Washington

Rachel La Corte/AP

Gov. Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency in Washington on February 29 after the first coronavirus death was confirmed.

On Wednesday, Inslee announced a temporary ban on gatherings and events of more than 250 people in three counties that include parts of the Seattle metro area.

By March 13, the state had confirmed 37 deaths from the virus and more than 568 cases.

California

Rich Pedroncelli/AP

California declared a state of emergency on March 4 after reporting the first death from coronavirus in the state. Gov. Gavin Newsom made the declaration to receive emergency federal funding to battle the outbreak.

The proclamation also includes provisions meant to protect consumers from price gouging and allows for out-of-state healthcare workers to assist facilities at the frontlines of the coronavirus battle.

“The State of California is deploying every level of government to help identify cases and slow the spread of this coronavirus,” Newsom said. “This emergency proclamation will help the state further prepare our communities and our health care system in the event it spreads more broadly.”

The California Department of Public Health said it was working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to respond to the outbreak of COVID-19 in the state, including screening incoming passengers at both Los Angeles International and San Francisco International airports.

The state has 281 confirmed cases and four deaths.

Maryland

Jose Luis Magana/AP

On March 5, Gov. Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency in Maryland after announcing the state’s first three positive coronavirus tests. The patients contracted the virus while traveling overseas and were quarantined in their homes.

“In order to further mobilize all available state resources in response to this threat to public health, I have issued a proclamation declaring a state of emergency in Maryland,” Hogan said.

Kentucky

Bryan Woolston/AP

On March 6, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Kentucky’s first confirmed case of the virus and a state of emergency.

“While the overall threat to Kentuckians is still low, we as a state are going to take every necessary action to protect our people,” Beshear said during a press conference.

Utah

Rick Egan/The Salt Lake Tribune, via AP, Pool

Gov. Gary Herbert declared a state of emergency in as an anticipatory measure hours before Utah’s Department of Health announced the state’s first case of COVID-19 on March 6.

The Salt Lake Tribune reported that the state’s first case was a person over age 60 who officials believe was exposed on a previous voyage on the Grand Princess cruise ship, which was later docked and quarantined. Despite the person’s positive test, officials stressed that they didn’t believe there was a larger threat of infection.

New York

Mark Lennihan/AP

Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency in New York. By March 13 the number of confirmed cases in the state reached 435.

Amtrak canceled its nonstop service between New York City and Washington, DC.

Florida

Associated Press

On March 7, Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida declared a level 2 state of emergency, an escalation from the public-health emergency he declared on March 1.

Oregon

Andrew Selsky/AP

Gov. Kate Brown announced the declaration on March 8, which will remain in effect for 60 days but could be extended.

The announcement came as seven new cases in Oregon were announced, some of which stemmed from contact with people in northwestern Washington, according to the Associated Press.

Indiana

AP Photo/Darron Cummings

A state of emergency was issued by Gov. Eric Holcomb on March 6.

New Jersey

Seth Wenig/AP

Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency on March 9, after 11 people in New Jersey had tested positive for the virus.

NJ.com reported that officials had closed some schools and said 24 other possible cases were under investigation in the state by the NJ Department of Health.

Colorado

Jim Anderson/AP

Gov. Jared Polis made the declaration March 10 after Colorado confirmed its 15th case, with all cases surfacing in just a few days.

Business Insider’s Julie Bort reported that the state was dealing with especially concerning diagnoses that came from all over the state, including high-traffic tourist and urban areas.

Polis said the state’s Department of Labor and Employment would institute “emergency rulemaking” to accommodate workers across the state in food handling, hospitality, childcare, healthcare, and education.

Under the emergency, new rules would allow those workers to get tested and take sick leave while waiting for results if they exhibit flu-like symptoms and would provide unemployment insurance for those who don’t have leave. Additionally, the department is creating a drive-thru testing facility to fulfill doctors’ orders, and the DMV will temporarily allow residents older than 65 to renew their driver’s licenses online and avoid public spaces.

Iowa

AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall

As of March 9, Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a Proclamation of Disaster Emergency, local news agencies reported.

The proclamation will free up funds for state agencies to use to handle the outbreak.

Ohio

AP Photo/Julie Carr Smyth

Gov. Mike DeWine signed a state of emergency on March 9.

Pennsylvania

AP Photo/Marc Levy

Gov. Tom Wolf signed an emergency disaster declaration on March 6.

Illinois

Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune via AP

Gov. JB Pritzker issued a state of emergency on March 9, according to the Southern Illinoisan.

