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Limited Hangout |
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The Mother of All Limited Hangouts has begun. Yes, I’m talking about the “Covid Twitter Files,” which are finally being released to the public, in almost textbook limited-hangout fashion.
I’ll get into that in just a minute, but first, let’s review what a “limited hangout” is, for those who are not familiar with the term.
The way a limited hangout works is, if you’re an intelligence agency, or a global corporation, or a government, or a non-governmental organization, and you have been doing things you need to hide from the public, and those things are starting to come to light such that you can’t just deny that you are doing them anymore, what you do is, you release a limited part of the story (i.e., the story of whatever it is you’re doing) to distract people’s attention from the rest of the story.
The part you release is the “limited hangout.” It’s not a lie. It’s just not the whole story. You “hang it out” so that it will become the whole story, and thus stop people from pursuing the whole story.
Victor Marchetti, a former special assistant to the Deputy Director of the CIA who went on to become a critic of the Intelligence Community, described the tactic this way in 1978…
“… a favorite and frequently used gimmick of clandestine professionals. When their veil of secrecy is shredded and they can no longer rely on a phony cover story to misinform the public, they resort to admitting, sometimes even volunteering, some of the truth while still managing to withhold the key and damaging facts in the case. The public, however, is usually so intrigued by the new information that it never thinks to pursue the matter further.”
All right, so, you’re probably asking, if the “Covid Twitter Files” are a limited hangout, what’s the whole story that they’re distracting us from?
Let me try to refresh your memory.
In March and April of 2020, in the course of roughly five to six weeks, the majority of societies throughout the world were transformed into pathologized-totalitarian police states. A global “shock-and-awe” campaign was conducted. Constitutional rights were suspended. The masses were locked down inside their homes, where they were subjected to the most massive official propaganda blitzkrieg in human history. Goon squads roamed the streets of Europe, the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, Asia, the Americas, and elsewhere, beating and arresting people for being outdoors without permission and not wearing medical-looking masks. Corporate media around the world informed us that life as we knew it was over … a “new normal” was coming, and we needed to get used to it.
The entire official pandemic narrative was rolled out during those first few weeks. Everything. Masks. Mandatory “vaccines.” “Vaccination” passports. The segregation of “the Unvaccinated.” The censorship and demonization of dissent.
Everything. The whole “New Normal” package. It was rolled out all at once, globally.
If your memory of what happened is a little hazy … well, have a look at this 257-tweet Twitter thread of corporate-media articles compiled in March and April of 2020, documenting the initial “shock-and-awe” campaign [also compiled into articles here and here – ed.]
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That is the story. How that happened. Why that happened. And who or what made it happen. It isn’t a story about a virus, or our governments’ reactions to a virus. It is the story of the radical restructuring of society based on lies and official propaganda, executed, globally, through sheer brute force and systematic psychological conditioning.
It is the story of the implementation of our new totalitarian global-capitalist “reality” … the “New Normal” that was announced in the Spring of 2020. It is not a story the global-capitalist ruling classes can permit to be told, except by “crazy conspiracy theorists,” “science deniers,” and other “crackpots” and “extremists.”
All right, so … the “Covid Twitter Files,” or the “Fauci Files,” or whatever we’re calling them. If you wanted to bury the actual story (i.e., the story I just outlined above) with a limited hangout and discredit those of us who have been trying to report it for nearly three years, you couldn’t do any better than Elon Musk is doing.
Instead of a story about how the entire global-capitalist power apparatus coordinated with global IT corporations like Twitter, Facebook, Google, et al., to conduct a global Gleichschaltung op the scale of which Goebbels could have never dreamed of, censoring and visibility-filtering dissent and enforcing the official pandemic narrative, not just in the USA, but in countries all throughout the world…instead of that monumental story, we are getting The Alex Berenson Show!, starring Alex Berenson as Alex Berenson, with a special guest appearance by Alex Berenson, written and directed by Alex Berenson, and so on.
Seriously, though, who better to handle the “Covid Twitter Files” than Alex Berenson, in whose opinion the events of the last three years were simply due to mass hysteria (or Pandemia, $14.99 on Amazon), and certainly not to any kind of coordinated radical restructuring of society by the global-capitalist power apparatus, or any other wild conspiracy theories.
Forget about that 257-tweet thread I compiled in March and April of 2020. What actually happened, according to Alex Berenson, was that people just went kind of crazy, and overreacted, and “mistakes were made.”
Mistakes like Twitter suspending Alex Berenson, and other very important people! Or, wait, no, it wasn’t just mass hysteria … it was also Pfizer and Dr. Scott Gottlieb, and the White House, and someone named Andrew Slavitt, all of whom conspired with “Old Evil Twitter” to suspend Alex Berenson from the platform, all of whom Alex will be suing forthwith!
The Alex Berenson Show is just getting started, so definitely stay tuned to “Free-Speech Twitter” to follow all of Alex Berenson’s exploits as he leads “Team Reality” to its ultimate victory over “Team Apocalypse” and exposes the crimes of the usual assortment of official “bad apples,” or whatever cartoonish fairy tales Alex Berenson and Elon Musk have in store for us! It promises to be quite the spectacle!
I’ll be covering the show in my columns, of course — I still have a few subscribers and readers who I haven’t totally alienated yet — and discussing “The Art of the Limited Hangout” for the benefit of anyone still paying attention in the weeks and months and possibly years ahead. If you are one of the many people who now appear to seriously believe that military-contractor oligarchs like Elon Musk and narcissistic ass clowns like Alex Berenson are going to deliver us from the New Normal Reich, and “prosecute Fauci,” and end corporate censorship, or in any way meaningfully bite the hand of the global-capitalist system that feeds them, you may want to give those columns a miss.
For the rest of you, I will do my best to point out how this phase of the PSYOP works, because it’s going to last for quite a while. The “Covid Twitter Files” are not The Mother of All Limited Hangouts; they’re just one part of it. There are many more limited hangouts to come. The New Normal having been successfully implemented, the history of its implementation is now being written (or, rather, rewritten) to conform to the official Covid narrative, a process which will likely continue for years.
Those of you who are old enough might recall this phase from “The War on Terror.” It started around April 2004, when the Abu Ghraib torture photos were released, and continued until the Summer of 2016, when The War on Terror was abruptly cancelled and replaced by The War on Populism, which prepared us for the implementation of the New Normal in the Spring of 2020.
All of which is part of an even larger story, i.e., the story of the evolution of the first globally-hegemonic power system in history, which, lacking any external adversary, has nothing to do but go totalitarian, eliminating all internal resistance and establishing ideological uniformity throughout the territory it occupies, which, in this case, means the entire planet.
Sorry … I know, history is boring, and complicated, and not nearly as fun (and cathartic) as the shit-slinging circus that Musk is making of the Twitter Files.
Personally, I can’t wait to find out which official “bad apple” they’re going to offer us in today’s edition of the Two Minutes Hate, and who’s going to be released from “Old Twitter Prison,” and, whatever, anyway, don’t worry about all that evolution-of-global-capitalism stuff. It’s probably just a bunch of fancy-sounding nonsense I made up to try to sell you my books, or to make myself sound smart, or something.
Forget that I even mentioned that stuff. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!
CJ Hopkins is an award-winning American playwright, novelist and political satirist based in Berlin. His plays are published by Bloomsbury Publishing and Broadway Play Publishing, Inc. His dystopian novel, Zone 23, is published by Snoggsworthy, Swaine & Cormorant. Volumes I and II of his Consent Factory Essays are published by Consent Factory Publishing, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Amalgamated Content, Inc. He can be reached at cjhopkins.com or consentfactory.org.
| Ankle monitor | 72, 114, 161 |
| Apps | 38, 60, 67, 143, 188, 189, 193, 195, 203, 215, 257 |
| Arrest | 38, 48, 63, 71, 72, 82, 83, 85, 86, 90, 107, 108, 109, 112, 118, 120, 127, 130, 133, 149, 157, 158, 159, 166, 170, 176, 179, 181, 185, 204, 212, 215, 221, 228, 234, 238, 242, 243, 244, 256 |
| Camera | 45, 47, 202, 224, 241 |
| Cellphone | 8, 40, 68, 96, 111, 113, 124, 143, 145, 242 |
| Certificate / document | 3, 6, 18, 64, 84, 111, 122, 139, 140, 141, 144, 199, 218, 232 |
| Checkpoint | 69, 90, 105 |
| Compliance | 86, 118, 120, 123, 170, 179, 213, 226, 229 |
| Curfew | 29, 61, 179 |
| Drone | 37, 45, 66, 110, 142, 162, 163, 164, 168, 241 |
| Emergency | 1, 2, 15, 19, 27, 31, 42, 43, 73, 91, 109, 127, 144, 154, 195, 244, 254 |
| Enforce | 1, 10, 18, 24, 26, 28, 32, 37, 45, 50, 51, 55, 59, 63, 65, 70, 78, 81, 86, 92, 100, 106, 107, 110, 112, 114, 119, 124, 125, 128, 144, 152, 157, 162, 174, 201, 213, 217, 227, 228, 239, 240, 241 |
| 73, 133, 154, 160, 180 | |
| Fine | 3, 18, 32, 58, 59, 62, 79, 80, 81, 88, 105, 109, 125, 128, 133, 170, 178, 192, 254 |
| Gathering | 20, 30, 46, 53, 55, 58, 81, 85, 109, 110, 121, 136, 160, 166, 198, 204, 213, 214, 242, 247 |
| Health passport | 84, 111, 140, 199, 211, 218, 232 |
| Isolation | 15, 35, 42, 77, 149, 207, 253 |
| Jail/prison | 4, 59, 73, 79, 81, 83, 86, 88, 116, 125, 130, 220 |
| Lockdown | 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 18, 24, 25, 29, 30, 36, 37, 38, 40, 45, 48, 50, 57, 60, 61, 62, 63, 65, 76, 77, 78, 83, 84, 85, 87, 90, 91, 105, 114, 116, 123, 133, 135, 139, 140, 144, 146, 147, 151, 152, 153, 155, 156, 158, 160, 170, 172, 174, 176, 177, 187, 179, 181, 184, 187, 198, 199, 200, 207, 210, 212, 214, 220, 221, 226, 233, 237, 238, 242, 250, 251 |
| Martial law | 14, 16 |
| Mask | 96, 112, 125, 126, 127, 146, 147, 159, 181, 184, 192, 222, 229, 232, 235, 240, 248, 255 |
| Military | 7, 12, 13, 16, 24, 26, 27, 36, 63, 70, 169 |
| Miisinformation | 17, 137, 138, 154, 169, 227 |
| Normal | 61, 84, 95, 96, 99, 101, 147, 154, 186, 249, 254 |
| Pandemic | 13, 14, 27, 31, 38, 49, 56, 68, 95, 103, 104, 108, 123, 124, 129, 133, 137, 138, 140, 142, 162, 175, 184, 187, 190, 191, 194, 195, 202, 215, 226, 227, 239, 242, 245, 248 |
| Police | 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 15, 18, 25, 32, 34, 36, 37, 39, 42, 43, 45, 46, 48, 50, 52, 53, 54, 57, 58, 59, 61, 63, 64, 65, 70, 71, 75, 77, 78, 82, 85, 86, 90, 91, 92, 98, 100, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 112, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 125, 126, 127, 128, 130, 131, 132, 136, 144, 149, 151, 153, 156, 157, 158, 159, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 168, 170, 172, 174, 176, 177, 179, 181, 182, 185, 187, 200, 204, 206, 207, 208, 209, 213, 214, 221, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 233, 234, 238, 240, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 255 |
| Privacy | 56, 66, 67, 102, 104, 123, 124, 129, 141, 146, 175, 189, 190, 191, 195, 203 |
| Protest | 63, 130, 131, 154, 160, 181, 183, 184, 185, 208, 209, 210, 226, 229, 233, 242, 247 |
| Quarantine | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 19, 30, 21, 34, 51, 52, 70, 115, 124, 155, 160, 201, 221, 234, 243, 253, 256 |
| Reporting / snitches | 20, 46, 53, 57, 66, 75, 76, 109, 115, 159, 165, 166, 177, 178, 180, 214, 256 |
| Restrictions | 4, 10, 22, 51, 59, 66, 70, 73, 87, 89, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 121, 139, 144, 157, 170, 183, 226, 229, 247 |
| Roadblock | 45, 64 |
| Robot | 78, 224, 241 |
| Safety guidelines | 45, 68, 88, 118, 136, 144, 171, 183, 204, 228 |
| Skatepark | 148 |
| Social distancing | 22, 23, 32, 46, 50, 58, 71, 80, 86, 107, 109, 110, 119, 121, 128, 136, 154, 157, 159, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 174, 183, 195, 198, 200, 204, 206, 210, 217, 224, 226, 228, 229, 241, 246, 250, 256 |
| Stay home | 2, 28, 32, 40, 68, 72, 79, 82, 86, 148, 154, 161, 166, 174, 182, 213, 236, 246, 254 |
| Surveillance | 47, 56, 66, 101, 102, 103, 104, 110, 123, 124, 129, 145, 167, 173, 175, 190, 191, 194, 196, 198, 201, 202, 215, 239, 249 |
| Temperature-scanning helmet | 249 |
| Testing | 26, 30, 24, 60, 65, 72, 96, 98, 193, 201, 231, 232, 234, 235, 254 |
| Terrorism | 8, 36, 44, 98, 124, 127, 207, 215 |
| Track / tracing | 8, 66, 67, 68, 96, 114, 123, 143, 145, 190, 191, 197, 198, 231, 254, 257 |
| 17, 126, 131, 204, 247 | |
| Unemployment | 154, 223, 251 |
| Vaccine | 1, 23, 99, 101, 141, 219, 252 |
| Website | 20, 57, 88 |
| Africa | 50, 85, 100, 152 |
| Australia | 59, 105, 128, 133, 143, 188, 233 |
| Belgium | 11 |
| Britian/UK | 5, 12, 13, 19, 22, 40, 43, 45, 46, 60, 77, 106, 118, 122, 126, 139, 144, 153, 158, 169, 174, 176, 178, 180, 198, 193, 199, 203, 207, 218, 240, 242, 250, 252, 253, 254 |
| California | 14, 37, 82, 121, 125, 148, 160, 184, 185, 206, 231, 236, 255 |
| Canada | 34 |
| China | 66, 111, 186, 202, 249 |
| Colorado | 79, 107, 171 |
| Denmark | 1, 88 |
| Florida | 35, 69, 108, 224 |
| France | 9, 10, 18, 62, 83, 87, 88, 141, 172, 182 |
| Germany | 4, 11, 21, 32, 37, 94, 119, 134, 135, 136, 146, 147, 155, 181, 182, 229 |
| Greece | 25, 199, 210 |
| India | 170, 179, 182, 200, 215, 257 |
| Israel | 8, 29 |
| Italy | 3, 4, 6, 11, 21, 24, 36, 74, 105, 111, 170, 249 |
| Malaysia | 212 |
| New York | 28, 51, 52, 58, 70, 71, 109, 132, 157, 159, 165, 217, 225, 228, 243, 246 |
| New Zealand | 57, 90, 177, 214 |
| Peru | 156 |
| Philippines | 63, 170 |
| Spain | 2, 4, 21, 38, 48, 105 |
| Tunisia | 78 |
| German Attorney Beate Bahner | 134, 135 |
| Kentucky Governor Beshear | 115 |
| NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio | 58, 204, 228 |
| UK PM Gordon Brown | 49 |
| French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner | 10, 64 |
| New York Governor Andrew Cuomo | 28, 51, 71, 225 |
| Florida Governor Ron DeSantis | 35 |
| Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte | 63 |
| Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers | 183 |
| NIAID Director Dr Anthony Fauci | 99, 111 |
| Health secretary Matt Hancock | 139, 252, 254 |
| Minister for Health Simon Harris | 92 |
| Maryland Governor Larry Hogan | 120 |
| Kauai, Hawaii Mayor Derek Kawakami | 108 |
| WH Senior Adviser Jared Kushner | 102, 110 |
| President European Commission Ursula von der Leyen | 9 |
| French President Macron | 9, 10, 172 |
| PM of India Narendra Modi | 257 |
| PM of Australia Scott Morrison | 81, 143 |
| German politician Michael Müller | 94 |
| California Governor Gavin Newsom | 14, 206 |
| AI researcher Andrew Ng | 167 |
| UK Home Secretary Priti Patel | 174, 253 |
| U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo | 41 |
| WHO Executive Director Dr Michael Ryan | 101 |
| Norway PM Erna Solberg | 147 |
| Billionaire Peter Thiel | 122 |
| U.S. President Donald Trump | 41, 51 |
| Facebook President Mark Zuckerberg | 154 |
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As well as enforcing quarantine measures, the law also allows the authorities to force people to be vaccinated, even though there is currently no vaccination for the virus.
