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“This is not a drill,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters. “This epidemic is a threat for every country, rich and poor.”Tedros called on the heads of government in every country to take charge of the response and “coordinate all sectors”, rather than leaving it to health ministries.What is needed, he said, is “aggressive preparedness.”In the United States, the largest nursing union said a survey of thousands of nurses at hospitals showed “truly disturbing” results.”They show that a large percentage of our nation’s hospitals are unprepared to safely handle COVID-19,” said Jane Thomason, a hygiene specialist with the union.Nurses are working without necessary personal protective equipment and lack education and training for handling the disease, said National Nurses United director Bonnie Castillo. The epidemic has wreaked havoc on international business, tourism, sports events, and schools, with almost 300 million students sent home worldwide.Even religion is affected: The Vatican said Pope Francis may have to change his schedule, tourists have been barred from Bethlehem, and Saudi Arabia emptied Islam’s holiest site in Mecca to sterilize it.China — where the virus emerged late last year — still accounts for the majority of cases and deaths, but infections are now rising faster abroad, with South Korea, Iran and Italy major hotspots.The World Health Organization warned Thursday that a “long list” of countries were not showing “the level of political commitment” needed to “match the level of the threat we all face”. World health officials have warned that countries are not taking the coronavirus crisis seriously enough, as outbreaks surged across Europe and in the United States where medical workers sounded warnings over a “disturbing” lack of hospital preparedness.Global markets tumbled again over concerns about the impact on the economy and as countries took more drastic steps to prevent contagion of a disease that has killed over 3,300 people and infected nearly 100,000 in some 85 nations.Cases soared in Italy, France, Greece, and Iran, while a cruise ship was held offshore in California to test passengers showing symptoms of the disease — echoing a harrowing episode in Japan several weeks ago that saw hundreds infected on a luxury liner. Topics :
China imports cases Cases in China have gradually fallen as tens of millions of people remain under strict quarantine to contain the virus.But fresh infections rose for a second consecutive day on Friday, with 143 new cases, and 30 more deaths.China’s death toll now stands at 3,042 with over 80,500 infections.Beijing faces a new concern with the number of cases imported from abroad rising to 36.But cases are increasing faster in other countries.Italy, which has the biggest outbreak in Europe, has ordered schools and universities shut until March 15, and on Thursday reported a sharp rise in deaths, bringing the total to 148.France also reported a steep jump in cases, bringing its total to 423 with seven deaths, as President Emmanuel Macron warned the country was heading towards an “inevitable” epidemic.Italy unveiled a 7.5-billion-euro ($8.4-billion) economic rescue plan while South Korea — the world’s second largest hotspot after China — has proposed an extra budget of $9.9 billion.Stock markets in Asia were sharply down on Friday, with Tokyo losing more than 3.0 percent by the break, following another sell-off on Wall Street as traders fret about the economic fallout from the disease. Countries spend The US Congress passed an emergency $8.3 billion spending bill to combat the coronavirus on Thursday as the number of cases surged in the country’s northwest and deaths reached 12.More than 180 people are infected in the United States.But President Donald Trump has downplayed the risk, saying the WHO’s conclusion of a 3.4 percent mortality rate was “false”.Admiral Brett Giroir, the assistant secretary of health, estimated the death rate at “somewhere between 0.1 percent and one percent” — closer to the seasonal flu — due to a high number of unreported cases.Passengers on a cruise ship stranded off the coast of San Francisco were confined to their cabins Thursday as tests were conducted to determine if any of the nearly 3,500 guests and crew had contracted the new coronavirus.Health officials sounded the alarm after two passengers who had been on board during a previous voyage between San Francisco and Mexico later fell ill and one of them died. The Grand Princess belongs to Princess Cruises, the company that operated the Diamond Princess — the coronavirus-stricken ship held off Japan last month from which more than 700 people tested positive and six died.
