Is the time finally here for universal basic income?

In the last few weeks, calls for a universal basic income have been louder than ever. The US, too, sends checks to most citizens. And rightly so – the pandemic of coronavirus calls for radical action.

14 countries around the world are experimenting with direct payments to compensate for the financial consequences of COVID.

Once a radical idea on the fringes of mainstream economics, giving money to citizens in the United States and Britain has been used as a way of protecting vulnerable people's livelihoods as the coronavirus crisis accelerates.
Universal Basic Income (UBI) involves providing citizens with cash payments each month to spend as they see fit, often in addition to welfare benefits that tend to be linked to specific needs, such as housing or childcare.
Advocates say that its simplicity allows governments to bypass time-consuming bureaucratic processes, while giving beneficiaries the assurance that they will have some income even if their circumstances change.

Since the coronavirus outbreak and the subsequent social and economic lock-up, there have been numerous appeals from economists, journalists, public figures and policy makers that the time has come for universal basic income to be implemented. However, the media and the public debate on the imminent need for universal basic income do not respond to the measures currently under discussion to address the economic crisis stemming from the coronavirus pandemic.

Spain has become the first country in Europe to implement universal basic income

According to Minister of Economy Nadia Calvino, the Spanish Government is working to roll out universal basic income as soon as possible as part of a series of actions aimed at countering the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Social Security Minister Jose Luis Escriva coordinates the project and plans to put some kind of basic income "in place as soon as possible," with the main focus on assisting families, Calvino, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister, said in a Sunday night interview with Spanish broadcaster La Sexta.
But the government's broader ambition is to make basic income an instrument "that stays forever, that becomes a structural instrument, a permanent instrument," she said.
Spain is facing the second worst coronavirus outbreak in Europe, and the pandemic has pushed the government to order a state of emergency that has shut down the country and brought the economy to a standstill. The government has announced a dam of policies to assist self-employed workers and companies, mainly small and medium-sized enterprises, but has also stated that further action will be needed.

Google-parent Alphabet pledging $800 million in response to the coronavirus crisis

On Friday, Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai said Alphabet Inc (GOOGL.O) would donate over $800 million in funds to manufacture medical supplies used to counter COVID-19 and in ad credits to government and health organizations and businesses.

The company is collaborating with Magid Glove and Protection to manufacture 2 million to 3 million face masks and will financially help efforts to improve manufacturing potential for life-saving medical devices and personal protective equipment, Pichai said.

The massive epidemic, which killed nearly thousands of people worldwide, has overwhelmed healthcare systems around the world and contributed to a shortage of medical equipment, including face masks and ventilators.

The company will offer $340 million in Google Ad Credits to small and medium-sized companies operating on its website, and $250 million in Ad Grants to the World Health Organization and other government agencies, Pichai said in a blog post.

Source: https://in.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-alphabet/google-parent-alphabet-to-donate-800-million-in-response-to-coronavirus-crisis-idINKBN21F05J

WHO warned: Countries that hurry to lift restrictions face 'serious and prolonged' economic harm

Countries that hurry to remove quarantine restrictions intended to contain coronavirus pandemics are at risk of much worse economic harm, says the World Health Organization.
Countries that hurry to remove quarantine restrictions designed to contain the coronavirus pandemic face a "much more serious and prolonged" economic downturn and re-emergence of COVID-19 cases, cautioned World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Friday.
"We are all aware of the profound social and economic ramifications of the pandemic," Tedros said during a briefing at the headquarters of the Organization in Geneva. "Ultimately, the only way for countries to put an end to sanctions and reduce their economic burden is to kill the virus."
On Friday, Tedros called on countries to support their citizens by increasing social welfare services, shifting financial barriers and ensuring that public health interventions are "full-funded." "If people postpone treatment or neglect it because they can not afford it, they not only damage themselves, they make the pandemic more difficult to manage and put society at risk," he said. "This is an unprecedented situation that demands an unprecedented response."
WHO officials said on Monday that government lockdowns are not enough to control the coronavirus outbreak. However, given their effect on the economy and society, they are important. Without them, the coronavirus will kill more people.
"It is serious about it. It is a dangerous virus, people will get through it, countries will get through it, "said Dr. Mike Ryan, Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergency Program.
World leaders need to develop their public health programs "if we get out of an endless loop of economically crippling locks and shutdowns," Ryan said. "We need to get back to be able to monitor this virus, live with this virus, create vaccines that we need to eventually eliminate this virus."
WHO officials have said coronavirus is having an effect on the war against other infectious diseases such as polio.
"In recent years, we've pushed polio to the verge of eradication," Tedros said Friday. Most health workers are now endorsing the COVID-19 plan, causing polio vaccines to be temporarily stopped in some cases, he said.