Denmark rushes through emergency coronavirus law
Denmark’s parliament on Thursday night unanimously passed an emergency coronavirus law which gives health authorities powers… thelocal.dk/20200313/denma…
Mar 15, 2020
During the state of emergency, people will only be allowed out on to public streets for the following reasons: to buy food, basic or pharmaceutical items; to attend medical centres; to go to and from work…
Spain orders nationwide lockdown to battle coronavirus
Government instructs people to stay at home for two weeks, and closes bars, restaurants, cafes and cinemas theguardian.com/world/2020/mar…
Mar 15, 2020
Police are patrolling the streets to ensure we only leave our homes for work and health-related reasons ... we must fill and carry certificates stating our reasons. If caught out without a certificate, we will be fined and face up to three months in jail.
'I Haven't Left My House in Three Weeks.' Life Under Italy's Lockdown
My famously vivacious country is eerily silent. This is what a nationwide quarantine feels like: we are at war, … newsweek.com/italy-life-qua…
Mar 15, 2020
Spain, the worst-affected European country after Italy, announced on Saturday that citizens would be confined to their homes for 15 days unless they had to buy food or medicine" ... or, you know, "go to work."
Coronavirus: Germany seals its borders as 100m Europeans on lockdown
Restrictions on travel and commerce across continent as countries scramble to contain threat. theguardian.com/world/2020/mar…
Mar 15, 2020
We are going to take the powers to make sure that we can quarantine people if they are a risk to public health, yes, and that’s important.
Police to arrest Brits with coronavirus who ignore quarantine
Ministers are planning to give police the power to arrest people with coronavirus who are not self-isolating, the… metro.co.uk/2020/03/15/pol…
Mar 16, 2020
If you want to leave the house, you now have to print off a document to explain to police your timing, destination and motive.
Orderly, dour, cowed: how my beloved Italy is changed by coronavirus
Holed up with his family in their Parma flat, our writer tells of the eerie atmosphere in a country usually known… theguardian.com/world/2020/mar…
Mar 16, 2020
There are also plans for soldiers to protect quarantine zones with the police, if that ever came into force.
Coronavirus: Thousands of armed forces staff could be put on standby over COVID-19 spread
The plans - codenamed Operation Broadshare - have been delayed so they can be altered to reflect the rapid… news.sky.com/story/coronavi…
Mar 16, 2020
Israel has authorized the country’s internal security agency to tap into a vast and previously undisclosed trove of cellphone data to retrace the movements of people who have contracted the coronavirus and identify others who should be quarantined ...
To Track Coronavirus, Israel Moves to Tap Secret Trove of Cellphone Data
The information, intended for use in counterterrorism, would help identify people who have crossed paths with… nytimes.com/2020/03/16/wor…
Mar 16, 2020
We are at war – a public health war, certainly but we are at war, against an invisible and elusive enemy,” Macron said, outlawing all journeys outside the home ... anyone flouting the new regulations would be punished, he said.
Coronavirus: France imposes lockdown as EU calls for 30-day travel ban
Ursula von der Leyen calls for end to non-essential travel as governments impose measures rarely seen outside… theguardian.com/world/2020/mar…
Mar 17, 2020
The interior minister, Christophe Castaner, said 100,000 police officers would be deployed to enforce the lockdown ... Macron said that if necessary, the government would legislate by decree ...
France 'at war': how Parisians are coping with life under lockdown
Residents of the French capital are adjusting to the country’s toughest restrictions on public life outside wartime… theguardian.com/world/2020/mar…
Mar 18, 2020
We will intervene where necessary to make sure that people respect the confinement decree.
Italy records its deadliest day of coronavirus outbreak with 475 deaths
More than 250m people now in lockdown in EU as Germany and Belgium adopt measures theguardian.com/world/2020/mar…
Mar 19, 2020
The Ministry of Defence is to double the size of the military’s civil contingency unit to create a 20,000-strong Covid support force ... the armed forces need to be prepared for the threat of a breakdown in civil order.
10,000 extra troops to join British army's Covid support force
MoD doubles size of force amid fears over ability of police and NHS to cope with crisis theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/m…
Mar 19, 2020
The new force — made up of 10,000 military personnel who are regularly deployed to civilian activities, plus an extra 10,000 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic — has been placed at 'high readiness'.
UK armed forces prepare 20,000 troops to help in crisis
Military in ‘high readiness’ to provide transport, logistics and engineering… ft.com/content/5e4640…
Mar 19, 2020
We have the ability to do martial law ... if we feel the necessity.
Coronavirus: California prepared to enact martial law if its a 'necessity', governor says
California has prepared for worst case scenarios as the coronavirus pandemic heightens, including the possibility of enacting martial law. news.yahoo.com/coronavirus-ca…
Mar 19, 2020
Police and immigration officials would be able to place people in 'appropriate isolation facilities' under plans.
Coronavirus: Sweeping emergency powers announced
Airports could be ordered to close and people detained on public health… bbc.com/news/uk-politi…
Mar 20, 2020
Standby orders were issued more than three weeks ago to ready these plans, not just to protect Washington but also to prepare for the possibility of some form of martial law.
Exclusive: Inside the Military's Secret Plans If Coronavirus Cripples D.C.
What if all the Constitutional successors are incapacitated? Standby orders were issued more than… newsweek.com/exclusive-insi…
Mar 20, 2020
Twitter will remove tweets that run the risk of causing harm by spreading dangerous misinformation about Covid-19 ... it will be applying a new broader definition of harm to address content that goes directly against guidance from authoritative sources.
Twitter to remove harmful fake news about coronavirus
Site changes rules to ban content aimed at making people act against official advice theguardian.com/world/2020/mar…
Mar 20, 2020
Some 100,000 police have fanned out across France to enforce the lockdown, with people allowed out of their homes only to buy groceries, go to work, exercise alone or seek medical help.
Woman bundled to ground by police for breaking lockdown in Paris
Anyone venturing outside in France must carry a document justifying their movement, or risk a fine. metro.co.uk/2020/03/19/wom…
Mar 20, 2020
He is in a specially cleaned area designated for those who should be self-isolating." Minister Quayle said, "we cannot allow our critical health services to become overwhelmed and must have the means to prosecute those who choose to act irresponsibly.
Coronavirus: No prosecution for man who 'failed to self-isolate'
An emergency coronavirus law in the Isle of Man means arrivals must quarantine themselves for 14 days. bbc.com/news/world-eur…
Mar 20, 2020
Dane County, Wisconsin residents now have a method to report violations of the governor's ban on gatherings of 10 or more people.
Dane County sets up website to report gatherings of 10 or more people
Public Health Madison and Dane County set up an online form that can be used to submit a violation of Gov. Tony… wkow.com/2020/03/19/her…
Mar 20, 2020
Germany’s 83 million citizens have been told they risk being confined to their homes from Monday unless they behave responsibly this weekend.
Coronavirus: Italy and Spain record highest single-day death tolls
German citizens could be confined to their homes from Monday if people do not act responsibly… theguardian.com/world/2020/mar…
Mar 20, 2020
These [social restrictions] would need to be in place for at least most of a year. Under such as policy, at least half of the year would be spent under the stricter social distancing measures.
Coronavirus social distancing may need to go on for 12 months, UK’s scientific advice says
Newly published statement by government’s scientific advisers warn… independent.co.uk/news/health/co…
Mar 21, 2020
Suppression, which requires “social distancing of the entire population,” can save more lives and prevent hospitals from becoming extremely overburdened. But it needs to be maintained “until a vaccine becomes available (potentially 18 months or more).
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Scientists warn we may need to live with social distancing for a year or more
Researchers say we face a horrible choice: practice social distancing for months or a year, or let hundreds of thousands die. vox.com/science-and-he…
Mar 21, 2020
The government has now agreed that the military can be used to help enforce the lockdown.
Soldiers were being drafted in to help enforce the lockdown in Italy on Friday as officials announced 627 new deaths, the largest single-day toll anywhere in the world since the coronavirus outbreak began.
Desperate scenes have unfolded in the north of the country, particularly the hard-hit Lombardy region where infections first exploded last month, as hospitals struggle to treat thousands of cases.… edition.cnn.com/2020/03/20/eur…
Mar 21, 2020
As of Wednesday, the camps have been locked down from 7pm to 7am. In the daytime, only one person is allowed out per family, and the police control their movements.
Fears of catastrophe as Greece puts migrant camps into lockdown
Doctors say coronavirus outbreak could be disastrous amid ‘horrific’ conditions… theguardian.com/global-develop…
Mar 21, 2020
The National Guard is expecting a rapid increase in unit activations over the next few weeks, leaders said at the Pentagon Thursday, filling roles like coronavirus testing and potentially law enforcement.
Guard activations expected to rapidly increase, could be used for law enforcement
“I’m expecting tens of thousands to be used inside the states as this grows," the National Guard chief said. militarytimes.com/news/your-army…
Mar 21, 2020
The U.S. military is preparing forces to assume a larger role in the coronavirus response, including the controversial mission of quelling 'civil disturbances' …
How the Military Plans to Stop 'Civil Disturbances' Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
With the National Guard now active in 22 states and governors continuing to declare more severe emergency… newsweek.com/inside-us-mili…
Mar 21, 2020
These provisions will be enforced … the violation of any provision of [the] order constitutes an imminent threat and creates an immediate menace to public health.
Here's what a 'stay home' order means for New York
Governor Andrew Cuomo has ordered all non-essential businesses to shut down and for New Yorkers to remain… theguardian.com/us-news/2020/m…
Mar 21, 2020
When MK Yoav Kish (Likud) sought to clarify whether she meant a total lockdown or curfew, Sadetsky replied ... “A lockdown and personal monitoring of people, and a total halt to personal freedoms.”
'Total suspension of individual freedom': Inside Israel's Secret Coronavirus Debate
Public health services chief tells Knesset intelligence panel that Israel needs to employ a total lockdown and personal monitoring in the struggle to contain the spread of the disease haaretz.com/israel-news/.p…
Mar 21, 2020
A final option: 'Permanent changes in our behavior that allow us to keep transmission rates low' ... that could include strict policies of testing and quarantine for anyone who comes down with COVID-19 — or even long-term bans on large gatherings.
Coronavirus 'exit strategy' could be months — or years — away
Learn to love your lockdown, experts say — because it may not end anytime soon. The coronavirus threat will … nypost.com/2020/03/21/cor…
Mar 21, 2020
The Justice Department has quietly asked Congress for the ability to ask chief judges to detain people indefinitely without trial during emergencies — part of a push for new powers that comes as the coronavirus spreads through the United States.
DOJ seeks new emergency powers amid coronavirus pandemic
One of the requests to Congress would allow the department to petition a judge to indefinitely detain someone during an emergency. … politico.com/news/2020/03/2…
Mar 21, 2020
Germany has issued a "contact ban, limiting interactions of more than 2 people ... there will be fines of up to €25,000 for those not keeping a 2 meter distance between people. The measures will be enforced by police and stay in place until April 19.
Coronavirus: Merkel in quarantine
German authorities have issued a ban on more than two people meeting. Authorities say such a ban makes more sense than… dw.com/en/coronavirus…
Mar 23, 2020
The Justice Department is using the COVID-19 outbreak to press for sweeping new powers that include being able to detain Americans indefinitely without a trial.
Justice Department Reportedly Asks Congress for Indefinite Detention Powers To Fight Coronavirus
Congress should loudly and unanimously reject this insanity. reason.com/2020/03/21/jus…
Mar 23, 2020
Quebec City police have arrested a woman, who has tested positive for the coronavirus, for being out in the city's Limoilou neighbourhood despite being under a quarantine order.
Quebec City police arrest COVID-19 patient for defying quarantine
Quebec City police have arrested a woman, who has tested positive for the coronavirus, for being out in the … cbc.ca/news/canada/mo…
Mar 23, 2020
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said he’s considering his most drastic move yet … moving certain people at risk to isolation shelters.
DeSantis considers new strategy in Florida coronavirus fight: isolation shelters
As Florida’s confirmed coronavirus cases climbed toward 800 on Saturday, Gov. Ron DeSantis said he’s… miamiherald.com/news/coronavir…
Mar 23, 2020
Counter-terrorism troops have been redeployed across Italy to beef up police … patrol cars are circulating in every major city with a voice warning citizens over a loudspeaker not to leave their residences … “Go back into your homes,” the voice warns.
Lock the F*ck Down or End Up Like Italy
Italy is showing the world what happens when people think they can outsmart a lockdown. The results are ugly… thedailybeast.com/covid-19-is-co…
Mar 23, 2020
Some police departments in California plan on using drones to enforce a coronavirus lockdown and to, in part, monitor the homeless population.
