APRIL 3 (GMT) – APRIL 4 (AEST), 2020

YOUR DAILY TOP 12 STORIES FROM FRANK NEWS

FULL STORIES START ON PAGE 3

NORTH AMERICA UK AUSTRALIA

Ships for non-virus patients New Labour leader must rebuild Derailed train 80km/h over limit

Commanders on board the hospital ships When Jeremy Corbyn signalled the start A train that derailed in Victoria, killing its USNS Mercy and USNS Comfort say they of the Labour leadership contest with his driver and pilot, was travelling at more have treated only 18 patients so far, resignation in December, the challenges than 100km/h in a section of track which but tell reporters they are looking for a facing his successor seemed clear had a speed limit of 15km/h. But safety significant increase in patient transfers enough. The party had gone down to its investigators may require more than a from local hospitals now that the ships worst general election defeat since 1935 year-and-a-half to determine the exact are docked, up and running. The Mercy after years of faction fighting, accusations causes of the February 20 crash at arrived in Los Angeles. Comfort arrived in of institutional anti-Semitism and bitter Wallan, north of Melbourne, with New York. divisions over Brexit. Seats which had 153 passengers on board. been Labour for generations turned blue as the party’s hitherto impregnable “red wall” crumbled.

NORTH AMERICA UK NEW ZEALAND

Navy fire captain over virus plea Support for ailing businesses New cases, recoveries rise

The captain of a US Navy aircraft More businesses will be able to access New Zealand remains on track to reach carrier facing a growing outbreak of financial support during the coronavirus 1000 COVID-19 cases by the end of the the coronavirus on his ship was fired lockdown after the Chancellor week after health officials announced by Navy leaders who said he created announced a wider package of measures a fresh 71 cases. Director-General of a panic by sending his memo pleading to assist struggling companies. The move Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield said there for help to too many people. Acting will enable larger firms with turnovers as were 49 news confirmed cases and Navy Secretary Thomas Modly said the high as £500 million to access support, 22 new probable cases of COVID-19, ship’s commander, Capt. Brett Crozier while opening up the availability of state- bringing New Zealand’s total cases “demonstrated extremely poor judgment” backed cash to smaller companies. to 868. On Thursday, New Zealand in the middle of a crisis. recorded its biggest increase in COVID-19 infections in one day as the Health Ministry confirmed 89 new cases.

1 APRIL 3 (GMT) – APRIL 4 (AEST), 2020

YOUR DAILY TOP 12 STORIES FROM FRANK NEWS

FULL STORIES START ON PAGE 6

NORTH AMERICA UK AUSTRALIA

People urged to wear masks Chicken helps homes in need Virus cases ‘below expectations’

The Trump administration is Locked-down residents gazing out their Australians staying at home and keeping recommending that many Americans windows in a Kent street have been their distance from each other has wear face coverings in an effort to slow greeted by a peculiar sight – a chicken halved the number of coronavirus cases the spread of the coronavirus. The walking up their driveways delivering from earlier expectations. But the prime recommendations, still being finalized, eggs. Sophie Farrington, who runs minister has urged patience with tough are expected to apply to those who Chookies Farm in Deal, has started social distancing measures, saying live in areas hard-hit by community dressing up like one of her poultry they still need to be in place at least six transmission of the virus that causes pals and taking boxes of eggs to those months. More than 5300 Australians COVID-19. in need. She said: “People think it’s have caught the virus, while around 650 absolutely hilarious. have recovered and 28 people are dead.

NORTH AMERICA UK NEW ZEALAND

Democrats postpone convention Retailers suffer horror month Health Minister in biking blunder

Democrats are postponing their Britain’s high street retailers suffered New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda presidential nominating convention until their worst month on record in March as Ardern has accepted an apology from August, an unprecedented move that they were hammered by the COVID-19 her health minister for mountain biking shows how the coronavirus is reshaping lockdown, according to new figures. The during the coronavirus outbreak. Dr the battle for the White House. The party latest monthly BDO high street sales David Clark’s van was spotted in a car had hoped that a mid-July convention tracker saw total like-for-like sales dive park used by mountain bikers near his would give them more time to rally 17.9 per cent for the month as shoppers Dunedin home. The health minister behind a nominee and unify against stayed indoors. In-store sales were may not have broken the rules of New President Donald Trump. particularly badly hit, plunging 34.1 per Zealand’s severe lockdown – Kiwis are cent allowed to drive their cars short distances and are encouraged to take part in exercising during their self-isolation.

