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Donald Trump receives new coronavirus recommendations. Based on the latest data, the US president’s advisers will outline next steps in the fight to combat the pandemic and restart the economy. The US now has the highest number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the world.
China closes its borders from midnight. With domestic cases on the decline, China will no longer accept most foreign citizens into the country, even those with residence visas. Only diplomatic, emergency, and certain high-skilled visa holders will be allowed entry.
Meanwhile, the House votes on the stimulus bill. After the US Senate unanimously passed the $2 trillion relief package late Wednesday, House members are expected to approve it today with strong bipartisan support before Trump signs it into law.
Three million more people claimed unemployment benefits in the US last week. But although the Department of Labor is seeing record numbers of claims, the loss of jobs is still not at 2008 levels.
India’s central bank slashed rates. Indian stocks and bonds rallied after the Reserve Bank of India announced the new 4.4% rate, and put loan repayments from other banks on hold for three months. India is also gambling on a huge lockdown.
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In other news
The US indicted Nicolas Maduro for “narco-terrorism.” The Justice Department also offered a $15 million reward for intel that leads to the Venezuelan president’s arrest. Maduro said that it was part of US efforts—including support for his rival Juan Guaido—to boot him from power.
Millions of people turn off their lights for Earth Hour. Homes and businesses all over the world will go dark at 8:30pm on Saturday. Carbon emissions and air pollution have fallen sharply in various regions and cities as coronavirus shuts down industry and travel.
There’s good news and bad news for athleisure. Although Lululemon posted fourth quarter earnings that beat expectations, thanks to higher sales numbers through to December, uncertainty over coronavirus pushed it to scrap its 2020 fiscal outlook. The company’s shares fell 2% in after-hours trading.
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Changing the pitch. Y Combinator, the prestigious Silicon Valley accelerator, was forced to move its recent demo day online. Like so many other things that coronavirus has affected, it could permanently change the way startups raise money.
Beware of power grabs. Most democracies are placing extraordinary restrictions on their citizens, and the fear is that some governments might retain these new powers.
Quartz daily obsession
The people who know the least are often convinced they know the most. The Dunning-Kruger effect helps explain why we all have blind spots of unearned confidence, and how that can be an important (if embarrassing) part of the learning process. The Quartz Daily Obsession absolutely and positively is the expert on this subject.
Matter of debate
Our new social lives are just as complicated as before. For people who have the luxury of maintaining connections on video chat, the same issues of overscheduling and competing social circles are becoming apparent. How are you managing the change?
Surprising discoveries
Neanderthals collected seafood. An excavated cave in Portugal revealed ancient deposits of fish, crabs, and mussels.
Chefs are giving cooking lessons on Instagram Live. With their establishments closed, restaurateurs are connecting with their customers online.
This waffle maker turns batter into Lego-shaped blocks. You can stack the fluffy bricks into fun syrup-soaked towers.
Watch endangered green sea turtles emerge. The species’ hatching season is nearly over.
People are becoming really attached to their robot vacuums. MIT researcher Kate Darling explains why we care.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, seafood recipes, and real lego blocks to hi@qz.com. Get the most out of Quartz by downloading our app on iOS or Android and becoming a member. Today’s Daily Brief was brought to you by Adam Rasmi and Hasit Shah.