Police in California city consider new ways to use drones during coronavirus outbreak
A police department in California has been considering new ways of using its drones during the coronavirus outbreak, including a… foxnews.com/tech/southern…
Mar 23, 2020
"A woman in Spain was arrested after she was caught visiting the home of a man she had met on a dating app, breaking mandatory home confinement rules put in place due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Woman Arrested for Breaking Coronavirus Lockdown for Dating App Meetup
The woman was detained when officers stopped her as she walked down the street in Tortosa, a city in… newsweek.com/woman-arrested…
Mar 24, 2020
Prime Minister Édouard Philippe gave a national address to give details of the new rules ... [French citizens] must have their 'justification' paper - signed, dated and with the time they have left home - to show if stopped by the police or gendarmes.
Global confirmed Covid-19 cases top 400,000 – as it happened
WHO says US could be next virus hotspot; EU urged to evacuate Greek refugee camps; Greta Thunberg says she… theguardian.com/australia-news…
Mar 24, 2020
The UK government has sent a mass text message to as many phones as possible, urging citizens to stay at home during the coronavirus lockdown: “CORONAVIRUS ALERT. New rules in force now: you must stay at home. Stay at home. Protect the NHS. Save lives.
Government sends mass text urging people to stay at home during coronavirus lockdown
‘New rules in force now: you must stay at home’ independent.co.uk/life-style/gad…
Mar 24, 2020
Mike Pompeo Admits COVID-19 Is a “Live Exercise,” Trump Retorts “I Wish You Would Have Told Us”
United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had a slip of the tongue while addressing the American people from the White House when he stated that COVID-19 is “a live exercise”.
This is not about retribution," U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo explained. “This matter is going forward — we are in a live exercise here to get this right.… globalresearch.ca/secretary-stat…
Mar 24, 2020
Coronavirus: New powers to detain those refusing to isolate
EMERGENCY powers for the police and authorities have been revealed.
The Government is set to publish its coronavirus bill in Parliament this week.
It gives officers from the police and immigration powers to detain people in appropriate isolation centres if they are a risk to public health. theargus.co.uk/news/18318214…
Mar 25, 2020
One area of concern is that the powers detailed under the bill, as published, remain in force for two years … among the most draconian possible powers is for police, public health and immigration officers to detain people suspected of having Covid-19.
UK’s emergency coronavirus bill ‘will put vulnerable at risk’
Disabled and older people could be deprived of vital care, campaigners warn… theguardian.com/society/2020/m…
Mar 25, 2020
People who intentionally spread the coronavirus could face criminal charges under federal terrorism laws, the Justice Department’s No. 2 official said Tuesday. … 'Threats or attempts to use COVID-19 as a weapon against Americans will not be tolerated.
Those who intentionally spread coronavirus could be charged as terrorists
The Justice Department offers guidance on how to deal with “purposeful exposure and infection of others.” politico.com/news/2020/03/2…
Mar 27, 2020
A police force has defended using a drone camera to shame people into not driving into a national park during the lockdown, while another force said it was introducing roadblocks to stop drivers heading to tourist hotspots.
UK police use drones and roadblocks to enforce lockdown
New law empowers police to use force to send people home as confusion continues over safety guidelines… theguardian.com/world/2020/mar…
Mar 27, 2020
Humberside Police has created an online reporting portal where people can send details of those not following social distancing rules.
Humberside police creates online report portal for people not social distancing
A form can be submitted advising of gatherings that are going against the current guidance. itv.com/news/calendar/…
Mar 27, 2020
An Austin, Texas based technology company is launching 'artificially intelligent thermal cameras' that it claims will be able to detect fevers in people, and in turn send an alert that they may be carrying the coronavirus.
Surveillance Firm Says It’s Selling ‘Coronavirus-Detecting’ Cameras in US
Athena Security previously sold a system that it claims can detect weapons in video feeds. Now it says it's… vice.com/en_in/article/…
Mar 27, 2020
As the jogger struggled with police, screaming for help, she was filmed by residents who had absolutely zero sympathy for her plight. 'What's not fair is that you go out running, you bloody idiot!', shouted the woman apparently filming the encounter.
Coronavirus lockdown: Jogger resists arrest in Spain and is abused by onlookers
The rules on the Covid-19 epidemic in Spain are being strictly applied as this jogger discovered when they wer… en.as.com/en/2020/03/21/…
Mar 27, 2020
Gordon Brown has urged world leaders to create a temporary form of global government to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic … involving world leaders, health experts and international organisations that would have executive powers to coordinate the response.
Gordon Brown calls for global government to tackle coronavirus
Ex-PM at centre of 2008 banks rescue suggests taskforce of leaders and health experts… theguardian.com/politics/2020/…
Mar 28, 2020
South African police enforcing a coronavirus lockdown have fired rubber bullets towards hundreds of shoppers queueing outside a supermarket in Johannesburg … the police used whips to get the shoppers to observe social distancing rules.
South African police fire rubber bullets at shoppers amid lockdown
Country records over 1,100 Covid-19 cases as fears about impact of coronavirus in African continent mount… theguardian.com/world/2020/mar…
Mar 28, 2020
Trump says quarantine for New York area ‘will not be necessary’; U.S. coronavirus-related deaths double in two days
President Trump said Saturday he may announce later in the day a federally mandated quarantine on the New York metro region, placing “enforceable” travel restrictions on people planning to leave the New York tri-state area because of the coronavirus.
Earlier in the day, Trump said he might order a quarantine for the area, a possibility that New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) called “preposterous.”… washingtonpost.com/world/2020/03/…
Mar 29, 2020
Rhode Island police began stopping cars with New York plates Friday. On Saturday, the National Guard will help them conduct house-to-house searches to find people who traveled from New York and demand 14 days of self-quarantine.
Rhode Island Police to Hunt Down New Yorkers Seeking Refuge
Rhode Island police began stopping cars with New York plates Friday. On Saturday, the National Guard will help them conduct … bloomberg.com/news/articles/…
Mar 29, 2020
A Police force has had a surge in calls from people reporting neighbours for "going out for a second run" and "gathering in their back gardens." … "We are getting (dozens of) calls from people who say 'I want you to come and arrest them'
Coronavirus: Exercise rule-breakers spark surge in police calls
Northamptonshire Police gets "dozens and dozens" of calls from people reporting their neighbours. bbc.com/news/uk-englan…
Mar 29, 2020
Police with batons and guns have moved in to protect supermarkets on the Italian island of Sicily after reports of looting by locals who could no longer afford food.
‘We have to eat’: Sicilian police crackdown on locals looting supermarkets
Police with batons and guns have moved in to protect supermarkets on the Italian island of Sicily after reports… thelocal.it/20200329/we-ha…
Mar 29, 2020
The National Guard will be deployed to enforce a mile-radius coronavirus “containment area” in overwhelmed New Rochelle … the National Guard will enforce the mandated closure of 'large gathering areas' — including schools and houses of worship.
National Guard deployed to NY community with nation's 'largest…
The National Guard will be deployed to enforce a mile-radius coronavirus “containment area” in overwhelmed nypost.com/2020/03/10/nat…
Mar 30, 2020
From a technological perspective, the coronavirus pandemic is one massive testbed for surveillance capitalism … governments are rolling out surveillance measures, all in the effort to ensure that policies of mass behaviour modification are successful.
Coronavirus Could Infect Privacy And Civil Liberties Forever
Not only are governments adopting new economic and public health measures to fight the coronavirus and its… forbes.com/sites/simoncha…
Mar 30, 2020
New Zealanders have become so keen to report their neighbours for breaking coronavirus lockdown rules that police on Monday said a website dedicated to addressing the issue crashed soon after going live.
Covid-19: Police site crashes as Kiwis turn into shutdown snitches
New Zealanders have become so keen to report their neighbours for breaking coronavirus lockdown rules tha… thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news…
Mar 30, 2020
New York City residents who break social distancing rules will be subject to fines up to $500, Mayor de Blasio said Sunday ... he also announced that NYPD and MTA workers would do checks of subway cars and force riders off cars that are too crowded.
As New York battles the spread of coronavirus, the state has ordered nonessential businesses to shut down, banned gatherings of any size and mandated that people stay six feet away from each other. Not everyone has listened.
Fines will be a last resort, but de Blasio has authorized police officers to give them out to people who are ordered to disperse but fail to do so. politico.com/states/new-yor…
Apr 1, 2020
Anyone who leaves their house without a reasonable excuse could spend up to 6 months in prison and face an $11,000 fine under a directive [that] gives police sweeping power to enforce restrictions designed to limit the spread of coronavirus in Australia.
Six months in jail, $11,000 fine for leaving home without a 'reasonable excuse’
The public health order gives police sweeping power to enforce the latest round of coronavirus restrictions.… smh.com.au/national/nsw/s…
Apr 1, 2020
A coronavirus app that alerts people if they have recently been in contact with someone testing positive for the virus "could play a critical role" in limiting lockdowns ... but the academics say no-one should be forced to enroll - at least initially.
Coronavirus: UK considers virus-tracing app to ease lockdown
Study describes how app would alert citizens if someone they came into contact with tests positive.… bbc.com/news/technology…
Apr 1, 2020
As coronavirus lockdowns have been expanded globally, police across the world have been given licence to control behaviour in a way that would normally be extreme even for an authoritarian state.
Teargas, beatings and bleach: the most extreme Covid-19 lockdown controls around the world
Violence and humiliation used to police coronavirus curfews around globe, often affecting the poorest and… theguardian.com/global-develop…
Apr 1, 2020
It is likely that we are not heading towards a general deconfinement in one go and for everyone," Prime Minister Philippe told parliament … the interior minister noted 359,000 fines for violating the lockdown had been issued since lockdown began.
French PM warns lockdown will not be lifted ‘in one go’
France is likely to unwind its nationwide coronavirus lockdown gradually rather than in one go, French Prime… france24.com/en/20200401-fr…
Apr 2, 2020
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has warned he would order the country's police and military to shoot dead anyone “who creates trouble” during a month-long lockdown of the island of Luzon enforced to halt the spread of the coronavirus.
Warning from Philippine president comes after slum dwellers stage protests over lack of food amid coronavirus crisis.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has warned he would order the country’s police and military to shoot dead anyone “who creates trouble” during a month-long lockdown of the island of Luzon enforced to halt the spread of the coronavirus.
“Let this be a warning to all. Follow the government at this time because it is critical that we have order,” he said in a late-night televised national address on Wednesday. aljazeera.com/news/2020/04/d…
Apr 2, 2020
French interior minister Christophe Castaner warned that "roadblocks would be set up on major highways and axes and extra police, gendarmes or soldiers dispatched to train stations and airports to verify the documents of anyone stopped out and about.
Confirmed cases pass 1 million – as it happened
This blog is now closed… theguardian.com/world/live/202…
Apr 2, 2020
Around the world, police forces are testing how far to go in punishing ordinary behavior.
How Far Should Police Go in Enforcing Coronavirus Lockdowns? (Published 2020)
Around the world, police forces are testing how far to go in punishing ordinary behavior. But how should policing… nytimes.com/2020/04/02/wor…
Apr 3, 2020
Western governments aiming to relax restrictions on movement are turning to unprecedented surveillance to track people infected with the new coronavirus and identify those with whom they have been in contact.
From drones that scold to neighbors who snitch, China is relying on its vast surveillance network to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Amid privacy concerns, nations work with apps, geolocation data to help identify and isolate infected citizens… wsj.com/articles/u-s-a…
Apr 3, 2020
If a person becomes infected, the app will automatically send a push notification to anyone they have crossed paths with in the past two weeks, to warn them of the risk of infection.
Privacy-mad Germany turns to app to track coronavirus spread
Personal data protection is a thorny subject in privacy-loving Germany, but the country is nevertheless… thelocal.de/20200402/priva…
Apr 3, 2020
Google wielding its vast troves of phone-tracking data in virus fight
Google will use its mammoth collection of mobile location data to measure whether people across the globe are following government directives to remain at home during the coronavirus pandemic — or are venturing out to locations such as stores, parks and offices
The Silicon Valley behemoth has begun publishing online reports in 131 countries that show whether the overall number of visitors to certain public venues has increased or decreased since coronavirus-era guidelines were put in place. politico.com/states/new-yor…
Apr 3, 2020
Traffic along I-95 was slowed for miles at the Florida-Georgia border Sunday after a checkpoint was put in place to screen for travelers coming from COVID-19 hot spots on the East Coast … the Florida Highway Patrol is facilitating the checkpoint 24/7.
I-95 checkpoint shuts down at Florida-Georgia border after traffic backs up for miles
The checkpoint screening travelers coming from COVID-19 hot spots was shut down for four hours due to traffic… news4jax.com/news/local/202…
Apr 4, 2020
We should prepare now to send U.S. armed forces to help police in hard-hit areas
There is potentially a much larger, and more fraught, role for the armed forces in this crisis: They might need to backstop and backfill police forces.
With 15 percent of the New York City Police Department recently reporting sick due to illness or self-quarantine, and even higher absentee rates reported elsewhere, hard-hit communities might soon need major assistance with patrolling streets, enforcing restrictions on movement, deterring crime and other tasks. washingtonpost.com/opinions/start…
Apr 4, 2020
Police arrested 3 people in Brooklyn after they “failed to maintain social distancing” … an informant observed a group of people “hanging out” and the defendants “refused to leave the location and disperse” despite the informant asking them to do so.
NYPD’s Aggressive Policing Risks Spreading the Coronavirus
As Gov. Andrew Cuomo calls on the NYPD to be more aggressive, community advocates say police need to… theintercept.com/2020/04/03/nypd…
Apr 4, 2020
Residents who have been in contact with coronavirus patients but refuse to isolate themselves are being made to wear ankle bracelets … another man was put under house arrest after he went out shopping despite having tested positive for the coronavirus.
Ankle monitors ordered for Louisville, Kentucky residents exposed to Covid-19 who refuse to stay…
Louisville, Kentucky residents who have been in contact with coronavirus patients and refusing to isolate… edition.cnn.com/2020/04/03/us/…
Apr 4, 2020
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A man who boasted that he spent two hours walking through his local hospital to see how bad things were for himself has been jailed for three months" for "causing a public nuisance and breaking emergency movement restrictions.
Man jailed for visiting hospital with no good reason after Facebook boasts
Kierran Stevenson was jailed for three months after saying he was walking around a hospital to see how ba… metro.co.uk/2020/04/03/man…
Apr 4, 2020
Having the right antibodies to the virus in one’s blood — a potential marker of immunity — may soon determine who gets to work and who does not, who is locked down and who is free.