2 APRIL 3 (GMT) – APRIL 4 (AEST), 2020

The USNS Comfort, a naval hospital ship with a 1000 bed-capacity, docked at Pier 90 in The USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier. - AP New York. - AP

NORTH AMERICA NORTH AMERICA Mercy and Comfort for Navy fires aircraft carrier non-virus patients captain after virus plea

Commanders on board the hospital ships USNS Mercy The captain of a US Navy aircraft carrier facing a growing and USNS Comfort say they have treated only 18 patients outbreak of the coronavirus on his ship was fired by so far, but tell reporters they are looking for a significant Navy leaders who said he created a panic by sending his increase in patient transfers from local hospitals now memo pleading for help to too many people. that the ships are docked, up and running. Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly said the ship’s The Mercy arrived in Los Angeles. Comfort arrived in New York. commander, Capt. Brett Crozier “demonstrated extremely The ships will provide a thousand hospital beds for non- poor judgment” in the middle of a crisis. He said the captain coronavirus cases to take the load of regional medical centers copied too many people on the memo, which was leaked to a expecting a surge of COVID-19 patients. California newspaper and quickly spread to many news outlets. The commanding officers held a news conference at the Modly’s decision to remove Crozier as ship commander was Pentagon via telephone to provide updates on their respective immediately condemned by members of the House Armed support efforts. Services Committee, who called it a “destabilising move” Capt. John Rotruck, who commands the USNS Mercy, said the that will “likely put our service members at greater risk and ship has treated 15 patients so far, 10 of whom have already jeopardise our fleet’s readiness.” been discharged. Modly said Crozier should have gone directly to his Rotruck called that a “good news” scenario because it means immediate commanders, who were already moving to help the the ship and its medical staff are able to bring patients aboard ship. And he said Crozier created a panic by suggesting and discharge them effectively so that it can continue to act as 50 sailors could die. a relief for the local hospitals. The USS Theodore Roosevelt, with a crew of nearly 5000, is Both commanders said the ships have “robust” measures docked in Guam, and the Navy has said as many as 3000 will in place to ensure they remain COVID-free, including making be taken off the ship and quarantined. More than 100 sailors sure all patients and staff have tested negative before walking on the ship have tested positive for the virus, but none are onto the vessels. ■ hospitalised at this point. “What it does, it undermines our efforts and the chain of command’s efforts to address this problem and creates a panic and creates the perception that the Navy is not on the job, the government is not on the job, and it’s just not true,” Modly said. He complained that Crozier sent the memo to people outside his chain of command and in a non-secure, unclassified email. And, he said he concluded that the captain’s ability to react professionally was overwhelmed by the virus challenge, “when acting professionally was what was needed most. We do, and we should, expect more from the commanding officers of our aircraft carriers.” Earlier this week, Modly said Crozier would not be relieved of duty for trying to protect his sailors. ■

3 APRIL 3 (GMT) – APRIL 4 (AEST), 2020

Labour leadership candidates Rebecca Long-Bailey (left), Lisa Nandy (middle) and Sir Keir Chancellor Rishi Sunak. - AP Starmer (right). - PA

UK UK New Labour leader Financial support for must rebuild party struggling businesses

