crowds. Most of these parks are ideal for families, with specific trails and areas highlighted that are great for kids to explore. Here’s your guide to summer fun at 16 incredible locations, most of which aren’t on every
Channel Islands National Park (Photo: National Parks Foundation)
traveler’s radar. Channel Islands National Park Summer is the best time to enjoy sailing, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and swimming at Channel Islands National Park. Located off of the California
coast, Channel Islands National Park is one of the country’s least-visited parks, but boasts five different islands that each offer their own appeal. While the islands are only accessible by boat or by plane, concessionaires offer transportation to take in the whales and
activities like sailing and snorkeling that await in the summer. Will Shafroth, president of the National Park Foundation, recommends Cathedral Cove and Landing Cove, which host sea stars, sea urchins and kaleidoscopic fish underneath their waters. For those looking for great Redwood National and State Park (Photo: National Parks Foundation) hiking trails, Anacapa Island has just what you’re looking for. And Santa Cruz is home to a Well-maintained trails, a 40- youngsters and adults alike in number of underwater caves and mile coastline with beaches and the spring and summer. clear-water beaches. roads that allow easy access to Surge flow typically occurs in get around make this an ideal May and extends into the start of location for families. Park repreRedwood National and State sentatives even say some of the the summer, creating waves in Medano Creek as melting snow Parks best features are found along the from the nearby mountains trickCalifornia’s Redwoods Na- side roads most travelers often les down and makes underwater tional and State Parks are home overlook. ridges in the sand that break with to the world’s tallest trees, which the water flow as often as every can take on a stunning appearGreat Sand Dunes National 20 seconds. ance in the summertime fog. Park and Preserve Since temperatures can dip in When cold air comes in from the the winter, stargazing and backocean and combines with warm Explore a natural waterslide country camping are popular air inland, it creates a thin layer that arrives to Great Sand Dunes activities visitors should enjoy of fog that shrouds the soaring National Park each summer. while they can in the summertrees, making for unforgettable Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes time, when campgrounds remain photo opportunities. National Park and Preserve ex- open and rangers host a range of periences a rare phenomenon evening activities. that turns a portion of the park - National Geographic into a natural waterslide for
STATEPOINT CROSSWORD Week of April 3, 2020
THEME: COFFEE AND TEA HOROSCOPE.COM
21 March to 20 April Tuesday’s new moon in your sign is certainly the best of the year for you and an excellent opportunity to kick-start work toward those goals that are dear to your heart. Consider writing a list of your intentions. Even if you put the list away, you might be surprised by how many of them materialize.
21 April to 20 May This week could encourage you to find closure on any matters that are blocking you from making progress. This could be an issue from the past or something that has affected you more recently. Whatever it is, this week’s new moon in Aries and a spiritual zone can be your chance to let it go.
21 May to 20 June If you feel a little put out by the actions of a friend, don’t take it too seriously. They may have issues to deal with, and this might be one way to let off steam. With the new moon in your social sector linking to the healing energy of Chiron, this can be an opportunity to take your friendship to a deeper level.
21 June to 22 July This week brings the possibility of a new beginning. And to take advantage of it, you only need to step outside your comfort zone and start. With the new moon in your sector of goals and ambition, this is the perfect time to initiate those plans.
23 July to 22 August This is a great week to embrace travel opportunities, especially if you’re ready to visit a different place. The new moon is in the feisty sign of Aries, so this is a good time for new discoveries and opportunities. And the people you meet could open your eyes to new ideas and perspectives on life.
23 August to 22 Sept Will the week ahead bring a transformation your way? The new moon is in your sector of deep-seated change, so it’s a possibility. If you’ve had a desire to turn over a new leaf for some time, things can now begin to fall into place.
23 September to 22 Oct A relationship could take a bold step forward this week, taking it to a new and more fulfilling level. A fiery new moon in your sector of relating is the perfect time to make those changes that can bring greater fulfillment to you and your partner. It’s time to let go of the past and move forward.
23 October to 21 Nov This could be an exciting week for you, with all kinds of creative ideas and fresh possibilities bubbling up. But in order to make the best use of them, the cosmos encourages you to create a strategy that allows you to reach your goals with ease.
22 November to 21 Dec If you’re eager for new adventures, the sun is moving deeper into your sector of leisure and recreation, so this is the time to go exploring. What do you want to experience? If you need a chance to enjoy life, the coming weeks can be an opportunity to try new activities.
22 December to 20 Jan This could be a very productive week for you, one in which you can make positive strides in the direction of your desires. With both abundant Jupiter and potent Pluto, you may become aware of just how much power you have.
21 January to 19 Feb This can be a good week for signing new deals and contracts and promoting your work using social media and the Internet. With a new moon in your sector of communication, you’ll be in your element and eager to get moving on any plans that have been in the pipeline.
20 February to 20 Mar Your social life takes an even more exciting turn this week as powerful planets merge and encourage you to take on a bold project. Do you have a long-held wish? This is the time when you could decide to make it a reality.
