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FRIDAY, April 10, 2020 Latest COVID-19

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Astros ace to donate pay to COVID-19 relief effort

Nearly 2,000 US coronavirus deaths in last 24 hours: Johns Hopkins tally

OUSTON | AFP | Saturday 4/4/2020 - Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander said Saturday he plans to donate his pay to COVID-19 relief efforts during baseball’s shutdown.

ASHINGTON | AFP | Wednesday 4/7/2020 - Nearly 2,000 people infected with the new coronavirus have died in the United States in the last 24 hours, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University as of 8:30 pm Tuesday.

The record daily figure of 1,939 brings the total number of deaths in the US to 12,722, which is approaching tolls in the worst-hit countries so far -- Italy with 17,127 dead and Spain with 13,798. President Donald Trump has defended his response to the crisis, and on Tuesday he blamed the World Health Organization for reacting slowly. He questioned why the WHO had given “such a faulty recommendation,” apparently referring to the UN body’s advice against curtailing international travel to stop the virus which first spread from China. “They called it wrong. They really missed the call. They could have called it months earlier,” he said. Trump has been widely criticized for initially downplaying the virus, which he likened to an ordinary flu and said was under control in the United States, before later accepting that it was a national emergency.

In a post on Instagram, Verlander and his wife Kate Upton said they had decided to give his paychecks to a different organization each week as baseball awaits the start of the season. The 2020 Major League Baseball season was due to get under way on March 26 but was suspended before a single pitch had been tossed as the coronavirus pandemic erupted. “(Kate Upton) and I have deNearly 2,000 people infected with the new coronavirus have died in the cided to donate those funds to a United States in the last 24 hours, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins different organization each week so that we can support their efUniversity as of 8.30pm Tuesday. (Photo: AFP) forts and highlight the great work they’re doing during the COVID-19 crisis,” Verlander said. “Everyone around the world is affected by this virus, and we hope to contribute to the families and jobs affected, the healthcare OUSTON, Texas her life to helping and treating workers and first responders on (KTRK) -- A nurse at others and has been serving vet- the front lines and the many oththe Michael E. Debakey erans since 2013,” the VA Med- ers in need of basic necessities, Medical Center has died due to ical Center said in a statement. medical supplies and support at complications from COVID-19. home.” The VA center added that the USA Today reported that VerThe VA Medical Center said nurse “has been an integral part they were “deeply saddened and of our medical center and was lander would be paid $4,773 per mourning” the death of the reg- best-known for her positive atti- day for 60 days of the shutdown, or $286,980. istered nurse. “She dedicated tude and big smile.”

Houston VA hospital nurse dies from COVID-19

Houston Astros pitcher, Justin Verlander and wife supermodel, Kate Upton walk on the field before the game between the Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium on November 21, 2019 in Houston. (Bob Levey/Getty Images/AFP Photo)

20,000 worshippers quarantined in Pakistan after major search

AHORE, Pakistan | AFP | Sunday 4/5/2020 - Pakistan has quarantined 20,000 worshippers and is still searching for tens of thousands more. The faithful attended an

Islamic gathering in Lahore last month despite the worsening coronavirus pandemic, officials said Sunday. Continued on Page 9

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COVID-19: Southwestern National Bank donates surgical masks, face shields, hand sanitizer to first responders and senior home facility

OUSTON - On April 2, 2020, Chairwoman Jody Lee, CFO Betsy Reese and Public Relations Officer Ling Chuang, represented Southwestern National Bank in donation surgical masks, face shields, hand sanitizer, rubbing alcohol and gloves to the local police department, fire station and senior home during the current COVID-19 crisis. The first responders and representatives from the senior home were delighted and waiting at the front steps to receive them.

Jody said every employee at Southwestern National Bank cares about our community. Our employees stayed after work to put together the “Care Package” for our seniors. Stay Healthy and Houston Strong. Southwestern National Bank headquartered in Houston, TX at 6901 Corporate Drive. Banking centers are located at Sugar Land, Austin, Richardson, Plano, Anaheim and City of Industry. Tel: 713-771-9700. www. swnbk.com. Member FDIC.

Southwestern National Bank’s Chairwoman Jody Lee, (in red), CFO Betsy Reese and Public Relations Officer Ling Chuang (not in pic) making the donation at the local fire station.

Images on the left: TOP: Chairwoman Jody Lee and CFO Betsy Reese with police office making the donation. BOTTOM: Southwestern National Bank staff.

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OP-ED/COMMENTARY/ANALYSIS

FRIDAY, April 10, 2020

CORONAVIRUS UPDATES T

he U.S. has become the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic after reported cases surpassed those officially reported by China. Since the novel coronavirus called SARSCoV-2 was first detected in the U.S. on Jan. 20, it has spread to at least 312,249 people in the U.S., across all 50 states.

Of the reported cases in the U.S., 8,503 people have died from the virus, with more than 3,500 of those deaths in New York, 846 in New Jersey, 479 in Michigan, 409 in Louisiana and 318 related deaths reported in Washington state. Worldwide, about 1.23 million cases have been reported and 66,542 related deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins virus dashboard. Responding to this deadly virus, among the man other initiatives, American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), the largest ethnic Medical Association in the United States, has embarked on yet another noble mission. “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, as concerned physicians witnessing the growing COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on our society, healthcare system and economy, AAPI has launched the Plasma Drive from patients who have been cured of COVID-19 and are now with no Corona-virus related symptoms for at least the past two weeks,” Dr. Suresh Reddy, President of AAPI, announced here. Dr. Seema Arora, Chairwoman of AAPI’s BOT, pointed to some of the other effective initiatives by AAPI that include: Offering regular tele-conference calls which have been attended by over 3,000 physicians from across the United States. AAPI has also collaborated with other national international and government organizations such as, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Indian Embassy in Washington, DC, National Council of Asian Indian Americans (NCAIA), GAPIO, BAPIO and Australian Indian Medical Graduates Association, in its efforts to educate and inform physicians and the public about the virus, to prevent and treat people with the affected by corona virus. Another major initiative of AAPI has been the “Donate a Mask” program, under the leadership of Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalagadda, President-Elect

AAPI launches plasma drive from patients cured of COVID-19, and nonsymptomatic for 14 days

Dr. Suresh Reddy

of AAPI, Dr. Sajani Shah, Chairwoman-Elect of AAPI’s BOD, and Dr. Ami Baxi. The Task Force on Masks has been busy securing resources and identifying the hospitals and sending the supply of Masks/ PPE directly to those in needed. Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalagadda expressed great concern that “the current rate of infections will have a materially adverse effect on both our senior populations and our fellow physicians and healthcare workers who are on the front lines fighting the infection. “It’s essential to create a wholesale expansion of free COVID-19 testing available in order for identifying asymptomatic carries and then isolating them.” Dr. Madhavi Gorusu M.D., M.B.A, President of Connecticut, Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (CAPI), who is leading the initiative on behalf of AAPI, said, “We must all stay united and support each other in every way we can to get through the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are eligible to donate or if you know of anyone who had made a full recovery from COVID-19 and could act as a potential donor, please contact AAPI by going to its website and providing your personal details. Dr. Anupama Gotimukula, Vice president of AAPI, said, The Red Cross is seeking people who are fully recovered from COVID-19 and may be

able to donate plasma to help current patients with serious or immediately life threatening COVID-19 infections, or those judged by a healthcare provider to be at high risk of progression to severe or life-threatening disease. People who have fully recovered from COVID-19 have antibodies in their plasma that can attack the virus. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or Agency) plays a critical role in protecting the United States from public health threats including the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. FDA is committed to doing everything we can to provide timely response efforts to this pandemic and facilitate access to investigational drugs for use in patients with serious or immediately life-threatening COVID-19 infections. (https://www. fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/investigational-new-drug-ind-or-deviceexemption-ide-process-cber/ investigational-covid-19-convalescent-plasma-emergencyinds ) One investigational treatment being explored for COVID-19 is the use of convalescent plasma collected from individuals who have recovered from COVID-19. It is possible that convalescent plasma that contains antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) might be effective against the infection. Use of convalescent plasma has been studied in outbreaks of other respiratory infections, including the 2009-2010 H1N1 influenza virus pandemic, 2003 SARSCoV-1 epidemic, and the 2012 MERS-CoV epidemic. This convalescent plasma is being evaluated as treatment for patients seriously ill with COVID-19. The Red Cross has been asked by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help identify prospective donors and manage the dis-

tribution of these products to hospitals treating patients in need. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or Agency) plays a critical role in protecting the United States from public health threats including the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Although promising, convalescent plasma has not yet been shown to be effective in COVID-19. It is therefore important to determine through clinical trials, before routinely administering convalescent plasma to patients with COVID-19, that it is safe and effective to do so. The following pathways are available for administering or studying the use of COVID-19 convalescent plasma: Considerations for healthcare providers interested in obtaining COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma for Use under IND: COVID-19 convalescent plasma must only be collected from recovered individuals if they are eligible to donate blood (21 CFR 630.10, 21 CFR 2 630.15). Required testing must be performed (21 CFR 610.40) and the donation must be found suitable (21 CFR 630.30). If you’re fully recovered from a verified coronavirus (COVID-19) diagnosis, please refer to the website below for more information regarding: Potential Donor who has had COVID-19 and are fully recovered. Clinician who is interested in receiving convalescent plasma, or want to refer potential donors. https://www.redcrossblood. org/donate-blood/dlp/plasma-donations-from-recovered-covid-19-patients.html For more information on AAPI and its several initiatives to combat Corona Virus and help Fellow Physicians and the larger community, please visit: www.aapiusa.org, or email to: aapicovidplasmadonor@gmail.com

UN chief urges govts to protect women during virus lockdown

CORONAVIRUS: Latest global developments

ARIS, France | AFP | Tuesday 4/7/2020 - Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis:

- British PM in intensive care British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is fighting the virus in intensive care after being diagnosed late last month. The 55-year-old is being given oxygen support but was not put on a ventilator after being admitted on Monday evening. His “condition is stable,” his official spokesman says around 1800GMT. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is deputising. - Japan: state of emergency Japan declares a month-long state of emergency but stops short of strict lockdown. The move allows governors in seven affected regions including Tokyo to ask people to stay indoors and request that businesses close. - More than 80,000 dead At least 80,142 people have died around the world in 192 countries, since the virus emerged in China in December, according to an AFP tally around 1900 GMT Tuesday based on official sources. The pandemic has killed more 57,351 people in Europe, including 17,127 in Italy and 13,798 in Spain. There are 12,021 deaths

in the United States, 10,328 in France and 6,159 in Britain. The United States have at least 383,256 confirmed infections, the highest caseload in the world. More than 1.39 million cases have been officially recorded around the world, a toll that represents only a fraction of the actual number of infections. - Trump lashes WHO US President Donald Trump attacks the World Health Organization, saying it is “China centric” and issued bad advice at the outset of the pandemic. - More than four billion confined More than four billion people in nearly 100 countries and territories are forced or called on by their authorities to stay at home to fight the coronavirus outbreak, according to an AFP database on Tuesday. - Wuhan lockdown lifted At midnight (1600 GMT Tuesday) authorities lifted a more than two-month ban on outbound travel from the central Chinese city of Wuhan, where the pandemic first emerged. China reports no new coronavirus deaths for the first time since it started publishing figures in January. - Confinement not over Portugal extends its confine-

ment for at least another two weeks The French government warns confinement rules that came into force March 17 will remain in place as long as necessary as the country has not reached the peak of the epidemic. - Jobs: worst crisis since WWII The International Labour Organization warns that some 1.25 billion workers are seeing their livelihoods threatened by the pandemic, saying it is the “worst global crisis” since World War II. - WHO: shortage of health workers The WHO warns of a shortage of health workers in the Middle East and North Africa region and calls for the mobilisation of more medical staff to fight the coronavirus. - Lufthansa to slash fleet Lufthansa says it is shutting down its low-cost Germanwings unit and getting rid of dozens of planes to survive the impact of the coronavirus on its business. Ethiopian Airlines is bracing for income loss of half a billion dollars and has axed most of its scheduled passenger flights, - EU aid for poor countries The European Union is to put up 15 billion euros ($16.4 billion) to help poor countries fight the epidemic.