Massachusetts

Charles Krupa/AP

Gov. Charlie Baker declared a state of emergency on March 10 amid a “significant uptick” of cases.

“This declaration will give our administration more flexibility to respond to this evolving outbreak,” Baker said after state officials announced they were examining 51 additional “presumptive positive” cases.

North Carolina

AP Photo/Gerry Broome

Gov. Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency on March 10 to stop the spread of the virus.

Michigan

AP Photo/David Eggert

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency of March 10, after Michigan had its first two cases of COVID-19.

“I have declared a state of emergency to harness all of our resources across state government to slow the spread of the virus and protect families,” Whitmer said in a tweet.

Arizona

AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

Gov. Doug Ducey declared a state of emergency on Wednesday, according to local media outlets.

Connecticut

AP Photo/Jessica Hill

Gov. Ned Lamont issued a state of emergency on March 10.

Louisiana

AP Photo/Melinda Deslatte

Gov. John Bel Edwards signed a state of emergency on March 11.

Virginia

AP Photo/Steve Helber

Gov. Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency on March 12.

“While Virginia has been preparing for weeks and we have adequate funding on hand, it has become increasingly clear that states need to lead the national response,” Northam said in a tweet.

Delaware

REUTERS/Doug Curran

Gov. John Carney declared a state of emergency on March 12.

“Today’s emergency declaration will make sure we have the authority and resources necessary to effectively prevent the spread of the coronavirus,” Carney wrote in a tweet.

Montana

REUTERS/Scott Morgan

Montana declared a state of emergency on March 12.

“Declaring a state of emergency means I can mobilize all available state resources to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on Montanans. That’s why I’m doing so now, before we have a confirmed case in our state,” Gov. Steve Bullock said in a tweet.

Nevada

REUTERS/Steve Marcus

Gov. Steve Sisolak issued a state of emergency on March 12.

“This declaration will give our State additional tools and flexibility to respond to this rapidly developing situation, and it will advance measures to mitigate and ultimately contain COVID-19,” Sisolak said in a tweet.

Arkansas

AP Photo/Andrew DeMillo

According to local news outlets, Gov. Asa Hutchinson declared a public health emergency on March 11.

Kansas

AP Photo/John Hanna

Gov. Laura Kelly issued a state of emergency on March 12. The announcement was made after a man in his 70s died from COVID-19.

Wisconsin

AP Photo by Scott Bauer

Gov. Tony Evers declared a state of emergency on March 12.

Hawaii

AP Photo/Audrey McAvoy

On March 5, Hawaii issued an emergency proclamation.

Tennessee

AP Photo/Mark Humphrey,

Gov. Bill Lee issued a state of emergency on March 12.

Alabama

AP Photo/Vasha Hunt

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey issued a state of emergency on March 13.

New Hampshire

AP Photo/Charles Krupa

Gov. Chris Sununu declared a state of emergency on March 13.

“While the current risk remains low, we are taking preventative steps today to ensure that all state resources are at the ready to respond and deploy in a moments notice,” Sununu said in a tweet.

South Carolina

AP Photo/Meg Kinnard

Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on March 13.

Idaho

AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger

Gov. Brad Little issued a proactive emergency declaration on March 13.

Nebraska

AP Photo/Nati Harnik

Gov. Pete Ricketts declared a state of emergency on March 13.

Missouri

AP Photo/Jeff Roberson

Gov. Mike Parsons declared a state of emergency on March 13.

Minnesota

AP Photo/Steve Karnowski

Gov. Tim Walz declared a state of emergency on March 13.

Georgia

AP Photo/John Amis

Gov. Brian Kemp will announce a state of emergency on March 14, local news outlets reported.

Rhode Island

AP Photo/Steven Senne

Gov. Gina Raimondo declared a state of emergency on March 9, local outlets reported.

New Mexico

AP Photo/Morgan Lee

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency on March 11, local news agencies reported.

Alaska

AP Photo/Mark Thiessen

Gov. Mike Dunleavy issued a declaration of public health disaster emergency on March 11.

Mississippi

AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis

Gov. Tate Reeves issued a state of emergency on March 14.

Wyoming

AP Photo/Mead Gruver

Gov. Mark Gordon declared a state of emergency on March 13.

South Dakota

AP Photo/James Nord

Gov. Kristi Noem declared a state of emergency on March 13, local outlets reported.

North Dakota

REUTERS/Dan Koeck

Gov. Doug Burgum declared a state of emergency on March 13, local outlets reported.

