New Zealand Eases Off Almost All Restrictions as PM declares Covid-19 Eradicated
At a news conference yesterday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that New Zealand will be dropping all social and economic restrictions nationwide which started midnight of the announcement. This development culminated from the nation's successful strict lockdown measures that lasted for 75 days. Since the news broke out of the mystery illness earlier this year, there were 1,154 infections and 22 deaths reported preceding the pronouncement. Though there are currently no active cases in New Zealand, border restrictions shall remain in place as to hinder the transmission into the mainland. Prime Minister Ardern blithely thanked New Zealand and its engaged citizens while stating ‘...elimination is not a point in time, it is a sustained effort...’, emphasizing that continued vigilance is vital in the reality of the virus.
This momentous declaration has garnered PM Ardern accolades for her strong yet calm demeanour in handling the crisis head-on. Her fast enforcement of lockdown measures had proven to be crucial in leading the nation in flattening the curve. The Prime Minister together with state's officials’ diligence in maintaining New Zealand's health and safety a priority is to be lauded.
As the restrictions are removed, New Zealand in now focusing in rebuilding their economy by supporting local businesses. And though, the government is already expecting an economic backlash due to the pandemic, and would likely move into recession, certain economic stimulus packages have been proposed are cautiously being considered.
All over the world, countries have been scrambling to find a cure and contain the pandemic that gripped humanity. Covid-19 has taken thousands of lives worldwide in its wake since the end of 2019 and continue to run havoc in both health and economic aspects of countries worldwide. Nevertheless, New Zealand's triumphs over the pandemic not only serves as a beacon of hope but also set a standard of the effectiveness of zealous leadership and nations' unity.
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Bail For Police Officer Accused Of George Floyd's Death Raised to $1.25 Million
As the clamour for justice for George Floyd's death continues, the spotlight has been fixed on the proceedings that follow Derek Chavin's arrest. Chavin is the police officer who restrained Floyd with his knee on Floyd's neck. This moment was immortalized in an appalling 8 minutes and 46 second video as bystanders beg the officer to lay off Floyd's neck as he mutters ‘I can't breathe’. He later died in police custody.
Since no arrests or reprimands were made to the police who were at the scene following George's death, people took to the streets of Minneapolis to condemn police brutality and injustice. On May 29, in a press briefing, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman stated Chauvin was in custody and is facing third-degree murder and manslaughter charges. In addition to this, charges for other officers involved and further subsequent charges are possible and are expected. However, this came days after Floyd's death with his family saying ‘welcome but overdue step on the road to justice’.
Under Hennepin County District Judge Jeannice Reding’s conditional release order, Chauvin's bail was raised to $1.25 million from the initial $1 million without conditions and to $1 million from $750, 000 with conditions. According to the ruling, conditions articulate that Chauvin is prohibited to working in law enforcement and any contact to Floyd's family. Moreover, he is to surrender any and all licences or permits for firearms if the lower bail amount is chosen. Chauvin and his attorney had no objections to the bail conditions.
George Floyd death further fuelled the #BlackLivesMatter movement with protesters calling for an end to racial profiling, police brutality and equality for all. Other protests have also engaged in key cities all over the world in support for George and the #BlackLivesMatter movement. George will be laid to rest today in Houston, Texas, his hometown, in a private ceremony.
As the clamour for justice for George Floyd's death continues, the spotlight has been fixed on the proceedings that follow Derek Chavin's arrest. Chavin is the police officer who restrained Floyd with his knee on Floyd's neck. This moment was immortalized in an appalling 8 minutes and 46 second video as bystanders beg the officer to lay off Floyd's neck as he mutters ‘I can't breathe’. He later died in police custody.
Since no arrests or reprimands were made to the police who were at the scene following George's death, people took to the streets of Minneapolis to condemn police brutality and injustice. On May 29, in a press briefing, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman stated Chauvin was in custody and is facing third-degree murder and manslaughter charges. In addition to this, charges for other officers involved and further subsequent charges are possible and are expected. However, this came days after Floyd's death with his family saying ‘welcome but overdue step on the road to justice’.
Under Hennepin County District Judge Jeannice Reding’s conditional release order, Chauvin's bail was raised to $1.25 million from the initial $1 million without conditions and to $1 million from $750, 000 with conditions. According to the ruling, conditions articulate that Chauvin is prohibited to working in law enforcement and any contact to Floyd's family. Moreover, he is to surrender any and all licences or permits for firearms if the lower bail amount is chosen. Chauvin and his attorney had no objections to the bail conditions.