“Just because I am a Woman”, a series of works by Italian pop artist and activist aleXsandro Palombo, depicting some of the women protagonists of world politics as victims of gender violence, pictured in Milan in January 2020. (© Miguel Medina, AFP)

NITED NATIONS | AFP | 4/5/2020 - UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has urged governments to include the protection of women in their response to the deadly novel coronavirus pandemic.

Reports of domestic violence have surged globally in the wake of massive lockdowns imposed to contain the spread of the disease. “Violence is not confined to the battlefield,” said Guterres in a statement and video released in multiple languages, days after his call for a worldwide ceasefire in the wake of the outbreak.

“For many women and girls, the threat looms largest where they should be safest. In their own homes,” he said. Describing the rise in domestic violence as “horrifying,” he urged all governments “to make the prevention and redress of violence against women a key part of their national response plans for COVID-19.” India reported double the usual number of domestic abuse cases in the first week of nationwide movement restrictions, according to the country’s National Commission for Women. Cases in France rose by a

third in the week after that country’s lockdown, authorities said, while Australia reported a 75 percent increase in internet searches relating to support for domestic violence victims. Guterres called for setting up emergency warning systems in pharmacies and groceries, and for safe ways “for women to seek support, without alerting their abusers.” “Together, we can and must prevent violence everywhere, from war zones to people’s homes, as we work to beat COVID-19,” he said, as he called “for peace at home -- and in homes -- around the world.”

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University of Texas Medical Branch has developed new system for combatting COVID-19 that can be used for other viruses

CMS encourages Medicare Advantage Insurance Plans to remove barriers to COVID-19 care

· The system will streamline the diagnosis of infected patients and development of a COVID-19 vaccine. · The researchers developed the system by engineering a reverse genetic system for the virus that is causing the COVID-19 pandemic. · Using the system, the team engineered a version of the virus that is labelled with neon green. When a labelled virus infects the cell, the infected cell turns green.

he CMS has encouraged Medicare Advantage plans to eliminate or reduce cost-sharing for their members affected by the coronavirus outbreak. Medicare Advantage, the private alternative to the traditional Medicare program, serves roughly 22 million seniors and disabled adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said that older adults and people with serious chronic medical conditions are at a higher risk of becoming very sick from COVID-19. The CMS issued information that outlines the flexibilities Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans have to waive requirements to “help prevent the spread of COVID-19.” Plans may waive or reduce cost-sharing for coronavirus tests and treatments delivered in doctor’s offices, emergency departments or via telehealth, the agency said. They may also remove prior authorization requirements, lift limits on prescription refills, relax restrictions on home delivery of prescription drugs, and expand access to certain telehealth services, according to the memo. “These waivers break down barriers to beneficiaries accessing care and allow plans to work with pharmacies and providers to treat patients without burdensome requirements limiting their options during this outbreak,” the CMS said in a news release announcing the guidance. Medicare has previously said it would cover a vaccine for COVID-19 if one becomes available.

ALVESTON, Texas – A multidisciplinary team at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston working to combat the COVID-19 virus has a system that will unlock researchers’ ability to more quickly develop and evaluate developing vaccines, diagnose infected patients and explore whether or how the virus has evolved.

The scientists, led by Pei-Yong Shi, developed the system by engineering a reverse genetic system for SARS coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2, that is causing the current COVID-19 pandemic. The study is currently available in Cell Host & Microbe (https:// marlin-prod.literatumonline. com/pb-assets/products/coronavirus/CHOM_2291_s50_preproof.pdf). A Reverse genetic system is one of the most useful tools for studying and combatting viruses. The system allows researchers to make the virus in the lab and manipulate it in a petri dish. Using this system, the UTMB team has engineered a version of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that is labeled with neon green. When the labeled virus infects a cell,

the infected cell turns green. “The labeled virus could be used to rapidly determine whether a patient has already been infected by the new coronavirus or evaluate how well developing vaccines are inducing antibodies that block infection of the virus. The level of antibodies induced by a vaccine is the most important parameter in predicting how well a vaccine works,” said Shi, I.H. Kempner professor of Human Genetics at UTMB. “The neon green labeled virus system allows us to test patients’ samples in 12 hours in a high-throughput manner that tests many samples at once. In contrast, the conventional method can only test a few specimens at a time with a long turnaround time of a week.” “This technology can significantly reduce how long it takes to evaluate developing vaccines and ultimately bring them to the market,” said Xuping Xie, the UTMB Research Scientist who designed and developed the genetic system. “UTMB will be very happy to make this technology widely available to both academia and industry researchers working to quickly develop countermeasures.” “The genetic system allows us to study the evolution of the new coronavirus. This will help us to understand how the virus jumped from its original host bat species to humans. It remains to be determined if an intermediate host is required for the host switch from the original bats to humans for the new coronavirus,” said Vineet Menachery, Assistant Professor at UTMB, who co-senior-authored

Houston Methodist Orthopedic Injury Clinic at Sugar Land – here for you during the COVID-19 pandemic

UGAR LAND – (March 31, 2020) —Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital continues to look for ways to protect patients, employees and the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is expanding its walk-in orthopedic injury clinic services to include care for chronic patients along with those who need to see an orthopedic specialist right away, providing same-day care for Fort Bend and surrounding counties.

Keeping patient safety at the forefront, the orthopedic injury clinic’s extended hours will help patients avoid the emergency room as well as ease the influx of patients in the emergency room. Beginning immediately, the orthopedic injury clinic is extending its hours to Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. “The walk-in clinic is ideal for patients of all ages who have suffered an injury or are dealing with chronic pain –doing projects around the house or playing sports with children – who need to see an orthopedist right away,” said Carl A. Hicks, M.D., board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Sugar Land. “Especially during the COVID-19 crisis, the clinic is a great option to help meet our patients’ needs quickly and efficiently, while also helping them avoid the busy emergency room — all at the cost of a standard physician office visit.” The clinic team treats patients suffering from chronic pain, acute orthopedic injuries such as sprains or strains, minor dislocations, fractures or broken bones, sports injuries, torn ligaments, injured tendons, painful or swollen joints or possible concussions. However, injuries covered under worker’s compensation plans or those suffered in automobile accidents, as well

as all spine and back problems, will require scheduling an appointment with a physician. All Houston Methodist Orthopedic & Sports Medicine physicians are offering virtual visits. You can easily call the office 281.275.0555 or online at houstonmethodist.org/orthopedics-sl The walk-in clinic is located inside Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine’s state-of-the-art patient care facility on the Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital campus, 16811 Southwest Fwy., Suite 200. They will accept most forms of insurance, and no appointments are necessary. Patients can also schedule a telemedicine appointment with the clinic physicians or speak with a provider through virtual urgent care.

WHO slams ‘racist’ calls for Africa to be vaccine testing ground

ENEVA, Switzerland | AFP | Monday 4/6/2020 - The World Health Organization chief angrily slammed recent comments made by scientists suggesting a vaccine for the new coronavirus should be tested in Africa as “racist” and a hangover from the “colonial mentality”.

“Africa cannot and will not be a testing ground for any vaccine,” WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a virtual news conference, insisting “we will follow all the rules to test any vaccine or therapeutics all over the world... whether it is in Europe, Africa or wherever.”

the study. “The system has provided a critical tool for the research community.” “This is another example of team science at UTMB,” said Dr. Ben Raimer, President ad Interim of UTMB. “The collective effort from teams with complementary expertise worked together to deliver this exciting study. We will expand the team science to areas of clinical care and patient diagnosis by deploying the technology for serological testing.” Shi said, “This will not be the last emerging virus that plagues humanity. In the past two decades, we’ve seen other coronaviruses like SARS and MERS, as well as other viruses like Zika, Ebola and others. It’s critically important to have a system that can be used for any new future or re-emerging viruses so that we can very quickly respond to the pathogens and protect peoples’ health.” Other authors include UTMB’s Antonio Muruato, Kumari Lokugamage, Krishna Narayanan, Xianwen Zhang, Jing Zou, Jianying Liu, Craig Schindewolf, Nathen Bopp, Patricia Aguilar, Kenneth Plante, Scott Weaver, Shinji Makino and James LeDuc. To implement the technology for diagnosis and vaccine evaluation, the UTMB team has received grants from National Institutes of Health and philanthropic support from the Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg Foundation; John S. Dunn Foundation; Amon G. Carter Foundation; Gillson Longenbaugh Foundation and the Summerfield G. Roberts Foundation.

Though the steps outlined by the CMS are voluntary, many health insurers have already pledged to eliminate out-ofpocket costs for tests and telehealth visits for their members affected by coronavirus, including Medicare Advantage enrollees. Some have gone farther by promising to waive cost-sharing for the related doctor’s visit. Also in the guidance, the CMS outlined special requirements for health insurers in states that have declared a state of emergency. So far, at least eight states have done so. Medicare Advantage insurers in those states must immediately cover Medicare Parts A, B and C benefits at out-of-network facilities and provide the same cost-sharing for the plan member as if the service had been provided at an in-network facility. Plans also must waive requirements for referrals, the CMS said. Further, Medicare will pay doctors and hospitals for a broad range of telehealth services on a temporary basis, effective March 6. The program will pay for office and hospital telehealth visits and include a wide range of providers including nurse practitioners, clinical psychologists and social workers. Telehealth visits will be reimbursed for the same amount as in-person visits. “These services can also be provided in a variety of settings, including nursing homes, hospital outpatient departments and more,” CMS Administrator Seema Verma said. HHS will also temporarily relax some HIPAA requirements to allow doctors to provide telehealth services with their person-

al phones and use enforcement discretion related to copays “so that cost won’t be a barrier,” Verma said. HHS’ Office for Civil Rights will allow providers to deliver telehealth services for any diagnostic or treatment purpose, even it’s unrelated to COVID-19, so long as they do so “in good faith.” “Providers are encouraged to notify patients that these third-party applications potentially introduce privacy risks, and providers should enable all available encryption and privacy modes when using such applications,” HHS’ Office for Civil Rights said in a notice. Source: Modern Health Care and CMS To choose right Medicare Advantage Plan, Medicare Supplement plan, Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or any other health care coverage contact Sudhir Mathuria-713-771-2900

Toaster-sized ventilator from India helps hospitals in virus fight

by Abhaya Srivastava

EW DELHI, India | AFP | 4/1/2020 - Originally created by a robot scientist and a neurosurgeon to help India’s poor, a toaster-sized ventilator is offering hope in the country’s fight against the coronavirus pandemic and demand is booming.

