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Coronavirus: Facebook To Give $1,000 Bonus to Employees, Not Contractors (UPDATE)

Jonathan Antonio
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Coronavirus: Facebook To Give $1,000 Bonus to Employees, Not Contractors (UPDATE)

According to The Intercept, Facebook employees will receive a $1,000 bonus but not contractors.

Techcrunch estimates Facebook has 15,000 content moderators working through third-party jobbers. In a interview with the BBC, Zuckerberg stated that Facebook full-time employees will take over judgments about sensitive topics, including self-harm and suicide, in part to decrease the mental health repercussions of viewing such content on third-partyt\ contractors, and continued he was “personally quite worried that the isolation from people being at home could potentially lead to more depression or mental health issues, and I want to make sure that we are ahead of that supporting our community.”

(Original Report: March 17, 2020) On Tuesday, Facebook told employees the social media giant would give each of them a $1,000 bonus to support them during the Coronavirus outbreak.

According to CNBC, the announcement was made by CEO Mark Zuckerberg in an internal memo to employees.

Currently, Facebook has 45,000 full-time employees but also employs thousands of contract employees. Now, it is not clear if those contracted employees will also receive the bonus.

Facebook is not the only company providing its employees with cash bonuses. Workday announced Monday it would pay cash bonuses worth two weeks’ pay to their employees.

Facebook on Tuesday also announced a $100 million program to assist small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The program’s mission is to provide 30,000 eligible small businesses cash grants and ad credits during the pandemic.

As we previously reported, COVID-19 has already had a significant impact on the economy with forecasts suggesting things will not get better. But, it has had a substantial effect on Facebook itself. Shares of the social media company are down more than 28% year-to-date as Wall Street fears go viral through the market.

Facebook canceled its F8 annual developer’s conference. Earlier this month, Facebook told employees to work from home and pulled out of other meetings.

In other news, President Donald Trump advised limiting interactions and gatherings to 10 people or less. The number of states and cities are calling for people to engage in social distancing due to the coronavirus pandemic is rising. On Tuesday, health officials have issued an important message for all Americans to limit social interactions to help healthcare systems prevent a rise of patients. As of Tuesday, 87 Americans have died with 4,490 infections, an increase of 1,000 confirmed infections from Sunday.

Porsche Shuts Down Production for Weeks

Reginald Edward
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Porsche Shuts Down Production for Weeks

The global Coronavirus pandemic is having a serious impact on businesses around the world. After several car shows were canceled or delayed including the 2020 Geneva Motor Show and the 2020 New York Auto Show, multiple manufacturers suspended production to reduce the spread of the virus. These manufacturers include:

  • Ferrari
  • Lamborghini
  • Maserati
  • Volkswagen
  • Porsche

Porsche announced on Thursday, the manufacturer will suspend production amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Porsche made the decision due to global supply chain disruption and declining customer demand. Their headquarters n Zuffenhausen, Germany, and the production plant in Leipzig, Germany, from Saturday, March 21, for an initial period of two weeks to protect staff and reduce financial losses.

“With these measures, our company contributes to protect the workforce and reduce the spread of the coronavirus. The actual consequences are not yet predictable. It is therefore too early for forecasts. What is clear is that 2020 will be a very challenging year,” said Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG.

“We can only overcome the pandemic together and by taking rigorous measures,” Porsche says it will continue to look at the situation, but the hiatus could extend pass March 21st considering how fast the virus is spreading. 

Porsche is banning all business travel, office employees are to work remotely, and meetings should not take place in person resulting in teleconference only conferences.

President Donald Trump urged restricting social interactions and gatherings to 10 people or less. The number of municipalities calling for people to engage in social distancing due to the coronavirus pandemic is rising. On Tuesday, health officials have announced an urgent message for all Americans to limit social interactions to help healthcare systems prevent a rise of patients. As of Tuesday, 87 Americans have died with 4,490 infections, an increase of 1,000 confirmed infections from Sunday.

In related news, economists believe things will get a lot worse due to the Coronavirus COVID-19.

Ian Shepherdson, a chief economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, states everything will get graver.

“We now guesstimate that second-quarter GDP will drop at a 10% annualized rate, after a 2% fall in Q1,” said Ian Shepherdson, said in a note to clients on Monday.

His forecast suggests consumer spending will decrease in the next few months.

“We are becoming more pessimistic about the near-term economic outlook,” Shepherdson says.

