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Here’s what you need to know
America is bracing for a “Pearl Harbor moment”… That’s how US Surgeon General Jerome M. Adams described the week ahead as the country’s death toll passed 9,200. The escalation in fatalities will likely continue, warned Anthony S. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
…While Italy and Spain recorded fewer fatalities. Italy’s death toll was its lowest in more than two weeks, while Spain’s fell to 674 deaths, the lowest since March 26. Both countries have been among the hardest hit by the pandemic.
India curbed the export of test kits. The directive, issued Saturday, follows earlier bans on exporting certain drugs and protective gear. Meanwhile Donald Trump called prime minister Narendra Modi to urge him to release supplies of an unproven drug he’s promoted for fighting Covid-19.
An emergency declaration is expected from Shinzo Abe. A cabinet member said Sunday it could come from the Japanese prime minister any day now, reports the Nikkei. The move would give governors formal powers to issue requests that people stay home.
Boris Johnson was hospitalized. The British prime minister, who was diagnosed with Covid-19 two weeks ago, was admitted to a hospital Sunday night as a “precautionary step.” He is so far one of the few heads of state to test positive.
Vietnam challenged China’s maritime bullying… The country lodged an official protest following the sinking of a fishing vessel by a Chinese ship in the South China Sea last week, arguing the move threatened both lives and Vietnam’s sovereignty in the disputed area.
…and Australia expelled foreign cruise ships from local water. It described the exercise as the nation’s biggest peacetime maritime operation, with the ships restocking and refueling before heading home. Coronavirus cases linked to the massive ships have sparked public anger.
Quartz investigates
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Counteracting anxiety. This week’s Quartz at Work (from home) workshop was about mental health and how to recognize the symptoms of quarantine-induced anxiety in yourself and in others. Expert tips for counteracting it include limiting social media usage, keeping a routine, and finding ways to volunteer.
Not everything will change. The current pandemic is transforming industries and entire economies. Here are five things that will stay the same, from migration to automation to China’s global influence.
Quartz daily obsession
Dies Irae is the song you didn’t know you’ve been trained to fear. It translates to “day of wrath,” and if you watch movies, you’ve almost certainly heard it. This four-note melody is often used in tense, sad, or scary scenes, but it’s no recent trend—it’s a musical tradition dates all the way back to the 13th century. Dun DUN, dun DUNNNN…it’s the Quartz Daily Obsession.
Matter of debate
During the coronavirus pandemic, we’re not all in it together. As governments turn their backs on migrants, and the rich take preventative measures that aren’t available to the poor, Observer columnist Kenan Malik argues that inequality will kill as much as the virus does.
Surprising discoveries
Feral hogs are sweeping through Canada. A ballooning porcine population has dotted the frigid northern landscape with telltale “pigloos.”
Google Docs have become a strange canvas for coping with coronavirus. Bored netizens have used them to build escape rooms, comedy venues, and collaborative crossword puzzles.
Airline passengers are taking advantage of cheap flights to rack up miles. Prices have never been lower, and airlines are extending passengers’ status an extra year.
Researchers are collecting coronavirus dreams. They could tell us something about how people are processing the pandemic.
British conspiracy theorists are torching 5G towers. Authorities took pains to clarify that there is no link between 5G and Covid-19 after a string of arsons.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, weird Google Docs, and pigloo schematics 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 Steve Mollman and Nicolás Rivero.