The virus at its most lethal attacks the lungs, making ventilators -- which pump breathable air into a patient -- critical for hospitals around the world as they are swamped with COVID-19 cases. With the toll rising in India, where a nationwide lockdown is in force, production of AgVa’s portable ventilator has shot up from 500 a month to 20,000. “There was no way we could have foreseen something as big as this,” said neurosurgeon Deepak Agrawal, who co-de-

Sudhir Mathuria HEALTHLIFE 360 713-771-2900

With the toll rising in India, where a nationwide lockdown is in force, production of AgVa’s portable ventilator has shot up from 500 a month to 20,000 [Prakash Singh/AFP]

veloped the device with robot scientist Diwakar Vaish. Priced at around $2,000, the AgVa ventilator is a fraction of the price of conventional ventilators, which go for more than $10,000.

confront the pandemic. The makers say the AgVa -which weighs just 3.5 kilos (7.7 pounds) -- will help move less critical patients back to their homes as their machine is easy to transport and install, and needs low power.

“In case you want to convert a hotel into an ICU, you can simply put this device and start working as it doesn’t require other infrastructure,” said Vaish. Maruti Suzuki, India’s biggest passenger car maker, has pledged to help AgVa ramp up production after the government called on all auto firms to contribute to the anti-coronavirus effort. Seeing people queue for life-support equipment at the All India Institute for Medical Science in Delhi in 2016 convinced Vaish and Agrawal that there was an acute need for a cheap and portable ventilator. “ICU care is very expensive. In the private sector, even the richest of rich can’t afford it for a long time,” said Vaish. They avoided expensive imported parts to keep the cost low, Agrawal added.

New York City physicians note multiple cardiovascular presentations of COVID-19, impact of pre-existing CVD

ALLAS, April 4, 2020 — Research to help increase awareness of the cardiovascular manifestations of COVID-19 disease and the adverse impact of cardiovascular involvement on prognosis was published late yesterday in Circulation, the flagship journal of the American Heart Association.

In The Variety of Cardiovascular Presentations of COVID-19, the team of 18 New York City physicians note COVID-19 can involve the cardiovascular system in a variety of ways, and there are evolving considerations for treatment across the spectrum of patients with preexisting cardiovascular diseases. The researchers also detail four case studies of patients to illustrate the multiple cardiovascular presentations of COVID-19 infection. The authors’ take-home messages are: In patients presenting with

what appears to be a typical cardiac syndrome, COVID-19 infection should be in the differential during the current pandemic, even in the absence of fever or cough. One should have a low threshold to assess for cardiogenic shock in the setting of acute systolic heart failure related to COVID-19. If inotropic support fails in these patients, we consider IABP [intraaortic balloon pump] as the first line mechanical circulatory support device because it requires the least maintenance from medical support staff. When patients on VV ECMO, veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, for respiratory support develop superimposed cardiogenic shock, the addition of an arterial conduit at relatively low blood flow rates may provide the necessary circulatory support without inducing LV distension. Our experience confirms that rescue of

patients even with profound cardiogenic or mixed shock may be possible with temporary hemodynamic support at centers with availability of such devices. COVID-19 infection can cause decompensation of underlying heart failure, and may lead to mixed shock. Invasive hemodynamic monitoring, if feasible, may be helpful to manage the cardiac component of shock in such cases. Medications that prolong the QT interval are being considered for COVID-19 patients and may require closer monitoring in patients with underlying structural heart disease. Our heart transplant recipient exhibited similar symptoms of COVID-19 infection as compared to the general population. For those transplant patients requiring hospitalization, how to alter the anti-metabolite and immunosuppression regimens remains uncertain.

Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic creates a challenge for the management of heart failure patients on the heart transplant waitlist, forcing physicians to balance the risks of delaying transplant with the risks of donor infection and uncertainty regarding the impact of post-transplant immunosuppression protocols. Co-authors include Justin A. Fried, M.D.; Kumudha Ramasubbu, M.D.; Reema Bhatt, M.D.; Veli K. Topkara, M.D., M.Sc.; Kevin J. Clerkin, M.D., M.Sc.; Evelyn Horn, M.D.; LeRoy Rabbani, M.D.; Daniel Brodie, M.D.; Sneha S. Jain, M.D., M.B.A.; Ajay Kirtane, M.D., S.M.; Amirali Masoumi, M.D.; Koji Takeda, M.D., Ph.D.; Deepa Kumaraiah, M.D., M.B.A.; Daniel Burkhoff, M.D., Ph.D.; Martin Leon, M.D.; Allan Schwartz, M.D.; Nir Uriel, M.D.; M.Sc.; and Gabriel Sayer, M.D.

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AUTO CRASHES DURING COVID-19

Mala Sharma

Due to the national pandemic, Americans are ordered to stay at home and only essential businesses remain open, in order to stop the spread of the coronavirus. As a result, all streets have been nearly emptied into ghost towns. With Fewer vehicles on the road, with the exception of some bigger commercial trucking vehicles, there are less auto crashes. Auto insurance companies will love this as they will save tons. However, with essential businesses closed and all Americans scared of contracting the coronavirus, fewer people are able to receive their scheduled medical treatment for auto accidents they have been injured from. This not only prevents injured parties from recovering, it also gives insurance companies an argument to save even more more money instead of paying claims or the just amount the case should be valued for. The auto insurance companies will use this gap in treatment or delayed start in treatment to reduce the value of bodily injury claims, arguing that if a person were injured, they would seek treatment immediately. However, it is important for one injured in an auto accident to still be able to get the treatment they need during this pandemic. Another option for an injured party to take at this time, is to maintain at home treatment temporarily and resume the proper treatment after the virus settles down, and have the medical providers notate in their records that the gap in treatment or delayed start in treatment

scene of the accident including both vehicles with their license plates, • call your qualified auto injury attorney immediately to recover all damages you have suffered, including pain and suffering. About the Author: Mala Sharma has been practicing family law and personal injury with her family at the Law Offices of Sharma & Associates, founded in 1997. Mala has been appointed leadership roles for the American Bar Association GP Solo and GP Solo YLD division, is Board member of the Houston Trial Lawyers Association, Past President of the Houston Northwest Bar Association, and prior board member of the South Asian Bar Association. She is also a member of the Houston Bar Association. Mala Sharma has been selected to the 2019 Texas Rising Stars by Super Lawyers. Mala has also been selected as 10 Best Attorneys by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorney for 20182019, Top 40 under 40 by the National Trial Lawyers for 2018-2019, and Texas Top 10 Personal Injury Attorney by Attorney and Practice Magazine for 2019. Disclaimer:

This material is available for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. If you require advice on any particular legal question, you may contact Sharma & Associates at 281-893-8644 or by email at mala@sharmalaws.net to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

Top Wisconsin court rebuffs governor, rules election should go ahead by Chris Lefkow

ASHINGTON | AFP | 4/6/2020 - The Wisconsin Supreme Court on Monday blocked a last-minute attempt by the governor of the midwestern US state to postpone the next day’s election because of the coronavirus epidemic and ruled that the vote should go ahead.

In a 4-2 decision, the top state court overturned an executive order from the Democratic governor, who had sought to delay the election until June citing the threat to poll workers and voters from the virus. “I cannot in good conscience stand by and do nothing,” Governor Tony Evers said in issuing the order delaying in-person voting until June 9. Republican leaders of the state Senate and State Assembly filed a legal challenge to the state Supreme Court, arguing that the governor could not unilaterally change the date of the election. The four conservative justices on the court voted to override the governor’s order, while the two liberal justices voted to uphold it. Fifteen US states and one territory have already delayed their presidential primaries because of COVID-19, but Wisconsin was going ahead despite health concerns. Former vice president Joe Biden is favored over Vermont senator Bernie Sanders in the presidential primary being held in Wisconsin to select a Democratic opponent to face President Donald Trump in November. Sanders, 78, had called for the Wisconsin primary to be delayed, while Biden, 77, the overall frontrunner in the Democratic contest, said it was up to local

officials to decide. The state Supreme Court ruling set the stage for a potentially chaotic election on Tuesday amid a shortage of polling stations and poll workers and voters who may be reluctant to leave their homes to cast ballots in person. There was no immediate reaction from the governor’s office but Ben Wikler, chairman of the state Democratic Party, condemned the court ruling. Wikler said the party would not be mobilizing Democratic voters and called on the Republican Party to do the same. - ‘Keep people safe’ Evers, the governor, moved to delay the election through executive order after the Republican-majority state Senate and State Assembly ignored his repeated appeals for a postponement. “The bottom line is that I have an obligation to keep people safe,” he said. “No Wisconsinite should ever have to choose between exercising their constitutional right to vote and being safe, secure, and healthy.” Wisconsin, like dozens of other US states, is under a stayat-home order to prevent the spread of coronavirus, which has caused more than 10,000 deaths in the United States. Two members of the Wisconsin Elections Commission said in an open letter that it was a mistake to proceed with the election “in the face of a deepening and escalating COVID-19 crisis.” “Forcing an in-person election on Tuesday not only threatens the voters, the clerks and election staff, it threatens every-

one those people subsequently come into contact with at home and elsewhere,” commissioners Ann Jacobs and Mark Thomsen wrote. “A single asymptomatic virus-carrying poll worker could transmit the virus to hundreds of people on election day, creating a disease vector that would devastate a community,” they said. The election commissioners said there would be severe staffing shortages at polling stations, and 111 municipalities did not have enough poll workers to open a single polling site. They said others have had to be consolidated, risking the sort of crowding that health experts have warned can contribute to the spread of the virus. For example, Milwaukee -- the biggest city in the state -- usually has 180 polling places, they said, but would have only five on Tuesday. They also condemned a plan to bring in members of the National Guard to work at polling stations. Besides the presidential primary, Wisconsin residents will also be voting for mayors, judges, county executives and other local officials. Milwaukee is to be the site of the Democratic National Convention where the party nominee will be crowned. The Democratic National Committee announced last week that the convention was being delayed from July to August 17 because of coronavirus. According to the Wisconsin health department, 2,440 people have tested positive for the virus in the state, and there have been 77 deaths.