In Italy, Going Back to Work May Depend on Having the Right Antibodies
Weighing an idea that might once have been relegated to science fiction, Italy once again finds itself in the… nytimes.com/2020/04/04/wor…
Apr 5, 2020
A Snitching Epidemic: Residents Tattle on Businesses, Neighbors Not Following Coronavirus Shutdown Orders
Snitches are emerging as enthusiastic allies ... phoning police and municipal hotlines, complaining to elected officials and shaming perceived scofflaws on social media.
In some places, investigators are patrolling the streets, looking for violators. … In some cases, residents are turning on neighbors. web.archive.org…
Apr 5, 2020
In European countries under coronavirus lockdowns, a multitude of aspiring watchmen seem to feel that their moment has finally come, with untold numbers keeping an eye on their neighbors’ every move and reporting them to the authorities if they slip up.
Corona-snitches thrive in lockdown Europe
Some countries have been keen to take advantage of their citizens’ rattiest instincts… politico.eu/article/corona…
Apr 5, 2020
In this early phase of isolation, people’s awareness is quite high, but the longer it goes on, their frustration at not being able to do what they want will grow. The real test will be in two or three weeks’ time. How long can we keep a lockdown going?
UK’s Covid-19 lockdown could crumble as frustration grows, police warn
Isolation fatigue could set in if period is extended beyond three weeks… theguardian.com/world/2020/apr…
Apr 5, 2020
Tunisia has deployed a police robot to patrol the streets of the capital and enforce a lockdown ... 'PGuard' calls out to suspected violators of the lockdown: 'What are you doing? Show me your ID. You don't know there's a lockdown?'
Tunisia 'robocop' enforces coronavirus lockdown
Tunisia's interior ministry has deployed a police robot to patrol the streets of the capital and enforce a lockdown imposed last mont… news.yahoo.com/tunisia-roboco…
Apr 5, 2020
The consequences for not following the 'Stay at Home' order for Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Douglas, and Jefferson counties [Colorado] is a Class 1 misdemeanor. It carries a penalty of up to a $5,000 fine and 18 months in jail.
18 Months in Jail and a $5,000 Fine for Violating Newest "Stay at Home" Order
The consequences for not following the "Stay at Home" order for Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Douglas, and… coloradocitizenpress.com/18-months-in-j…
Apr 5, 2020
Germans risk being fined up to €500 for standing too close to each other.
Coronavirus: Germans to be fined up to €500 for breaking social distancing rules
Germans risk being fined up to €500 for standing too close to each other from Friday as officials crack down… thelocal.de/20200403/coron…
Apr 6, 2020
Individuals could be jailed for six months and/or fined $11,000, plus a $5,500-per-day fine if they keep breaking the rules.
Coronavirus enforcement: who's been fined for what, and the penalties in each state and territory
Last Sunday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said indoor and outdoor gatherings could not be bigger than two… abc.net.au/news/2020-04-0…
Apr 6, 2020
A man paddle boarding near the Malibu Pier was arrested Thursday after authorities said he disobeyed lifeguards and violated a statewide stay-at-home order…
County lifeguards patrolling the shore by boat tried to get the man to come ashore. Despite repeated orders to exit the water, the man continued paddle boarding for at least 30 minutes
Lifeguards eventually flagged down Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies who responded by boat to help, according to the Sheriff’s Department.… latimes.com/california/sto…
Apr 6, 2020
Jail and house arrest – what happens to people who repeatedly break France’s lockdown rules
… people are only allowed out of their homes for absolutely essential trips and everyone needs a signed, dated and timed form every time they step out.
As France begins its third week under conditions of strict lockdown to slow the spread of coronavirus, the… thelocal.fr/20200401/jail…
Apr 6, 2020
Could immunity passports create a kind of two-tier society, where those who have them can return to a more normal life while others remain locked down?
Is an 'immunity certificate' the way to get out of coronavirus lockdown?
Perhaps half the world's population is under some form of lockdown to help curb the spread of coronavirus.… edition.cnn.com/2020/04/03/hea…
Apr 6, 2020
Married life got off to an unexpected start for a pair of newlyweds in South Africa when police showed up to the party … all 50 wedding guests, the pastor who conducted the ceremony, and the newlyweds themselves were promptly arrested.
Coronavirus: South African bride and groom arrested over lockdown wedding
Police vans, not wedding cars, greet newlyweds who ignored South Africa's ban on public gatherings. bbc.com/news/world-afr…
Apr 7, 2020
Local police in the U.S. are arresting people who fail to comply with social distancing and stay-at-home orders.
Arrested For Violating Coronavirus Stay-At-Home Mandates: Police Are Jailing Alleged Scofflaws
Local law enforcement around the country is arresting people who allegedly fail to follow social distance… forbes.com/sites/alexandr…
Apr 7, 2020
There are seven legitimate reasons to leave home under France’s current lockdown restrictions. They can all be found on the government’s official permission form, which people must carry on them at all times when outside.
Coronavirus lockdown in France: Can you tick several boxes on your permission form?
People in France are to leave their homes as little as possible during the coronavirus lockdown period. But is… thelocal.fr/20200406/coron…
Apr 7, 2020
On April 2, 2020, the Danish Parliament passed a new law that makes it possible to shut down websites and impose fines or imprisonment on persons who publish information on Covid19 that does not follow the authorities' guidelines.
Denmark bans information that goes against the authorities' corona policy
On April 2, 2020, the Danish Parliament passed a new law that makes it possible to close websites and to give… newsvoice.se/2020/04/danmar…
Apr 8, 2020
Authorities in Paris have banned exercise outside during the day ... the new rules are in force between 10:00 and 19:00 local time.
Paris bans daytime outdoor exercise
France's new restriction on exercise in the capital comes as the death toll… bbc.co.uk/news/amp/world…
Apr 8, 2020
Checkpoints will be set up around a number of locations, police say … people [will] be stopped and asked about where they [are] headed.
Easter travellers banned: Police to set up checkpoints, arrests likely
Anyone travelling at Easter, breaking lockdown rules, could be arrested. nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/articl…
Apr 8, 2020
German woman, 101, violates coronavirus lockdown by escaping senior home, police say
A 101-year-old German woman escaped her senior home in violation of a nationwide lockdown to visit her daughter on her birthday … the officers allowed the woman to see her daughter – from behind the patrol car’s window – before bringing her back.
The woman had escaped through an emergency exit of the home, located in Brunswick, some 140 miles west of Berlin… foxnews.com/world/german-w…
Apr 8, 2020
Gardaí are to launch a nationwide policing operation to discourage people from leaving their homes and travelling to holiday locations over the Easter weekend … patrols are also to be stepped up at key locations such as parks and natural beauty spots.
Harris signs regulations for extra garda powers
Minister for Health Simon Harris has signed regulations to give gardaí the power to enforce Covid-19 restrictions.… rte.ie/news/2020/0407…
Apr 8, 2020
… a recent report from Pew Research showed that 93% of the world’s population lives in countries and territories that are subject to movement restrictions.
Countries Banning Internal Travel For Easter To Reduce Coronavirus Spread
As the Easter holiday approaches and Spring kicks in, a large proportion of Europe and the U. S. remains under … forbes.com/sites/jamesasq…
Apr 8, 2020
One day, daily routines will be started up again, step by step. But there is no effective date on which everything will be the way it used to be. Even once the ‘contact ban’ has been lifted, there will be new rules, Berlin Mayor Michael Müller said.
Coronavirus in Germany: Restrictions are Here to Stay
In Germany, a majority of citizens believes the 'contact' ban and other restrictions should remain in place until … berlinspectator.com/2020/03/31/cor…
Apr 8, 2020
The next phase is not a return to normality. It is learning how to live with the pandemic - possibly for quite a long time …
Some of Europe, ‘Walking a Tightrope,’ Will Loosen Coronavirus Restrictions
Looking for a return to normal may be misplaced. Instead, the next phase is about learning how to live wit… nytimes.com/2020/04/08/wor…
Apr 8, 2020
What the new normal will look like is unclear, though it is likely to involve mandatory masks in public and smartphone apps tracking contact with people who are potentially infected. Going back to work and traveling might be contingent on test results.
Some of Europe, ‘Walking a Tightrope,’ Will Loosen Coronavirus Restrictions
Looking for a return to normal may be misplaced. Instead, the next phase is about learning how to live wit… nytimes.com/2020/04/08/wor…
Apr 8, 2020
… what has been so remarkable to those of us who have been in the science field for so long is how important behavioural change is and how amazing Americans are in adapting to and following through on these behavioural changes.
US says mitigation efforts are working, raising hopes of defying worst case scenario
White House coronavirus response coordinator says there is cautious optimism that the country can defeat… theguardian.com/world/2020/apr…
Apr 9, 2020
Police in Texas are searching for an 18-year-old girl who claimed to have tested positive for and to be 'willfully spreading' the coronavirus … the teenager faces a charge of making a terroristic threat.
Texas teen faces terrorism charge for threatening to spread coronavirus, police say
"If you want to get the coronavirus and f-----' die, call me. I'll meet you up and I will shorten your life," the 18-… nbcnews.com/news/us-news/t…
Apr 9, 2020
America’s top coronavirus expert has warned Covid-19 is the new normal – and that the killer virus might never go away.
Top coronavirus expert warns killer virus may be 'new normal' and never go away
White House immunologist Dr Anthony Fauci offered the grim warning yesterday, and said life cannot go back to normal unless a vaccine is successfully developed… metro.co.uk/2020/04/07/top…
Apr 9, 2020
Security officers in several African countries have been beating, harassing and, in some cases, killing people as they enforce measures aimed at preventing the spread of Covid-19.
Coronavirus in Africa: Whipping, shooting and snooping
Security forces in several states have allegedly abused their powers during the Covid-19 crisis.… bbc.com/news/world-afr…
Apr 9, 2020
World Health Organization executive director Dr. Michael Ryan said surveillance is part of what’s required for life to return to normal in a world without a vaccine.
After coronavirus, AI could be central to our new normal
When we came out of the financial crisis of 2008, cloud computing kicked into high gear. The current crisis could… bbc.com/news/world-afr…
Apr 9, 2020
Kushner’s team seeks national coronavirus surveillance system
Critics worry about a Patriot Act for health care, raising concerns about patient privacy and civil liberties.
White House senior adviser Jared Kushner’s task force has reached out to a range of health technology companies about creating a national coronavirus surveillance system… politico.com/news/2020/04/07/kushner…
Apr 9, 2020
Coronavirus and the Future of Surveillance
Democracies Must Offer an Alternative to Authoritarian Solutions
East Asian countries have demonstrated that a robust regime of surveillance is essential to fighting a pandemic. Western democracies must rise to meet the need for 'democratic surveillance' to protect their own populations.… foreignaffairs.com/world/co…
Apr 9, 2020
It’s an extraordinary moment that might call for extraordinary surveillance methods.
Privacy Experts Say Responsible Coronavirus Surveillance Is Possible
Data collected to fight the pandemic should not be used for other purposes and should only be requested by … theintercept.com/2020/04/02/cor…
Apr 9, 2020
Australia will deploy helicopters, set up police checkpoints and hand out hefty fines to deter people from breaking an Easter travel ban … Police said they will block roads and use number plate recognition technology to catch those infringing the bans.
Confirmed worldwide Covid-19 death toll passes 100,000 – as it happened
Italy extends lockdown; death rate in Spain begins falling again; cases worldwide top 1.6m… theguardian.com/world/live/202…
Apr 10, 2020
Forces will move to an 'enforcement phase' rather than issuing advice ... Pembrokeshire council said it would help police catch those visiting second homes in the area, including those who arrive late at night to try and evade officers.
Coronavirus: Police launch Easter crackdown on travelling
Police in Wales vow to enforce new laws as they ramp up checks and patrols over the Easter weekend. bbc.com/news/uk-wales…
Apr 10, 2020
A former Colorado State Patrol trooper was handcuffed in front of his 6-year old daughter on a near-empty softball field Sunday by Brighton police officers enforcing social distancing rules.
Former police officer arrested in park for throwing ball with daughter due to coronavirus social distancing rules
The police department has… abcnews.go.com/US/police-offi…
Apr 10, 2020
Bobby Edwards, of Boynton, Florida, was arrested last week after police say he landed on the island without proof of accommodations … officials warn that those wanting to come to Hawaii with no accommodations may not make it out of the airport.
Hawaii mayor to arrested Florida man: You’re a ‘Covidiot’
Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami isn’t taking credit for coining the word borne out of the COVID-19 pandemic, but said, “I may be the first elected official to bust it out in public.” nypost.com/2020/04/08/haw…
Apr 10, 2020
Officers say they responded to a synagogue in Monsey after receiving complaints. They found 30-50 men praying together. Eight were arrested for disorderly conduct. Police say they will arrest more people if the gatherings continue.
Coronavirus Update: 8 Arrested In Monsey For Violating Social Distancing Emergency Orders
Officers say they responded to a synagogue in Monsey after receiving complaints. They found 30-50 men praying together. Eight were arrested for disorderly conduct. They now face up to $1,000 in fines. newyork.cbslocal.com/2020/04/09/cor…
Apr 10, 2020
'These drones will be around the City with an automated message from the Mayor telling you to STOP gathering, disperse and go home,' the police department said.
Coronavirus Surveillance Is Entering Dystopian Territory
Jared Kushner’s team is considering a national monitoring system as some municipalities deploy drones to enforce social distancing. vanityfair.com/news/2020/04/c…
Apr 10, 2020
Dr. Fauci acknowledged the government is considering issuing Americans certificates of immunity from the coronavirus ... in parts of China, citizens are already required to display colored codes on their smartphones indicating their contagion risk.
Fauci: Coronavirus immunity cards for Americans are ‘being discussed’
The proposal, already being implemented by German researchers, is under consideration in the United Kingdom and Italy. politico.com/news/2020/04/1…
Apr 10, 2020
A video shows what appears to be four police officers, backed by about six more, forcibly pulling a man not wearing a face covering off of a SEPTA bus … the video appears to exemplify SEPTA’s new police-enforced mandate that riders wear face coverings.
Viral video: Police forcibly eject man without face mask from SEPTA bus
After the uniformed and masked Philadelphia Police Department officers lift the adult man off the bus and engage in a brief confrontation, he walks away. No arrest. No ticket. whyy.org/articles/viral…
Apr 10, 2020
Apple Inc. and Google unveiled a rare partnership to add technology to their smartphone platforms that will alert users if they have come into contact with a person with Covid-19 … it has the potential to monitor a third of the world’s population.
Apple, Google Bring Covid-19 Contact-Tracing to 3 Billion People
Tech giants in rare partnership via iPhone, Android devices. Users will be alerted if they were close to infected person… bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-04-10…
Apr 10, 2020
A Louisville resident—not diagnosed with COVID-19 but living with someone who had been—got a court-ordered GPS tracking monitor … in New Orleans' Acadia Parish, anyone outside between 9pm-6am will have to present a permission slip from their employer.