When Jeremy Corbyn signalled the start of the Labour More businesses will be able to access financial support leadership contest with his resignation in December, the during the coronavirus lockdown after the Chancellor challenges facing his successor seemed clear enough. announced a wider package of measures to assist struggling companies. The party had gone down to its worst general election defeat since 1935 after years of faction fighting, accusations of The move will enable larger firms with turnovers as high institutional anti-Semitism and bitter divisions over Brexit. as £500 million to access support, while opening up the Seats which had been Labour for generations turned blue availability of state-backed cash to smaller companies. as the party’s hitherto impregnable “red wall”, running through And the Treasury has confirmed the imposition of new rules the North, the Midlands and Wales, crumbled in the face of on lenders in a bid to ensure money gets to business owners the Tories’ advance. faster and with less personal risk involved. Then the task had been somehow to emerge from the The Treasury has confirmed: wreckage and rebuild a credible position that would at least • The introduction of a new Coronavirus Large Business given them some sort of fighting chance of wresting power Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS) providing a Government away from Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the Conservatives guarantee of 80 per cent to enable loans of up to £25 million at the next election. for firms with an annual turnover of between £45 million and Since then, of course, all that has changed with the £500 million emergence of the coronavirus from Wuhan in China, causing • A ban on banks being able to demand debt-risking havoc around the planet, turning upside down all conventional personal guarantees on loans of less than £250,000 to expectations of what might lie ahead. speed up the process of lending and reduce financial risk for In this frightening new world the Labour leadership contest, applicants which was already struggling to ignite interest among a weary • An expansion of the already-running Coronavirus Business public, worn down by endless wrangling over Brexit, has been Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) to allow “viable” small in danger of looking like an irrelevant sideshow. businesses affected by Covid-19 to apply, no longer limiting it So the first challenge for the new leader may well be to those unable to secure commercial financing to establish a clear voice on the one overwhelming issue • More than £90 million has been paid to 983 small and of the day. medium sized businesses, with £1.9 billion now in the accounts At a time of national emergency, he or she will have to of larger firms decide how far they need to stand with the Government, Chancellor Rishi Sunak will meet chief executives of UK banks while at the same time ensuring ministers are properly to discuss the implementation of the schemes next week. held to account. Sunak said: “We are making great progress on getting Striking the right tone and balance will be crucial in much-needed support out to businesses to help manage their establishing their credentials with voters as a potential prime cash flows during this difficult time - with millions of pounds minister-in-waiting. of loans and finance being provided to hundreds of firms But that does not mean the other issues facing the party will across the country. ■ have gone away. ■

4 APRIL 3 (GMT) – APRIL 4 (AEST), 2020

The scene of an XPT train derailment in Wallan North, 45km north of Melbourne. - AAP Customers queue to enter a department store in Christchurch, New Zealand. - AP

AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND Derailed train doing New coronavirus 100-plus in 15 zone cases, recoveries rise

A train that derailed in Victoria, killing its driver and New Zealand remains on track to reach 1000 COVID-19 pilot, was travelling at more than 100km/h in a section cases by the end of the week after health officials of track which had a speed limit of 15km/h. announced a fresh 71 cases.

But safety investigators may require more than a year-and-a- Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield said there half to determine the exact causes of the February 20 crash at were 49 news confirmed cases and 22 new probable cases of Wallan, north of Melbourne, with 153 passengers on board. COVID-19, bringing New Zealand’s total cases to 868. The train far exceeding the speed limit for a passing loop On Thursday, New Zealand recorded its biggest increase near Wallan was confirmed in a preliminary report on the crash in COVID-19 infections in one day as the Health Ministry released by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau. confirmed 89 new cases. “The train was not able to negotiate the turnout to the loop Dr Bloomfield said 103 people had now recovered from the track at this speed and derailed. All vehicles derailed excepting coronavirus, 13 people were in a stable condition in hospital. the rear power car,” the report said. One was in ICU in a stable condition. The derailment of the XPT train from Sydney to Melbourne The number of significant clusters – defined at 10 or more killed experienced driver John Kennedy, 54, and 49-year-old cases from the same gathering – rose to 10. train pilot Sam Meintanis. Dr Bloomfield said the biggest clusters are in Marist School The pilot had joined Kennedy at the front of the train only a with 59 cases, a wedding in Bluff with 53, and Matamata with few stops before Wallan to help him navigate a 24km-section 49 people. of track where signalling equipment was damaged, as part of There have been no further deaths, one per cent of cases an “alternative safeworking system”. are being treated as community transmission, while 49 per The equipment had been damaged by a fire in a track-side cent have a direct link to overseas travel. equipment hut on February 3. There have been 29,485 tests in total carried out, with a high After setting off from Kilmore East bound for Wallan, of 3446 tests carried out on Thursday. the train increased toward its speed limit for the section “We now have the capacity to do over 5400 tests each day in of 130km/h. New Zealand,” Dr Bloomfield said. Earlier that afternoon, the points – or movable rails – at He said there were 135 people in quarantine after arriving in either end of the Wallan Loop had been changed so that rail the country with symptoms. traffic was diverted from the main line into a loop track. Global COVID-19 cases now exceed one million. ■ There was a train notice flagging the change and specifying a speed limit of 15km/h for entering the loop and 35km/h for exiting. Data from the train shows an emergency brake was applied shortly before the train reached the points. “This slowed the train a small amount before it entered the turnout travelling at a speed in excess of 100 km/h,” the report said. ■