George Floyd death further fuelled the #BlackLivesMatter movement with protesters calling for an end to racial profiling, police brutality and equality for all. Other protests have also engaged in key cities all over the world in support for George and the #BlackLivesMatter movement. George will be laid to rest today in Houston, Texas, his hometown, in a private ceremony.
Fighting Covid-19 At Sea, The Crozier Chronicles
On April 2, Captain Brett Elliot Crozier was relieved from his duty as Commanding Officer of the USS Theodore Roosevelt. This action ensued after Crozier's letter was obtained and published in a newspaper, the San Francisco Chronicle. In the four-page letter, Captain Crozier, pleaded to senior military officers for resources to contain and abate the Covid-19 outbreak within the USS Theodore Roosevelt. The nuclear aircraft carrier is home to more than 5, 000 crew members of different naval and aviation designations.
Crozier appealed to higher ranking officers to take ‘immediate and decisive action’ as the ship battles a Covid-19 outbreak in which he stated, ‘The spread of the disease is ongoing and accelerating.’ He further wrote, ‘However, we are not at war, and therefore cannot allow a single Sailor to perish as a result of this pandemic unnecessarily.’ At the time of the expose', there are more than 100 crew members infected with the virus within limited quarantine and isolation quarters. Unfortunately, official numbers are inaccessible due to the Navy's insistence to withhold such information claiming anonymity preserves safety of the crew and national security as well.
As they docked in Guam, most of the infected crew were disembarked to local facilities for quarantine and isolation. By June, the carrier was well on its way to continue its deployment in the western Pacific Ocean. More than 350 sailors remained to as recuperating protocols suggested.
Currently, Pentagon is at a standstill in regards with Capt. Crozier's reinstatement. In fact, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley wants a full-blown investigation of the events that lead to the firing of the captain before any actions are taken for or against Crozier. This impasse comes after the Navy has formally recommended his reinstatement for the USS Roosevelt and together with criticisms from former Acting Navy secretary Thomas Modly. He commented, ‘We don’t disagree with the [commanding officer] on that ship, and we’re doing it in a very methodical way because it’s not the same as a cruise ship ... that ship has armaments on it, it has aircraft on it.’. Modly remarked that Crozier violated the chain of command by his actions of sending the letter to about 20 people. The results of the investigation is expected to be released in the coming weeks and so is the fate of Crozier's career as a seasoned naval aviator.
On April 2, Captain Brett Elliot Crozier was relieved from his duty as Commanding Officer of the USS Theodore Roosevelt. This action ensued after Crozier's letter was obtained and published in a newspaper, the San Francisco Chronicle. In the four-page letter, Captain Crozier, pleaded to senior military officers for resources to contain and abate the Covid-19 outbreak within the USS Theodore Roosevelt. The nuclear aircraft carrier is home to more than 5, 000 crew members of different naval and aviation designations.
Crozier appealed to higher ranking officers to take ‘immediate and decisive action’ as the ship battles a Covid-19 outbreak in which he stated, ‘The spread of the disease is ongoing and accelerating.’ He further wrote, ‘However, we are not at war, and therefore cannot allow a single Sailor to perish as a result of this pandemic unnecessarily.’ At the time of the expose', there are more than 100 crew members infected with the virus within limited quarantine and isolation quarters. Unfortunately, official numbers are inaccessible due to the Navy's insistence to withhold such information claiming anonymity preserves safety of the crew and national security as well.
As they docked in Guam, most of the infected crew were disembarked to local facilities for quarantine and isolation. By June, the carrier was well on its way to continue its deployment in the western Pacific Ocean. More than 350 sailors remained to as recuperating protocols suggested.
Currently, Pentagon is at a standstill in regards with Capt. Crozier's reinstatement. In fact, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley wants a full-blown investigation of the events that lead to the firing of the captain before any actions are taken for or against Crozier. This impasse comes after the Navy has formally recommended his reinstatement for the USS Roosevelt and together with criticisms from former Acting Navy secretary Thomas Modly. He commented, ‘We don’t disagree with the [commanding officer] on that ship, and we’re doing it in a very methodical way because it’s not the same as a cruise ship ... that ship has armaments on it, it has aircraft on it.’. Modly remarked that Crozier violated the chain of command by his actions of sending the letter to about 20 people. The results of the investigation is expected to be released in the coming weeks and so is the fate of Crozier's career as a seasoned naval aviator.