“Discretionary consumers’ spending — that is, consumption excluding housing, healthcare, food, and energy — accounts for some 39% of GDP, and some of the major components are set for massive second quarter meltdowns… We are penciling-in a 20% plunge in discretionary consumers’ spending in the second quarter, enough alone to subtract some eight percentage points from GDP growth.”

U.S. is Now Testing Two Drugs to Treat the Coronavirus

Brent Edward
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U.S. is Now Testing Two Drugs to Treat the Coronavirus

The United States is now testing two drugs to treat coronavirus treatments.

Reuters reported scientists at the University of Minnesota are testing two drugs. Hydroxychloroquine and blood pressure drug losartan are being treated to see if either drug is effective in blocking the virus’s reproductive processes.

“We are trying to leverage the science to see if we can do something in addition to minimizing contacts,” Dr. Jakub Tolar, dean of the University of Minnesota’s medical school, told Reuters. “Results are likely in weeks, not months.”

Tolar added the drugs are relatively inexpensive to buy as they are generic replacements for branded prescription drugs. “We don’t need a multibillion-dollar investment. It is part of the beauty of this approach,” Tolar said.

Losartan is an enzyme receptor and could prevent the virus from attaching to host cells in the victim’s body and possibly preventing future infections. Hydroxychloroquine is used to treat malaria around the world and could suppress the proteins that cause fatal inflammation in those affected by the disease, Reuters reports.

At this time, a 1,500 patient trial started testing hydroxychloroquine, and two experiments testing the use of losartan are ongoing.

In related news, researchers find people with Blood Type A are more vulnerable to COVID-19. A new study in China revealed people with blood type A are more susceptible to the coronavirus in comparison to other blood groups.

Researchers took blood group patterns of over 2,000 patients infected with COVID-19 in Wuhan and Shenzhen and compared it with people from other regions. The study concluded people with blood type A were more vulnerable to COVID-19 infection and higher chances to develop more severe symptoms.

Coronavirus Stimulus Bill: Trump Wants To Give Checks of $1,000 for Adults, $500 for Kids

Jonathan Antonio
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Coronavirus Stimulus Bill: Trump Wants To Give Checks of $1,000 for Adults, $500 for Kids

On Thursday, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin revealed details of the Trump administration‘s financial plan to send money as part of a stimulus package to soften the blow of the Coronavirus outbreak.

Mnuchin said in a Fox Business Network interview discussing the fiscal stimulus plan. Congressional leaders are talking about the plans, which would send payments to Americans. The total cost of the stimulus plan would total $500 billion, and the government will divide the money into two large amounts.

“The first one would be $1,000 per person, $500 per child,” Mnuchin said. “So for a family of four, that’s a $3,000 payment.”

“As soon as Congress passes this, we get this out in three weeks. And then, six weeks later, if the president still has a national emergency, we’ll deliver another $3,000,” Mnuchin said.

Steven Mnuchin
Wahington DC, USA, 18th, January, 2017 Steven Mnuchin testifies at the Senate Finance Committee during his confirmation hearing on his appointment by President Donald Trump as Treasury Secretary (Editorial credit: mark reinstein / Shutterstock.com)

This news comes after the United States stock market dropped Wednesday.

The Dow Jones Industrial Averages futures were down more than 900 points, which is approximately 4%, as the stock market deals with the coronavirus pandemic.

President Trump, on Wednesday, revealed via Twitter that the U.S. border with Canada would be closed temporarily, but “trade will not be affected.” Trump’s actions are the latest of a series of border shutdowns, mandates, and advisories around the world to combat the Coronavirus.

According to a new NPR/PBS NewsHour/ Marist poll, nearly 1 in 5 households are experiencing a layoff or a cut in work hours. As Project Casting reports, AMC movie theaters are closing their doors for the next 6 to 12 weeks. Meanwhile, new policies are forcing businesses to shut down or change their business model.

Mnuchin said White House’s plan would set aside $300 billion for small businesses and “loan forgiveness” for employees who keep their workers on the payroll. $200 billion would be used for “more facilities” with the United States Federal Reserve and lending towards industries severely damaged by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Despite the attempt to boost the economy with Trump’s financial plan, there is some political push back. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., argued on Wednesday sending one-or-two time checks is not enough to support the American people who lose their jobs. Instead, Schumer suggested “beefed-up” unemployment insurance for “for a much longer time and would provide a much bigger safety net.”