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was due to the coronavirus. This would help counter an auto insurance companies’s argument that the injured party was not injured or injured as much. CORONAVIRUS PRECAUTIONS: According to the Center for Disease Control, Coronavirus is spread person to person. Coronavirus affects the respiratory system and includes symptoms from mild to severe respiratory illness, cough, and difficulty breathing. Although there is not yet a vaccine, the CDC suggests the following precautions: (1) Social Distancing - Avoid close contact with others and stay at home, (2) Wear a Mask, (3) Thoroughly wash hands and no facial touching, and (4) Sanitize all surfaces, all package deliveries, and groceries. Please follow all government recommendations to avoid contact with others in order to stop the spread of the coronavirus. STEPS TO TAKE IN AUTO CRASH: If you are in an accident at this time, always remember, to: • do get medical care immediately and take pictures of all injuries, • get the negligent driver’s contact information including his employment and vehicle insurance information, • do not speak to any person from commercial vehicle company or your own personal insurance company • never say sorry after the accident or anything that could be misunderstood as admitting liability for the accident, • take pictures at the

FRIDAY, April 10, 2020

by Sharlene Sharmila Richards, Immigration Lawyer Email at srichardslaw@aol.com

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT IMMIGRATION ISSUES DURING COVID-19 OUTBREAK – PART II Sharlene Sharmila Richards

Q: I am a US Citizen and I am married to a Lawful Permanent Resident. We have 2 children under the age of 10 years. My wife and I filed our 2019 Federal Tax Return jointly and our joint income was less than $80,000. My wife and I each have our own Social Security Number. Are we eligible for the stimulus rebate under the $2 trillion coronavirus relief bill? My wife is still working as she is an essential worker at a hospital. I have been furloughed from my restaurant job. If we take this stimulus rebate, will my wife’s permanent residency be jeopardized? A: If you and your wife meet the income threshold to qualify for the stimulus check, you and her both will receive the $1200.00 each and also the additional $500.00 per child. These payments from the IRS under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, are not considered public charge and will not affect your wife’s immigration status in any way. Q: There appears to be a lot of confusion about whether immigrants are able to access or receive the stimulus checks under the CARES Act even if their income meets the threshold requirement. Is this true that immigrants will not receive anything from this relief package? A: No. This is not true. It appears that one does not need to be a US Citizen to receive the payment. However, in order to receive this automatic rebate payment, the immigrant must have a valid Social Security Number and at least filed a tax return either in 2018 or 2019. So technically, anyone who is a lawful permanent resident or holds lawful nonimmigrant status such as L, H-1B and E visas and have Social Security Number, have filed taxes and meet the income threshold under the Cares Act should receive the stimulus check. Please note that those who have ITIN numbers do not qualify to receive the payments because an ITIN number is not a Social Security Number. Q: My wife is a US Citizen and I am the holder of an ITIN number because I am undocumented. We have three US Citizen children. We file our taxes jointly for 2018 but we

have yet to file for 2019. Our current income if we file jointly or file separately will both meet the Cares Act threshold to potentially qualify for the stimulus checks. What do you think we should do in order to receive some assistance from the Government in this time of crisis as both me and my wife are now unemployed?

bers of the military and their families, and in certain states, children and pregnant women with lawful immigration status. USCIS has indicated that it will not consider the use of these free testing services when evaluating whether the immigrant will likely end up being a public charge for relying on A: It appears that mix sta- public benefits under the ‘pubtus families have been left out lic charge’ rule which went into by the provisions of the Cares effect on February 24th, 2020. Act. If you and your wife file Q: I am a Lawful Peryour 2019 Federal Tax Returns manent Resident for more than jointly, you and your entire fam- 20 years and I am divorced. ily will not receive any stimulus My 2019 Federal Tax Returns checks. It appears that if anyone shows my income at about on the Tax Return in undocument- $50,000. I belief I qualify to ed or only has an ITIN number, receive the stimulus payment the entire family will not receive under the CARES Act stimulus any checks. NOTE: It might be program. However, I owe some prudent that for the 2019 Feder- child support and have some al tax return filing you and your student loans which are still wife endeavor to file separately. If outstanding. Will I receive the you choose to do that, your wife stimulus rebate? should list the US Citizen chilA: The stimulus program dren as the dependents on her tax puts on hold most debts that returns. typically lead to tax refunds beQ: I am a DACA recipient ing garnished such as overdue and I have had work authorization student loans and even back for several years since the enact- taxes. However, this does not ment of DACA. I have been laid include child support. It apoff my employment last week and pears that you will probably I need to file for unemployment. receive a stimulus check but it Can I file for unemployment ben- may be for a reduced amount efit? I am concerned that I will get due to the garnishment of the into trouble with immigration for amount owed for child support. requesting for this assistance. A: Unemployment benefit is not considered a public charge. If you have worked enough years Disclaimer with work authorization (which Any advice provided in this means that your employment was authorized), you are eligible to article is general in nature and not intended to constitute lefile for this benefit. gal advice for any specific Q: Are immigrants allowed case. Please consult with an to access free COVID-19 test- immigration lawyer about the ing without becoming or being specific circumstances of your deemed a public charge? case. A: Yes, all immigrants whether documented or undocMy Bio umented are eligible for free Sharlene Sharmila Richcoronavirus testing at designated government funded communi- ards is a licensed Immigration ty health centers. There may be Lawyer practicing in Houston, some conditions attached before Texas. She is a member of the one can actually have access to American Immigration Lawthese free testing facilities such as yers Association. She was adthe requirement that the individ- mitted to the New York State ual is suffering from COVID-19 Bar in 2000 and is a member symptoms or priority being given of the 5th Circuit Court of Apto healthcare workers etc. There peals and a member of the US is also a larger, state level testing Supreme Court. If you require program funded through Medic- advice or assistance, you may aid, but that is only available to contact her at telephone numMedicaid-eligible immigrants – ber 713-623-8088 or by email these are permanent residents who at srichardslaw@aol.com to have lived in the US for at least 5 schedule a free consultation to years, asylees and refugees, mem- discuss your case.

Estate of Walmart worker who died from COVID-19 sues for wrongful death by Daniel Wiessner

EW YORK - The family of a Walmart Inc employee in Illinois who died after contracting COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus, has filed a lawsuit accusing the retail giant of failing to adequately screen and protect workers.

The lawsuit filed in Illinois state court on Monday by the estate of Wando Evans says the Walmart store south of Chicago was not properly cleaned and employees were not given masks, gloves, antibacterial wipes or other protective equipment. Evans died on March 25, and another employee at the same store died four days later from complications due to COVID-19, according to the complaint. Arkansas-based Walmart said it had conducted “a deep-cleaning of key areas” in the Illinois store, which has passed a health department inspection and a separate third-party review over the last week, according to a statement provided by a spokesman. “We have taken steps across

the country to protect our associates and customers, including additional cleaning measures, installing sneeze guards at registers, placing social distancing decals Walmart shopping carts . Photo credit: REUTERS/Kamil on the floors Krzaczynski/File Photo and limiting the number of customers in a store at a given symptoms of COVID-19, Evans’ estate says. time,” the company said. Tony Kalogerakos, a lawyer The lawsuit filed by Evans’ estate accuses Walmart of neg- for the estate, said in a statement ligence and wrongful death in the lawsuit was the first wrongful death case filed in Illinois on violation of Illinois law. behalf of a person who has died According to the complaint, from COVID-19. Walmart did not follow guide“The Centers for Disease Conlines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention trol has designated Walmart and the U.S. Department of La- stores as ‘high-volume retailbor for maintaining safe workers,” making them responsible places, such as implementing for taking additional precautions to protect employees and social distancing. customers from the spread of Walmart also hired new work- COVID-19,” he said. ers in an expedited process with- Reuters out properly screening them for

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Ekal Vidyalaya launches ambitious initiative against ‘coronavirus’ by Prakash Waghmare

hen everywhere ‘Coronavirus’ outbreak is being associated only with the urban area populous, “Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation” has quietly launched an ambitious initiative against it in rural & tribal areas across India. As for networking and connectivity in such areas, “Ekal” (as it is popularly known) is in very unique position with its presence in over 103,000 such remote hamlets. As the shortage of Masks and Sanitizers became apparent in early March, Ekal tailoring training Ctrs banded together and started stitching face-masks and producing hand sanitizers for Ekal Volunteers, district health authorities and law enforcement personnel. It had been producing 10,000 masks and 1,000 liters of Hand-sanitizers or disinfecting solutions per day as of March-end and supplying them ‘free-of-cost’ to their authorities. Masks and Sanitizers are also being distributed free-of-cost to the poor families. It costs Ekal Rs. 20 each to make it and to distribute it.

According to Bajrang Lal Bagra, CEO of “Ekal Abhiyan” (umbrella organization of all Ekal satellite endeavors), beginning this month – April - Ekal is launching most ambitious plan to triple its ‘tailoring’ capacity in 28 centers to produce 1 Million cotton Masks by the end of April (2020). These 2-ply masks are being made to WHO’s stringent specifications and Ekal plans to keep on producing them as long as there is need. As part of empowerment and to reduce the dependency on ‘outside food’, Ekal-Villages, have actively started harvesting ‘Poshan Vatikas’ (Nutritional sustaining food items) for the people in their own vicinity on cooperative basis. Keeping up with the governmental directive, although all Ekal field activities were suspended on March 14, according to ‘Lalan Kumar Sharma’, Central co-coordinator of “Ekal Abhiyan”, the awareness campaign against deadly Virus is in motion with full throttle speed with the blessings of the local concerned authorities. Currently, ‘Arogya Sahayikas’ (Health Assistant)

“Pray from Home - Prayer for Global Health” Om Chanting across North America for Universal Peace

or the past three Sundays, over 25,000 Hindus across North America harnessed the power of AUM by closing their eyes, taking a deep breath and intoning the sacred sound syllable by syllable. Dissolving into silence after each AUM, they delved into their own divinity to pray for universal peace and the wellbeing of a world that is being ravaged by COVID-19.

Stitching masks at Ekal Center

and Ekal teachers are, not only, emphasizing critical need for personal hygiene and clean environment in villages, but also, keeping a written tab on cases related to fever, cough and shortness of breath. Social-distancing and repeatedly washing hands with soap is being promoted as part of daily routine. Supporting the efforts of ‘Gram-Panchayats’ (village administrative admin), identifying and quantifying urban visitors or returning villagers from such areas is being diligently carried out. Harish Karat of ‘Ekal-Global’ says, “as a reminder for the precautionary habits that one must adopt to arrest the spread of ‘Coronavirus’, the walls in lot of village-dwellings are being painted with healthcare slogans”. What is interesting is that villagers have enthusiastically endorsed this campaign as one of the safeguards in the current crisis. Ekal volunteers residing in Indian urban areas are helping older, poor people during these clampdown days are providing food or sustenance items wherever possible. For example, in ‘Guwahati’ area in two

Sanitizer-disinfectant

days, ‘Vanbandhu Parishad’ (an allied Ekal organization) delivered food items to 650 families. Ekal-USA providing assistance to the needy in variety of ways such as food, mask-making, grocery-items and medical help etc. Ekal volunteers in USA are assisting food-banks, soup-kitchen and delivery of groceries to the elderly. According to Suresh Iyer, President of Ekal-USA, “In the U.S., Ekal has partnered with other non-profit organizations, including ‘Sewa International’, in providing community service at this hour of immense need. It’s times such as these we

are seeing the best of humanity and I am confident that we will get through this difficult time soon and come out feeling even stronger”. Though, all the annual fund-raising concerts have been cancelled currently for foreseeable future, ‘Ekal Vidyalaya’ is appealing its loyal Donors and well-wishers who have been consistently helping it to keep supporting its multiple endeavors (projects) in rural areas, including its ambitious initiative to fight ‘Coronavirus’. Kindly Donate at https://www. ekal.org/us/donate

Workforce Solutions expands HHS is hiring right now at state hospitals and state childcare eligibility & financial aid for essential workers supported living centers during Covid-19 Pandemic

USTIN – Texas Health and Human Services is seeking to hire for hundreds of available positions, including psychiatrists, nurses, psychiatric nurse assistants, and direct care support staff, at its state supported living centers and state hospitals throughout the state.

