USA TODAY International Edition
Calls rise to close markets selling animals
More than 100 scientists and conservation leaders from more than 25 countries have signed a letter calling on governments to shut down some wildlife markets, especially ones in high- density areas, and to amp up global efforts to curb wildlife trafficking.
The environmental leaders say the steps are necessary to help prevent the possible outbreak of another global pandemic. Many scientists agree the novel coronavirus that first appeared in China jumped from animals to humans, possibly at a wildlife market.
The markets provide a setting with “perfect opportunities” for viruses to jump species, said Steve Osofsky, the Jay Hyman Professor of Wildlife Health & Health Policy at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine.
The World Wildlife Fund organized the letter's launch and signatures.
NYC funeral home put bodies in rental trucks
A New York City funeral home was storing bodies on ice in rented trucks, prompting complaints about the smell, authorities said. A law enforcement official speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity said that about 50 corpses were found in four trucks outside Andrew T. Cleckley Funeral Home in Brooklyn on Wednesday. No criminal charges were brought, and workers in protective gear were seen transferring the bodies to a larger refrigerated truck. The funeral home was cited for failing to control the odors.
Kushner: Response a ‘ great success story’
White House senior adviser Jared Kushner called the federal government's response to the coronavirus outbreak “a great success story” on Wednesday as cases topped 1 million and the death toll passed 60,000 in the U. S.
President Donald Trump's son- in- law said in an interview on Fox News, “I think that we've achieved all the different milestones that are needed. So the government, federal government, rose to the challenge and this is a great success story. I think that's really what needs to be told.” He also claimed that by June “a lot of the country should be back to normal,” and that by July, “the country's really rocking again.”
Researchers at Harvard University recently concluded the U. S. would need to conduct 500,000 to 700,000 coronavirus tests a day to begin reopening safely. Last week the country averaged 210,000 daily tests, according to the COVID Tracking Project.
Costco returning to normal hours
Costco plans to operate on normal schedules next week but customers and employees will be required to wear face- coverings or masks. The requirement does not apply to children under 2 or people who are unable to wear a face covering. Select Costco warehouses will be open 9- 10 a. m. weekdays for members 60 and older and people with disabilities.
LA mayor: Free testing for all residents
Mayor Eric Garcetti announced free testing would be available for all residents in the city and county. “While priority will still be given to those with symptoms, individuals without symptoms can also be tested,” he said, touting LA as the “first major city in America” to open free COVID- 19 testing to all residents. There were 1,541 new confirmed cases on Wednesday in Los Angeles County.