Where We Currently Stand with the Coronavirus - Todd Strandberg -
In my first post for last month, I said, "I believe that the coronavirus will ultimately be contained before it reaches the level of a global pandemic. I think Bible prophecy will be the key reason why. We are in a state of profound financial risk. A global lockdown on economic activity related to the effort to fight the virus would certainly push us over the edge."
The virus has now spread to the point where it can now be called a pandemic. Dow Jones has had its fastest collapse from a record high since 1928 but, so far, the economy has not gone into meltdown mode. If we are going to witness yet another monetary miracle that saves the financial system from a depression, this one will leave no doubt that God rules over Wall Street.
The reason why the coronavirus has spooked markets around the world is because it spreads very rapidly and it kills large numbers of people. This estimated fatality rate currently stands at 3.4%. The flu virus has a mortality rate of 0.1%. This means the average person has 34 times a greater chance of dying from coronavirus than the flu.
In a worst-case scenario where 60 to 80% of the global population could contract the virus, 100-180 million people could die. This level of death would have a profound impact on society. Going out in public could mean risking your life.
The reported case of over 100,000 may lead some people to think that they are still safe being part of the 7.2 billion who don't have the virus. The rate of how coronavirus spreads needs great attention. In a two-week period, the number of infections in South Korea went from one person to more than 5,000. In a couple more weeks, it could spread to 25,000 or 50,000 people.
Iran has been clearly lying about its coronavirus numbers. It claims to only have a few thousand cases, but dozens of people who visited that nation have tested positive for the virus. Nearly 10% of Iranian lawmakers are infected with the coronavirus, admits Iran's State Media Report. Iran can thank its nuclear program for being the most likely cause of its coronavirus outbreak. Hundreds of Chinese workers are stationed at its various nuclear facilities.
The World Health Organization has found that 16% of the people who come down with the coronavirus develop symptoms that require hospitalization. The flu results in 0.2% needing hospital treatment: which is an 80-fold factor. In the US, there are only about 200,000 open beds in hospitals. England only has 28 beds for people with severe respiratory failure.
The coronavirus has been found to be very deadly when combined with pre-existing illness like HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. In some areas of Africa, 18% of the population is HIV positive. If the coronavirus kills huge numbers of people in Africa, waves of infected individuals would likely flee to Europe to try to escape the carnage.
The sharp decline in stock prices puts us at risk of seeing a systemic collapse in our financial markets. In recent years, stocks have been largely rising based on companies issuing bonds to buy back their own shares. Because their stock has increased in value, banks would gladly loan firms money to finance more purchases.
Uncle Sam gets a huge chunk of his taxable income from capital gains on stocks. A chart of the Treasury's income and the Dow Jones are nearly equal to each other. This connection is the reason why President Trump starts yelling at the Fed every time the Dow takes a dive.
China is currently the bullseye of the coronavirus outbreak. The economic impact has been stunning. In February, car sales declined by 95%. Macau, the far east Las Vegas, closed for 15 days to help control the spread of the virus, but it cost them. Gross gaming revenue for February was just $386.5 million, an 87.8% fall from 2019.
Some people in China have been in financial lockdown for over a month. The lack of work has left workers and businesses with debts that can't be paid. Beijing responded to the financial crisis by telling banks to give lenders a three-month grace period. Ultimately, the debt will have to be forgiven or added to the Chinese national debt.
For well over 10 years, Terry and I have maintained that the economy is going to hold together until the rapture. Because Jesus said his return for us would be like the days of Noah or tranquility, we think that time is now. The days-of-Noah factor is an explanation for how the stock market has been able to delay the consequences of our unmanageable debt load. The following five events should have popped the financial bubble:
- The 2008/2009 Housing Bubble should have been the Great Depression II.
- The unmanageable debt loads of nations were magically lifted by rates going below zero.
- The trade war with China had no impact on the US economy.
- We hit several record highs during the Impeachment of President Trump.
- The total collapse of the Repo market in Sept of 2019 was a snoozer.
The coronavirus outbreak appears to be the most serious threat to the global economy in the last 100 years. In the next few months, America is going to either become a very scary place or we are going to think how in the world did we dodge another bullet. The day will come when a third option takes all believers to a place where the coronavirus can never reach us.
"So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand" (Luke 21:31).