Under the proposed indexation rules, pension funds can grant inflation compensation if they do so “sustainably”.As a rule of thumb, this would be one-tenth of a scheme’s financial buffers exceeding 110%, according to Jetta Klijnsma, state secretary for Social Affairs.Currently, pension funds can start indexing if their funding is more than 105%.Keijmel added that a low discount rate was beneficial for the future pensions of younger workers.He argued it was impossible to establish in advance which generation would benefit or suffer from the current FTK proposals.“The FTK offers sufficient steering instruments for a balanced approach of the various generations,” he said.He also noted that the FTK was not about disputed elements such as the average contribution, or freedom of choice for pension arrangements.“These issues are to be discussed during the society-wide dialogue about the future of the system,” he said.But Keijmel does not believe the FTK is perfect, citing the fact a pension fund cannot adjust its risk profile whilst subject to a recovery plan, as well as too strict rules for indexation and reversing previous rights discounts.He said the proposed increase in financial buffers to counter credit risk might lead to additional system risks, as this would make investing in “safe” long-term governments bonds, Dutch mortgages and loans to small and medium-sized businesses more attractive.Keijmel also argued that the hedging of interest risk should be a policy decision made by a pension fund, rather than prescribed by the assessment framework.He said he expected Parliament to discuss the FTK proposals after the end of October.The new FTK is scheduled to come into force from 1 January 2015, but Klijnsma, state secretary for Social Affairs, has already indicated that some elements of the legislation will be introduced later. The Netherlands’ new financial assessment framework (FTK) will generally be positive for the Dutch pensions industry, and the drop in indexation resulting from the legislation will not be as great as many industry experts predict, according to Mercer.Speaking at a Mercer seminar for pension funds, actuary Sasja Keijmel argued that, with an interest level of 2-2.5% and a return on investments of 6-7%, coverage ratios would improve by up to 5% every year.“Rising interest rates will also help getting closer to indexation,” said Keijmel, who underlined that extra returns would be a condition for inflation compensation anyway.He further noted that the new FTK would have a limited impact on pension funds’ indexation tables, “as most start granting indexation with a funding of more than 110%”.
Oil and gas services firm Plexus has been awarded a contract for the provision POS-GRIP high pressure/high temperature (HPHT) adjustable rental exploration wellhead equipment to Rosneft.Plexus said on Thursday that the contract was awarded by Rosneft TNK Vietnam B.V., a subsidiary of the Russian oil and gas company.The company added that the contract award was in a new country and a new territory for Plexus and represented an expansion from the North Sea.Plexus’ CEO, Ben Van Bilderbeek, said: “It is always encouraging to secure a first contract with a new customer, particularly one of the caliber and strategic importance as Rosneft Vietnam, a subsidiary of one of the largest oil and gas majors in the world.“In the past, we have found that once the superior features of our equipment in terms of performance, reliability and safety, along with the significant time and cost savings it offers are experienced first-hand out in the field, new customers become long-standing ones as further contracts are awarded. We are therefore hopeful that this will be the case with Rosneft Vietnam and that, thanks to Rosneft’s important standing in Russia and the CIS, this inaugural contract bodes well for us and our Russian licensing partner Gusar in terms of raising the profile of our technology in that region.“Russia and the CIS is just one of a number of territories we are targeting as we look to expand outside of our traditional heartland in the North Sea. We see the Middle East, India, Gulf of Mexico, and Asia as strategically important regions for Plexus and it is therefore pleasing to have won this contract in Vietnam, which extends our footprint in Asia.”
Stuff co.nz 5 July 2018Family First Comment: “Cannabis has proven medical benefits in treating drug-resistant epilepsy in children, chemotherapy-induced nausea and multiple sclerosis. Treatment of chronic pain was considered another promising area – BUT the study, published in Lancet Public Health on Tuesday, may deflate hopes.” #factsmatterwww.saynopetodope.nzCannabis’ medical benefits have suffered a serious blow, with a major study finding it does almost nothing to help people with chronic pain.The study, one of the largest and most in depth ever done on the drug’s medical use, found cannabis does not cut pain, nor does it help sufferers replace opioids. And users seem to suffer higher levels of anxiety overall.Cannabis has proven medical benefits in treating drug-resistant epilepsy in children, chemotherapy-induced nausea and multiple sclerosis.Treatment of chronic pain was considered another promising area – but the study, published in Lancet Public Health on Tuesday, may deflate hopes.“We found no evidence that cannabis use improved patient outcomes,” the researchers wrote in Lancet.The study raises questions for several stakeholders including political leaders such as premier of the Australian state of Victoria, Daniel Andrews, who have thrown their weight behind legalising the drug, and Australia’s medical cannabis entrepreneurs, who have already made sharemarket fortunes before getting a drug to market.READ MORE: https://www.stuff.co.nz/science/105257599/cannabis-shows-no-benefit-for-chronic-pain-major-study-findsKeep up with family issues in NZ. Receive our weekly emails direct to your Inbox.