This Company Will Pay You $1,000 To Binge-Watch Netflix’s ‘Ozark’

Jonathan Antonio
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0
This Company Will Pay You $1,000 To Binge-Watch Netflix’s ‘Ozark’

According to Project Casting, Internet Advisor will pay you $1,000 to binge-watch Netflix’s ‘Ozark‘.

‘Ozark’ season 3 is returning to Netflix and while millions of people are practicing social distancing, here’s a great opportunity to get paid to watch the drama series.

Project Casting reports, Internet Advisor is looking to pay someone $1,000  to binge-watch seasons 1 and 2 of the Netflix show. The chosen applicant will need to watch all 20 hours of season 1 and 2 of ‘Ozark’ and complete the research questionnaire they will provide while they are watching.

From Internet Advisor:

You Already Love Ozarks Now Get To Paid To Binge Watch It

Yeah, you heard me right. I bet now you’re wondering how to go about that. Who wouldn’t want to receive some cash for watching the best TV show Ozark?

And now or never, you can also change your luck this March like Marty, when InternetAdvisor.com gives you the chance to watch about 20 hours of Ozark for $1000.

Ozark’s first episode aired in July 2017, and since then, nothing has been the same for Marty and his family. And it’s about to change for you. You can start by getting your popcorn ready and a cozy blanket to watch Ozark Season 1 and 2. We mean it when we say we’ll pay you a whopping $1000 to watch 20 hours of the series.

You saw it with your two naked-eyes when the cartel killed Marty’s business partner and his girlfriend after they suspected he was skimming them money. And Marty was next, but being a quick thinker, he manages to save his life by promising to launder 500 million dollars in five years out in the Ozarks as a way of payback. Now, you can earn $1000 bucks to watch Ozark all over again.

For more information and how to apply, visit projectcasting.com

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Get Paid $1,000 To Binge-Watch Netflix’s ‘Ozark’! Click the link in our bio to apply! #Netflix #Ozark #jobsearch

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In related entertainment news, developers just made watching Netflix with your friend even easier with an unofficial “Netflix Party” Google Chrome extension.

The Google Chrome extension, which has been available for a while now, is described as an add-on that “synchronizes video playback and adds a group chat to your favorite Netflix shows,” and is going viral as health officials call for social distancing due to the coronavirus.

U.S. Stock Market Plummets Again As Coronavirus Outbreak Spreads

Reginald Edward
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0
U.S. Stock Market Plummets Again As Coronavirus Outbreak Spreads

The United States stock market dropped Wednesday again.

The Dow Jones Industrial Averages futures are down more than 900 points, which is approximately 4%, as the stock market deals with the coronavirus pandemic.

President Trump, on Wednesday, revealed via Twitter that the U.S. border with Canada would be closed temporarily, but “trade will not be affected.” Trump’s actions are the latest of a series of border shutdowns, mandates, and advisories around the world to combat the Coronavirus.

The stock market has been volatile for weeks. ON Tuesday, the Down rose 1,049 points or 5.2% after the Trump administration revealed plans for a $1 Trillion stimulus package and the Federal Reserve announced a new loan program to help boost the economy.

It is essential to note the Dow has fallen more than 30% from its record high on February 12. The S&P 500 index fell 4% on Wednesday, and European stock markets were down 4%.

Oil prices dropped 10% to $24 per barrel. As of 2020, oil prices have dropped 60% as the world is struggling to find a new normal with the Coronavirus outbreak while Saudi Arabia and Russia engage in a price war.

According to a new NPR/PBS NewsHour/ Marist poll, nearly 1 in 5 households are experiencing a layoff or a cut in work hours. As Project Casting reports, AMC movie theaters are closing their doors for the next 6 to 12 weeks. Meanwhile, new policies are forcing businesses to shut down or change their business model.

In related business news, on Tuesday, President Donald Trump called on Congress to quickly approve a sweeping economic stimulus package. The package would send checks directly to Americans within weeks as large parts of today’s economy is shut down due to the coronavirus outbreak.

“We want to go big,” Donald Trump said at a news conference at the White House. Donald Trump said he instructed Steven Mnuchin, U.S. Treasury Secretary, to introduce measures, which would provide more immediate support.

5.7 Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Utah

Jonathan Antonio
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0
5.7 Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Utah

Utah earthquake measuring at a 5.7 is the first since 1992.

A 5.7 magnitude earthquake hit outside Salt Lake City, Utah, early Wednesday morning, according to the governor. This earthquake was the last one since 1992, according to Utah Emergency Management.

