A version of this story appeared in the April 17 edition of CNN’s Coronavirus: Fact vs. Fiction newsletter. Sign up here to receive the need-to-know headlines every weekday.
The social distancing deniers have arrived. Protesters gathered in several US state capitals this week to voice their opposition to stay-at-home orders that were issued to slow the coronavirus’ spread.
Americans may be unhappy with the situation, but some see the yoke of oppression in the measures to keep people at home, and they’re growing louder, Zachary B. Wolf writes.
Speaking of getting out and about, it appears Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner don’t think the coronavirus rules apply to them, writes Chris Cillizza. On April 8, Ivanka – along with her husband and their children – disregarded the guidelines against “discretionary travel” by driving from Washington to the Trump National Golf Club in New Jersey.
Their rule-flouting comes as President Donald Trump announced new guidelines on the reopening of the US economy, telling governors “you call your own shots,” in a major reversal on his claims of absolute power over the states, as Stephen Collinson writes. Meanwhile, several states, including New York, have extended their restrictions.
There is a global expectation that life will inch back to normal if enough people develop immunity against the novel coronavirus. As scientists race to develop antibody tests, politicians have promised to reopen their economies once such testing is available.
YOU ASKED, WE ANSWERED
Q: Does Covid-19 only affect people’s lungs?
A: Pneumonia has established itself as a defining manifestation of Covid-19. But doctors are starting to see other serious conditions in patients infected with coronavirus, including systemic effects on other organs. In some patients, their intense reaction to the virus has caused blood clots in the lungs, liver, kidneys and possibly the brain and heart, doctors say.
More than 50,000 people have asked us questions about the outbreak. Send yours here. Are you a health care worker fighting Covid-19? Message us on WhatsApp about the challenges you’re facing: +1 347-322-0415.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT TODAY?
China’s economy shrinks for the first time in decades
The world’s second-largest economy contracted 6.8% in this year’s first quarter compared to a year earlier, in the first negative growth report since 1976, when Mao Zedong’s death ended a decade of social and economic tumult in China.
The country, often referred to as “the world’s factory,” was almost completely shut down in late January as the government sought to stem the spread of the virus. China’s slowdown has had enormous ripple effects on the world economy and Friday’s data suggest there’s more pain to come.
“Reopen now!!”
The West is still ignoring lessons from Asia
Several Asian nations that had passed their peak in infection numbers have been reporting new cases trickling in, prompting fears of a second coronavirus wave. Yet many countries in the West are looking to ease their lockdowns, some before their case numbers have even peaked, James Griffiths writes. Why is the West still ignoring valuable lessons from Asia?
Turkey is doing its own thing. Will it work?
Turkey is charting its own path with lockdown measures that are far more lenient than many other countries, Arwa Damon and Gul Tuysuz write.
Ankara has announced a 48-hour lockdown in 31 provinces for this weekend, but during the week, its stay-at-home order only applies to people under the age of 20 or over 65. Some experts say partial restrictions like Turkey’s can be successful – as long as those who are vulnerable continue to be protected and those who do venture out follow the appropriate measures.
Egypt’s soap operas defy the virus for Ramadan prime time
In Cairo, soap opera stars and crew have continued filming to put on a prime-time show for Egyptians during Ramadan, the country’s high season for television, write Lina Wardani and Sarah El Sirgany. The soap opera’s shoots in Cairo have drawn large crowds ignoring social distancing guidelines, prompting neighbors to call the police.
The dire shortage of proper protective gear
ON OUR RADAR
- Stocks have soared on signs that an experimental drug made by Gilead Sciences is helping some coronavirus patients recover rapidly – but scientists warn that the drug is not a silver bullet.
- As the world suffers a shortage of personal protective equipment, tailors in Nigeria are responding by crafting overalls and face masks.
- “We didn’t want it to be too playful, but we didn’t want it to be scary either,” say the medical illustrators who created the coronavirus image popping up everywhere.
- A keen runner, 73-year-old Rajinder Singh, has turned his attention to skipping during the lockdown. He has amassed a large social media following after posting his “Skipping Sikh” workouts online.
TOP TIPS
It’s important to look after your mental health during this time of social distancing, and what you eat can play a part. Here are some recommended foods:
- Try two servings of fatty fish like salmon, herring, mackerel or sardines a week. Studies have found that consuming high amounts of fatty fish may help protect us from depression.
- Green veggies, like spinach, broccoli and Brussels sprouts, are a source of folate. One meta-analysis found that individuals with depression consume less folate and have lower blood levels of the vitamin compared to those without depression.
- Don’t forget probiotics like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi. Not only do they keep our digestive tract healthy, recent research suggests they may also play a role in keeping up our spirits. One study found that probiotics may help reduce negative thoughts
FROM TODAY’S PODCAST
‘People are sick, people are dying. I want to help our hard-working doctors and nurses stay strong in fighting to save lives.’ — Nine-year-old Jonathan “Bear” Yeung
Jonathan from north Vancouver, Canada gave his savings of CAN$70 ($50) and raised another $2,000 for healthcare workers. CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta speaks to people making a difference and talks through some of the ways you can help those affected by the crisis. Listen now.