COVID-19 Patients and Their Families Are Being Put on Police-Enforced Lockdown
From doxxing people with the new coronavirus to making diagnosed and suspected patients wear ankle monitors, some states are taking all the wrong steps to slow the spread of COVID-19.… reason.com/2020/04/08/…
Apr 10, 2020
Police will record the license plates of residents who attend church on Easter and report them to health departments for quarantine … "Health departments are going to come to your door with an order for you to be quarantined for 14 days," -Gov. Beshear
Beshear, dropping the bombshell announcement”
Those who “make the decision” to be exposed to the deadly coronavirus are “not fair to those that you would spread it to. nypost.com/2020/04/10/kentucky…
Apr 10, 2020
The French police have come down hard, responding to perceived lapses in the confinement rules with beatings, harassment, humiliation and intimidation … “It’s like a prison,” said Drissa Fofana, an out-of-work construction worker.
Like a Prison: Paris Suburbs Simmer Under Coronavirus Lockdown
A combination of cramped quarters, economic stress and accusations of police abuse is inflaming tensions in the poorer districts around the city.… nytimes.com/2020/04/10…
Apr 10, 2020
In a video circulating on French social media, a young man in the suburb of Les Ulis can be heard screaming in pain during a police 'check' for a missing release form. 'He was savagely beaten with truncheons, fists and kicks until he fell to the ground.'
The French police have come down hard, in the accounts of several residents
In the Paris suburbs, if the police catch you without the form, or if there is an error on it, you are in trouble… nytimes.com/2020/04/10…
Apr 10, 2020
… the officer then demands he puts his hands on his head and handcuffs him ... [he] is then told he faces arrest for “breaking Covid guidelines” … the officer threatens to spray him if he does not comply.
Police apologise over video of man being arrested in south Manchester
GMP say the incident, footage of which has been widely shared online, "wasn't dealt with in a professional way".… manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news…
Apr 11, 2020
Police in Frankfurt were attacked by men with stones and iron bars while enforcing social distancing measures to stop the spread of coronavirus, authorities said on Saturday.
Police officers in Frankfurt have been set upon by gangs while trying to disperse crowds that had gathered over the warm Easter weekend.
Some of the men were armed with stones, roof tiles and iron bars and were threatening the officers… dw.com/en/germany-police-attacked…
Apr 11, 2020
Police have arrested 28 people throughout Maryland for violating Gov. Hogan's executive orders related to coronavirus, as of yesterday afternoon.
28 arrested in Maryland for violating Gov. Larry Hogan's coronavirus-related orders
Maryland State Police announced that police statewide had conducted 16,822 compliance checks and responded to 1,296 calls related to compliance with the executive order.… wjla.com/news/local/update-28-arrested…
Apr 11, 2020
In California, a federal judge denied a San Diego church's request to hold an Easter service, even with social distancing measures including possibly requiring members to wear hazmat suits.
States are restricting Easter gatherings amid COVID-19. Churches and lawmakers are pushing back.
As people across the nation observe Passover and prepare to celebrate Easter and Ramadan, states are cracking down on religious gatherings to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. usatoday.com/story/news…
Apr 11, 2020
Technology firms are processing confidential UK patient information in a data-mining operation ... Palantir, founded by rightwing billionaire Peter Thiel, is working with Faculty, a UK artificial intelligence startup, to consolidate government databases.
UK government using confidential patient data in coronavirus response
Exclusive: Documents seen by Guardian show tech firms using information to build ‘Covid-19 datastore’… theguardian.com/world/2020…
Apr 12, 2020
Once a person has been confirmed to be infected, their close contacts could automatically be traced … the infected person’s compliance with lockdown instructions could be tracked using digital tools that monitor individual travel and behavior patterns.
Only Surveillance Can Save Us From Coronavirus
Big data offers tools to stop the pandemic right now—if we change our definition of privacy.… foreignpolicy.com/2020/04/10…
Apr 12, 2020
The counter-terrorism analogy is useful because it shows the direction of travel of pandemic policy ... Your cell-phone signal could be used to enforce quarantine decisions. Leave your apartment and the authorities will know.
Only Surveillance Can Save Us From Coronavirus
Big data offers tools to stop the pandemic right now—if we change our definition of privacy.… foreignpolicy.com/2020/04/10/…
Apr 12, 2020
Residents in Riverside County, CA, are now required to wear face coverings and could face a fine of $1,000 per violation per day if the mandate is ignored. 'This is a valid order and enforceable by fine, imprisonment or both,' said Sheriff Chad Bianco.
California County Fining Residents $1,000 For Not Wearing Face Masks
"This is a valid order and enforceable by fine, imprisonment or both," said Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco.… newsweek.com/california-county…
Apr 13, 2020
A family claimed a 500-mile round Lake District trip was acceptable if they wore masks and gloves, police said. The family were criticised as "absolute idiots" and called "clowns" after the force posted about it on Twitter.
Coronavirus: Police stop family on 500-mile Lake District trip
The family from Greater London claimed it was acceptable if they wore masks and gloves, police say.… bbc.com/news/uk-england…
Apr 14, 2020
A 70-year-old township man was arrested twice on Saturday after police alleged he tried to enter two different Wawa convenience stores without a mask and became belligerent … he was charged with second-degree terroristic threats during an emergency.
Coronavirus NJ: Unmasked Toms River man, 70, arrested twice in one day at Wawa stores
Stephen Breza allegedly punched one man in the face and threatened another with a pipe after attempting to enter two Wawa stores without a mask. … eu.app.com/story/news…
Apr 14, 2020
A woman in Victoria says she was left feeling “heartbroken” and like a criminal after uniformed police officers carrying weapons interrupted her father’s funeral over the Easter long weekend to enforce social distancing rules.
Totally disrespectful: police interrupt funeral while enforcing social distancing rules over Easter weekend
Rate of coronavirus infections continues to fall, but number of fines issued by police for breaching orders is increasing… theguardian.com/australia…
Apr 14, 2020
The coronavirus pandemic has led to an unprecedented global surge in digital surveillance, researchers and privacy advocates around the world have said, with billions of people facing enhanced monitoring that may prove difficult to roll back.
Growth in surveillance may be hard to scale back after pandemic, experts say
Coronavirus crisis has led to billions of people around the world facing enhanced monitoring… theguardian.com/world…
Apr 14, 2020
Protesters rally for NC to reopen. One woman arrested for violating governor’s order.
Protesters rallied to reopen North Carolina … at least one was arrested.
“You are in violation of the executive order,” said police. “You are posing a risk to public health. If you do not disperse, you will be taken and processed at Wake County jail.” newsobserver.com/news…
Apr 14, 2020
The Raleigh, North Carolina Police Department issued this Tweet
Announcing that no one is allowed to protest
It "violates the Governor's Executive Order… pbs.twimg.com/media…
Apr 14, 2020
These N.Y.P.D. Officers Fight a Killer That Can’t Be Seen
Officers have become public health police, breaking up crowds at stores
The department has mobilized the Citywide All-Out Task Force, which is usually assembled to flood high-crime areas and other assignments… nytimes.com/2020/04/14…
Apr 14, 2020
A South Australian couple was hit with a hefty fine from cops for nonessential travel amid the pandemic after the pair posted vacation snaps from 2019 on Facebook … the couple was warned that if they 'posted any more photos,' they would “be arrested.
Couple mistakenly fined for posting old vacation photos during coronavirus lockdown
A South Australian couple was hit with a hefty fine from cops for non-essential travel amid the pandemic after the pair posted old vacation snaps.… nypost.com/2020/04/14…
Apr 14, 2020
Attorney Beate Bahner challenged Germany's coronavirus regulations in the Constitutional Court and failed. Now she has been taken to a psychiatric facility.
Demo für Anwältin Beate Bahner: Polizei greift ein – Unterstützer erwartet Anzeigen
Heidelberg: Nach dem Corona-Eklat um Anwältin Beater Bahner machten ihre Unterstützer eine Demo. Jetzt droht ihnen eine Anzeige:… heidelberg24.de/heidelberg/coronavirus…
Apr 14, 2020
Ms Bahner submitted a 36-page urgent motion to the Constitutional Court regarding the unlawfulness of all 16 German federal states' Coronavirus measures … [her] interview for "incitement to commit criminal acts" is scheduled for Wednesday 15 April.
Coronavirus lockdown: German lawyer detained for opposition
A leading medical lawyer has been sectioned after publishing opinions on the current Coronavirus crisis.… ukcolumn.org/article/coronavirus…
Apr 14, 2020
Police in Berlin broke up a large birthday gathering in the early hours of Monday … a 16-year-old girl was celebrating with 31 other people … all 32 party attendees [are] being investigated for criminal offenses.
Berlin police bust 16th birthday party
A 16-year-old flouted Germany's social distancing guidelines by celebrating her birthday with 31 others at an apartment in Berlin. Police ultimately broke up the festivities. dw.com/en/berlin-police-bust…
Apr 14, 2020
Federal government open to new law to fight pandemic misinformation
Extraordinary times require extraordinary measures and it is about protecting the public.
The federal government is considering introducing legislation to make it an offence to knowingly spread misinformation that could harm people… cbc.ca/news/politics…
Apr 15, 2020
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Federal government open to new law to fight pandemic misinformation
Extraordinary times require extraordinary measures and it is about protecting the public.
his is not a question of freedom of speech. This is a question of people who are actually actively working to spread disinformation, whether it's through troll bot farms, whether [it's] state operators or whether it's really conspiracy theorist cranks who seem to get their kicks out of creating havoc.… cbc.ca/news/politics…
Apr 15, 2020
The UK's health secretary, Matt Hancock, has suggested "something like an immunity certificate or a wristband" in the future.
Coronavirus: Could biometric ID cards offer the UK a lockdown exit strategy?
There are fears some would try to sell their proof of immunity as such a system could exempt people from lockdown restrictions.… news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-…
Apr 15 2020
What are ‘immunity passports’ and could they help us end the coronavirus lockdown?
Something like this hasn’t been done before because we haven’t had a pandemic of this scale and level of shutdown.
Attempting to issue some kind of immunity certificate to millions of Americans would be unprecedented.… thehill.com/changing-america…
Apr 14 2020
The COVID-19 Credentials Initiative (CCI) is working on a digital certificate, [that] lets individuals prove (and request proof from others) they’ve recovered from the novel coronavirus or have received a vaccination, once one is available.
COVID-19 ‘Immunity Passport’ Unites 60 Firms on Self-Sovereign ID Project
The COVID-19 Credentials Initiative (CCI) is working on a digital certificate to help stop the spread of the virus without compromising user privacy.… coindesk.com/covid-19…
Apr 15 2020
The drones use computer vision systems to monitor temperatures and heart and respiratory rates of people from above and single out people sneezing or coughing … Draganfly also sees a possible security use around borders or critical infrastructure.
'Pandemic drones' could single people out in a crowd for coughing, sneezing, or running a temperature, developers say — here's how they work
The drones will use sensors and computer vision systems to monitor people's temperature and heart rates.… businessinsider.com/draganfly…
Apr 15 2020
Mobile phone tracking software could be compulsory if not enough Australians voluntarily download the application to help in coronavirus case tracing.
Coronavirus: Mobile tracking app could be compulsory, Morrison says
"My preference is to give Australians a go at getting it right," he told Triple M today. "That's my plan A and I really want plan A to work." Mr Morrison has likened using the tracing app to national service. 9news.com.au/national/…
Apr 162020
The three-page document, entitled "what constitutes a reasonable excuse to leave the place where you live", is designed to help police enforce the emergency restrictions that came into effect three weeks ago and are set to be extended.
Coronavirus lockdown: Police guidelines give 'reasonable excuses' to go out
Long stays on benches should not be allowed but shopping for luxuries is okay, policing advice says.… bbc.com/news/uk-england…
Apr 16 2020
There is a danger that these new, often highly invasive, measures will become the norm around the world…
Compulsory selfies and contact-tracing: Authorities everywhere are using smartphones to track the coronavirus, and it's part of a massive increase in global surveillance
Countries are making coronavirus heat maps, tracking people individually, and making them send selfies as part of a massive increase in surveillance.… businessinsider.com/countries…
Apr 16 2020
Developers in several European countries are working on similar apps to inform people quickly when they have been in contact with someone who is infected with the virus, as part of a pan-European privacy preserving proximity tracing (Pepp-PT) initiative.
Coronavirus 'under control' in Germany, as some countries plan to relax lockdowns
Health minister says Germany will produce 50m face masks a week by the summer… theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/17/…
Apr 17, 2020
Norway unveiled its Smittestop app, which will notify users if they have been less than 2 metres from an infected person for more than 15 minutes. “To get back to a more normal life ... we all have to make an effort and use this app,” PM Solberg said.
Coronavirus 'under control' in Germany, as some countries plan to relax lockdowns
Health minister says Germany will produce 50m face masks a week by the summer… theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/17/…
Apr 17, 2020
Officials say they routinely saw people visit the skatepark, even children accompanied by their parents, according to the San Clemente Times … city officials followed in the footsteps of other cities and filled the skatepark with 37 tons of sand.
Coronavirus: San Clemente Fills Skatepark With 37 Tons Of Sand After Skaters Ignore 'No Trespassing' Signs
San Clemente had shut down all its parks and facilities on April 1 under the state's stay-at-home orders, but skaters ignored signs warning against trespassing at the Ralphs Skate Court, 241 Ave… losangeles.cbslocal.com…
Apr 17, 2020
In one [Michigan] county, anyone deemed a 'carrier and health threat' can be detained by police and taken to an Involuntary Isolation Facility.
Michigan judge authorizes arresting people on suspicion of COVID-19 illness - LifeSite
In one county, anyone deemed a 'carrier and health threat' can be detained by police and taken to an Involuntary Isolation Facility. lifesitenews.com/news/michigan…
Apr 17, 2020
Imagine an America divided into two classes … "It will be a frightening schism,” a World Health Organization special envoy on Covid-19 predicted. “Those with antibodies will be able to travel and work, and the rest will be discriminated against.”
The coronavirus is spreading from America’s biggest cities to its suburbs, and has begun encroaching on the nation’s rural regions.
The virus is believed to have infected millions of citizens and has killed more than 34,000. nytimes.com/2020/04/18…
Apr 18, 2020
Riots have broken out in Paris amid anger over police 'heavy-handed' treatment of ethnic minorities during the coronavirus lockdown.
Riots break out in suburbs of Paris over police heavyhandedness
Tear gas and baton charges were fired by police in the Parisian suburb of Villeneuve-la-Garenne early this morning… dailymail.co.uk/news…
Apr 20, 2020
… law enforcers have killed 18 people in Nigeria since lockdowns began on 30 March. Coronavirus has killed 12 people, according to health ministry data.