Richmond, In. — The Reid Health Community Benefit program recently awarded $155,075 in grants to programs designed to improve mental health and fight substance abuse in the first grant cycle of 2018.Community benefit is the basis of the tax-exempt status of not-for-profit hospitals. Community benefit is defined as programs or activities that improve access to health services, enhance public health, advance increased general knowledge, and/or relieve the burden of government to improve health.In addition to grants, the Reid Health Community Benefit sponsors various programs focused on community health. Int he area of access to care, Reid Health Community Benefit initiated a dental clinic focused on serving those with little or no dental coverage. Community benefit funds support Claim Aid to assist individuals in applying for health insurance plans or Reid’s financial assistance when necessary. Access to care also includes the shortfall of the cost of care rendered to those who have Medicaid coverage. Reid has continued to support community health clinics, such as Siloam Clinic and Hope Center with processing of lab services and providing supplies necessary for operations.To address substance abuse and mental health needs, Reid has provided Narcan kits and training to first responders to prevent death from opioid overdose, containers to dispose of needles for police departments, and participated in efforts to reduce the incidence of babies being born addicted to drugs. Along with many other community agencies’ support, Reid has been involved in the efforts of the community group focused on the “Herion is Here” initiative designed to increase awareness of drug abuse and its devastating effects.Reid has supported programs addressing physical activity, nutrition and weight such as athletic training services to community schools, community screenings, cooking classes, health fairs, support groups, Reid Healthier Wellness club and provided support for many health education events.
Press Association Scotland need to get at least a point against Poland on Thursday to keep their play-off hopes alive while the Republic host Germany. And Bonner is convinced both teams could be on the plane to France if Scotland beat second-placed Poland. “It’s really difficult to call,” said Bonner, who has just released his autobiography, The Last Line. “We are four points ahead but Scotland know if they can get a result against Poland then we could struggle against Germany and it goes down to the last game. “I do think Scotland could get something against Poland. Ireland did it in the Aviva and there’s no reason why Scotland couldn’t. (Robert) Lewandowski is going through the time of his life but with the fans behind them and the passion that Hampden can produce, the players can do it. “Ireland need a good performance against Germany. If we take something from that it would be a miracle because they are a good team, but we need a performance to take us into the last game. “If Poland go into that game needing a result then they could be very nervous and we have nothing to lose. We got something in Germany and there’s no reason why we can’t go to Poland and get something. “I have played against Poland many times and we have always been able to do something against them. Yes, they have some quality players but Ireland fight and they will fight to the end. They have shown in this group that they are never beaten.” Bonner has been recalling his spells on the big stage when writing his book. “It was life-changing,” the 55-year-old said. “When we qualified for the European Championship in ’88, we needed a bit of luck from Scotland, Gary Mackay scoring the goal that helped us qualify. Bonner became an Irish hero when he kept a clean sheet in his country’s first game at a major tournament – their 1-0 win over England in Germany in 1988 – and cemented his status when his penalty save from Romania’s Daniel Timofte helped send them into the World Cup quarter-finals two years later. The former Celtic player, who is still based in Glasgow, is watching the climax of Group D very closely with both his native country and adopted land still vying for qualification for the European Championship finals in France. Former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Pat Bonner believes both his former team and Scotland can taste the “life-changing” experience of playing in a major finals next summer. “But that was the start of it for us under Jack Charlton, giving us the confidence to take on the world. That first game against England in the European Championship changed my life. “The World Cup in 1990, saving the penalty, again changed my life. All for the good. The way that captured the nation, I’m talking about it 25 years later and everyone knows exactly where they were. “Everybody I speak to in Donegal says ‘I was here, I was there’, and they can tell you who they were with. That’s the power of that emotion. When it’s good it sticks in your mind and you never forget it. “That’s what international football can do for a country and I would love to see Ireland and Scotland getting there again and getting success when they’re there. “If we get there first and foremost, both of us, then it would be fantastic and to do well the whole country will get behind it. “There’s no better thing than having people coming up to you and thanking you for what you have done for them.” Bonner’s book tells the story of a teenager who moved from Donegal to Glasgow to embark on a 20-year career with Celtic. “It’s been a fantastic journey, sometimes stressful when you have to dig into certain areas where you don’t want to go,” he said at Celtic Park. “But I have enjoyed looking back and I love looking back at my time in Donegal and the early years here and the 1980s, which was a really good time.” 