World Health Organization Promotes Cashless Society Over Virus Fears - By Tyler Durden/Activist -
Following reports that Beijing had "quarantined" dirty cash, the WHO warned on Monday that the virus could survive on banknotes, potentially spreading Covid-19 within communities, and across the world. To reduce the risk of being infected by money, the NGO advised citizens in countries struggling with outbreaks to favor digital payments when possible, the Daily Telegraph reported.
That the WHO is telling the public to avoid cash is hardly a surprise: research has found that coronaviruses have been found to live on surfaces for as long as 9 days.
During the statement, a WHO spokesman referenced a Bank of England study claiming that banknotes "can carry bacteria or viruses" and urged people to wash their hands. Other studies have shown that 90% of US $1 bills had bacteria present, and one Swiss study found that viruses had survive on the faces of Swiss francs for days.
The WHO's warnings follow the People's Bank of China last month started disinfecting currency deposited at Chinese banks using ultraviolet light, before quarantining the bills for a week before releasing them back into circulation.
Brits, and their fellow Europeans, should be increasingly careful as the virus spreads across Europe, the WHO warned, via the Telegraph:
"We know that money changes hands frequently and can pick up all sorts of bacteria and viruses," a spokesman told the Telegraph.
"We would advise people to wash their hands after handling banknotes, and avoid touching their face. When possible, it would also be advisable to use contactless payments to reduce the risk of transmission."
Of course, that one of the world's major NGOs is seizing the opportunity to proclaim the virtues of 'paperless' money is hardly a surprise: the globalist push toward a 'cashless society' has been underway for years now, having had its biggest successes in Scandinavia. Sweden has gone virtually "cashless", and in such a short time, they've already confronted the many drawbacks of relying exclusively on digital money.
As we noted previously, here is what happens next:
...the virus spreads throughout the US and Europe and governments respond the same way China's government has; martial law and full blown concentration camp culture. This would lead to civil war in the US because we are armed and many people will shoot anyone trying to put us into quarantine camps. Europe is mostly screwed.
The establishment then suggests that paper money be removed from the system because it is a viral spreader. China is already pushing this solution now.
Magically, we find ourselves in a cashless society in a matter of a year or two; which is what the globalists have been demanding for years. Everything goes digital, and thus even local economies become completely centralized as private trade dies.
A viral outbreak is a significant danger to us all, but an even greater threat is the supposed cure. Trading our economic and social freedom in the name of stopping the coronavirus? No matter how deadly the bug, it's just not worth it.
'Replace Fear With Faith and Pray': Greg Laurie Tells Americans to Pray, Not Panic Over Coronavirus - Andrea Morris - https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/health/2020/march/replace-fear-with-faith-and-pray-greg-laurie-tells-americans-to-pray-not-panic-over-coronavirus
Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in southern California is calling Americans to pray for an end to the spread of coronavirus and to calm fears over the outbreak.
"There's a lot of panic. In some ways, I think the viral fear about it may be worse than the virus itself," Laurie said in a video posted on Instagram.
"The Bible tells us, don't worry about it - pray about it. Don't worry about anything. God is bigger than the coronavirus," he added.
Laurie is urging the nation to focus on three key items relating to COVID-19:
1. Be Practical about hygiene habits
2. Pray for God's protection over the nation
3. Proclaim the gospel
The pastor wrote that we should follow advice from medical professionals, but continue to pray for God's protection.
"Listen to the medical experts and take appropriate measures (Wash your hands, etc.) But we need to replace our fear with faith and pray for our nation, that God would protect us."
Scott James, a pediatric infectious disease specialist in Alabama said fear of the unknown is a common theme he continues to see with the coronavirus.
"One thing that does cause me some concern is the general tendency to focus on the unknowns in a way that stokes panic and fear," James said. "Instead of fretting over potential catastrophes, pay attention to the opportunities that are right in front of you: take care of yourself, take care of others, and do your part to limit the spread of disease."
James encourages Christians to consider possible pandemics with preparedness and having a biblical perspective with the situation.
"Preparedness simply means we will seek to inform ourselves of the situation and to make responsible choices for our own good and for the good of our communities."
He said to maintain a "biblical perspective based on the understanding that no matter what threat is on the horizon, God is still in control. Trusting in God equips us to take the threat seriously without giving into panic or despair."
oregon declares state of emergency on 3.8.20.