Coronavirus: The European lock-down measures...

Countries across Europe have substantially curbed public life so as to prevent the COVID-19 outbreak spread. 

These measures are necessary to slow down the spread of Corona-virus.

In Italy, Schools, colleges and other non-essential enterprises are closed, with supermarkets, banks, pharmacies and post offices allowed to remain open. Travel within Italy has been banned, except for safety or urgent purposes. Under certain circumstances, people in Italy are only allowed to leave the house, including: solitary exercise near home, go shopping at grocery stores or go to the doctor. At home, they will print a certificate specifying their reason for leaving the building, which will be reviewed by police.

In Spain, Non-essential shops and schools, as well as hotels and tourist accommodations were ordered to shut down. Spain and its European neighbors also closed their external borders. People are limited to going to the pharmacy and grocery shopping just to leave their homes. Exercise outdoors is also prohibited, except for taking a dog on a walk. Hundreds of thousands of police and military personnel are putting the lockdown into effect. All non-essential workers will have to stay home entirely for two weeks until April 11, when Spain will review whether the lockdown should be extended.

In France, the French government has announced a strict nationwide lockdown banning all public gatherings and telling residents to stay indoors except for grocery shopping and other essential tasks. The open-air markets were ordered to shut down, along with closing all non-essential shops. People are also required to fill out a form stating their reason to leave the house. Outdoor exercise is permitted only once a day and must be done alone, without exceeding one hour. Families are allowed to go walking but they have to stay within 1 kilometer of their homes. Walking the dog is allowed, though owners now have to write down the time they have left to make sure it is within the hour-limit.

In Germany, more than two people are banned from public gatherings, except for families and those living together. Restaurants were told to close unless they offer food supply and pick-up services. Hair salons and tattoo parlors joined the list of non-essential shops that were ordered to shut down. Exercising alone outside is still permitted, although with a distance between others of at least 1.5 metres. However, the states of Bavaria and Saarland have locked their residents down and told them to stay at home. Schools throughout the country were told to shut down until the end of Easter holiday

In United Kingdom, The British government has ordered a lockdown restricting people to travel outside the home solely for grocery shopping, medical needs and traveling to work if it is not an option to work from home. Social gatherings and crowd-filled meetings were banned. One form of solitary exercise, like running or riding a bicycle, is allowed. Police will enforce the lockdown measures but when they go outside, people are not required to bring papers with them to justify their reason for leaving the house.

In Austria, with the exception of certain situations, its citizens are prohibited from entering public spaces, including pharmacy, grocery store and ATM trips. All sports fields have been shut down but people are still allowed to go on runs or take outdoor walks with the people who live in their apartment or house as well. Groups with more than five persons are not allowed in public. Restaurants, bars, and cafes were ordered shut down. For those looking for food or groceries only supermarkets and food delivery services are available. The borders with neighboring Italy and Switzerland were shut down, with a significant cut in train and air travel.

In Netherlands, there is an intelligent lockdown, which means that bars, restaurants, museums, schools and universities will remain closed for three weeks longer than they had planned. In the Netherlands public meetings and large-scale events are prohibited

In Belgium, individuals are only allowed to leave home to visit the doctor, buy food or help others in need. The police patrol the streets. Those who ignore restrictions and assemble in public spaces like parks will be fined. However, walks and brief exercise outside are permitted.

In Portugal, For infected people compulsory quarantine is necessary, while high-risk residents are advised to stay at home and only venture outside in "exceptional circumstances." Employees are encouraged to work from home, if possible. Banks, supermarkets, and grocery stores would remain open, although restaurants were advised to shut down and turn to delivery or take away. The country's borders with Spain are largely closed, with nine crossings available for product traffic and cross-country travelers operating. Entertainment events or other operation that involves large numbers of citizens, like Portugal's football league, have been called off or banned.

In Hungary, the latest law also imposes stringent sanctions on anyone violating lockdowns. Individuals accused of distributing false information about the COVID-19 pandemic face up to five years in prison and those who breach curfew or quarantine face up to eight years in prison.