5 APRIL 3 (GMT) – APRIL 4 (AEST), 2020

A Seattle Police officer wears a mask while out on patrol in Seattle, Washington. - AP The 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. – AP

NORTH AMERICA NORTH AMERICA More people urged to Democrats postpone wear protective masks nomination convention

The Trump administration is recommending that many Democrats are postponing their presidential nominating Americans wear face coverings in an effort to slow the convention until August, an unprecedented move that spread of the coronavirus. shows how the coronavirus is reshaping the battle for the White House. The recommendations, still being finalized, are expected to apply to those who live in areas hard-hit by community The party had hoped that a mid-July convention would give transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19. them more time to rally behind a nominee and unify against A person familiar with the White House coronavirus task President Donald Trump. But concerns that large crowds will force’s discussion said officials would suggest that non-medical spread the virus prompted Democrats, including prospective masks, T-shirts or bandannas be used to cover the nose and nominee Joe Biden, to press for alternatives. mouth when outside the home — for instance, at the grocery “In our current climate of uncertainty, we believe the store or pharmacy. Medical-grade masks, particularly short-in- smartest approach is to take additional time to monitor how supply N95 masks, would be reserved for those dealing directly this situation unfolds so we can best position our party for a with the sick. safe and successful convention,” said Democratic convention President Donald Trump, who was tested again for CEO Joe Solmonese. coronavirus using a new rapid test, indicated he would support Milwaukee will still host the convention, which is now such a recommendation. “If people wanted to wear them, they scheduled for the week of Aug. 17. Republicans are sticking can,” he said. with their plan to meet in Charlotte, North Carolina, a week “It’s not a bad idea, at least for a period of time,” Trump had later to renominate Trump. said earlier in the week. The social distancing required to combat the coronavirus has The White House said Trump’s latest test returned a negative already prompted multiple states to delay their presidential result in 15 minutes, and said Trump was “healthy and without primaries from April and May into June. But the postponement symptoms.” of the convention is the most significant change to the Dr. Deborah Birx, the task force’s coordinator, told reporters presidential section process to date. the White House was concerned that the mask guidance would Outside circumstances have affected conventions in lead to a “false sense of security” for Americans. She said new the past, including hurricanes that forced relatively minor data show that the administration’s social-distancing guidelines scheduling changes to Republican gatherings in 2008 and were not being followed to the extent necessary to keep virus- 2012. Still, the major political parties have always pressed related deaths to a minimum. forward with their conventions, even during times of crisis as The discussions on face masks came as the White House severe as the Civil War. moved aggressively to defend its handling of the coronavirus “Ultimately, the health and safety of our convention pandemic, particularly its efforts to speed the distribution attendees and the people of Milwaukee is our top priority,” of ventilators and protective equipment needed by medical Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez said. professionals. Biden began suggesting this week that changes were likely. Trump said states should have done more to stockpile Biden saidthis week he doubted “whether the Democratic medical supplies before the pandemic. ■ convention is going to be able to be held” on its original July 13-16 dates. ■

6 APRIL 3 (GMT) – APRIL 4 (AEST), 2020

- AP - PA

UK UK Chicken delivers eggs Retailers hit suffer to homes in need worst month on record

Locked-down residents gazing out their windows in a Britain’s high street retailers suffered their worst month Kent street have been greeted by a peculiar sight – a on record in March as they were hammered by the chicken walking up their driveways delivering eggs. COVID-19 lockdown, according to new figures.