The Oregon Health Authority announced seven new cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 Sunday morning, doubling the number of known cases in Oregon.
Gov. Kate Brown said she is declaring a state of emergency to bring additional resources to the state�s response.
Sunday�s announcement brings the number of cases of the virus in Oregon to 14.
Five of the new cases are in Washington County, officials said. Douglas and Marion counties announced their first cases.
All seven new cases are the result of community spread or contact with another known case. None are the result of international travel. Three were hospitalized at the time they were diagnosed.
At least one person with the novel coronavirus COVID-19 is being treated at the Oregon Health & Science University, according to a message sent to employees of the hospital Sunday morning.
�Because OHSU screens patients prior to admission, per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, and asks anyone with respiratory symptoms to wear a mask,� the message says, �the risk of employee exposure is low.�
�We have been preparing for this moment since January,� the message reads. �This is what we do every day.�
Douglas County officials said one new case there is a resident but offered no more details, such as whether the infection is related to travel or another case. They also did not disclose the patient�s condition beyond �medically stable.�
Washington County officials said four new cases are linked to the state�s first case, while the fifth isn�t linked to any known case.
Oregon test results for Persons Under Investigation of coronavirus infection
UPDATED AT 3/8/2020, 10:00 AM
| Positive | 14 |
| Negative | 100 |
| Pending | 53 |
| Total PUI since 1/24/2020 | 167 |
The Oregon Health Authority defines �PUI� as �individuals with COVID-19 symptoms�but not necessarily the virus�who may have been exposed through close contact with a confirmed case, travel to an affected region (China, Iran, Italy, Japan, or South Korea), or who have severe respiratory illness requiring hospitalization with no more likely diagnosis and no source of exposure has been identified.�
SOURCE: OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY
The Oregon Emergency Board on Monday will consider a $5 million funding request for the state�s response to the coronavirus outbreak.
The first person to test positive for COVID-19 in Oregon was a male custodian between the ages of 40 and 50 at Forest Hills Elementary School in Lake Oswego. The man, who lives in Washington County, had not recently traveled, suggesting the case was attributable to community spread. The man remained hospitalized, his condition unknown as of Saturday.
On March 1, a second case was identified in a female relative of the man between the ages of 40 and 50. That woman is isolated at home.
The next day, the third case of community spread COVID-19 was announced in a man from Umatilla County between the ages of 60 and 70.
On Saturday, after a lull in new cases that lasted several days, health officials announced four cases: two in Jackson County, one in Klamath County and one in Washington County. Officials said three were travel-related while the Washington County case was the result of contact with an earlier patient with the virus.
Most infected people will have only mild, flu-like symptoms. According to a February WHO-China Joint Mission on Coronavirus Disease report, the �crude fatality ratio� of the 55,924 confirmed cases studied was 3.8 percent. The actual overall death rate around the world so far is believed to be significantly lower. The mortality rate for COVID-19 increases with age.
No Oregon deaths have been linked to the coronavirus.
Oregon health officials are testing only people sick enough to be hospitalized who don�t have the flu, people with symptoms who also have traveled to the countries most affected by the coronavirus outbreak and people who have had contact with a person with the disease. Dozens of Oregonians have tested negative.
How to Survive the Coronavirus Outbreak
Special Edition
Dear Reader,Special Edition
Hand sanitizer. Disinfecting wipes. Bleach. Germicides.
As the new coronavirus spreads at breakneck speed across the world these germ blasters are flying off the shelves.
A few days ago, we told you there were one or two people infected in the U.S.
Today, the number of cases of this dangerous and deadly virus are surging.
It's actually staggering what is happening.
Italy was fine until two weeks ago . . . and then boom!
Now more than a third of the country is in lockdown . . . whole cities are empty.
Here in the U.S. we seem on the precipice.
In Seattle, the death toll is rising.
Thousands are quarantined in New York City.
Passengers on a cruise ship idling off the California coast are being detained, nervously awaiting their test results.
Universities are cutting short and outright canceling student trips.
So far 100,000 people worldwide have been infected with the virus that has no cure.
Congress is throwing $8.3 billion of emergency funding at it . . . but officials say the virus will keep spreading fast.
Researchers around the globe are working around the clock and still...
We're all in danger of this invisible, easily contracted and spread virus.
Think about it . . .
Who knows if the person who used the grocery cart before you had the coronavirus germs on his or her hands?