In Poland, borders are closed and most foreign nationals were barred from entering the country. It also shut down restaurants, bars and other businesses deemed non-essential. Tightened lockout measures prohibit people from leaving their homes other than doing important things, including: grocery shopping, walking the dog, going to work and caring for the elderly. There's even a ban on more than two people's public meetings-except for families. The Polish Government has limited the number of citizens permitted to participate in religious services. There are no more than five individuals permitted to attend funerals or other services. There are also limits on how many people are permitted to board buses and trams in general.

In Ukraine, a sweeping ban on passenger travel has also been implemented by the government that prevents foreign nationals from arriving on planes, trains and buses. Rail traffic has also been restricted within the country, although limited flights are still permitted.
Lockdown initiatives, as well as major incidents, have closed schools, colleges, bars and restaurants. The Government declared a national state of emergency.

In Czech Republic, a month-long state of emergency declared that the borders had been closed to foreign nationals and that all people in the country were put under quarantine. All persons were required to stay at home under the quarantine measures except to perform essential duties — which do not include personal exercise. People were allowed to leave their homes, except for families, but not in groups larger than two persons. Anyone leaving their home in the Czech Republic shall be required to cover their mouths with a medical mask, self- mask or scarf. Those who breach the requirement for the mask face fines.

In Serbia, The government has implemented one of Europe's most stringent lockdown measures. For most citizens, a 12-hour police-enforced curfew is in place, whereas residents over 65 face a 24-hour curfew, except on Sundays. For passenger traffic, all borders are closed including all commercial flights. Public transport was suspended across the country, and all public parks were closed.

In Russia, Moscow has issued a quarantine for its residents across the city. The self-isolation order applies to all residents, with limited exceptions for those who have to seek medical attention, shop for food or go to work. Russia's second-largest St. Petersburg city has followed suit, as have a number of other regions. Russia's parliament has approved tough new laws to enforce local lockdown rules — with up to seven-year penalties for violating quarantine rules and causing others to die. Football matches having been suspended in Russia.

Italians share messages warning others about coronavirus impacts

'Much worse than you thought': Italians share messages warning others about coronavirus impacts

Italy has been particularly hard hit, with the large number of deaths.

The videos came from hundreds of Italians across the country as they watched a nationwide lockdown, but the message for other countries was the same: don't underestimate this.
Italy has been particularly hard hit by the novel coronavirus pandemic, with more than 35,000 confirmed cases and the second-highest number of fatalities behind China. The freelance filmmaker Olmo Parenti had in mind those astounding numbers when he collected messages from Italians to warn those in other countries what they could face if they weren't serious about self-isolating and social distancing.

Parenti said he wanted to record messages to people in the U.S., England, and France, fearing that people would not take the pandemic as seriously as they should.
"We were acting the same way until nine, ten days ago," said Parenti, who lives in Milan. "We were going outside to say, 'It's just a flu. We get it ... why should we worry about it?' But the thing is, we didn't realize how little we know about it." "We make assumptions that not only put us at risk, but others at risk," Parenti said.

Working with the film collective "A Thing By," Parenti was given hundreds of videos for the project. He said that he edited the whole thing in one night to get the message out as quickly as possible.
"What's going on is a lot worse than you thought it was," said Paola Costa in her message. "You will realize that even being able to breathe air in your own house is something you should be thankful for." A woman who works at a hospital in Italy said that she is now working "deadly shifts."

World Bank Group Initiates First Operations for COVID-19

World Bank Group Initiates First Operations for COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Emergency Health Assistance, Enhancing Developing Country Responses

The Board of Executive Directors of the World Bank today approved a first package of emergency relief operations for developing countries around the world using a dedicated, fast-track COVID-19 (coronavirus) response system. The first group of ventures, worth $1.9 billion, will support 25 countries, and the fast-track mechanism will be used to push forward new operations in over 40 nations. However, the World Bank is working worldwide to redeploy capital in existing World Bank supported projects worth up to $1.7 billion, including by consolidation, use of emergency components of established projects (CERCs) and activating CAT DDOs and spanning each area.

In the next 15 months, the World Bank Group is prepared to mobilize up to $160 billion to finance COVID-19 initiatives that will help countries adapt to the pandemic's immediate health effects and accelerate economic recovery. The wider economic policy aims at shortening recovery time, creating opportunities for development, promoting small and medium-sized enterprises and helping to protect the poor and vulnerable. Such operations will concentrate on high deprivation, with a emphasis on policy-based funding, and protecting the poorest households and the environment.

The World Bank also helps countries access desperately needed medical supplies by reaching out to manufacturers on behalf of governments, in response to severe supply chain disruptions. The World Bank also encourages others to provide financial support for COVID-19 health response in developing countries.