Sophie Farrington, who runs Chookies Farm in Deal, has The latest monthly BDO high street sales tracker saw total started dressing up like one of her poultry pals and taking like-for-like sales dive 17.9 per cent for the month as shoppers boxes of eggs to those in need. stayed indoors. She said: “People think it’s absolutely hilarious. In-store sales were particularly badly hit, plunging 34.1 per “We started last Friday. I have got a surplus of eggs and it’s a cent after non-essential stores were told to shut their doors in bit of a lift for everyone.” the face of the pandemic. Residents along Circular Road who want some fresh eggs Reduced footfall due to social distancing protocols also hit are asked to draw a picture and put it in their windows to alert stores during the month, while shoppers’ attentions were Farrington. diverted to essential items, such as groceries. Then each Friday, those homes will be rewarded with a box Fashion stores saw sales dive 40.4 per cent over the month, of six eggs. while lifestyle shops also reported a 24.6 per cent decline. Farrington said she expects to hand out 180 eggs this week Elsewhere, homeware store sales declined by 26.1 per cent – all for free. after sales vanished at the end of the month. She added: “I just thought it would cheer everyone up. Shoppers turned their attentions online, with non-store like- “Obviously people need eggs and there’s a shortage at for-like sales increasing by 13.7 per cent. the moment.” ■ However, this online growth was not consistent for all retailers, with fashion retailers also reporting lower online demand. Sophie Michael, head of retail and wholesale at BDO, said: “It’s no surprise that March was the worst month on record for the high street, as the COVID-19 outbreak had an immediate impact on consumer demand for discretionary items. “Understandably, shoppers are being very cautious with their pounds, as concerns about job security grip the nation. “For most retailers, in-store sales make up the largest portion of their revenue, so they are having to rely solely on non-store channels and adapt aggressively to survive. “It is likely that the pandemic has only sped up the shift away from in-store shopping as consumers become even more accustomed to buying on-line.” ■

7 APRIL 3 (GMT) – APRIL 4 (AEST), 2020

- AAP Minister of Health David Clark. - RNZ

AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND Virus cases nearly Health Minister says half of expectations sorry for biking blunder

Australians staying at home and keeping their distance New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has accepted from each other has halved the number of coronavirus an apology from her health minister for mountain biking cases from earlier expectations. during the coronavirus outbreak.

But the prime minister has urged patience with tough social Dr David Clark’s van was spotted in a car park used by distancing measures, saying they still need to be in place at mountain bikers near his Dunedin home on Thursday. least six months. The health minister may not have broken the rules of New More than 5300 Australians have caught the virus, while Zealand’s severe lockdown – Kiwis are allowed to drive their around 650 have recovered and 28 people are dead. cars short distances and are encouraged to take part in But Prime Minister Scott Morrison said if the rate of new exercising during their self-isolation. cases each day had kept at the levels of a week-and-a-half ago, However, Dr Clark’s choice of mountain biking caused alarm Australia could have have had more than 10,500 cases by now. as an accident would have required care by emergency health Instead, the number of new cases is now increasing by an workers during the crisis. average of just seven per cent a day, compared to around The Dunedin North MP said: “This was my only chance to get 25 per cent last week. out for some exercise in daylight hours (and) the track itself is “That is a tribute to the work that has been done by not challenging”. Australians in getting around and supporting the very sensible “I know that now is not the time for people to be engaging in measures that have been put in place all around the country higher-risk exercise activities. by the state and territory governments,” Morrison said. “I don’t want to give anyone the perception that I take these But it has to continue. matters lightly. This is a reminder to me to think carefully about “Doesn’t matter what the temperature is, if it’s a warm day, how best to fit some exercise into my new-normal routine.” don’t go in masses down to the beach,” Morrison said. While Dr Clark didn’t apologise to the public, he did apologise “That’s a simple instruction that all Australians expect other to his boss. Australians to abide by.” “I spoke to the Health Minister last night, who apologised to Morrison committed to giving a public briefing next Tuesday me,” Ardern said. on the modelling of the likely spread of the virus. “It’s my expectation that Ministers set the standards we are He also warned people the coming Easter holiday had to be asking New Zealanders to follow. one spent at home. “People can go outside to get fresh air and drive short The rules around churches have been relaxed slightly distances if needed, but we have asked people to avoid to allow them to hold and broadcast Easter services, but activities where there is a higher risk of injury, and the Minister congregations will still not be allowed to attend. should have followed that guidance.” Globally, the number of people with coronavirus has topped Opposition leader Simon Bridges fell short of asking for Dr a million but Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy said the Clark’s resignation but urged him to get his mind on the job. true number of cases could be as high as 10 million. “The bigger crime to me frankly is him not being at his desk “The only numbers I have total faith in are the Australian in Wellington as the Health Minister during the biggest health numbers, frankly, because we have the highest testing rate crisis in our lifetimes,” he said. ■ in the world,” he said. ■

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