Next time you step into the hair salon, the bank or your favorite
restaurant . . .
Picture microscopic bacteria bombs flying through the air. Inhale one and BOOM, you're the next news story.
Open a door and you just picked up the germs of countless numbers of people who touched it before you.
That door handle could be crawling with the coronavirus.
Don't count on a wipe, a spray or a pump of anti-bacterial to save you from the coronavirus.
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He is a New York Times bestselling author, and one of the most respected holistic doctors in the country.
He's discovered how to double, even triple, the protective power of the immune system by boosting it naturally, meaning no drugs and especially no flu shots.
Dr. Fuhrman hosts the popular PBS program "The Immunity Solution."
He is author of the best-selling book, Super Immunity.
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More Than Just a Looming Pandemic - By Edwin Tan - https://www.raptureready.com/2020/03/05/more-than-just-a-looming-pandemic-by-edwin-tan/
When our Lord Jesus walked the earth in His First Coming, He was quick to cite the lack of faith amongst the planet's inhabitants. Such were his chastisements: first with his disciples when a storm threatened (Matthew 8:26) and then again in Mark 9:19 when faced with a near-impossible situation concerning a seemingly incurable case. Our dear Lord was pulling no punches when he alluded to the paucity of faith when the Son of Man returns to the earth (Luke 18:8).
Fast forward to the current situation: any brave faces in the face of the terrifying scourge of the coronavirus? So many faces hidden by surgical masks tells you something. What about airlines slashing their routes as tourist and business travel dives? On the other hand, there are many instances of hoarding up of essentials in a spree of panic buying. Rock concerts and other major events are cancelled in droves as the fear of contagion compels many to shun large gatherings. This is even the case where churches have postponed services.
Without a doubt, the coronavirus has a hefty mortality rate besides making many people very ill. The consequences of such a trend have resulted in lockdowns, which in turn have severe socio-economic ramifications. Such is the case with global equity markets reeling from a gloom and doom outlook that has produced losses to the tune of five trillion dollars!
While the physical toll of the coronavirus can be quantified, what about the psychological impact which is difficult to compute? More like the bark being worse than the bite! The turmoil that is rapidly evolving is primarily a product of fear - countless souls are simply running scared. Such is the case of normalcy as many know it being "out the window." Routines are dispensed with while the unfamiliar takes the forefront, like the case of temperature checks followed by the recording of contact information before entering a public facility.
There are a few quarters who claim that the current malady is the pale horse so mentioned in Revelation 6:8. But these individuals got it terribly wrong because we are not yet in the seven-year Tribulation. The Age of Grace is still in existence. However, everyone is given a kind of sneak preview of what will be the case in earth's worst moments. But what is happening pales in comparison to that trial which will be coming to people who are in the Tribulation.
A few days ago, the head of the World Health Organization made a telling remark while choosing not to declare a full-blown pandemic. He spoke of the utilization of every effort to effect a successful containment. With an educated guess, it could translate into a host of iron-fisted measures: stringent contact-tracing protocols, which implies monitoring every human being across the continents. Whether the present problem is dealt with effectively or not, the justification for a global-monitoring framework will very well gather wind in its sails. As for the shell-shocked if not panic-stricken masses, there is little need for a brute-force cajole. Many will inadvertently subscribe to this mantra as an accepted practice.
The way things are playing out only points to the shaping of things the scoffers poked fun at - that is, if they took matters seriously. Shadows of the hour of testing are fast and furious as the case for a one- world government gathers pace. This concept is no longer material for a comic book but could be hard reality in a matter of years!
Then, there is that remnant, myself included, who see the silver lining in what is fast evolving. While more than a sizeable number of hearts fail because of that which is coming, we look up as our redemption draweth nigh. Why?
We do not just have cognizance but a bigger note we believe strongly, as demonstrated by our faith.
Do not be surprised if the current state of play foreshadows the delusion that will plague those without faith, who are mired in unbelief.
Because of the Blessed Hope, we are out of the picture when things get nasty.
Maranatha
Edwin
Coronavirus: From Prophecy To Conspiracy Theory
What are we to make of the coronavirus? Is it true that God has spoken through modern-day prophets who have declared the virus will be short-lived? Should we believe the theorists who claim the virus is a manmade weapon? And on a practical level, do we follow the hyper-caution of Israel's Netanyahu or the more reserved approach of President Trump?