ACROSS 1. Bookie’s number 5. Parents org. 8. Slang for microwave 11. Time distortion 12. One with biggest share? 13. Like a case of appendicitis, possibly 15. Decanter 16. Knowing about 17. Mister in Madrid 18. *Usually served on ice, 2 words 20. Barber’s sound 21. Accepted truth 22. Took a load off 23. Artist’s office 26. Excites passions, 2 words 30. Comic book cry of horror 31. Rude or sarcastic 34. Chips, perhaps 35. Roleplay 37. Chinese “way” 38. Ice floaters 39. 100 centavos 40. Merry 42. Table scrap 43. Breastbone 45. *Double shot of espresso 47. Feather’s partner 48. Not here 50. Nickname for Putin? 52. *Revolutionary event 55. *”Tea is the only simple pleasure left to us,” he wrote 56. Research facil. 57. Typically used in the fairway 59. Goodbye to amiga 60. Plenty 61. Why not 62. *Black tea, in China 63. Bard’s “before” 64. Pay close attention
DOWN 1. Be in the red 2. Crows’ cousins 3. Actress Barrymore 4. More like rumors 5. ‘70s Ford model 6. Native American emblem 7. Dwarf buffalo 8. Pueblo tribesman 9. On top 10. For each 12. Cosmetic cabinet staple 13. Allegro ____ in music, Italian 14. *____ Perk from “Friends” 19. Exit plus s 22. Eye infection 23. Oozes 24. Article of faith 25. Romanov’s edict 26. *A ____ of tea, in U.K. 27. Prowl around 28. Embryo cradles 29. Green pasta sauce 32. One on the list 33. Faux one 36. *Equal parts espresso and warm milk 38. Fauna’s partner 40. Hudson’s Bay Company original ware 41. Experts 44. Nose channels 46. Kick the bucket 48. Between countertenor and baritone 49. Make this, not waste 50. Affected by the moon 51. Went down a slippery slope 52. Kitchen flooring choice 53. Tried follower 54. Bygone era 55. *The Revolutionary one followed #52 Across 58. The Simpsons’s neighbor
SOLUTION: COFFEE AND TEA on Page 15
Page 14 • VOICE OF ASIA (Section B)
FRIDAY, April 3, 2020
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Email Obituaries to us at: voiceasia@aol.com Deadline for publication: Tuesdays by 5pm.
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When you find some time, READ!
READ DAILY! 15 - 30 minutes of reading daily helps your brain focus better. Grab a novel! A Community message from Voice of Asia Group
www.voiceofasia.news STATEPOINT CROSSWORD SOLUTION
Answers: COFFEE AND TEA
from Page 14
Page 15 • VOICE OF ASIA (Section B)
Section 2
Business
Email: voiceasia@aol.com
www.voiceofasia.news
FRIDAY, April 3, 2020
Tel: 713-774-5140
Expo 2020 Dubai organisers Virus-linked fraud schemes cost US consumers nearly $5mn recommend one year postponement due to coronavirus
W
ASHINGTON | AFP | Tuesday 3/31/2020 - Coronavirus-related fraud schemes are rising fast and have cost US consumers some $4.77 million so far, a government watchdog said Tuesday.
A deserted street in Dubai amid the coronavirus outbreak (AFP Photo/Karim Sahib)
D
UBAI, United Arab Emirates | AFP | 3/30/2020 -Organisers of Expo 2020, a multi-billion-dollar world trade fair originally scheduled to open in Dubai in October, on Monday recommended a one-year postponement due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Dubai, the glitzy city-state which is part of the United Arab Emirates, had hoped to attract some 25 million visits to the sixmonth event and many of its economic forecasts are pinned to the mammoth gathering. “Many countries have been significantly impacted by COVID-19 and they have therefore expressed a need to postpone the opening of Expo 2020 Dubai by one year,” Expo 2020 Dubai director general Reem al-Hashimi said. “The UAE and Expo 2020 Dubai have listened. And in the spirit of solidarity and unity, we supported the proposal to explore a one year postponement.” Dubai has little of the oil riches of neighbouring emirates like Abu Dhabi, and its vital property, tourism and trade sectors had already been badly weakened in recent years.
Expo organisers, participating countries and the Paris-based Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) -- the governing body which awards the event -- had agreed to investigate shifting the mega-event. “We look forward to welcoming the world, which we are certain will only come out of this pressing challenge stronger, and more resilient than it ever was,” Hashimi added. The final decision on a postponement will be made by the BIE, but its Secretary General Dimitri Kerkentzes welcomed the recommendations. “The UAE’s decision to support a one year postponement demonstrates pragmatism, openness, and commitment to delivering an Expo that lives up to our shared ambition,” he said. Dubai, known for hosting hundreds of conferences annually, has already scrapped a string of cultural and entertainment events in recent weeks over the spread of the deadly disease. The United Arab Emirates has announced 611 cases of coronavirus, and five deaths.