Officials in Miami are currently investigating a bomb threat that was been reported at the Lotus House Women’s Shelter.According to the report, authorities responded to the shelter between Northwest 15th Street and Second Avenue around 10:00 am Tuesday.Not much is known at this time, however, the building has been evacuated as authorities continue to evaluate the extent of the threat.This is a developing story.
It was her sophomore year of high school when Regine Hunter decided to drop the pom-poms and lace up her running shoes for the first time.What originally started out as just a way to keep in shape soon turned into a prosperous track career.Just three years removed from her first competition, Syracuse’s newest track and field star has already found immediate success early in her freshman season.“I just never thought I would be doing track in college,” Hunter said. “I thought it would be harder than it is, actually.”Hunter and the rest of the SU track and field team head to Ames, Iowa, this weekend to participate in the Iowa State Classic. The team will look to continue running well, and Hunter, individually, will aim to build upon the success she’s already had in her first season. AdvertisementThis is placeholder textWhen Syracuse opened the 2014 indoor season at the New York City Gotham Cup in early January, Hunter was the lone SU runner to take home gold in any event. She won the triple jump, leaping an impressive 12.55 meters in the very first event of her college career. The 12.55-meter jump was already better than any jump she ever did in her short high school career.“I was just happy to place at all,” Hunter said. “Getting gold was just a big accomplishment.”Hunter grew up in Cranford, N.J., a little more than 30 minutes away from New York City. Hunter was an All Star cheerleader for eight years through elementary and middle school before ultimately stopping her freshman year of high school.All Star cheerleading is more competitive than high school cheerleading. Rather than cheering at games or at pep rallies, All Star cheerleading focuses more on training and competitions. Most of the cheerleaders involved don’t even go to the same school, according to All Star cheerleading’s Varsity.com website.Hunter credits her experience as an All Star cheerleader for helping to develop her current athleticism and athletic ability.Her assistant coach, Dave Hegland, believes it’s that natural athleticism, mentality and work ethic that have led to her early success.Hunter has already won the triple jump twice this season, as well as taking a second-place finish in the 60-meter dash.“(Hunter) has been fantastic so far, as good as we could’ve hoped, really,” Hegland said. “Every day she’s training at a really high level. It’s unusual for a freshman to be that consistent at practice at a daily basis.”After learning how to jump and run from her high school track and field coaches at Cranford High School, Hunter was thrown off at first by Hegland and the SU staff’s different methods.“It’s a lot different. They have a lot of different techniques,” Hunter said. “Coming in from high school, I’ve learned things a different way, and now I’m coming here and learning it all over again.”Specifically, Hunter believes the focus on her technique and speed has led to her improved jumps and run times.Working with Hegland and the sprints and jumps coaches have helped further Hunter’s development in both kinds of competitions. When Hunter first joined the squad, several of the seniors on the team welcomed her with open arms and gave her pointers. Now those same seniors echo Hegland’s praise of her performance.Senior distance runner Molly Malone believes Hunter is one of the underclassman runners that has shown promise.“They are doing a great job,” senior distance runner Molly Malone said. “Regine, (Rebecca Robinson), and a few of our distance freshman are doing a great job. I think the whole program is getting a lot better.” Comments Published on February 13, 2014 at 2:46 am Facebook Twitter Google+
The first round fixtures of the Glo Premier League has been revised by the Premier League Board (PLB) with the changes taking effect this weekend.According to a PLB statement, the revision is as a result of the delay in the commencement of the 2012/2013 MTN FA Cup programme.“As a result of the revision, Match-Day-6 of the Glo Premier League has been brought forward to Sunday November 4 instead of the circulated schedule of Wednesday November 7, 2012,” a PLB statement stated.“Match-day-7 has also been brought forward to Sunday November 11 from November 18 but the match-day-7 fixture between Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak at the Baba Yara Stadium will be played on November 18 due to the unavailability of the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday November 11, 2012.”