Due to the earthquake, the Salt Lake City Airport was shut down, officials reported.

Officials estimate there have been at least six aftershocks ranging from 3.0 to 3.5 magnitude. The Utah Division of Emergency Management issued a statement saying residents will most likely continue to feel aftershocks throughout Wednesday. The agency also recommends residents keep a flashlight and shoes next to their beds and develop a plan that including strapping water heaters to their studs.

In a statement, Gov. Gary Herbert said the Utah Department of Health state lab is analyzing damage, the poison control center has been evacuated, and the Utah Coronavirus Taskforce hotline is down.

The Utah Transportation Association announced all TRAX trains are shut down until further notice. Buses will continue normal operations as usual, but there may be delays. Salt Lake County is working to make sure to limit collateral damage from the earthquake and aftershocks, including gas leaks, power outages, and car crashes.

Earthquake infographic
Richter Earthquake Magnitude Scale and Classes

In related world news, economists predict the economy will get worse due to the coronavirus. Coronavirus is causing a disastrous impact on the economy. Now, Wall Street economists forecast things will get worse in the future.

Ian Shepherdson, a chief economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, says things will get worse. “We now guesstimate that second-quarter GDP will drop at a 10% annualized rate, after a 2% fall in Q1,” said Ian Shepherdson, said in a note to clients on Monday. His forecast suggests consumer spending will decrease in the next few months. “We are becoming more pessimistic about the near-term economic outlook,” Shepherdson says.

Kevin Durant Says He Tested Positive for Coronavirus

Jonathan Antonio
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0
Kevin Durant Says He Tested Positive for Coronavirus

Kevin Durant reveals he has tested positive for the Coronavirus.

Kevin Durant is one of the biggest stars in the National Basketball Association. Now, at least seven NBA players are known to have tested positive including three of Durant’s teammates on the Brooklyn Nets.

“Everyone be careful, take care of yourself and quarantine,” said Durant. “We’re going to get through this.”

“All players and members of the Nets travel party are being asked to remain isolated, closely monitor their health and maintain constant communication with team medical staff,” the Nets team said. The NBA team added it was contacting people who had contact with the players, including other NBA players.

The Nets statement says three of the four players did not show symptoms of the disease.

Currently, it is unknown how many Nets employees have been tested for the Coronavirus, given the fact health officials struggled to find tests. The guidelines issued by the New York City Department of Health say it “strongly recommends against testing persons with mild illness who can be safely managed at home, unless a diagnosis may impact patient management.”

There is a growing conversation over the unequal access of coronavirus testing. It all started after reports of 58 members of the Jazz franchise were also tested following hours of Rudy Gobert’s positive tests.

A spokesman for the NBA suggested players maybe a priority as they travel across the country and are in contact with large groups of people.

“Public health authorities and team doctors have been concerned that, given NBA players’ direct contact with each other and close interactions with the general public, in addition to their frequent travel, they could accelerate the spread of the virus,’’ he said in a statement. “Following two players testing positive last week, others were tested and five additional players tested positive. Hopefully, by these players choosing to make their test results public, they have drawn attention to the critical need for young people to follow C.D.C. recommendations in order to protect others, particularly those with underlying health conditions and the elderly.”

In related coronavirus news, people with type A blood are more vulnerable than other groups, according to a new study.

A new study in China revealed people with blood type A are more susceptible to the coronavirus in comparison to other blood groups.

Researchers took blood group patterns of over 2,000 patients infected with COVID-19 in Wuhan and Shenzhen and compared it with people from other regions. The study concluded people with blood type A were more vulnerable to COVID-19 infection and higher chances to develop more severe symptoms.

“People of blood group A might need particularly strengthened personal protection to reduce the chance of infection,” the researchers wrote, adding, “Sars-CoV-2-infected patients with blood group A might need to receive more vigilant surveillance and aggressive treatment.”

People with Blood Type A are More Vulnerable to the Coronavirus (Study)

Brent Edward
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0
People with Blood Type A are More Vulnerable to the Coronavirus (Study)

Researchers find people with Blood Type A are more vulnerable to COVID-19.

A new study in China revealed people with blood type A are more susceptible to the coronavirus in comparison to other blood groups.

Researchers took blood group patterns of over 2,000 patients infected with COVID-19 in Wuhan and Shenzhen and compared it with people from other regions. The study concluded people with blood type A were more vulnerable to COVID-19 infection and higher chances to develop more severe symptoms.