Source: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2020/04/02/world-bank-group-launches-first-operations-for-covid-19-coronavirus-emergency-health-support-strengthening-developing-country-responses
 

No sign of coronavirus? Here's why you could still carry it (and spread it)

Studies show that carriers with moderate or no symptoms are a key component of COVID-19 spread...
One of the main issues surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is the speed with which the virus spreads. Although much of the emphasis has been on isolating patients with symptoms of active disease, a number of recent studies indicate that carriers with mild or no symptoms may help spread the virus.
We know that up to 80% of COVID-19 cases have moderate symptoms. Complicating matters, pulmonologist Joseph Khabbaza, MD, says that signs can not be apparent for up to two weeks. And since these non-specific symptoms (fever, sore throat, cough, diarrhea) that represent other more common illnesses such as flu or cold, many of those infected — especially early in the outbreak — did not know they were carrying the virus.
One research looked back at the initial spread in China and found that people who had contracted the virus but had mild symptoms helped accelerate the spread.
The research used a mathematical model to predict the initial distribution of COVID-19 through hundreds of cities in China. Researchers found that 86% of infections had occurred in the U.S. prior to January 23, 2020. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) gave a Level 3 travel warning to Wuhan, China, which was unidentified.
Since so many of these unidentified cases displayed mild or even no signs, the study reported that such carriers were at risk of "exposing a far larger portion of the population to virus than would otherwise have occurred." The study also concluded that "unidentified infections were the source of infection for 79% of recorded cases."
The research from Japan highlights the number of carriers of COVID-19 that have no symptoms. One was on the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which was put under quarantine in Japan at the beginning of February 2020 when a former passenger tested positive for the virus was discovered.
The study found that 634 of the 3,063 tests given to quarantine passengers returned positive. It is estimated that about 17.9 percent of these successful patients have no symptoms.
Such findings, says Dr. Khabbaza, highlight the value of following instructions from government and medical agencies on security measures such as quarantine and social distancing. Because so many carriers have little to no symptoms, it is difficult to determine how many people actually carry the virus. This fact makes preventive action all the more necessary.
Since the virus can become airborne through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks near you (within six feet) and can move by person-to-person contact, social isolation from others, irrespective of symptoms, will help break the chain of transmission.

The Rules of Contagion: Why Things Spread - and Why They Stop

Suddenly, a deadly virus explodes in the population. A political movement is gathering momentum, and then disappears quickly. The vision is like a wildfire, transforming our planet forever. We live in a world that is more interconnected than ever before. Our lives are formed by outbreaks of disease, misinformation, and even aggression, which emerge, spread and fade away with a bewildering pace.

We need to learn the hidden laws that govern them to understand them. From the 'super-spreaders' that might trigger a pandemic or bring the financial system down to the social dynamics that make loneliness catch on, The Rules of Contagion provides compelling insights into human behavior and explains how we can better predict what happens next.

Along the way, Adam Kucharski explores how innovations spread across friendship networks, what links computer viruses to folk stories-and why the most useful predictions are not necessarily the ones that come true.

The must read book and good collections for your library to expand your knowledge. The book is available on Amazon.com

https://www.amazon.com/Rules-Contagion-Outbreaks-Infectious-Diseases-ebook/dp/B07JLSHT7M

https://www.amazon.com/Rules-Contagion-Things-Spread-They/dp/1541674316/

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It is a very interesting book for people who want to know a little about "contamination" mathematics. The book covers not only epidemiology but also a much broader context of stock markets and social media, as well as the mechanism behind something that goes "viral" while others are not. This is not a biology book, as it was written by a mathematician, but not a mathematics book either. If you're like me-somewhat nerdy-you'll become familiar with key epidemiological terms and concepts, but you'll have to look elsewhere for the detailed math behind them. If you don't get into math, don't worry. The book is also perfectly suited to non-technical audience.

In his best popular science the Rules of Contagion are. The writing is flawless and clear. The subject is extremely important and fascinating. Adam Kucharski, a fascinating and definite guide to the secret laws of the way things spread, theories and memories, aggression and deadly viruses, was touched on psychology, medicine, network theory and mathematics. The book is also a very infectious example of its subject: you will want to make sure others will read it once you read it.

Leading in Times of Trauma

Leading in Times of Trauma 

Corona virus epidemic - No one is safe unless everyone is safe

Corona virus epidemic - No one is safe unless everyone is safe