Coronavirus: Security forces kill more Nigerians than Covid-19
Eighteen people have been killed during the lockdown, while 12 have been by the virus.… bbc.com/news/world-africa…
Apr 16, 2020
Police must prepare for a “more volatile and agitated society” after the end of the UK’s coronavirus lockdown, a senior officer has warned.
UK must prepare for ‘volatile and agitated society’ after lockdown is lifted
Exclusive: ‘Unintended consequences’ of lockdown feared, including rising mental health issues and unemployment… independent.co.uk/news/uk/home…
Apr 19, 2020
Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg on Monday told ABC's George Stephanopoulos that protests of stay-at-home orders that violate state social distancing rules organized through his social media platform qualify as "harmful misinformation" and will be taken down.
At the same time, it’s important that people can debate policies, so there’s a line on this, you know, more than normal political discourse.
I think a lot of the stuff that people are saying that is false around a health emergency like this can be classified as harmful misinformation.… thehill.com/homenews/media…
Apr 20, 2020
Saxony is threatening to get court orders to commit those refusing to respect the coronavirus lockdown to psychiatric facilities.
Saxony threatens quarantine refusers with psychiatry
While the beautiful Easter weather is attracting more and more people to the streets, Saxony now wants to take tougher action. The Free State is threatening, after a judge's decision, to refrain from quarantine in the… n-tv.de/mediathek/videos/panorama…
Apr 20, 2020
Riot police in Peru have blockaded a major highway and fired teargas into crowds of people attempting to flee the capital city and return on foot to their rural hometowns as the country’s strict coronavirus lockdown entered its sixth week.
Peru: riot police block highway as people attempt to flee amid lockdown
Police also fired teargas into crowds of people as country’s coronavirus lockdown entered sixth week… theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/20…
Apr 20, 2020
NYC police arrested three men outside a closed Brooklyn synagogue … officers were dispatched to the synagogue in response to calls of New Yorkers not social distancing, NYPD’s top uniform cop Terence Monahan said.
NYC police enforcing coronavirus social distancing restrictions arrest 3 outside synagogue
New York City police enforcing coronavirus social distancing restrictions arrested three men they say were gathered outside a closed Brooklyn synagogue and ignored warnings to seperate. foxnews.com/us/nyc-police…
Apr 20, 2020
A policeman has been suspended after he was filmed 'threatening to make something up' so he could arrest a man for breaching coronavirus lockdown laws.
Policeman suspended after threatening to make up offence to arrest man
Lancashire Police was forced to apologise after footage showed the officer aggressively challenging Adam Kidger, 24. He claims he was pulled over in his car after going out to buy a quad bike.… dailymail.co.uk/news/article…
Apr 21, 2020
A man was brought into custody Sunday after police were called to Main Street in Port Jefferson for a report of a large group of people not practicing social distancing … the man 'refused a request to social distance or put a mask on,' police said.
Coronavirus: LI Man Arrested For Not Social Distancing, PD Says
Coronavirus: LI Man Arrested For Not Social Distancing, PD Says - Port Jefferson, NY - Suffolk police said the man "refused a request to social distance or put a mask on." A witness said the man was… patch.com/new-york/portjefferson…
Apr 21, 2020
Facebook is blocking anti-quarantine protesters from using the site to organize in-person gatherings ... [it] has removed protest messages in California, New Jersey and Nebraska from its site, a company spokesperson said Monday.
Republicans attack Facebook as network shuts down anti-lockdown protests
The social network has already removed protest messages in California, New Jersey and Nebraska… politico.com/news/2020…
Apr 21, 2020
UPDATE: "Louisville residents who have been in contact with coronavirus patients but refuse to isolate themselves are being made to wear ankle bracelets … Jefferson County courts has set up an on-call judge for these types of cases.
Ankle monitors ordered for Louisville, Kentucky residents exposed to Covid-19 who refuse to stay home
Louisville, Kentucky residents who have been in contact with coronavirus patients and refusing to isolate themselves are being made to wear ankle bracelets… edition.cnn.com/2020/…
Apr 22, 2020
A Connecticut police department is using a drone equipped with virus-detecting technology to help battle the coronavirus … the department also plans to use drone technology to enforce social distancing at beaches, train stations, parks and other areas.
Connecticut cops deploy ‘pandemic drone’ to combat coronavirus
A Connecticut police department is using a drone equipped with virus-detecting technology to help battle the coronavirus.… nypost.com/2020/04/22…
Apr 22, 2020
A company in the U.S. has adapted a drone so that it can be used by police to measure people’s temperature from nearly 200ft away, as well as monitor their heart and breathing rates
Police drone will be able to tell if people are social distancing
A company in the U.S. has adapted a drone so that it can be used by police to measure people's temperature from nearly 200ft away, as well as monitor their… metro.co.uk/2020/04/22…
Apr 22, 2020
The police are deploying technology to help stop spread of coronavirus among the homeless population … while hovering above, the drone [plays] a recording that says, 'members of the public are reminded to keep a safe distance of six feet from others'.
Fort Worth Police Deploy Drones to Remind Homeless About Social Distancing
The Fort Worth Police Department is deploying technology to help stop spread of coronavirus among the city’s homeless population. nbcdfw.com/news/coronavirus…
Apr 23, 2020
New York City residents submitted 14,000 complaints to the city’s police about people violating social-distancing rules enacted to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.
WSJ News Exclusive | New York City Has Gotten 14,000 Complaints About Social-Distancing Violators
New York City residents submitted 14,000 complaints to the city’s police about people violating social-distancing rules enacted to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus, but they have led to relat… wsj.com/articles/new-york-city…
Apr 23, 2020
Over the weekend, a large gathering of Amish was broken up by police, with one person getting arrested, another issued a summons … Police were called to the property after someone called them to report a violation of the state’s stay-at-home orders.
Police Break Up Amish Barn Party After Someone Snitches On Them For Violating Social Distancing
Social-distancing snitches have come for the Amish. dailywire.com/news/police-break-up-amish…
Apr 23, 2020
Landing AI has created a new workplace monitoring tool that issues an alert when anyone is less than the desired distance from a colleague … these surveillance systems flag up warnings in real time when behaviors deviate from a certain standard.
Machine learning could check if you’re social distancing properly at work
Andrew Ng’s startup Landing AI has created a new workplace monitoring tool that issues an alert when anyone is less than the desired distance from a colleague. Six feet apart: On Thursday, the startup… technologyreview.com/2020/…
Apr 23, 2020
In the video, the cops can be seen flying the drone to survey the beach from above before finding the unaware sunbather and the closing in on him while riding quad-bikes.
Quad bike cops flying a drone swoop on sunbather lying on a deserted beach
ITALIAN police were slammed as “dictators” after sharing drone video of officers swooping to catch a man sunbathing alone on a deserted beach. The man, who was spotted by the drone, was… thesun.co.uk/news/…
Apr 24, 2020
The secretive 77th Brigade of the British Army is involved in countering coronavirus misinformation online ... the unit was set up in 2015 to specialise in "non-lethal" forms of psychological warfare…
77th Brigade involved in countering Covid-19 misinformation, defence chief says
THE UK’s chief of the defence staff General Sir Nick Carter has revealed the secretive 77th Brigade of the British Army is involved in countering… thenational.scot/news…
Apr 24, 2020
Homeless people have faced fines or arrest for failing to comply with coronavirus lockdown restrictions … a woman living in a Delhi shelter said “we have heard that homeless people have been rounded up by the police from the streets and taken to camps.
Homeless people 'treated as criminals' amid coronavirus lockdowns
From the Philippines to Italy, homeless people have faced fines or arrest for failing to comply with coronavirus lockdown restrictions, activists and researchers warned, calling for more support and … reuters.com/article…
Apr 24, 2020
Federal guidelines for helping slow the spread of coronavirus call for people experiencing homelessness to either be sheltered in large 'congregate' shelters, like recreation centers or auditoriums, or in encampments like the one in Fort Collins.
Homeless people forced to stay in makeshift shelters as coronavirus spreads
Officials are pushing people without homes into shelters to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, but advocates say more must be done to save lives. usatoday.com/story/news…
Apr 24, 2020
A French woman was reprimanded by police for displaying a banner with the words “Macronavirus, when is the end?” The incident follows several others in which residents who have displayed banners with “political overtones” have been visited by the police.
Political repression: Woman detained by police in France for displaying ‘Macronavirus’ banner on garden wall
A French woman was reprimanded by police for displaying a banner with the words “Macronavirus, when is the end?” outside of her home as social tensions grow amid a strict Covid-19 lockdown. rt.com/news/486824-woman-france…
Apr 25, 2020
A dramatic increase in technological surveillance is a 'price worth paying' … Covid-19 is not an ideology, and rebalancing the contract between citizens and the state to take advantage of the capabilities of new technologies is not capitulation.
Surveillance a price worth paying to beat coronavirus, says Blair thinktank
Tony Blair Institute says carefully applied technology could be route through crisis… theguardian.com/world…
Apr 25, 2020
The Home Secretary will underscore her warning to stay indoors with the threat of beefing up the police's powers to enforce social distancing. A source close to Patel told the Daily Express: 'We are seeing a worrying increase in people moving around.
Priti Patel to warn 'selfish rule-breakers' to stop flouting lockdown
The Home Secretary will underscore her warning to stay indoors with the threat of beefing up the police's powers to enforce social distancing… dailymail.co.uk/news…
Apr 25, 2020
It was mere months ago that data privacy was becoming more clearly defined in corridors of power … now, that consensus is being replaced with a new reality: Less data privacy, not more, may be what’s best for public health.
More surveillance and less privacy will be the new normal after the coronavirus pandemic
How the global spread of the coronavirus is upending Western notions about how our digital footprint is protected. fortune.com…
Apr 25, 2020
Officers have made 78 arrests and issued 1,637 fixed penalty notices in Scotland since 27 March. "If you are out and about, officers may ask you why … please, explain your individual circumstances, listen to their instructions and obey the law.
Coronavirus: Police criticise 'selfish' lockdown rule-breakers
A senior officer says a small minority are "repeatedly and wilfully" flouting coronavirus lockdown guidance. bbc.com/news/uk-scotland…
Apr 25, 2020
Police have recorded 477 prosecutions, 3844 warnings and 131 youth referrals, Coster said - as well as fielding more than 55,000 reports of breaches from members of the public.
Coronavirus: Police report 423 COVID-19 alert level 4 lockdown breaches in just 24 hours
It's nearly three times the daily average during alert level 4… newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand…
Apr 25, 2020
As of this afternoon, officers had handed handed out 214 fines to people who were out and about without good reason … the force is receiving up to 150 calls a day from people who believe they have seen someone ignoring the regulations.
More than 200 people fined for breaking coronavirus lockdown
Force is receiving up to 150 reports of suspected lockdown breaches each day… leicestermercury.co.uk/news…
Apr 25, 2020
More than 10,000 people have been arrested in the state in connection with the violation of lockdown ... nearly 80,000 personnel of Rajasthan Police and 20,000 home guards have been deployed across the state to ensure compliance of the lockdown.
Over 10,000 people arrested in Rajasthan so far for violating coronavirus lockdown: Police
Over 10,000 people have been arrested and nearly 1.03 lakh vehicles seized for violation of lockdown orders and curfew in Rajasthan so far, a senior police officer said here on Friday. Around 9,000 o… deccanherald.com/national…
Apr 25, 2020
A woman says she was 'named and shamed' by neighbours after she fell asleep and missed the weekly clap for carers tribute to NHS staff and key workers.
Coronavirus: Woman 'named and shamed' by neighbours on Facebook for not joining clap for carers
The post on the local community page purportedly said the mother "didn't deserve to use the NHS if I or my family get ill". news.sky.com/story/coronavirus…
Apr 25, 2020
German police wearing riot gear and face masks clashed with dozens of protesters demonstrating in central Berlin against the coronavirus lockdown on public life.
Germany police arrest more than 100 lockdown protesters in Berlin
German police wearing riot gear and face masks clashed with dozens of protesters demonstrating in central Berlin against the coronavirus lockdown on public life, with more than 100 people arrested. dailymail.co.uk/news/article-…
Apr 25, 2020
Public unrest has been breaking out across the world by frustrated people demanding an end to the coronavirus stay-at-home measures. This includes Russia, Germany, Brazil, the USA and India. In France there were reports of gangs fighting police…
French virus riots enter 4th day as unrest grows around the world
A SCHOOL erupted in flames in the Paris suburbs as rioting over coronavirus confinement continued across France and other spots in the world. Fireworks are thought to have started the blaze in the… thesun.co.uk/news…
Apr 26, 2020
Thousands of protesters descended on the Wisconsin State Capitol on Friday as they called for coronavirus restrictions implemented by Gov. Tony Evers to be lifted.
Photos of the massive demonstration show protesters packed on the capitol’s steps, breaking social distancing guidelines as they crammed into the area standing shoulder to shoulder.
Protesters cheered “USA” and circulated petitions to recall Evers. Protesters also reportedly held signs reading “All Workers, Are Essential” and “Death is preferable to communism.” thehill.com/homenews/state-watch…
Apr 26, 2020
The California Highway Patrol said Wednesday that it is temporarily banning rallies at the state Capitol and other state facilities because of the pandemic.
California Highway Patrol bans rallies and protests due to coronavirus lockdown
The change in policy came after hundreds of protesters gathered on the Capitol grounds in Sacramento on Monday, many without wearing masks or following recommendations to remain more than six feet apart to slow the spread of the coronavirus. kusi.com/california-highway-patrol…
Apr 26, 2020
San Diego County police say three people protesting beach closures were arrested in Encinitas, California, on Saturday for violating health orders … the arrests occurred after they ventured off the sidewalk and into the beach's sand.
Police arrest 3 people protesting closed beaches at SoCal beach set to reopen Monday
Encinitas mayor Catherine Blakespear said she believed the protesters “were trying to make a political point" at a beach scheduled to reopen Monday. usatoday.com/story/news…
Apr 26, 2020
Significant monitoring and speech control are inevitable components of a mature and flourishing internet, and governments must play a large role in these practices to ensure that the internet is compatible with a society’s norms and values.
Internet Speech Will Never Go Back to Normal
In the debate over freedom versus control of the global network, China was largely correct, and the U.S. was wrong. theatlantic.com/ideas/…
Apr 27, 2020
German police on Saturday busted two underground hair salons operating in violation of the country’s lockdown orders during the coronavirus pandemic. "People were having their hair done,” police said.
German underground hairdressing salons shut down by police during coronavirus
German authorities on Saturday busted two underground hair salons operating in violation of the country’s lockdown orders during the coronavirus pandemic… foxnews.com/world/german-underground…
Apr 27, 2020
It took five hours for Australians to download the COVIDSafe app at a rate the Government expected would take five days ... COVIDSafe uses Bluetooth to record anonymised IDs from users who are within 1.5 metres of each other for about 15 minutes.
