Good morning, Quartz readers!
Here’s what you need to know
Boris Johnson was hospitalized… The British prime minister, who was diagnosed with Covid-19 two weeks ago, was admitted to a hospital yesterday night as a “precautionary step,” shortly after Queen Elizabeth II made a rare televised speech rallying the nation against the pandemic. Meanwhile, the UK is expected to publish a list outlining essential workers.
…and the UK Labour party got a new leader. Keir Starmer, a knighted lawyer and former director of public prosecutions, won the months-long contest to take the helm of the opposition. He replaces Jeremy Corbyn, whose legacy will continue to loom over British politics.
The US is bracing for a “Pearl Harbor moment.” That’s how 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.
US banks defend dividend payouts. They are facing pressure to do so after their European counterparts cut dividends in response to economic disruptions from the pandemic. Citigroup, Morgan Stanley, and Goldman Sachs said they have enough capital to continue dividend payments.
Apple is making protective gear. CEO Tim Cook tweeted yesterday that his company has designed and will start manufacturing plastic face shields for medical staff. The company expects to make a million shields a week. Separately, German chancellor Angela Merkel’s cabinet is expected to approve the mass production of face masks.
Australia launched a criminal probe into the Ruby Princess cruise ship. Authorities are investigating whether national biosecurity laws were broken when 2,700 passengers were allowed to disembark in Sydney last month despite some showing symptoms.
India restricted the export of test kits. The directive, issued Saturday, follows earlier bans on exporting certain drugs and protective gear. The country also banned exports of hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malaria drug that US president Donald Trump has repeatedly touted—without evidence—as a cure for Covid-19.
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
Protect our precarious army of essential workers. These low-paid, insecure, and high-risk jobs include working in care homes and making deliveries—and the pandemic has exposed how much society both depends on and undervalues the people who work these jobs. It’s time to make these jobs better-paid and safer.
Surprising discoveries
Spanish conquerors relied on indigenous people’s technology. New research shows the 16th-century invaders used metallurgy techniques developed by the very population they were seeking to colonize.
A triathlete had her virtual race derailed by her husband. Three-time world champion Mirinda Carfrae was doing well in the race until her husband accidentally tripped and unplugged her bike.
Video games are adding “stay at home” adverts. Candy Crush Saga, Dirt Rally 2.0, and Sniper Elite 4 will remind players to hunker down.
Feral hogs are sweeping through Canada. A ballooning porcine population has dotted the frigid northern landscape with telltale “pigloos.”
Researchers are collecting coronavirus dreams. They could tell us something about how people are processing the pandemic.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, secure bikes, and Canadian pigloos 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 written by Mary Hui and edited by Isabella Steger.