Maine

REUTERS/Carlo Allegri

Gov. Janet Mills signed an emergency proclamation on March 15.

Vermont

AP Photo/Wilson Ring

Gov. Phil Scott declared a state of emergency on March 13.

Texas

Sue Ogrocki/AP

Gov. Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster on March 13.

Texas has 48 cases of COVID-19.

• Read more:
• The coronavirus has pandemic ‘potential’ as it spreads in South Korea, Italy, and Iran, according to WHO
• One key indicator will tell us when the coronavirus outbreak is winding down — but we’re not seeing it yet
• A day-by-day breakdown of coronavirus symptoms shows how the disease, COVID-19, goes from bad to worse
  

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  Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/california-washington-state-of-emergency-coronavirus-what-it-means-2020-3

  [Disclaimer]

The post Almost all US states have declared states of emergency to fight coronavirus — here’s what it means for them first appeared on Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association.

Preparations for the aid mission were underway Sunday at the Chkalovsky military airport in Moscow. Russia was loading nine colossal Il-76 cargo planes with eight mobile medical teams, medical equipment, and aerosol disinfection trucks to send to Italy’s hardest-hit regions.

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Russia will also send 100 military members who specialize in virology and epidemics, Reuters reported, citing the Interfax news agency.

A military truck loads onto a Il-76 cargo plane in Chkalovsky military airport outside Moscow in preparation to deliver aid to Italy. (Alexei Yereshko, Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP)

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In photos released by Russian Defense Ministry Press Service, the doors of military trucks bore signs with heart-shaped Russian and Italian flags that read: “From Russia with love” in Russian, Italian and English.

Putin’s offer came on the same day Italy recorded its biggest spike in deaths from the COVID-19 virus of nearly 800, taking the death toll to 4,825 – the highest in the world – while the number of infections rose to 53,578. The exploding caseload has overwhelmed Italy’s doctors and nurses and left medical equipment in short supply.

A sign on a Russian military vehicle reads: “From Russia with love” in several languages. (Alexei Yereshko, Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP)

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Russia has so far reported very few confirmed coronavirus cases, noting just 306 infections and one death.

ITALIAN OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALISTS PROVIDE GRIM VIEW OF CORONAVIRUS-HIT REGION: ‘IT’S A WAR AT HOME’

As the U.S. and Europe struggle to contain the virus, nations once viewed as rivals are stepping up in the global coronavirus response.

Last week, Chinese President XI Jinping pledged to help Italy, moving quickly to send experts and desperately needed medical equipment, including millions of masks.

China’s rush to aid struggling countries, including Pakistan, Serbia, Liberia, the Philippines, and the Czech Republic, is seen by many as the communist nation’s attempt to defuse criticism that it mishandled the viral outbreak when it began in Wuhan late last year.

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The global pandemic has sickened at least 311,000 worldwide, killing 13,407 as of March 22.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Source: https://www.foxnews.com/world/italy-coronavirus-aid-russia-putin

The post Russian Army sending hard-hit Italy coronavirus aid after Putin phone call first appeared on Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association.

A state TV journalist who also is a medical doctor gave the warning only hours after hard-line Shiite faithful on Monday night pushed their way into the courtyards of two major shrines that were finally closed due to the virus. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a religious ruling prohibiting “unnecessary” travel.

Roughly 9 out of 10 of the over 18,000 confirmed cases of the virus in the Middle East come from Iran, where authorities denied for days the risk the outbreak posed. Officials have implemented new checks for people trying to leave major cities ahead of Nowruz, the Persian New Year, on Friday, but have hesitated to quarantine the areas.

The death toll in Iran saw another 13% increase Tuesday. Health Ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said the virus had killed 135 more people to raise the total to 988 amid over 16,000 cases.

Jordan announced a state of emergency, banning gatherings of more than 10 people, and Israel issued its own strict guidelines.

Most infected people experience only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, and recover within weeks. But the virus is highly contagious and can be spread by people with no visible symptoms. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

In announcing the new warning, the Iranian state TV journalist, Dr. Afruz Eslami, cited a study by Tehran’s prestigious Sharif University of Technology, which offered three scenarios: If people cooperate fully now, Iran will see 120,000 infections and 12,000 deaths before the outbreak is over; if they offer medium cooperation, there will be 300,000 cases and 110,000 deaths.

But if people fail to follow any guidance, it could collapse Iran’s already-strained medical system, Eslami said. If the “medical facilities are not sufficient, there will be 4 million cases, and 3.5 million people will die,” she said.