Australian Government's coronavirus tracing app COVIDSafe downloaded 1 million times - ABC News
Australians take up the Government's coronavirus tracing app quickly, with almost 2 million downloads in the first day, according to the Health Minister. abc.net.au/news/2020-04-27/…
Apr 27, 2020
Governments around the world are weighing different privacy-enhancing designs, with some saying a [contact tracing] app would be voluntary to begin with, but not ruling out making it compulsory.
COVID-19 Tracing Apps Have to Go Viral to Work. That’s a Big Ask
How do you make it so people actually want to download a contact tracing app? coindesk.com/coronavirus…
Apr 27, 2020
The Administration has classified all its discussions about COVID-19, and it later denounced Politico for reporting that the White House was in talks with tech firms to create a national coronavirus surveillance system.
Can We Track COVID-19 and Protect Privacy at the Same Time?
If we accept government data tracking, the surveillance necessary to curtail the coronavirus pandemic could become a permanent fixture in our lives.… newyorker.com/tech…
Apr 27, 2020
Palantir, a secretive data-analytics firm … has a contract from the Administration to build a database to track the spread of the virus. Palantir is known for its work with the NSA and ICE, where its software is used to track undocumented immigrants.
Can We Track COVID-19 and Protect Privacy at the Same Time?
If we accept government data tracking, the surveillance necessary to curtail the coronavirus pandemic could become a permanent fixture in our lives. newyorker.com/tech…
Apr 27, 2020
Authorities have been quick to insist the masks do not have to be medically approved … decision-makers have stressed the psychological importance of wearing a face covering, saying it sends out a signal to people who might come too near.
Germans could be fined up to €10,000 as face mask rules brought in
Measure to help combat coronavirus comes into force in shops and on public transport… theguardian.com/world…
Apr 27, 2020
The app will help, just by ensuring authorities know they can contact people quickly when there is an infection, so they can trace us and warn us that we need a test.
Anti-appers just as dangerous as anti-vaxxers’: Kenny
Sky News host Chris Kenny says public opposition to the government’s newly released COVIDSafe contact tracing app “is either silly or paranoid, or both”. On Monday, Chief Medical Officer Brendan Mu… skynews.com.au/details…
Apr 28, 2020
There will be a huge risk that data would live on well beyond the pandemic, giving governments and corporations easy access to information about people’s movements and healthcare needs that eclipses what they now have.
Lawmakers warn coronavirus contact-tracing is ripe for abusive surveillance
Silicon Valley can come up with apps that might free Americans from home confinement. But Washington fears creating an invasive surveillance system. latimes.com/politics…
Apr 28, 2020
The application will only be used during the pandemic, the companies said. But it's unclear when the health emergency will be over. Social distancing could be necessary "into 2022 … resurgence in contagion could be possible as late as 2024."
Americans are right to be skeptical of this': Coronavirus contact tracing could threaten privacy, employment, and health resources say some experts
Lawmakers and experts across the country are concerned that the contact-tracing system is fraught with ethical and legal problems.… businessinsider.com/coronavirus…
Apr 28, 2020
We may need to reevaluate how we think about 'contact' and 'tracing' and ask: can we strip them of their moral and punitive overlays? We have to break the social and cultural associations of the past to use these tactics most effectively in the future.
We need mass surveillance to fight covid-19—but it doesn’t have to be creepy
I stop the car when I see him walking slowly down the empty footpath outside our now shuttered building—I know he lives on campus and is far from home. I sent my students away more than a week ago… technologyreview.com/2020…
Apr 28, 2020
While governments and tech companies are working on voluntary [tracking] tools … companies could make such tools mandatory … employees would wear badges, key rings or wristbands embedded with inexpensive Bluetooth beacons.
Private sector races to build virus apps to track employees
Tools could track movement of office workers to within a few centimetres… ft.com/content…
Apr 28, 2020
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In the UK, nearly two-thirds of people polled are in favour of using mobile data to track coronavirus sufferers and those they come into contact with—a reflection, perhaps, of the public’s desperation to see lockdown rules lifted.
State Surveillance: Coronavirus Tracking Tech And The Threat To Civil Liberties
To move past the stringent social distancing measures of coronavirus containment, there’s a gathering European consensus - governments need unprecedented access to their citizens’ private information… forbes.com/sites…
Apr 28, 2020
Senior Greek officials explained that popular destinations will open for business once strict lockdown measures are relaxed. However, international visitors will have to provide immunity certificates or health passports to be allowed into the country.
Greece will open up to holidaymakers by July and Brits will be included
GREECE is hoping to open to holidaymakers by July – and British tourists WILL be included. Senior Greek officials explained that popular destinations will open for business once strict lockdo… thesun.co.uk/travel…
Apr 28, 2020
Authorities in India have debuted a unique device meant to detain those who are not cooperating with a coronavirus lockdown while maintaining social distancing. The device appears to resemble a claw-like grabber that many use to pick up trash.
Police in India reveal device to detain coronavirus lockdown violators without contact
Authorities in India have debuted a unique device meant to detain those who are not cooperating with a coronavirus lockdown in the country while maintaining social distancing.… foxnews.com/world/india…
Apr 29, 2020
When someone tests positive, authorities can siphon up the patient’s location data and contacts, making it easy to 'quarantine the right people' …
Cyber-intel firms pitch governments on spy tools to trace coronavirus
Surveillance-tech companies have flourished in recent years as law enforcement and spy agencies around the world have sought new methods for countering adversaries who now often communicate through e… cnbc.com/2020…
Apr 29, 2020
The pandemic has brought surveillance cameras closer to people's private lives: from public spaces in the city right to the front doors of their homes — and in some rare cases, surveillance cameras inside their apartments.
China is installing surveillance cameras outside people's front doors … and sometimes inside their home
The coronavirus pandemic has brought surveillance cameras closer to people's private lives: from public spaces in the city to the front doors of their homes — and in some rare cases, surveillance ca… edition.cnn.com/2020…
Apr 29, 2020
Questions about the precise role of the UK’s domestic spy agency in key decisions about the NHSX’s choice of a centralized app architecture means privacy concerns are unlikely to go away — with Gould dodging the committee’s questions about GCHQ’s role.
UK's coronavirus contacts tracing app could ask users to share location data
More details have emerged about a coronavirus contacts tracing app being developed by UK authorities. NHSX CEO, Matthew Gould, said today that future versions of the app could ask users to share loca… techcrunch.com/2020…
Apr 29, 2020
My message to the Jewish community, and all communities, is this simple: the time for warnings has passed. I have instructed the NYPD to proceed immediately to summons or even arrest those who gather in large groups… - NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio
De Blasio Breaks Up Rabbi’s Funeral and Lashes Out Over Virus Distancing
In a series of posts on Twitter, Mr. de Blasio denounced the gathering, which the police broke up, and warned “the Jewish community, and all communities” that any violation of the social-distancing guidelines in place to stop the spread of the virus could lead to a summons or an arrest. nytimes.com/2020…
Apr 29, 2020
Authorities in a Spanish coastal resort have apologised after spraying a beach with bleach in an attempt to protect children from coronavirus … the bleach 'killed everything on the ground, nothing is seen, not even insects.'
Coronavirus: Outcry as Spanish beach sprayed with bleach
Environmentalists say a misguided attempt to protect residents has damaged a sensitive ecosystem. bbc.com/news/world-europe…
Apr 30, 2020
Gov. Gavin Newsom will order all beaches and state parks closed starting Friday after people thronged the seashore during a sweltering weekend despite his social distancing order ...
California governor to order closure of beaches and state parks amid coronavirus
Gov. Gavin Newsom will order all beaches and state parks closed starting Friday, according to a memo sent to police chiefs around the state. eu.usatoday.com/story/travel…
Apr 30, 2020
CTP UK warns that the impact of COVID-19 and social isolation could make society’s most vulnerable more susceptible to radicalization … people concerned that someone they know may be at risk from being radicalized by extremists are urged to seek help.
Police Warn of Greater Risk of Radicalization During COVID-19 Lockdown
"Isolation may exacerbate grievances that make people more vulnerable to radicalization – such as financial insecurity or social alienation."… hstoday.us/subject-matter…
May 1, 2020
'Protecting the public against infection takes precedence over everything, including the May Day demonstration' … Participation in unauthorized demonstrations is currently a crime.
There could be a bang between the police and the chaotic here today - B.Z. – The voice of Berlin
Around 5,000 police officers will be on duty in Berlin today. There will be no "Revolutionary May Day" demo this year due to the Corona regulations. Left-wing radicals have decentralized gu… bz-berlin.de/berlin…
May 1, 2020
Instead of de-escalation and tolerance, the rules 'have to be interpreted more strictly this year,' [the Interior Senator] announced. Demonstrations should not 'become the Ischgl of Berlin'. 5000 police officers are reported to be on duty.
May 1st in Berlin – demo ban because of Corona, left-wing radicals are planning protests
The popular street festival and the big demonstration are banned on May 1st because of Corona. Will it be as quiet in Kreuzberg as almost never before? That's not decided yet. There could be protests of a different kind.… bz-berlin.de/archiv-artikel…
May 1, 2020
While the usual left-wing protesters have vowed to observe social distancing, others are plotting a 'hygiene demo' which typically attracts conspiracy theorists and anti-vaxxers who scorn the lockdown measures.
German extremists will hijack May 1 protests to demand end to lockdown
Greece urged unions to delay their protests by a week, but hundreds of students and workers nonetheless gathered outside the country's parliament in Athens today… dailymail.co.uk/news…
May 1, 2020
The [German] government plans to introduce a corona immunity card … the Infection Protection Act allows the state to force people who are contagious or "suspect" to quarantine, or forbid them "to enter certain places…
Coronavirus: Government plans immunity card
Corona convalescents could receive special rights. The prerequisite is proof that they are not contagious… sueddeutsche.de/politik…
May 1, 2020
Just hours after announcing it would be relaxing lockdown measures aimed at stemming the spread of the coronavirus, Malaysia arrested hundreds of migrant workers and refugees in a crackdown on Covid-19 ‘red zones’.
Malaysia arrests hundreds in crackdown on migrants in Covid-19 red zones
Children as young as four have been taken in immigration raids launched just hours after Malaysia announced the easing of its coronavirus lockdown… scmp.com/week-asia/politics…
May 2, 2020
The time for educating people into compliance is over, [the Chicago Mayor] said. Don’t be stupid. If you host a party, promote a party, or go to a party, we are not playing games. We mean business, and we will shut this down one way or another.
Chicago Police Step Up ‘Stay-at-Home' Order Enforcement
Chicago police responded to several calls of large parties late Saturday and into Sunday morning, and one such gathering turned violent after five teens were. nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus…
May 4, 2020
Police have had to bust up hundreds of parties in the last few days … since the country moved from level 4 to level 3 last week, police say they've had 1200 reports of mass gatherings.
Coronavirus: Hundreds of level 3 parties busted by police
They're warning breaches of the lockdown rules could "waste all the sacrifices" others have made to beat COVID-19. newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand…
May 4, 2020
The excuse of the pandemic has meant the threshold for justifying arrests under terrorism laws has dropped further ... it has also become almost impossible to get a court hearing to determine whether an action is illegal or unconstitutional.
India's Covid-19 app fuels worries over authoritarianism and surveillance
State-built Aarogya Setu has had record downloads but critics warn of civil liberties implications… theguardian.com/world…
May 4, 2020
A New Jersey high school teacher was caught on video shouting at teenagers playing football in a park that they should “die a long, painful death” from the coronavirus.
Watch: Screaming teacher tells teens they deserve ‘painful death’ from coronavirus
A New Jersey high school teacher was caught on video shouting at teenagers playing football in a park that they should “die a long, painful death” from the coronavirus.… mercurynews.com/2020…
May 5, 2020
The NYPD’s enforcement of social distancing over the weekend included a tense fracas in the East Village … Officer Garcia wrestles [the bystander] to the sidewalk, repeatedly slapping his head and punching him, as another cop moves in, the video shows.
Taser-wielding NYPD cop punches bystander during social-distancing bust
“Move the f- -k back right now!” a Taser-wielding Garcia yells as he breaks away from the melee to engage the bystanders. “What you flexing for? Don’t flex!” Garcia then holsters his Taser — only to grab one onlooker from the crowd, identified by cops as Donni Wright. Garcia wrestles the 33-year-old to the sidewalk, repeatedly slapping his head and punching him, as another cop moves in to help cuff him, the video shows. nypost.com/2020…
May 5, 2020
Facial biometrics could be used to help provide a digital certificate – sometimes known as an immunity passport – proving which workers have had Covid-19 … proposals, which have reached pilot stages in other countries, could be executed within months.
Coronavirus UK: health passports 'possible in months'
Tech firm Onfido in talks with government about system to help Britons return to work… theguardian.com/politics…
May 5, 2020
The U.S. government is getting its vaccine supplies ready in anticipation of a working cure. Two separate orders signed off on May 1, 2020, total $100 million and specify needles and syringes “for a COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Campaign.”
US Preps For ‘COVID-19 Mass Vaccination’ With $110 Million Spent On Needles And Syringes
Two companies handled massive orders as the U.S. gets ready to roll out a coronavirus vaccine in the next year. forbes.com/sites…
May 5, 2020
A Dallas salon owner was sentenced to seven days behind bars Tuesday for disobeying coronavirus shutdown orders.
Dallas salon owner gets 7 days in jail for reopening during coronavirus lockdown
A judge had harsh words for Shelley Luther, owner of Salon À la Mode in Dallas, and its corporate entity, Hot Mess Enterprises, calling the move "flagrant and intentional." nbcnews.com/news…
May 6, 2020
A SWAT team used an armored vehicle to raid a Texas bar that opened for business in defiance of the coronavirus lockdown, eighty-sixing the owner — and six heavily armed “vigilantes” who were defending her, according to reports.
SWAT team arrests armed ‘vigilantes’ defying lockdown in Texas bar
A SWAT team used an armored vehicle to raid a Texas bar that opened for business in defiance of the coronavirus lockdown, eighty-sixing the owner. nypost.com/2020…
May 7, 2020
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines said Thursday they will soon require passengers to cover their faces during flights, following the lead of JetBlue Airways.
Major US airlines to require passengers to wear face masks
DALLAS (AP) — American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines said Thursday they will soon require passengers to cover their faces during flights, following the lead of JetBlue Airways. The mo… apnews.com/…
May 7, 2020
The [United States’] economic distress came into greater focus on Friday, offering a snapshot unseen since the Great Depression.