Moscow Lockdown To End Says Russian Official Despite Of Continued Rise of Covid-19 Cases
Moscow, a city with more than 12 million people has been on lockdown for more than three months. The city-wide lockdown was enforced after more than a thousand infections were reported in March. With only four hours of warning, residents of Moscow were forbidden to vacate their homes with the exceptions of essential workers and activities. The pronouncement was as glaring as the Kremlin's adamant statement of ‘de facto no epidemic’ just three days earlier.
Sergei Sobyanin, Moscow's mayor, has stated that together with the recent turn of events within Europe and United States and Moscow reaching its one thousand mark of infections has prompted him into setting in motion lockdown measures within the city.
Currently, Russia has the third highest number of cases of Covid-19 infections in the world, with well over 480, 000 cases and as many as 6,142 deaths recorded. Critics have accused Russia of whitewashing Covid-19 case reports with official number of deaths being questioned.
State officials have pointed out that the data was in fact, a result of extensive testing campaign of the nation. In addition to this, Russian officials have indicated Russia's comparatively low mortality rate to be a driving force in easing of pandemic restrictions previously established. However, the rise of Covid-19 cases continues with as much as 9000 new cases by June. In spite of this, Moscow is officially ended the strict lockdown on Monday, June 08.
In fact, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin stated a government order has been signed relieving all travel restrictions since the grounding of all international flights in March. He also stated that the decision was justified due to the stabilization of the infection rate especially in its nation's capital.
Whether or not the effect of this move of state officials is yet to be seen, it will undoubtedly be the 145 million citizens of Russia that will take the brunt of it.
Moscow, a city with more than 12 million people has been on lockdown for more than three months. The city-wide lockdown was enforced after more than a thousand infections were reported in March. With only four hours of warning, residents of Moscow were forbidden to vacate their homes with the exceptions of essential workers and activities. The pronouncement was as glaring as the Kremlin's adamant statement of ‘de facto no epidemic’ just three days earlier.
Sergei Sobyanin, Moscow's mayor, has stated that together with the recent turn of events within Europe and United States and Moscow reaching its one thousand mark of infections has prompted him into setting in motion lockdown measures within the city.
Currently, Russia has the third highest number of cases of Covid-19 infections in the world, with well over 480, 000 cases and as many as 6,142 deaths recorded. Critics have accused Russia of whitewashing Covid-19 case reports with official number of deaths being questioned.
State officials have pointed out that the data was in fact, a result of extensive testing campaign of the nation. In addition to this, Russian officials have indicated Russia's comparatively low mortality rate to be a driving force in easing of pandemic restrictions previously established. However, the rise of Covid-19 cases continues with as much as 9000 new cases by June. In spite of this, Moscow is officially ended the strict lockdown on Monday, June 08.
In fact, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin stated a government order has been signed relieving all travel restrictions since the grounding of all international flights in March. He also stated that the decision was justified due to the stabilization of the infection rate especially in its nation's capital.
Whether or not the effect of this move of state officials is yet to be seen, it will undoubtedly be the 145 million citizens of Russia that will take the brunt of it.
Saudi To Limit Pilgrims In Response To Covid-19 Pandemic
With well over 100, 000 cases of Covid-19 infections, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is considering limiting pilgrims to the annual haj pilgrimage to curb the widespread of the virus. This is will prove to be a tough undertaking since more than 2.5 million pilgrims visit holy sites of Mecca and Medina annually. Saudi officials have urged pilgrims to withhold their plans for Haj and Umrah until further notice. Authorities are debating on enforcing strict regulations while allowing around 20% of the pilgrims of the country's expected annual quota of pilgrims.
On Monday (June 09), the Saudi Ministry of Health stated 3, 288 new cases bringing the total up to 108, 571 cases across the nation and 783 have succumbed to the virus. In response to the current spike of infections, international flights have been restricted and reinstated a curfew in Jeddah, where most pilgrims are expected to arrive. Certain restrictions were expected to be eased off previously, however, the continued spike of cases urged officials to forego the plan.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia earlier announce their three-phase plan of easing off restrictions that started last May 28. The first phase involved economic and commercial activities to resume in retail and wholesale shops with social distancing and safety protocols still being adhered to. Curfews are still in place even with the second phase. All religious gatherings resumed at this stage except in Mecca. Suspension of work will also be lifted as long as they follow strict precautionary guidelines. The last phase is expected to commence on June 21 in which the kingdom's normalcy before the pandemic broke out will return.