“People who want to make a difference and help others will find a meaningful career with Texas HHS,” said Mike Maples, HHS Deputy Executive Commissioner for the Health and Specialty Care System, which operates facilities across the state. “This is an opportunity to be on the front lines of changing lives and giving back to your communities, your state and your fellow Texans.” Texas HHS offers many benefits to employees, including career advancement, paid training, health and dental insurance, and paid vacation and sick leave. Applicants must be at least 18 years old to be considered for employment. To apply for jobs, candidates can visit the jobs page. Career counselors and job seekers can also contact a recruiter by emailing healthcareers@hhsc. state.tx.us. Texas HHS operates 13 state supported living centers that

FRIDAY, April 10, 2020

provide 24-hour residential care, medical services and vocational training for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The state supported living centers are located in: Abilene; Austin; Brenham; Corpus Christi; Denton; El Paso; Lubbock; Lufkin; Mexia; Richmond; Rio Grande; San Angelo; and San Antonio. The agency also operates 10 state hospitals that provide acute inpatient psychiatric care for adults, children and adolescents. The state hospitals are located in: Austin; Big Spring; El Paso; Kerrville; Rio Grande; Rusk; San Antonio; Terrell; Vernon; and Wichita Falls. HHS also operates a residential treatment center for youth in Waco. More information on the Health and Specialty Care System and its mission of individualized care be found here. https://hhs.texas.gov/abouthhs/jobs-hhs

OUSTON - Workforce Solutions in partnership with Collaborative for Children has launched a new online resource dedicated to helping essential workers find quality, affordable, childcare during the COVID-19 pandemic, officials with the regional workforce development agency announced today.

The resource was created to ease the burden for the region’s essential workers who are required to work but have struggled to find childcare during this difficult time. The website will connect essential workers with childcare centers that have immediate openings and serve as a gateway where parents can apply for childcare financial assistance through Workforce Solutions. Essential workers are those identified by the State or local jurisdiction essential to continued critical infrastructure viability. “The Gulf Coast Workforce Board is committed to supporting everyday heroes, especially those essential workers who need financial assistance to ensure quality early education and care for their young children” said Mike Temple, Director of the Gulf Coast Workforce Board

and Workforce Solutions. “Our Workforce Solutions staff will work hand-in-glove with our partners to make sure parents can be signed up, determined eligible, and connected to a provider as quickly as possible.” An online resource portal www.FindChildCareNow.org, which launched Monday morning at 8:00 a.m., allows these essential workers to complete a registration form that enables Collaborative for Children’s early childhood specialist to research child care centers that best meets the workers’ needs and begin the process for Workforce Solutions to determine eligibility for financial assistance. Essential workers will receive up to three high-quality childcare centers from which they can choose and notification of financial assistance eligibility. The service is available for workers living anywhere in the 13-county Gulf Coast region -- Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Walker, Waller, and Wharton counties. For additional questions regarding the program and eligibility visit https://findchildcare.collabforchildren.org/

This infusion of peace and hope was the brainchild of the Hindu Mandir Executive’s Conference (HMEC), an initiative of Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America. HMEC, in partnership with over 400 organizations across North America, took the lead in live streaming the 15-minute chanting sessions through Facebook and Twitter. The organization has been performing Havans and prayers regularly, but this is the first concerted effort to encourage as many people as possible to connect to the power of creation collectively. While the first chanting session was for universal peace, the second was dedicated to the scientists who are working to find a vaccine for Coronavirus and the healthcare and service workforce. The third session was to offer solace to those who had lost their loved ones in this crisis. VHPA General Secretary Sanjay Mehta began the sessions at 5:00 pm CT from his puja room in Pittsburg, PA with a brief explanation of the significance of AUM. According to Hindu Shastras, AUM creates strong positive vibrations both within us and around us. AUM, for Hindus, is also a symbol of hope,

peace and a manifestation of the Divine Power or Brahman – the Absolute. After the traditional invocation to Bhagwan Ganesh and the blowing of the conch, Sanjay Mehta guided the chanting for 10 minutes followed by the Mahamantrajaya eleven times. The meaning of the Mahamantra, composed by the Rishis of India thousands of years ago, is an appeal to the Divine Power to keep everyone healthy, banish the fear of death and perform right actions. A key coordinator of this effort, Vallabha Tantry of Minneapolis summed up a common sentiment by stating that “this was a much-needed activity to rid our minds from the anxiety and stress arising from the uncertainty of the COVID 19 situation. Knowing that each participant was chanting the Om mantra along with thousands of others across North America, at the same – remotely, yet collectively, was intended to bring a calming feeling of oneness among all of us” Ami Patel, Program Chair, HMEC announced that this is a weekly event and will be conducted at the same time (5:00 pm CT, 6:00 EST) every Sunday going forward. Amitabh Mittal, Jt. Gen Secretary World Hindu Council of America stated that VHPA is also working to raise funds to help the community such as food banks, international students, senior citizens and first responders. If you would like to donate, please visit: https://www.vhp-america. org/donation/

Texas provides guidance for nursing facilities Current guidance a ddresses infection control recommendations

USTIN – Texas Health and Human Services is releasing current guidance to nursing facilities across the state on how to respond in the event of a presumptive or confirmed case of COVID-19.

This current guidance – COVID-19 Response for Longterm Care Facilities – includes an overview of information provided to nursing facilities and highlights requirements and recommendations to protect resident health and safety. The guidance applies when a facility becomes aware of the infection of a resident, staff member, or visitor. “We hope this information will help the providers we regulate respond as effectively as they can to COVID-19, as we fully understand they are confronting an unprecedented situation,” said David Kostroun, Deputy Executive Commissioner of the Texas HHS Regulatory Services division. “This detailed guidance spells out the immediate, short-term and longer-term steps a facility should take to help contain the spread of the virus, including protocols for infection control, isolation of residents, and the use of personal protective equipment. This plan reflects our ongoing commitment to give providers the information they need to protect the vulnerable people they serve.” A result of interagency collaboration among HHS, the

Department of State Health Services and the Texas Division of Emergency Management, this current guidance is posted on the Texas HHS website here: https://hhs.texas.gov/doing-business-hhs/provider-portals/long-term-care-providers/ nursing-facilities-nf The guidance is a living document that will be updated frequently as new guidance is provided, so facilities are urged to check this page regularly. Long-term care facilities are reminded they must notify HHS and their local health authorities of any presumptive or confirmed case of COVID-19 for a resident or staff. An HHS survey team then actively investigates to assess the facility’s compliance with all relevant health and safety rules, including those requiring it to follow proper infection control practices. All long-term care facilities where COVID-19 has been detected also must follow all CDC and Texas DSHS guidelines for infection control, including appropriate use of isolation and personal protective equipment for staff and residents, to protect health and safety. Guidance for facilities also includes working closely with local health officials. More information is available at hhs.texas.gov. Texas residents can dial 2-1-1 to learn about programs and services

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FRIDAY, April 10, 2020

CORONAVIRUS: As non-violent Britain’s Johnson ‘stable’ in inmate release stalls, HPD and intensive care other chiefs slam judges for letting violent ones go L by Alice Ritchie / Phil Hazlewood

ONDON | AFP | Tuesday 4/7/2020 - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was battling the coronavirus in intensive care on Tuesday, raising deep concerns about his health as the country recorded its highest daily death toll.

OUSTON, April 7, 2020 (KTRK) -- As jails everywhere face a coronavirus crisis within their walls, the prospect of releasing offenders looms large, especially in Texas.

Just last week, Harris County ordered and then was stopped from releasing non-violent inmates from its jail. As of Tuesday, Harris County Jail has had at least three inmates test positive for COVID-19, as well as dozens of others under quarantine. There also arises the possibility of unwittingly releasing inmates with violent crimes on their rap sheet. Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo, whose department is the largest user of the Harris County Jail, addressed that point on behalf of three law enforcement organizations Tuesday afternoon.

Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said about the decision to release inmates and grant lower bonds during the coronavirus crisis. (Screengrab KTRK)

Acevedo spoke on behalf of the Texas Police Chiefs Association, Houston Area Police Chiefs Association, and Harris County Law Enforcement Ex-

ecutives. Before a district judge stopped the county on Friday, at least 16 “medically-vulnerable” inmates were released.

Defiant Wisconsin holds election during virus crisis

“The Prime Minister’s condition is stable and he remains in intensive care for close monitoring. He is in good spirits,” his official spokesman said in an update sent around 1800GMT, almost 24 hours since he was admitted to intensive care. He earlier said the 55-year-old Conservative leader was receiving “standard oxygen treatment and breathing without any other assistance” and had not required a ventilator. Johnson is the most high-profile government leader to become infected with COVID-19 and messages of support flooded in from across Britain and the world. He was admitted to intensive care on Monday evening and asked Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to deputise for him “where necessary”, effectively putting him in charge. Johnson had already spent Sunday night at a London hospital following concerns he still had a cough and high temperature 10 days after being diagnosed with COVID-19. His transfer to intensive care is unprecedented for a prime minister during a national emergency.

Boris Johnson has been in intensive care since Monday. (AFP Photo)

For many people it brought home the seriousness of the disease that has so far seen 6,159 deaths in Britain, with a record 786 more reported in a daily update on Tuesday. Raab backed his boss to beat the virus, telling a daily press briefing that “if there’s one thing I know about this prime minister he’s a fighter and he’ll be back, leading us through this crisis in short order”. Despite the record daily death toll, there was more encouraging news with the number of new daily cases remaining at a roughly stable 3,643. In a round of broadcast interviews, senior minister Michael Gove insisted the “work of government goes on”. He later said he was now staying at home after a family member displayed mild coronavirus symptoms. Raab chaired the daily coro-

navirus meeting in the prime minister’s place on Tuesday, and is now officially in charge. “There is a clear plan... the government and the cabinet are working together to implement that plan,” Johnson’s spokesman said when asked if there was a power vacuum in Britain. The country does not have a formal constitutional role of deputy prime minister, and experts said Raab would need the support of the rest of the cabinet to make any big decisions. The most pressing issue is a review expected next week on whether to continue the nationwide lockdown introduced on March 23 to try to stem the spread of COVID-19. Johnson announced on March 27 that he had coronavirus and went into self-isolation in a flat above his Downing Street office.

