11 Major Coronavirus Developments—March 17, 2020

NUMBERS:

21 Cases in Rhode Island

197 Cases in Massachusetts

4,445 Cases in the United States

81 Deaths in the United States

182,029 Cases Globally

7,119 Deaths Globally

80,017 Total Cases Recovered Globally

The Show Will Go On - Later

Providence Performing Arts Center's Lynn Singleton has a major announcement:

"As more information is evolving relative to the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to share some updates with you.

This is what we currently know relative to upcoming shows:

Jesus Christ Superstar has been postponed and will perform this Fall. We will email you information on the new dates as soon as we have it.

At present, The SpongeBob Musical (May 12 – 17), Dear Evan Hansen (May 26 – 31), and RINGO STARR AND HIS ALL STARR BAND (June 13), are still scheduled to go on as planned; if there are any changes, we will contact you as soon as we have new information.

THERESA CAPUTO LIVE! THE EXPERIENCE performance originally scheduled for June 21 has been postponed; a new date will be announced.

The Celtic Woman Celebration tour has been postposned; tickets for the March 26, 2020 date at PPAC will be honored at a rescheduled date in 2021 which will be announced; for more information, check www.celticwoman.com

The Bachelor Live! date originally scheduled for March 28 at PPAC has been postponed; a new date will be announced.

Thank you for your ongoing support, patience, and cooperation as we all navigate and acclimate to “the new normal” - we will keep you posted on developments going forward. Stay safe and healthy!"

Sincerely,
J.L. “Lynn” Singleton
PPAC President & CEO

European Stocks Gain After Biggest Wall Street Sell-Off Since 1987

European stocks climbed following the biggest sell-off on Wall Street in more than 30 years as investors looked to the US for stronger economic support measures to fight the impact of the coronavirus.

The composite Stoxx 600 index advanced 3 percent with France’s CAC 40 and Germany’s Dax jumping more than 4 percent. London’s FTSE 100 rose 2.4 percent.

Airlines Request $50 Billion Bailout

In an exclusive report in the Wall Street Journal, "U.S. airlines are seeking over $50 billion in financial assistance from the government, more than three times the size of the industry’s bailout after the Sept. 11 attacks."

According to the WSJ, "The exact form of the aid—and the amount—is under discussion with Trump administration officials and congressional leaders. A potential aid package could include government-backed loans, cash grants and other measures including relief from taxes and fees, according to an airline trade group and others familiar with the discussions.

Industry trade group Airlines for America, or A4A, also proposed $8 billion in grants and guarantees for cargo carriers. U.S. airports are separately seeking $10 billion in assistance to counter forecast full-year losses already approaching $9 billion, according to a person familiar with the request."

UK Economic Package

The United Kingdom is launching a major business rescue package to fight coronavirus fallout.

The Financial Times reports, "Rishi Sunak, UK chancellor, will on Tuesday announce a major package of measures to help Britain’s businesses through the coronavirus crisis, amid warnings the economy could be living with the fallout for 'a year or more.'"

"Mr. Boris Johnson’s new strategy was guided by modelling from Imperial College London that warned the government’s previous more measured approach could have led to an estimated 260,000 deaths, with hospitals overwhelmed," reported FT.

PHOTO: Foreign Commonwealth Office, CC

Amazon Will Hire 100,000 and Boost Pay

Amazon plans to hire an additional 100,000 employees in the U.S.

And, the company is reporting that it is raising pay for all employees in warehouses, transportation, stores, and deliveries in the U.S. by $2 an hour through April.

The growth of Amazon and the closing of many brick and mortar stores will transform retail in the United States and across the world.

CDC: Limit Gatherings to 10 or Less

At a White House press briefing on Monday afternoon, President Donald Trump announced the new CDC guidance of keeping public meetings to ten or fewer people.

Rhode Island has ordered 25 or fewer.

Mel Brooks and His Son Max: "Go Home" Coronavirus PSA

Providence City Council Meeting Online. No Public. No Press.

The Providence City Council is holding a meeting this week in person -- but the public and the press cannot be there.

The Council in a statement said, "In light of the worldwide COVID-19 outbreak which recently reared its head here in Rhode Island, the Governor issued an executive order today lifting OMA restrictions for public meetings.

The order allows for adequate alternative means of public access such as over phone, internet, and audio or videoconferencing when it comes to public body meetings."

Governor Gina Raimondo issued an executive order under her emergency powers to restrict public meetings.

The Council said in a statement:

In light of this executive order, in addition to the prior executive order limiting gatherings of more than 25 people, and to protect the health of our Councilors and staff we decided to seek alternative public access mediums for our Thursday Council meeting. Between Councilors and essential staff the number of individuals in the chamber totals 24.

This tough decision is premised on an urgency to preserve public health while also maintaining the spirit of an open and transparent governmental process.

After careful consideration of what options the Providence City Council had available to deliver it’s Thursday meeting in the most accessible, equitable, and transparent manner, we made the decision to livestream our meeting over our social media platforms and our YouTube channel.
 

7 Million Ordered Lock Downed in CA, Could It Be National Policy?

On Monday, seven million people were locked down in California.

The New York Times reports on Tuesday, "Across California, as the coronavirus marches through communities, life as everyone understands it in the Golden State is changing dramatically, hour by hour, minute by minute.

The state has begun enacting extreme measures to halt the coronavirus outbreak. On Monday, seven counties around Silicon Valley, one of the hardest-hit areas in the nation, announced a shelter-at-home order that begins Tuesday, which Mayor Sam Liccardo of San Jose said was the strongest directive yet in the United States. Residents, including those living in San Francisco, were told not to go out for three weeks except to meet 'essential needs.'”

Critical Messages

Beyond our daily updates with top healthcare experts and critical press conferences, GoLocal is offering businesses and non-profit organizations the opportunity to contact us with critical public messages. 

Please email us at [email protected] and we will work to help you get your message out.

Each day at noon, watch Dr. Michael Fine, former Director of the Department of Health, for his insights on the latest on coronavirus on GoLocal LIVE.