The Federal Trade Commission said it had more than 7,800 coronavirus-related reports from consumers as of Monday, double the number from a week earlier. The consumer protection agency said the fraud complaints include emails about travel and vacation cancellations and refunds, online shopping scams and government and business imposter schemes. Many of the schemes were also being perpetrated by mobile text or robo-calls, the FTC said. The median loss for consumers was $598. The potential for fraud could rise further, notably as a result of the $2 trillion stimulus approved by Congress this month.
American Airlines to apply for $12bn in govt relief by John Biers
sential airline service and protect jobs,” American’s Chief ExecuEW YORK | AFP | tive Doug Parker and President 3/31/2020 - American Robert Isom said in the letter. Airlines became the first “We intend to apply for these US carrier to announce it will request federal aid under the just-ap- funds and are confident that, along proved relief package, saying with our relatively high available it will apply for $12 billion as it cash position, they will allow us to attempts to survive a global down- fly through even the worst of poturn sparked by the coronavirus tential future scenarios.” pandemic. The executives said the funds The US carrier has seen its should allow them to avoid involbusiness devastated as part of an untary furloughs or cuts to benefits industry-wide depression, but the or pay for the next six months. funds should permit it to survive United Airlines and Delta Air the very rough patch without re- Lines, two other large carriers sorting to deep layoffs, executives have until April 3 to apply for supsaid in a letter to employees Mon- port under the $2 trillion “Cares” day. Act, which sets aside $50 billion
N
With air travel at a near standstill for passenger airlines. due to COVID-19, Trump admin- Huge drop in passengers istration officials have said they The airline industry is one of are examining the possibility of taking equity shares in airlines as the sectors hardest hit by the part of the bailout for the industry. COVID-19 outbreak, with US carriers suspending most transatlantic “These funds are being distrib- flights and many domestic routes. uted to ensure continuation of es-
The FTC warned consumers earlier in March to expect scammers to ask for a social security number, which could be used for identity theft, or to pay an upfront fee to qualify for stimulus payments.
“The government will not ask you to pay anything up front to get this money,” the FTC said in a statement. “No fees. No charges. No nothing.”
Page 16 • VOICE OF ASIA (Section B)
FRIDAY, April 3, 2020
AN ER VISIT RESULTS IN A SHOCKING DIAGNOSIS When Elaine Delira’s legs began to swell, the 44-yearold would never have guessed the cause. After checking in at the Emergency Center at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, Delira underwent a full workup. Her blood work came back indicating she was anemic. A CT scan revealed a possible tumor. The gastroenterologist on call ordered a colonoscopy. “I was shocked,” says Delira. “As I was waking up from the colonoscopy, I overheard the nurse speaking to my son, who was 19, saying they had found cancer. I was terrified. I had no idea. I had not noticed any blood in my stool. No i nd ic at ion of c a nc e r whatsoever.” Delira was diagnosed with aggressive stage III colorectal cancer. The colonoscopy revealed a cancerous mass and cancerous cells also were found in the nearby lymph nodes.
removing it,” says Dr. Agarwal. Because of the cancer’s location, Delira’s first surgery included rectum removal, hysterectomy and a temporary ileostomy. “To allow her intestine to rest and heal, I performed a temporary procedure called a diverting loop ileostomy, through which stool could pass into her ileostomy bag,” said Dr. Agarwal.
“I overheard the nurse... saying they had found cancer.”
After being admitted to Memorial Hermann Sugar Land, Delira was treated by a multidisciplinary team that included Memorial Hermann affiliated medical oncologist Sanjay Sethi, MD, and colon and rectal surgeon Amit Agarwal, MD. The specialists developed a treatment plan that included chemoradiation, a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, followed by two surgeries. “We started Elaine on six weeks of chemoradiation therapy, to try to shrink the tumor before surgically
After her first surgery, Delira had two more rounds of chemot herapy before returning to the hospital for a reversal of her ileostomy and a biopsyto check for the presence of cancer cells. The biopsies came back benign with no signs of cancer. Delira was back at work two weeks later.
Delira appreciated the care and support she received throughout her cancer journey. “When something like this happens, you are so scared. But everyone in the hospital was so supportive. They helped put my mind at ease. I would have never made it without God, my family and my doctors,” she says.
rate among younger adults, leading the ACS, in 2018, to lower their recommended initial screening age from 50 to 45.* According to Dr. Agarwal, many in the medical community believe unhealthy eating and sedentary lifestyles are contributing to earlier development of colorectal cancers. Check with your doctor to see if you should be screened for colorectal cancer. If you don’t have a doctor, we can help you find one.
Recommended Screening for Colorectal Cancer Lowered to Age 45
Schedule your screening online today. With just a few clicks, you can schedule and confirm your colonscopy at a Memorial Hermann location that is convenient to you.
American Cancer Society (ACS) research shows that colon and rectal cancer is occurring at an increasing
Go to cancer.memorialhermann.org/colon to select your location and choose your time.
Memorial Hermann Sugar Land 17500 West Grand Parkway South Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.725.5000 memorialhermann.org/sugarland
Due to recent changes in screening recommendations, please consult your insurance provider to confirm coverage if you are under the age of 50.
*
Amit Agarwal, MD