Quibi launching Hollywood ‘on the go’ streaming amid lockdown by Andrew Marszal

OS ANGELES | AFP | Sunday 4/4/2020 -Quibi, the multi-billion-dollar streaming platform launching Monday, is betting it can transform entertainment with short, Hollywood-quality clips to watch “on the go” -- even as much of the world is trapped at home. The state of Wisconsin defied public health concerns and held its presidential primary as scheduled on April 7, 2020, with voters and poll workers risking exposure to the coronavirus. (AFP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)

by Kamil Krzaczynski, with Michael Mathes in Washington

ILWAUKEE | AFP | Wednesday 4/7/2020 - Wisconsin held its presidential primary as planned Tuesday, contradicting a statewide stay-at-home order and defying concern that the election could expose thousands of masked voters and poll workers to the coronavirus.

Long lines, shuttered polling stations and workers in hazmat suits marked the most unsettling and confounding contest of the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination race: a vote at the height of a deadly pandemic. Democratic officials had sought to postpone the election, featuring frontrunner former vice president Joe Biden and leftist Senator Bernie Sanders, but were overruled by the top state court. The US Supreme Court also intervened, barring an extension of voting by mail that would have allowed more people to cast ballots without going to polling stations in person. Both courts have conservative majorities. With the Midwestern state ignoring calls to postpone the primary, as 15 other states have already done, many Wisconsinites were being forced into an agonizing decision: risk their health to fulfill their democratic right, or stay safe by staying at home. In Milwaukee, voter options were drastically reduced due to a shortage of election staff. The city of 600,000 normally has some 180 polling locations open, but that number reportedly has been reduced to just five, prompting long lines in an era of social distancing. Wisconsin’s chief election official Meagan Wolfe called on

voters to be “careful and patient” at the polls. “If you are ill and still need to vote on Election Day, curbside voting options are available,” she said in a statement. At a Milwaukee polling station, staff set up lanes where some people could vote from their cars. With the new precautions in place and most polling locations closed, wait times in Milwaukee soared. The line at the Riverside University High School was hundreds of yards (meters) long, and well beyond one hour. A woman in line in Milwaukee held up a cardboard sign bearing a message reading: “THIS IS RIDICULOUS.” The vote has prompted scenes unimaginable just three months ago, including elections chief Mary Magdalen Moser clad in hazmat gear as she operated her polling station in Kenosha. More than 2,500 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Wisconsin and 92 have died. The nationwide death toll has topped 12,700. - ‘Be safe’ President Donald Trump urged voters to “be safe,” as he encouraged them to support a Republican candidate for the state’s Supreme Court. But he also blamed the Democratic governor, Tony Evers, for fomenting the chaos, although it was Evers’s efforts to postpone the vote and expand vote-by-mail options that were overturned. The pandemic has raised concerns about in-person voting in November’s general election. Democrats are seeking additional federal funding to ensure all states broaden absentee voting options, but Trump took a

swipe at the process Tuesday, calling voting by mail “corrupt,” without citing evidence. “There are forgeries in many cases. It’s a horrible thing,” he told reporters at the White House, before admitting that he used an absentee ballot to vote in Florida’s primary this year. Sanders, 78, opposed holding the primary as scheduled, warning on Tuesday that proceeding with the vote amid the outbreak is “dangerous... and may very well prove deadly.” The 77-year-old Biden sees Wisconsin, where he tops Sanders in polling, as an opportunity to extend his lead for the nomination. He has refrained from publicly calling for the primary’s postponement, saying it was up to local officials to decide. Inside Kenosha’s Journey Church, voters wearing masks and gloves stood behind a plexiglass barrier. Staff repeatedly cleaned voting machines. Wisconsin forged ahead with its primary after the Democratic governor’s bids to delay the election were thwarted by the Republican-led state legislature. When Evers sought to postpone in-person voting to June 9, the state Supreme Court overrode the order. Evers then moved to expand absentee voting by allowing mail-in ballots to be postmarked several days after the election. But in an 11th-hour ruling, the US Supreme Court voted 5-4 along ideological lines to require all ballots be postmarked by Tuesday. The decision sparked claims by Democrats of disenfranchisement because thousands of voters had yet to receive their mail-in ballots.

Industry legends and stars from Steven Spielberg and Guillermo del Toro to Jennifer Lopez and Reese Witherspoon have lined up to make movies and shows for the youth-focused, smartphone-only service. Tapping into the boom in mobile video viewing, all content CEO Meg Whitman says short-form video streaming service for mobile will be delivered in clips of Quibi is launching in “unprecedented” times. (AFP Photo/Robyn Beck) no more than 10 minutes -- or “quick bites.” Every show must be made in both horizontal and committed to work with Qui- ‘$100,000 a minute’ vertical formats, automatical- bi thanks to its founder, Jeffrey Subscriptions will cost $5 ly flipping between the two as Katzenberg, a towering figure in monthly with ads, or $8 withviewers rotate their phones. Tinseltown who ran Disney Stu- out. But with cash short for But Quibi’s plans were set long dios for a decade and co-found- many as unemployment surges, before the coronavirus pandemic ed DreamWorks. Quibi last month extended its prompted stay-at-home orders “We had enough content in the two-week trial period to a 90for billions of people around the bank,” Whitman said. day offer. globe -- meaning nobody is quite Launch movies such as psyQuibi must also compete for sure how to measure success in the months ahead, its CEO told chological thriller “Survive” younger viewers’ time with mil-- starring “Game of Thrones” lions of free -- often user-genAFP. alumna Sophie Turner -- and erated -- videos hosted by You“Honestly, we don’t know, Liam Hemsworth’s dystopian Tube, TikTok, Facebook and because we are launching in un- “Most Dangerous Game” are ex- Instagram. precedented times,” said Meg pected to draw early subscribers. The assumption is that, just Whitman, who previously led After an initial batch at launch, as HBO transformed television eBay. “I don’t think any of us have ever seen anything quite one “chapter” will be released with its premium subscription per day, with the aim to rekindle content, Quibi can get people like this.” the “water-cooler moments” of to spend if the quality is high While presumably fewer peo- traditional television. enough. ple will now watch during comNew scripted content is already “We pay up to $100,000 a mutes or coffee breaks, self-isolation could prompt its own need scheduled through late fall. But minute for our premium longfor quick distractions, Quibi ex- amid the deep uncertainty facing form movies and chapters,” said Hollywood, what comes next is Whitman. ecutives say. anyone’s guess. “What we will produce for “People still have in-between “We certainly hope the prothe money that we are spending moments -- it’s just different,” said Whitman. One such a mo- duction will be back online is very different to the incredment, she suggested, could come soon,” said Whitman. “We just ible creativity of people who when an exhausted parent takes don’t know... You have to toler- are producing shows for $500 a minute,” she added. a pause from homeschooling ate ambiguity well.” children. Quibi also aims to keep users Quibi’s eye-watering budgets “I live on Zoom calls all day,” coming back with daily news, are more comparable to lonshe said, referring to the popular sports and entertainment shows ger-form streaming platforms remote conferencing software. -- a genre far harder to produce such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, “But occasionally I’ll have 10 or at a time when studios are closed Disney+ and Apple TV+, with HBO Max and Peacock set to 15 minutes between Zoom calls across the US. (and) I’ll watch a Quibi.” “It’s been a little crazy,” ad- join the fray shortly. mitted Whitman, who said many But Whitman insists Quibi -- ‘A little crazy’ shows will broadcast from hosts’ aiming to create “the next big A formidable lineup -- 50 homes rather than specially con- wave of story-telling” -- does shows at launch, with 175 orig- structed studios. not view those as direct rivals. inals in its first year -- helped “Two weeks ago, we thought “There were movies, there was make Quibi’s decision to stick maybe four or five of these ‘Daitelevision, there was streamwith its long-established April 6 launch a lot easier, said Whit- ly Essentials’ would actually not ing,” said Whitman. “And now be able to get into production for maybe there is this new way to man. us,” she said. “But they’ve all tell stories for mobile, in HollyBig Hollywood names have come on.” wood-quality ways.”

VOICE OF ASIA 8

FRIDAY, April 10, 2020

VOICE OF ASIA 9

FRIDAY, April 10, 2020

ASIA/SOUTH ASIA

Dozens of doctors demanding virus Parts of Indian mega-slum cordoned off after virus deaths safety equipment arrested in Pakistan

UETTA, Pakistan | AFP | 4/6/2020 - 0More than 50 doctors protesting the lack of safety equipment as they battle the coronavirus were arrested Monday in the southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta, police and physicians said.

The arrests occurred after more than 100 doctors and paramedics rallied near the city’s main hospital and then moved to protest in front of the chief minister’s residence, according to an AFP reporter. Police later used batons to disperse the group after they tried to enter the chief minister’s home, resulting in scuffles between the sides.

Authorities have set up eight ‘containment zones’ in Dharavi, one of Asia’s biggest slums. (AFP Photo/Punit Paranjpe)

by Vishal Manve with Aishwarya Kumar in New Delhi

UMBAI, India | AFP | Friday 4/3/2020 - Indian police barricaded parts of one of Asia’s biggest slums Friday after two coronavirus deaths, as under-pressure Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought to dispel “darkness and uncertainty” with a national light show.

India so far has largely escaped the pandemic with 2,300 infections and 56 deaths, according to official figures, but two fatalities and a third infection in the Dharavi neighbourhood of Mumbai have set alarm bells ringing. Authorities have set up eight “containment zones” in the area, home to as many as a million people living and working in cramped tin-roofed shanties, flats and small factories -made famous by the 2008 film “Slumdog Millionaire”. “We have home-quarantined people from these buildings and cordoned off the area so people can’t enter them, and enforced social distancing,” said Vijay Khabale-Patil, spokesman of Mumbai’s city authority. “We sprayed hydrochloric acid to disinfect these buildings and nearby areas as well... People from Dharavi are following the rules and keeping themselves and their kids inside homes.” Police on Friday were not letting anyone in or out of the cordoned areas. The first death from coronavirus in Dharavi, on Wednesday, was a 56-year-old man with no travel history or contact with anyone known to be infected, although he previously had a renal complaint, officials said. The second fatality -- a 51-year-old sanitation worker living in a different area of Mumbai, but who worked in Dharavi -- died in hospital on Thursday. The third case is a doctor who lived and worked in the neighbourhood, who on Friday was receiving treatment. Experts say the coronavirus could spread like wildfire in slums where social distancing and self-isolation are all but impossible. Dharavi’s population density is thought to be 270,000 per square kilometre, according to the World Economic Forum. Resident Mobinuddin Shaikh, 51, whose home is opposite from where one of the patients lived, said people had been largely ignoring India’s

21-day lockdown imposed on March 25, but they were now panicking. “We are a family of five,” he told AFP by phone. “We use communal toilets or have to get water from public taps.” “Only God can save us”, he added. - ‘Light and hope’ The imposition of the nationwide lockdown on India’s 1.3 billion people has meanwhile been far from smooth. Tens of millions of migrant workers were suddenly left jobless when the economy ground to a halt. Around half a million are thought to have attempted to travel back to their home villages, many on foot. Some have been crammed onto government buses and relief camps with little regard to infection risks. Police have been criticised for using heavy-handed tactics to enforce the lockdown, including by the UN rights office. Footage shared online of a group of migrants being hosed down with chemicals provoked outrage. There have been local media reports of considerable disruption to the transport of food.