The debate to ease restrictions early is a critical decision for any country. Since the pandemic, huge economic loses have been recorded and Saudi stock market for one is taking a significant drop by as much as 7% or around $33 billion. And with the possible cancellation of Haj and Umrah, which generate around $12 billion a year, officials are cautiously deciding on the fate of the kingdom.
With well over 100, 000 cases of Covid-19 infections, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is considering limiting pilgrims to the annual haj pilgrimage to curb the widespread of the virus. This is will prove to be a tough undertaking since more than 2.5 million pilgrims visit holy sites of Mecca and Medina annually. Saudi officials have urged pilgrims to withhold their plans for Haj and Umrah until further notice. Authorities are debating on enforcing strict regulations while allowing around 20% of the pilgrims of the country's expected annual quota of pilgrims.
On Monday (June 09), the Saudi Ministry of Health stated 3, 288 new cases bringing the total up to 108, 571 cases across the nation and 783 have succumbed to the virus. In response to the current spike of infections, international flights have been restricted and reinstated a curfew in Jeddah, where most pilgrims are expected to arrive. Certain restrictions were expected to be eased off previously, however, the continued spike of cases urged officials to forego the plan.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia earlier announce their three-phase plan of easing off restrictions that started last May 28. The first phase involved economic and commercial activities to resume in retail and wholesale shops with social distancing and safety protocols still being adhered to. Curfews are still in place even with the second phase. All religious gatherings resumed at this stage except in Mecca. Suspension of work will also be lifted as long as they follow strict precautionary guidelines. The last phase is expected to commence on June 21 in which the kingdom's normalcy before the pandemic broke out will return.
The debate to ease restrictions early is a critical decision for any country. Since the pandemic, huge economic loses have been recorded and Saudi stock market for one is taking a significant drop by as much as 7% or around $33 billion. And with the possible cancellation of Haj and Umrah, which generate around $12 billion a year, officials are cautiously deciding on the fate of the kingdom.
The Himalayas: The Majestic Backdrop For Border Tensions Between China And India
Considered as one of the world's longest land borders between countries, the border between China and India stretches for more than 3,440km (2,100 miles) long. And although, it consists of more than a single section, the main section, Line of Actual Control (LAC) lies in the Kashmir region which has been disputed by both parties for decades. Both have continually accused the other of overstepping the LAC and recently, tension rose last month, as India accused Chinese soldiers with armoured vehicles and heavy machinery advancing into the Ladakh region. This may be China's response to the extensive building of infrastructure of India on its border. Although both countries have not reportedly resorted to any firepower since the bloody battle of 1962, their tactics turned to an all-out media war, with rivalling propaganda fuelled by their own strategic goals.
As the conflict reignites, a standoff between troops deployed in the area became apparent in May. In fact, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon the nation's top military chiefs as well as their national security adviser, Ajit Doval for ‘bolstering India’s military preparedness to deal with external security challenges’. With which the Chinese foreign ministry contradicts this by saying, ‘At present, the situation along the border between China and India is generally stable and controllable’. Both state media highlights their country's capabilities to respond to any and all threats with the Chinese media outlets broadcasting footage of the People's Liberation Army manoeuvres in the region. Such approach was met by an aggressive tone of the Home Affairs Minister of India, Amit Shah, expressing, ‘any intrusion into the borders of India will be punished.’
Nevertheless, the long-running dispute may start to come to a resolution as the two countries met on Sunday, June 07, and have agreed to peacefully resolve the border conflict. Military leaders from both countries convened in a ‘cordial and positive atmosphere’ and subsequently stating that both countries agreed to ‘continue military and diplomatic engagements to ensure peace and tranquillity’ in the border. Whether this peace treaty will hold up in the long run, will be any one's guess.
Considered as one of the world's longest land borders between countries, the border between China and India stretches for more than 3,440km (2,100 miles) long. And although, it consists of more than a single section, the main section, Line of Actual Control (LAC) lies in the Kashmir region which has been disputed by both parties for decades. Both have continually accused the other of overstepping the LAC and recently, tension rose last month, as India accused Chinese soldiers with armoured vehicles and heavy machinery advancing into the Ladakh region. This may be China's response to the extensive building of infrastructure of India on its border. Although both countries have not reportedly resorted to any firepower since the bloody battle of 1962, their tactics turned to an all-out media war, with rivalling propaganda fuelled by their own strategic goals.