Eslami did not elaborate on what metrics the study used, but even reporting it on Iran’s tightly controlled state media represented a major change for a country whose officials had for days denied the severity of the crisis.

Underlining that urgency was the fatwa issued by Khamenei, which prohibited “unnecessary” travel. It comes as the public ignored repeated warnings and pleas from security forces. Such a decree is rare by Khamenei, who has final say on all state matters.

Some Iranian media later said Khamenei hadn’t issued a fatwa, though semiofficial news agencies believed to be close to the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said the order had been made.

Late Monday night, angry crowds stormed the courtyards of the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad and the Fatima Masumeh shrine in Qom. Many people visit the shrine in Qom 24 hours a day, seven days a week, touching and kissing the shrine.That has worried health officials, who for weeks wanted Iran’s Shiite clergy to close them.

State TV had announced the closures earlier in the day, sparking the demonstrations.

“We are here to say that Tehran is damn wrong to do that!” one Shiite cleric shouted at the shrine in Mashhad, according to online video. Others joined him in chanting: “The health minister is damn wrong to do that, the president is damn wrong to do that!”

Police later dispersed the crowds and made arrests. Religious authorities and a prominent Qom seminary called the demonstration an “insult” to the shrine.

Iran’s shrines draw Shiite pilgrims from all over, likely contributing to the virus’ regional spread. Saudi Arabia has closed off Islam’s holiest sites and on Tuesday said it would halt communal Friday prayers in the kingdom.

President Hassan Rouhani said that despite the closures, “our soul is closer to the saints more than at any time.”

State TV reported teams were deployed to screen travelers leaving major cities in 13 provinces, including the capital, Tehran. But Iran has 31 provinces and authorities haven’t tried to lock down the country the way its allies Iraq and Lebanon have done.

The teams check travelers and send those with fevers to quarantine centers. Iran has been urging people to stay home, but many ignore the call.

In apparent efforts to try to curb the spread, Iran has released 85,000 prisoners on temporary leave, judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili said. That number included half of all “security-related” prisoners, he said without elaborating. Western nations have urged Iran to release dual nationals and others, alleging they are used as bargaining chips in negotiations.

Among those released is Mohammad Hossein Karroubi, the son of opposition leader Mehdi Karroubi, who was in jail for nearly two months.

Also temporarily freed was Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, an Iranian-British dual national long-held on internationally criticized charges. Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who works for the charitable Thomson Reuters Foundation, was arrested in 2016 on charges of trying to topple the government while traveling with her toddler daughter.

In Jordan, King Abdullah II by royal decree declared a national emergency over the virus outbreak, which allows the suspension of laws and grants greater powers to the state to restrict public gatherings and make arrests.

Troops were deployed outside of Jordan’s major cities to block travel, newspapers were ordered to stop publishing, gatherings of more than 10 people were banned and a quarantine zone was established at Dead Sea hotels. It also halted all private sector work and public transportation as well.

Egypt, which has 196 confirmed cases of the virus and six deaths, announced the immediate shutdown of all movie theaters across the Arab world’s most populous country.

It also locked down the Red Sea province that includes the resort town of Hurghada. Authorities barred workers in all tourist sites, hotels, bazaars, and restaurants from leaving the province and imposed a 14-day quarantine, according to a document from the governor’s office obtained by The Associated Press.

In Oman, the sultanate announced anyone coming from abroad would be subject to quarantine.

Israel’s Defense Ministry plans to use near-empty hotels, as recovery centers for patients with COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus. Israel also urged citizens to stay home, closing parks, museums, libraries, beaches, and other public areas.

In Syria, all sports clubs, movie theaters, concerts, theaters, as well as halls used for weddings or funerals were ordered closed in Damascus, and all restaurants and other shops around the country were ordered shut. Syria says it has no cases of the virus.

Pakistan’s number of coronavirus cases rose to 237, although no deaths have been reported. Government critics blame improper border screenings for thousands of pilgrims returning from Iran this month.

Prime Minister Imran Khan warned that the disease will spread but said the public “should not fret as most of the people easily recover.”

___

Gambrell reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Associated Press writers Mehdi Fattahi in Tehran, Iran, Aron Heller in Jerusalem, Omar Akour in Amman, Jordan, Bassem Mroue in Beirut and Samy Magdy in Cairo contributed.

___

The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Source: https://apnews.com/6e92d93551ee6c6ae51d0acaaad9eb32

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