Farmers are worried they will be unable to harvest their crops because of a lack of manpower. Health care workers have complained of shortages and poor quality of protective equipment. Testing rates are low compared to many other countries, raising doubts about the official numbers infected. The authorities have appealed to employers to pay wages and landlords not to evict people. The Delhi city government alone is feeding around 400,000 people. “In spite of all these significant efforts, more needs to be done as the human tragedy continues to unfold before our eyes,” UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet said on Thursday. On Friday, Modi called on Indians to hold candles and mobile phones aloft on their balconies for nine minutes on Sunday at 9:00 pm. “Friends, amidst the darkness spread by the Corona pandemic, we must continuously progress towards light and hope,” Modi said in an address to the nation. “We must defeat the deep darkness of the crisis, by spreading the glory of light in all four directions.”

Asia - virus latest news

ONG KONG | AFP | Tuesday 4/7/2020 -

Here are the latest developments in Asia related to the coronavirus pandemic: - Wuhan outbound travel ban ends Outbound travel from the central Chinese city of Wuhan, where the novel coronavirus first emerged in December, resumed early Wednesday, after a more than two-month ban. Thousands of travellers flocked to catch departing trains, passenger cars lined up as road blocks were dismantled, and outbound air travel was set to resume. The further easing of travel restrictions came after China reported no new coronavirus deaths for the first time since it started publishing figures in January. Cases on the mainland have been dwindling since March, but the country faces a second wave of infections from overseas.

However, there are suspicions -- denied by China -- that Beijing continues to intentionally under-report the real number of deaths and infections. China also announced all nationals returning from the US, Italy and Iran will have to provide daily updates on their health to a WeChat app for up to two weeks before their flights or be denied boarding. - Japan declares state of emergency Japan declared a monthlong state of emergency over a spike in coronavirus cases, ramping up efforts to contain infections but stopping short of the strict lockdowns seen in other parts of the world. The move allows governors in seven affected regions including Tokyo to ask people to stay indoors and request that businesses close, but there are no enforcement mechanisms and no penalties for those who fail to comply.

“We have taken 53 doctors into custody for violating the law,” Abdul Razzaq Cheema, a senior police official told AFP after the incident. Cheema said police held the doctors for several hours before the provincial government ordered them to release the group. Liaqat Shehwani, a spokesman for the provincial Balochistan government, told AFP that the doctors were protesting over the unavailability of personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks and goggles. “We had assured them that the PPE would be provided soon but they started the protest,” Shehwani said, adding that authorities were planning

to distribute protective equipment after receiving supplies from the federal government earlier Monday. Medical staff across Pakistan have complained for weeks over the severe shortages of safety equipment in hospitals as they treat patients suffering

from the novel coronavirus. Yasir Achakzai, president of the doctors association in Quetta, told reporters that the government was not following the World Health Organization’s guidelines for protecting doctors and other health workers.

20,000 worshippers quarantined in Pakistan... Continued from Page 1

Authorities said they want to test or quarantine those who congregated at the event held by the Tablighi Jamaat -- an Islamic missionary movement -- between March 10-12 over fears they are now spreading COVID-19 across Pakistan and overseas. More than 100,000 people went to the meeting, organisers said, undeterred by government requests for it to be cancelled as the virus hit the country. In northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, authorities have so far quarantined 5,300 Tablighis or Islamic preachers who attended the Lahore meeting. “Health officials are conducting tests for coronavirus and some of them have tested positive,” Ajmal Wazir, a spokesperson for the region, told AFP on

Sunday. Wazir said thousands of Tablighis from his province were stranded in other regions because of the closure of major highways across the country. About 7,000 have been quarantined in the central Punjab city Lahore, while in southern Sindh province up to 8,000 Tablighis have been quarantined, government officials said. Dozens more have been forced to self-isolate in southwestern Balochistan province. The Tablighi mosques and the movement’s other places of worship were shut down or marked as quarantine centres at the end of March. At least 154 worshippers who went to last month’s Jamaat had tested positive for coronavirus with two fatalities, authorities told AFP.

Pakistan overturns Briton’s death sentence in Daniel Pearl murder by Ashraf Khan

ARACHI | AFP | Thursday 4/2/2020 - A Pakistani court on Thursday overturned the death sentence of a British-born militant convicted 18 years ago in the kidnapping and beheading of American journalist Daniel Pearl, drawing outrage in the United States.

Pearl’s brutal murder sparked international revulsion in early 2002, putting pressure on Pakistan’s military government just as it was trying to remake its image following years of backing for the hardline Islamist Taliban in neighbouring Afghanistan. Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, a jihadist who once studied at the London School of Economics, was arrested days after Pearl’s murder and later sentenced to death by hanging. His lawyer, Khawja Naveed, told AFP that Omar Sheikh’s sentence had been reduced to seven years in prison following a lengthy appeals process. He was expected to be released but the court had not yet issued that order, Naveed said. Alice Wells, the top US diplomat for South Asia, called the overturning of the sentences against Omar Sheikh and alleged accomplices “an affront to victims of terrorism everywhere.” But she welcomed Pakistani prosecutors’ indications that they would appeal the decision. “Those responsible for Daniel’s heinous kidnapping and murder must face the full measure of justice,” Wells wrote on Twitter. The British High Commission in Islamabad said only that the decision involving its national was “a matter for the Pakistan

Pakistani police surround handcuffed Omar Sheikh in 2002 as he comes out of a court in Karachi. (AFP Photo/Mark Ralston)

judicial system” and reiterated Britain’s opposition in principle to capital punishment. Saleem Akhtar, a prosecutor in the case, told AFP he hoped to file the appeal before the Supreme Court within two days. “It is a very detailed verdict and I have to go through it thoroughly to prepare the grounds for the appeal,” Akhtar said of the ruling from the high court of Sindh province. Naveed said the court also overturned the convictions of three other men sentenced to life in prison for abetting Omar. It was not immediately clear when they might be released. Pearl, 38, was the South Asia bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal when he was abducted in Karachi in January 2002 while researching a story about Islamist militants. A graphic video showing his decapitation was delivered to the US consulate in the city nearly a month later. - Wrongful conviction inves-

tigation In January 2011, a report released by the Pearl Project at Georgetown University following an investigation into his death made chilling revelations, claiming that the wrong men were convicted for Pearl’s murder. The investigation, led by Pearl’s friend and former Wall Street Journal colleague Asra Nomani and a Georgetown University professor, claimed the reporter was murdered by Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind of the September 11 2001 attacks, not Omar Sheikh. Mohammed -- better known as KSM -- was arrested in Pakistan in 2003 and is being held in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. A US psychologist who interviewed KSM said the prisoner had told him that he had beheaded Pearl. In 2014, a Pakistan anti-terrorism court acquitted Qari Hashim, who had been arrested in the case in 2005. The judge at the time said there was a lack of evidence in the case.

VOICE OF ASIA 10

FRIDAY, April 10, 2020

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T Week of April 10, 2020 21 March to 20 April With a supermoon across your relationship axis on Tuesday, you might need to face up to issues in a key bond and begin to resolve them. This dynamic lunar phase might also coincide with a romance that comes out of the blue. There’s an even greater likelihood of impulsive moves.

21 April to 20 May The focus this week is on a more private and reflective zone, with the sun continuing here until April 19. This is a chance to resolve those issues that may have been hanging over you for too long now. You’ll feel much better for doing so.

21 May to 20 June With luscious Venus newly in your sign, your confidence can soar, and you may have more of a desire to connect with others, be more romantic, and enjoy socializing in general. Plus, the sun in your social sector makes this very much a time to get out and enjoy yourself.

21 June to 22 July Is your work/life balance working for you? This is what you could find out when the supermoon in your home zone brings such matters into the open on Tuesday. Something may need to change. This is the time to talk things over and find a solution.

23 July to 22 August With the supermoon in your sector of talk and thought on Tuesday, there could be some conflict concerning what you really want. It’s possible that you disagree with someone about a plan or idea you’ve hatched together. This is an opportunity to bring things out in the open and clear the air.

23 August to 22 Sept If you feel tension rising at the start of the week, this could be due to the developing supermoon that occurs on Tuesday in Libra and your personal money zone. Do you have a desire to splurge? It could be masking a deeper issue.

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23 September to 22 Oct Relationships continue to be important as the sun journeys through your partnership zone. You might be eager to network for your job, go on dates, and socialize. In addition, with sweet Venus and your sector of opportunity, you may be looking for something more in a relationship.

23 October to 21 Nov Do you feel tied down on the domestic front? A very restless and tense aspect could inspire you to do something about it. However, it would be best not to overreact or do anything that could jeopardize your security. Talk things over and find a solution that works for everyone.

22 November to 21 Dec Are you ready to enjoy life? The sun’s presence in your leisure zone encourages you to explore new hobbies, get involved in competitive sports, and tap into your more playful side. This is the time to kick back and enjoy the chance to indulge yourself.

22 December to 20 Jan Both powerful Pluto and jovial Jupiter are in your sign, which means you can certainly stand out from the crowd. This dynamic blend of energies continues to spur you on, encouraging you to embrace bigger and better options.

21 January to 19 Feb Are you experiencing some conflict with someone? If so, this could come to a head at the time of the supermoon in Libra across your communication axis on Tuesday. This can be an opportunity to clear the air, although you might feel very strongly that you are in the right.

20 February to 20 Mar You might need to fight the urge to splurge. With a supermoon in Libra and your sector of business and shared assets angling across your financial zone, it could be easy to give in to temptation. What do you really want, though?