As the conflict reignites, a standoff between troops deployed in the area became apparent in May. In fact, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon the nation's top military chiefs as well as their national security adviser, Ajit Doval for ‘bolstering India’s military preparedness to deal with external security challenges’. With which the Chinese foreign ministry contradicts this by saying, ‘At present, the situation along the border between China and India is generally stable and controllable’. Both state media highlights their country's capabilities to respond to any and all threats with the Chinese media outlets broadcasting footage of the People's Liberation Army manoeuvres in the region. Such approach was met by an aggressive tone of the Home Affairs Minister of India, Amit Shah, expressing, ‘any intrusion into the borders of India will be punished.’
Nevertheless, the long-running dispute may start to come to a resolution as the two countries met on Sunday, June 07, and have agreed to peacefully resolve the border conflict. Military leaders from both countries convened in a ‘cordial and positive atmosphere’ and subsequently stating that both countries agreed to ‘continue military and diplomatic engagements to ensure peace and tranquillity’ in the border. Whether this peace treaty will hold up in the long run, will be any one's guess.
Trump's Re-election Amid The Pandemic and Clamour For Racial Equality
In about 5 months from now, the citizens of the United States will be once again voting for their next president. Campaigns are slowly rolling out in spite of the pandemic that grips the nation. In fact, primaries have commenced, albeit in disarray. Voting procedures shifted from conventional to a majority of absentee or mail-in votes, which generally do take more time to receive, tabulate and declared. Voters were urged to cast their ballots by mail to avoid crowding in polling stations and reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission. However, electoral officials found difficulty in enforcing Covid-19 precautionary measures since there was a shortage of election workers due to concerns of the virus spreading.
In addition to this, another crisis is afoot since the death of George Floyd. Floyd, an African American who died while in police custody. His arrest and possible cause of death were immortalized in video where he was laying on the ground with an officer taking a knee to his neck while he pleads, ‘I can't breathe.’ This garnered international attention and urged forth the #BlackLivesMatter movement. Peaceful protests have occupied streets for two weeks now with some turning into violent riots and looting.
Trump publicly berated governors for their inability to control such chaos and have threatened to activate military personnel to such areas if the case need be. Critics, in turn, point out that Trump's inability to address the real issue of racial discrimination and equality is causing more divergence across the nation. This has also been the case in his approach of the pandemic that took more than 113, 125 related deaths. His constant downplay of the current health crisis and inaccurate medical advice for citizens fail to contain and abate the virus. Critics believe that current national health and social crisis falls on deaf ears. Trump's re-election may very well be in danger. Nevertheless, Donald Trump is raring to get back on the campaign with rallies already planned out by his advisors. On the other hand, Joe Biden, a forefront rival of Trump has taken the turn of events as a springboard for his campaign. Whether or not, Trump's re-election proves to be successful, US citizens have the power to seal his fate this coming November.
In about 5 months from now, the citizens of the United States will be once again voting for their next president. Campaigns are slowly rolling out in spite of the pandemic that grips the nation. In fact, primaries have commenced, albeit in disarray. Voting procedures shifted from conventional to a majority of absentee or mail-in votes, which generally do take more time to receive, tabulate and declared. Voters were urged to cast their ballots by mail to avoid crowding in polling stations and reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission. However, electoral officials found difficulty in enforcing Covid-19 precautionary measures since there was a shortage of election workers due to concerns of the virus spreading.
In addition to this, another crisis is afoot since the death of George Floyd. Floyd, an African American who died while in police custody. His arrest and possible cause of death were immortalized in video where he was laying on the ground with an officer taking a knee to his neck while he pleads, ‘I can't breathe.’ This garnered international attention and urged forth the #BlackLivesMatter movement. Peaceful protests have occupied streets for two weeks now with some turning into violent riots and looting.
Trump publicly berated governors for their inability to control such chaos and have threatened to activate military personnel to such areas if the case need be. Critics, in turn, point out that Trump's inability to address the real issue of racial discrimination and equality is causing more divergence across the nation. This has also been the case in his approach of the pandemic that took more than 113, 125 related deaths. His constant downplay of the current health crisis and inaccurate medical advice for citizens fail to contain and abate the virus. Critics believe that current national health and social crisis falls on deaf ears. Trump's re-election may very well be in danger. Nevertheless, Donald Trump is raring to get back on the campaign with rallies already planned out by his advisors. On the other hand, Joe Biden, a forefront rival of Trump has taken the turn of events as a springboard for his campaign. Whether or not, Trump's re-election proves to be successful, US citizens have the power to seal his fate this coming November.
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