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Donald Trump again ignored the medical experts. The US president kept recommending the use of the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine to treat coronavirus. “But what do I know? I’m not a doctor,” he said. The drug’s supposed efficacy against Covid-19 is unproven.
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 Fauci, Trump’s top medical advisor.
Apple is making protective gear. CEO Tim Cook tweeted yesterday that his company has designed and expects to start manufacturing one million face shields a week for medical staff.
US banks are set to defend dividend payouts. They are under pressure after their European counterparts made cuts because of the coronavirus pandemic. Citigroup, Morgan Stanley, and Goldman Sachs said they have enough capital to continue paying investors.
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Around the world
Boris Johnson is in hospital. The British prime minister, who was diagnosed with Covid-19 ten days ago, was admitted to a medical facility in London last night as a “precautionary step.” Earlier, Queen Elizabeth II made a rare televised speech to rally the nation.
Asian and European shares rallied. Stocks in Tokyo rose more than 4%, with gains also reported in Seoul, Singapore, and Hong Kong as coronavirus death rates fell further on the continent. European stocks were also up this morning.
Japan braces for a state of emergency. Local media reports suggested prime minister Shinzo Abe could make the declaration this week, with coronavirus cases expected to soar amid shortages of medical supplies. Japan has performed only 40,000 tests.
India restricted the export of test kits. The directive, issued Saturday, follows earlier bans on certain drugs and protective gear leaving the country. India also banned exports of hydroxychloroquine.
Quartz investigates
Influencers wanted. Have you been asked to promote questionable coronavirus claims? Quartz is investigating efforts to spread misinformation or confusion about coronavirus through social media influencers (big and small), and we need your help.
Quartz membership
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. There are a host of expert tips to help you cope.
Not everything will change. The current pandemic is transforming industries and entire economies, but here are five things that will stay the same.
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 you’ve almost certainly heard it. This four-note melody is often used in tense, sad, or scary movie scenes—but it’s a musical tradition that dates all the way back to the 13th century. Dun DUN, dun DUNNNN…it’s the Quartz Daily Obsession.
Matter of debate
Governors could be the officials we need. Usually considered less important in the US than big city mayors and senators, the gubernatorial underclass is making its voice heard during this crisis, as states are forced to battle for resources and cities become disaster zones.
Surprising discoveries
Feral hogs are sweeping through Canada. A ballooning porcine population has dotted frigid landscapes with telltale “pigloos.”
Cold War tests helped today’s scientists work out the age of the world’s largest fish. The whale shark could live as long as 150 years.
Black holes eat their siblings. It might explain how some got so large in the first place.
Professional card stackers are a thing. Bryan Berg builds towering skyscrapers that can even withstand concrete bricks.
The NBA is readying a televised H-O-R-S-E competition. It’s one way to keep fans tuned in while still keeping player safe.
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