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CRIME

Thieves break into school and steal $20,000 in laptops

OUSTON - April 3, 2020 - Crime Stop-

pers and the Houston ISD Investigations Division need the public’s assistance identifying the suspects responsible for a Burglary of a Building. On Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at approximately 9:43 a.m., two unknown male suspects burglarized a building located in the 1300 block of Jensen Drive in Houston, Texas. During this incident, the suspects were captured on video surveillance breaking into the building. The suspects shattered a glass window using a sledge hammer to gain access into a classroom. The suspects stole fifteen laptops, valued at approximately $19,575. The suspects then fled the scene on foot in an unknown direction of travel. Suspect #1 (Photo top right): Male, approximately 5’9” to 5’10”, 165 - 175 lbs., wearing a dark colored hooded sweatshirt and dark colored jeans, wearing a white scarf covering the face and head.

charging and/or arrest of the suspect in this case. Information may be reported by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app. Only tips and calls DIRECTLY TO Crime Stoppers are anonymous Suspect #2 (Photo bottom and eligible for a cash reward. right): Male, approximately 5’9” to 5’10”, 165 - 175 lbs., wearing a dark colored hooded The language in this press sweatshirt, and light colored release is intentional and could pants, wearing a white scarf have legal implications. Please covering the face and head. do not change the copy of the paragraph above. Crime Stoppers may pay up to $5,000 for information Case number: HISD 200311leading to the identification, 0027

VOICE OF ASIA 11

FRIDAY, April 10, 2020

HOLLYWOOD - BOLLYWOOD Section 2

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Coronavirus: Shah Rukh Khan, Elton John among stars for COVID-19 concert Host of stars sign up for ‘One World: Together at Home’ spectacular

lobal Citizen, the organization behind a tidal wave of at-home concerts being shared during the coronavirus pandemic, has tapped Billie Eilish, Lizzo, Elton John, Shah Rukh Khan and more acts to headline one big concert for coronavirus relief. Curated by Lady Gaga and hosted by late night TV hosts Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon and Stephen Colbert, “One World: Together at Home” will also feature appearances from Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, Coldplay’s Chris Martin, David Beckham, Kacey Musgraves, J Balvin, Finneas, Keith Urban, Kerry Washington, Maluma, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Alanis Morissette, Andrea Bocelli, Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, Shah Rukh Khan. (Image Credit: AP) Burna Boy and Eddie Vedder as well as Idris and Sabrina Elba who Global Citizen Chief Executive both tested positive for COVID-19 lines of the COVID-19 crisis.” last month. “As we honor and support the Hugh Evans said in a statement. “Through music, entertainment The event, which takes place heroic efforts of community health and impact, the global live-cast live April 18, will benefit the workers, ‘One World: Together At will celebrate those who risk their World Health Organization “and Home’ aims to serve as a source own health to safeguard everyone healthcare workers on the front- of unity and encouragement in the else’s.” global fight to end COVID-19,”

‘Angrezi Medium’ film review: A bloated affair lifted by Irrfan Khan

Still from the film ‘Angrezi Medium’ starring Irfan Khan, Deepak Dobriyal, Kareena Kapoor and Pankaj Tripathi. The film is directed byHomi Adajania.

Homi Adajania’s sweet father-daughter story falters in execution Film: Angrezi Medium Stars: 3.5 out of 5 (The extra half for Irrfan Khan’s glorious return to the big screen) ‘Angrezi Medium’, a tale about a doting father from a small Indian town going to bizarre lengths to enrol his daughter into a university in London, is a crash course on incredible collective acting and a lost opportunity. Cancer warrior Khan makes a splendid return to Bollywood as sweetshop owner Champak Gasiteram from Udaipur. His self-absorbed daughter Tarika, played achingly well by Radhika Madan, aspires to study abroad. It seems almost like a whim. My favourite part? Taru tells her father she wants to study in that UK and he goes, “You want to study in Uttarakhand?”. That scene encapsulates his character’s boyish innocence and his lack of worldliness or exposure. Khan is perfectly cast as the crafty-yet-gullible Champak and if he were in a graduating class he would pass with flying colours for his nuanced perfor-

mance. You have seen him in a familiar space before — where he is perfectly pragmatic and vulnerable — but his charm never wears off. His equation with his capricious daughter Taru (Madan) hits all the right buttons. Their chemistry and their sparring leaves you with a warm and fuzzy feeling in your heart. Speaking of sparring, his mercurial equation with his pesky cousin, played by Deepak Dobriyal, is a treat to watch at first. But their hot and cold relationship gets tiring after a point. While Adajania extracts the best from his actors in terms of performance, the film is too bloated for its own good. Call it self-indulgence, but the astute director, who has spearheaded films such as ‘Being Cyrus’ and ‘Cocktail’, seems to lose his grip at some point in the film that shows the generational gap between a single dad and his precious daughter. The narrative and the comedy of errors — with two bumbling small-town Indians heading to an English-speaking London — gets tiresome. The tangent where they run into Kareena Kapoor as this hot-headed cop grappling with a troubled relationship with her kooky mother, played by

Dimple Kapadia, was an unnecessary twist. The portions set in the airport where the immigration staff mistakes them for drug dealers and deports them is cheesy and lame. However, seasoned actor Pankaj Tripathi shines in his limited role as a con man with a Middle Eastern accent. The scenes featuring Khan, Dobriyal and Tripathi are pure comic gold. In these grim times of global health scare, this movie is just what the doctor ordered. But they do overstay their welcome. While the first half is set in Udaipur, the second half is set entirely in London. Madan’s role as a teenager starts off on a strong note, but falters and isn’t given time to bloom. Precious minutes are wasted in those whacky situations that Champak and his tribe mistakenly enters. It gets tiring after a while. While the comedy has its shining moments, it’s sporadic. Watch this film if you are keen to watch Khan in top form along with a handful of actors who know their craft. Had the movie shed its proverbial lard, it would have been a cracker of a film. - Gulf News

Haircuts and horses - India cricketers make most of coronavirus lockdown by Faisal Kamal

EW DELHI | AFP | Friday 4/2/2020 - From Virat Kohli having his hair cut by his Bollywood wife, to Ravindra Jadeja on a stallion, India’s superstar cricketers are making the most of their enforced break during the national coronavirus lockdown.

At a time when the Indian Premier League (IPL) would normally be in full swing, Kohli has sent out a number of video messages telling people to stay indoors to stop the spread of the virus. But the tweet that got the most media coverage and “likes”, more than 100,000, was one posted by his actress wife Anushka Sharma of her cutting her style-icon husband’s hair. At the same time Kohli, 31, has been chatting live on Instagram with former England star Kevin Pietersen “about what’s happening world over at the moment and also about all the years we’ve known each other”.

India captain Virat Kohli and his wife, actress Anushka Sharma, have been active on Twitter during the lockdown (Prakash Singh/AFP Photo)

Elite cricketers have a relentless travel schedule and while the lockdown is tough for many, Australia coach Justin Langer said it was “nirvana” for his players to have an extended break at home. Jadeja has been able to indulge his love of horses, posting a video of himself riding a white stallion. The all-rounder was also seen sprinting topless on a treadmill. Paceman Jasprit Bumrah, famous for his lethal sling-arm action, is contenting himself with watering plants, and using “this time to reflect on the aspects of my life that are truly important and picking up some new hobbies along the way”. With many rich and middle-class Indians now forced to do the housework themselves because their domestic staff can’t get to work, Bumrah also posted a video of him mopping a floor -- less than successfully. “My modified mobility drills are keeping the house clean and

my mother very happy. (P.s - I had to do everything again without the slippers.),” the 26-yearold wrote on Twitter along with the video. - ‘Most amazing time’ The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which donated $6.8 million to the prime minister’s coronavirus relief fund, has also kept its Twitter account active with the news of the players during curfew. Pictures of Test batsman Cheteshwar Pujara with his wife and daughter were displayed on the BCCI page. “The Pujara family is spending some quality time home. Some household chores & fun time with the little one. Stay Home Stay Safe,” the post said. Fast bowler Mohammed Shami is “having the most amazing time” with his dog Jack and opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan posted a skit of him doing household chores while getting orders from his wife.

VOICE OF ASIA 12

Fort Bend View

FRIDAY, April 10, 2020

Sugar Land, Katy, Stafford, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenberg and Meadows Place Email: voiceasia@aol.com

Sugar Land Mayor accepts $21,600 donation of PPE

Mayor Joe Zimmerman

ugar Land Mayor Joe Zimmerman announced on Tuesday, April 7th, details of a donation from the “Together, We are Stronger Campaign” launched by the J.J. Clemence Volunteer Team, Asian Chamber of Commerce, Houston Chinese Alliance and the following participating partner organizations:

• Texas Guangdong Association • Anhui Association of Texas • Zhejiang Association of Southern USA • Greater Houston Jiangsu Association • Houston International Culture Center • David Du Foundation • We Care Foundation • Talent Academy • Houston Chuan Yu Association, • Huaxing Arts Group

Houston • Oriental Arts Education Center • Sun Yat-Sen University Alumni Association in Southern US (SYSUSUS) • Houston Shanghai Association • Houston Tsinghua Alumni Association • Sino Professionals Association • Qingtian Association USA • J-Tech Digital A donation of personal protection equipment totaling more than $21,600 is being made to keep Sugar Land first-responders safe. Details on the timing and logistics were shared during the news conference. The city collectively thanked the benefactors for their generous donation and spirit of giving. In addition, the mayor discussed the ongoing threat to the community, actions taken to protect the public and resources needed to protect Sugar Land’s first-responders. The donation event was held at Sugar Land City Hall, 2700 Town Center Blvd. North. The news conference was streamed online at www.sugarlandtx.gov/SLPressConference. Questions for the mayor and the donationing associations were submitted online during the news conference. - City of Sugar Land

www.voiceofasia.news

Tel: 713-774-5140

A message from Dr. Joe Fort Bend Focus: Anzaldua, City of Sugar 2020 Census - We’re Land Health Authority

Counting on You!

ICHMOND - Fort Bend County is 100% behind the effor to count our residents. Look for your Census letter in the mail to your home.

The Census is a decennial count of all residents in the United States, and is mandated by the U.S. Constitution. The Census counts every person, including children, living in the country, in order to portion federal funds for public services, including education and health services. FACT: The first Census was held in 1790. Children, especially young children, are often undercounted in the Census, resulting in a disparity in the funding for programs for them. Fort Bend ISD encourages its families to participate in the Census so that students, teachers and schools receive all the support to which they are entitled! Visit www.census.gov to learn more and to complete your information. How the Census Works Families will receive a Census introduction letter in the mail in March, encouraging them to complete the Census. Families may respond online, over the phone and by mail. Paper questionnaires will be mailed in early April, and final reminders will be mailed in late April. Who Counts Because every family is unique, members will look different in every family, but everyone counts! Babies, children, parents, extended family members, and friends all count in the Census – anyone living in a home counts. Be sure to count everyone under your roof. Facts to Know and Share Information shared with the Census must be kept confidential, and will not be shared with any other agency including law enforcement. The Census counts all residents, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. You will not be required to give your social security number.

U G A R LAND, April 4, 2020 - The Centers for Disease Control now recommends that everyone wear a cloth facemask when out in public areas to protect others in case they are unknowingly carrying coronavirus.

A summary of the CDC’s recommendation follows: Dr. Joe Anzaldua Cover your mouth and nose with a CLOTH face cover when Not everyone needs to be around other people such as tested for COVID-19. Here is going to the grocery store or some information that might other essential activities. help in making decisions about The CLOTH face cover is seeking care or testing. meant to protect OTHER peoMost people have mild illple in case you are infected. ness and are able to recover at Do NOT use a medical or home. surgical facemask intended for There is no treatment specifhealthcare personnel, such as first-responders, doctors, nurs- ically approved for this virus. es and other medical office or Testing results may be helphospital staff. ful to inform decision-making CLOTH face coverings about who you come in contact with. should NOT be placed on: CDC has guidance for who - children under the age of should be tested, but decisions two; or about testing are at the discre- anyone who has difficulty tion of state and local health breathing, unconscious or in- departments and/or individual capacitated as they may not be clinicians. able to remove the face cover Clinicians should work with without assistance. their state and local health deAnd remember…the CLOTH partments to coordinate testing face cover is NOT intended through public health laborato replace social distancing. tories, or work with clinical or Please continue to keep about commercial laboratories. 6 feet distance between yourFor more details, please visit self and others. Who should be the www.cdc.gov. tested?