How Bad Is Unemployment? ‘Literally Off the Charts’
The American economy plunged deeper into crisis last month, losing 20.5 million jobs as the unemployment rate jumped to 14.7 percent, the worst devastation since the Great Depression. nytimes.com/interactive…
May 8, 2020
A four-legged robot will be patrolling Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park to remind people of safe distancing measures starting from Friday … GovTech has enhanced Spot with various functions such as remote control, 3D-mapping and semi-autonomous operations…
Robot reminds visitors of safe distancing measures in Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park
The Spot robot is fitted with cameras to help it estimate the number of visitors in the parks. Read more at straitstimes.com. straitstimes.com/singapore/robot…
May 9, 2020
There has been a distinct warming up to human-less, contactless technology,” Anuja Sonalker, CEO of Steer Tech, said. “Humans are biohazards, machines are not.
Under Cover of Mass Death, Andrew Cuomo Calls in the Billionaires to Build a High-Tech Dystopia
For a few fleeting moments during New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s daily coronavirus briefing on Wednesday, the somber grimace that has filled our screens for weeks was briefly replaced by something resembling a smile. “We are ready, we’re all-in,” the governor gushed. “We are New Yorkers, so we’re aggressive about it, we’re ambitious about it. … We realize that change is not only imminent, but it can actually be a friend if done the right way.”… theintercept.com/2020…
May 9, 2020
Dramatic footage has surfaced of a woman being pulled away from her screaming son by a number of police officers while protesting during the coronavirus pandemic … [and] dragged into a police van as her screaming son is torn from her arms.
Wearing a yellow sign that read: “If you don't know your rights, you don't have any. Magna Carta,” Ms Altakrity was protesting with around 40 people against the coronavirus lockdown, as part of the “Exercising My Rights” group.
She was issued an infringement notice for failing to comply with direction relating to COVID-19 social distancing restrictions. … news.com.au/national…
May 10, 2020
The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) has published a step-by-step guide for law enforcement agencies to identify 'fake news' and videos intended to spread panic through hatred and communal violence in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coronavirus | Police get a guide to detect fake news
Asks officers to fact-check and refer to reliable sites to verify news reports… thehindu.com/news/national…
May 10, 2020
Tensions are increasingly flaring in black and Hispanic neighborhoods over officers’ enforcement of social-distancing rules, leading officials to charge that the NYPD is engaging in a racist double standard as it shift[s] to a public health role…
Mayor Bill de Blasio said the police had enforced rules properly, but other officials expressed concern about tactics similar to unfair “stop and frisk” practices.
A police officer enforcing social-distancing rules broke up a group of people on a stoop during a nighttime cookout in East New York, Brooklyn, punching one man in the face. Another dispute between officers and residents of the same predominantly black neighborhood over the guidelines led to a man being knocked unconscious. Days later, three men were arrested after taking part in a sprawling vigil at the Queensbridge Houses for a rapper who was said to have died of the coronavirus. nytimes.com/2020…
May 10, 2020
In German cities, thousands of people demonstrated on Saturday against the coronavirus restrictions … several wore the armbands with the yellow Star of David used to identify Jews in the Nazi era … the police ordered 'compliance' over loudspeakers.
Anti-Corona demos all over Germany: What is allowed and when the next event is planned
“Put your muzzle off”, “resistance”: there were demonstrations against the corona restrictions in a number of German cities on Saturday. Many paid no heed to distance rules, the police were…… focus.de/politik/deutschland…
May 10, 2020
Liberation is a decision for the police based upon the circumstances of the individual incident, a [police] spokesperson said. "The police can detain any person to protect the public from risk of harm.
Police record more than 100 coronavirus-related attacks
Police Federation calls for anyone using coronavirus as a weapon automatically to be remanded in custody. bbc.com/news/uk-scotland…
May 11, 2020
California’s counties are building an army of 20,000 'contact tracers' … the goal is to track and trace every person in the state who may have been exposed, then quickly isolate and test them.
Coronavirus: Inside the Bay Area’s growing army of disease detectives
As the economy re-opens and people start venturing back out into the world, California’s counties are building an army of 20,000 “contact tracers” to find everyone who is unknowingly infected by th…… mercurynews.com/2020…
May 11, 2020
The steps under consideration … face masks, surgical gloves, immunity passports, on-the-spot blood tests and sanitation disinfection tunnels … all-biometric check-in systems … passengers will need to show some type of immunity document/passport.
Future Air Travel: Four-Hour Process, Self Check-In, Disinfection, Immunity Passes
Once airports and borders open again and people are able to fly freely — a process already in play as airports of all sizes around the world ready strategies to ensure healthy air travel — how much are you ready to change your flying habits? forbes.com/sites…
May 11, 2020
Two screaming toddlers watched on as their father was dramatically dragged to the ground by police at a tense anti-lockdown protest in Melbourne on Sunday … three other officers then pulled the pram with the distressed children away from the father.
Man at anti-lockdown protest is dragged to the ground by police
The father was dragged to the ground by police while his two distressed toddlers watched on at a tense anti-lockdown protest in Melbourne on Sunday.… dailymail.co.uk/news…
May 12, 2020
Nashville Police have charged a man who was under quarantine with escape for leaving the homeless shelter at the Nashville Fairgrounds … according to the arrest affidavit, [he] was quarantined on Thursday after testing positive for COVID-19 on Monday.
Police: Man who tested positive for COVID-19 charged with escape for leaving quarantine
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) -- Metro Nashville Police have charged a man who was under quarantine with escape for leaving the homeless shelter at the Nashville Fairgrounds. According to the arrest affida… cbs6albany.com/news/police…
May 12, 2020
Passengers on Ryanair will have to ask permission to use the toilet under new rules laid out by the airline … [they] will undergo temperature tests at the airport, must wear face masks, and wash their hands and use hand sanitiser in terminals.
Ryanair passengers will have to ask to use toilet when flights resume
Airline lays out new coronavirus rules as it aims to restart 40% of services in July… theguardian.com/business/2020…
May 12, 2020
Los Angeles County’s stay-at-home orders will 'with all certainty' be extended for the next three months … when beaches reopen this week, face coverings will be required when not in the water, and sunbathing won’t be allowed.
L.A. County could keep stay-at-home orders in place well into summer, depending on conditions
Los Angeles County's stay-at-home orders will 'with all certainty' be extended for the next three months, Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said. latimes.com/california…
May 13, 2020
A German ministerial adviser has been sacked for circulating a report that described coronavirus as a 'false alarm' and accused the government of causing 'a large number of avoidable deaths' through its lockdown.
German adviser sacked for report on ‘lockdown peril’
A German ministerial adviser has been sacked for circulating a report that described coronavirus as a “false alarm” and accused the government of causing “a large number of avoidable deaths” through … thetimes.co.uk/article…
May 13, 2020
Police have now charged a homeless man for violating the lockdown, according to Court News … the man was accused of leaving the place where he was living, which was ‘no fixed abode’.
Now the corona cops are arresting the homeless
A homeless man has been charged for violating the lockdown. This is madness. piked-online.com/2020…
May 13, 2020
The US Senate has voted to give law enforcement agencies access to web browsing data without a warrant, dramatically expanding the government’s surveillance powers in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Senate Votes to Allow FBI to Look at Your Web Browsing History Without a Warrant
Lawmakers voted down a measure that would prevent law enforcement from spying on Americans’ internet habits. vice.com/en_us/article…
May 14, 2020
A video of police grabbing a woman and pushing her to the ground as her child looks on has turned up the heat on law enforcement … the incident began when the woman was stopped from boarding a train because she was wearing her face mask incorrectly.
Video shows police pushing woman to ground and handcuffing her in front of young child
Footage shows woman wrestled to the ground by multiple officers in subway station… independent.co.uk/news…
May 14, 2020
Robots and drones equipped with infrared cameras could patrol holiday destinations and enforce social distancing rules under new EU plans … alongside infection tracing mobile apps.
Robots could patrol holiday destinations under new EU plans
European Commission tourism proposals imaging 'artificial intelligence and robotics [to] underpin public health measures', alongside infection tracing mobile apps.… dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech…
May 16, 2020
Piers Corbyn used a megaphone to tell the crowd that the pandemic was a 'pack of lies to brainwash you and keep you in order' … he [was] arrested under the Health Protection Regulations, which make gathering in a group of more than two people illegal.
Jeremy Corbyn's brother arrested at coronavirus protest in Hyde Park
Nineteen people arrested at anti-lockdown demonstration… independent.co.uk/news…
May 17, 2020
A tourist was arrested after he posted beach pictures on Instagram when he was supposed to be in quarantine … "authorities became aware of his posts from citizens who saw posts of him on the beach with a surfboard, sunbathing, and walking around."
New York tourist is arrested in Hawaii after posting beach pictures on Instagram | CNN
A tourist from New York was arrested in Hawaii after he posted beach pictures on Instagram when he was supposed to be in quarantine. edition.cnn.com/2020…
May 17, 2020
Miami Beach Police have arrested a woman after, they said, she violated an emergency order that does not allow people on the beach … video showed [her] sitting in the sand while holding a sign that read, 'We are free,' Sunday afternoon.
Miami Beach woman holding 'We Are Free' sign arrested for violating coronavirus order
Miami Beach Police have arrested a woman after, they said, she violated an emergency order that does not allow people on the beach.… foxnews.com/us/miami-beach…
May 17, 2020
Video footage shows police officers beating eight handcuffed Romani men and one 13-year-old boy for allegedly having a barbecue outside one of their houses. Several policemen and gendarmes, in and out of uniform, take part in the collective punishment.
Police are using the COVID-19 pandemic as an excuse to abuse Roma
The coronavirus pandemic exacerbated the ugly, systematic state violence against Romani people.… aljazeera.com/opinions…
May 17, 2020
It was nightfall along the Hudson and people were still out on a warm Saturday night, mindful that a Stay at Home order for New York City and the metro area has been extended … more than 2,000 social distancing patrols and supervisors were out in force.
Coronavirus News: NYC parks filled with people as police patrol social distancing
Parks were filled with people earlier in the day, while police limited access to Sheep Meadow in Central Park and made sure there was social distancing. abc7ny.com/social-distancing…
May 17, 2020
Hundreds of protestors gathered in Warsaw’s Old Town in the early afternoon … police blocked the planned march, saying in a statement published on Twitter that public gatherings are still banned under the government restrictions.
Police use tear gas on Polish protestors demanding businesses reopen
Police in Warsaw used tear gas on Saturday against protestors demanding the government act faster to allow businesses to reopen following a coronavirus shutdown. reuters.com/article…
May 17, 2020
The federal government has ramped up security and police-related spending in response to the coronavirus pandemic, including issuing contracts for riot gear … [it] also extended special contracts for coronavirus-related security services.
Federal government buys riot gear, increases security funding, citing coronavirus pandemic
The orders are for disposable cuffs, gas masks, ballistic helmets, riot gloves, and equipment for federal police assigned to Veterans Affairs facilities. theintercept.com/2020…
May 18, 2020
… the [smart] helmet could do any of the following: measure the temperature of a specific individual [or] people in larger crowds; scan a person's QR code for personal data; spot people in the dark; or recognize people using facial recognition.
Police in China, Dubai, and Italy are using these surveillance helmets to scan people for COVID-19 fever as they walk past and it may be our future normal
Temperature-scanning $7,000 helmets can catch people running a fever. But experts are skeptical about how helpful temperature scanning will really be. businessinsider.com/coronavirus…
May 18, 2020
A 'lockdown rollover' of 50 days on and 30 days off should be introduced until 2022, say British scientists … month-long intervals of relaxed social distancing would be followed by much more austere measures lasting almost twice as long.
An alternating 80-day cycle will reduce the number of Covid-19 deaths and admissions to intensive care units, according to new research by scientists at Cambridge University
An alternating 80-day cycle will reduce the number of Covid-19 deaths and admissions to intensive care units, according to new research. Month long intervals of relaxed social distancing would be followed by much more austere measures - lasting almost twice as long. The strategy is based on mathematical formulas using data from 16 countries - and applies to the UK. msn.com/en-gb/news/coronavirus…
May 21, 2020
Close to 39 million Americans have lost their jobs in just nine weeks. The rate of weekly losses has slowed sharply from its peak of 6.6m at the start of April but remains at levels unseen since the 1930s Great Depression.
US unemployment rises by 2.4m despite easing of coronavirus lockdowns
Nearly 39m Americans have lost jobs in nine weeks, with joblessness still at 1930s levels despite slowing of rate of increase… theguardian.com/business…
May 22, 2020
Matt Hancock stopped short of confirming jab would be mandatory when asked at today’s Downing Street press conference, but he didn’t rule it out either.
Matt Hancock hints coronavirus vaccine could be compulsory
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has neither confirmed nor denied that a coronavirus vaccine could be compulsary in the UK. metro.co.uk/2020…
May 22, 2020
The details they provide the authorities will allow them to be traced … if their planned accommodation does not satisfy the authorities, arrivals will be put up in facilities arranged by the government, the Home Office says.
Business groups brand UK's quarantine plan for arrivals 'isolationist'
All incomers - including British citizens - must disclose where they will be staying, Priti Patel says… theguardian.com/uk-news…
May 23, 2020
The power to impose fines on people who disobey exists under emergency legislation … another detail to be decided on is whether spot checks will be carried out on people at home to make sure they are not secretly going out or working as normal.
Now the 'healthy' must also isolate if tracked, Matt Hancock says
Matt Hancock revealed the move to “test and trace” will impose a new social responsibility on the public to stay at home for two weeks even if they feel well. standard.co.uk/news…
May 23, 2020
'Disaster' … Malibu Beaches Overwhelmed By Visitors Not Wearing Masks … the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department has instituted horse patrols on the sand.
"Disaster": Malibu Beaches Overwhelmed By Visitors Not Wearing Masks; Health Department Vows Action
"Seventy to ninety percent" of those on Zuma Beach did not have masks, reported local Malibu journalist and KBUU radio boss Hanz Laetz.… deadline.com/2020/
May 24, 2020
AiRISTA’s platform allows employers to continuously upload a record of close encounters to a corporate cloud, providing an up-to-date list of presumed social distancing violators that would double as a detailed record of workplace social interactions.
Coronavirus monitoring bracelets flood the market, ready to snitch on people who don’t distance
A crop of “new” body-worn devices issue alerts about hospital patients, the quarantined, people under house arrest, and workers who fail to social distance.… theintercept.com/2020…
May 25, 2020
Millions of Indians have no choice but to download the country’s tracking technology if they want to keep their jobs or avoid reprisals.
The world has never seen anything quite like Aarogya Setu. Two months ago, India’s app for coronavirus contact tracing didn’t exist; now it has nearly 100 million users.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi boosted it on release by urging every one of the country’s 1.3 billion people to download it, and the result was that within two weeks of launch it became the fastest app ever to reach 50 million downloads. “We beat Pokémon Go,” says a smiling Arnab Kumar, who is leading development of the service for the Indian government. technologyreview.com/2020…
May 26, 2020