“People of blood group A might need particularly strengthened personal protection to reduce the chance of infection,” the researchers wrote, adding, “Sars-CoV-2-infected patients with blood group A might need to receive more vigilant surveillance and aggressive treatment.”

Meanwhile, people with blood type O “had a significantly lower risk for the infectious disease compared with non-O blood groups.”

“It might be helpful to introduce ABO blood typing in both patients and medical personnel as a routine part of the management of Sars-CoV-2 and other coronavirus infections, to help define the management options and assess risk exposure levels of people,” the research paper stated.

South China Morning Post interviewed scientists regarding the study. While they were not directly related to the research, they said a larger sample size is required.

“If you are type A, there is no need to panic. It does not mean you will be infected 100 per cent. If you are type O, it does not mean you are absolutely safe, either. You still need to wash your hands and follow the guidelines issued by authorities,” Gao Yingdai, a researcher with the State Key Laboratory of Experimental Haematology in Tianjin, said.

In related Coronavirus news, President Donald Trump advised restricting group interactions and meetings to 10 people or less. The number of municipalities is also calling for people to engage in social distancing due to the coronavirus pandemic is rising. On Tuesday, health officials have issued an important message for all Americans to limit social interactions to help healthcare systems prevent a rise of patients. As of Tuesday, 87 Americans have died with 4,490 infections, a rise of 1,000 confirmed infections from Sunday.

Trump Pushes for Stimulus Checks: “We Want To Go Big”

Reginald Edward
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0
Trump Pushes for Stimulus Checks: “We Want To Go Big”

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump called on Congress to quickly approve a sweeping economic stimulus package. The package would send checks directly to Americans within weeks as large parts of today’s economy is shut down due to the coronavirus outbreak.

“We want to go big,” Donald Trump said at a news conference at the White House. Donald Trump said he instructed Steven Mnuchin, U.S. Treasury Secretary, to introduce measures, which would provide more immediate support.

Munichin told Republican senators Tuesday the Trump administration wanted Congress to add about $850 billion in additional stimulus to boost the economy. Mr. Trump signaled he wanted the payroll tax to be a major part of that effort.

“We’re looking at sending checks to Americans immediately,” Mr. Mnuchin said at the White House.

According to The New York Times, the Treasury secretary told Republican senators privately he sees the direct payments covering two weeks of pay and would total $250 billion.

The goal of the checks would be to deliver them by the end of April with additional checks if the national crisis continues, The New York Times reports.

“This is a very unique situation in this economy,” Mr. Mnuchin said on Capitol Hill. “We have put a proposal on the table that would inject $1 trillion into the economy.”

Mnuchin added, “The president wants to put money in the economy now,” he said.

The administration is negotiating with lawmakers over the contents of the stimulus package. Republicans are pushing back and are insisting on a stricter relief package in comparison to the one the House passed last week. Recently, the House of Representatives passed a bill, which includes paid leave, unemployment insurance, free coronavirus testing and additional financial aid. A bill both Mnuchin and Speaker Nancy Pelosi called as a critical first step in providing relief ahead of a larger stimulus plan to boost the American economy.

That said, Senator Mitch McConnel, Republican of Kentucky and the major leader, said the Senate would try to pass the House bill first and then move on to a stimulus package of “larger proportions.”

“What I can tell you is we are not leaving town until we have constructed and passed another bill,” Mr. McConnell said.

Both sides of the aisle are racing to propose a way to boost the economy including direct payments with little support for the payroll tax holiday, which was previously suggested by President Trump.

On Tuesday, Mnuchin said Trump advised him to allow for the deferment of income tax payment, interest-free and penalty-free, for 90 days. People can defer up to $1 million and corporations and can defer up to $10 million in payments.

Mnuchin said they would inject $300 billion into the economy. He added people can file their taxes now should as they would get a tax refund sooner.

The Trump administration is also pushing for a $50 billion in economic relief for the airline industry. The airline industry lobby group publicly made a request earlier this week asking for grants, loan guarantees, and tax relief. The Trump administration is also looking at ways to support the cruise industry.

Boeing, the aviation company that is already facing issues due to the grounding of 737 Max airlines, could receive additional help, according to President Trump.

Widespread travel restrictions are hurting both industries and are expected to lead to major damage to the global economy. The New York Times reports tourism could drop 50% over the next six weeks.

There is a growing sense of urgency at the White House to step in with aggressive measures to help the American economy and ease the growing anxiety many Americans are now experiencing.

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