Pastor Bolz's Prophecy
As far as prophecies go, Pastor Shawn Bolz posted this on March 3: "The Lord showed me The end of the Coronavirus ... the tide is turning now!
He is answering the prayers and cries of the nations and is putting an end in sight. The exaggerated fear based tactics of both the enemy and several media outlets for political reasons is coming to an end. The enemy has been trying to distract and steal from several equally important purposes and issues by dominating airwaves with conspiracy and fear.
Even now several vaccines are coming out as well as a natural dying out of the virus itself. The Lord is saying 'I am removing the threat of this.' Within a short amount of time the extreme threat will feel like it is in the way past.
As of this writing, there is no end in sight to the virus, so, if this prophecy is to prove true, there will need to be a very quick turnaround.
For example, "German Chancellor Angela Merkel has warned that up to 70% of the country's population -- some 58 million people -- could contract the coronavirus."
And in Italy, "Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced the closure of schools, gyms, museums, nightclubs and other venues across the country, which on Wednesday passed 10,000 confirmed infections."
If Bolz really heard from the Lord, we should see supernatural evidence of it very soon.
Are Jews Behind the Coronavirus?
As for conspiracy theories, as expected, in some circles, the Jews are being blamed for the virus. But this is to be expected. In centuries past, "the Jews" were accused of poisoning the wells, leading to the Black Plague.
Now, the Jerusalem Post reports, "Iran has pushed several reports claiming that 'Zionists' were behind the coronavirus. Press TV also quoted the same website that was at the center of an antisemitic article from 2017 that claimed 'America's Jews are driving America's wars.'
"On March 5, Press TV claimed that 'Zionist elements developed a deadlier strain of coronavirus against Iran.'"
So, Iran mishandles the outbreak of COVID-19, and it's all the fault of Israel.
Was it Created by China?
Perhaps China created the virus. At least that's what my Chinese driver told me after picking me up in the airport in Australia.
He told me quite emphatically that COVID-19 was manmade, developed as a weapon by Chinese scientists. When I asked him where he learned this, he replied, "The internet." But, he was quick to add, the YouTuber he followed was a former Chinese official with excellent, inside intelligence.
A few days later, a friend of mine in New York City, who is a pastor, shared a similar theory with me.
He said that he a well-placed friend, formerly a higher-up in the FBI, told him that China developed the virus to hurt the American economy, thereby hurting Trump. And this was in retaliation against Trump for pushing back against China's trade policies.
For my part, I'll let the scientists and researchers sort out the question of the origins of the virus. But, for the record, I will make this public statement: I categorically reject the antisemitic libel that "the Jews" are the cause of COVID-19.
This, then, leaves us with the question of pragmatics.
The Pragmatic Solution
On March 10, I posted this poll on Twitter: "Prime Minister Netanyahu is treating the coronavirus as a serious pandemic while President Trump is comparing it to the average flu. Who do you think is right?"
According to Netanyahu, this is a pandemic, because of which he has ordered that everyone arriving in Israel from any country must be quarantined for 14 days.
In contrast, Trump tweeted on March 9, "The Fake News Media and their partner, the Democrat Party, is doing everything within its semi-considerable power (it used to be greater!) to inflame the CoronaVirus situation, far beyond what the facts would warrant. Surgeon General, 'The risk is low to the average American.'"
As of yesterday Trump has taken a more aggressive response to ban travel from European countries but it is still nowhere near the same actions taken by Israel.
How did my Twitter followers respond before this latest action? Of the four choices I offered, 14.3 percent answered with, "Don't know," 24.3 percent agreed with Netanyahu, 26.7 percent agreed with Trump, and 34.8 chose "They're both half right."
How, then, do we sort this out?
A group of experts in Australia predicted "that even the best-case scenario is 15 million dead and a $2.4 trillion hit to global GDP." Yes, that was the best-case scenario.
According to Michael Mina, an epidemiologist at Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health, "It's the most daunting virus that we've contended with in half a century or more."
At the same time, other researchers are claiming that the virus is not as deadly as previously reported. Much more deadly than the common flu, for sure. But not as deadly as the WHO has claimed.
What I would suggest is this.
No Need to Panic
First, there is no reason for panic. Caution, yes. Panic no.
Let's remember that the media, by nature, can be sensationalistic. That means that coverage of the coronavirus will also be sensationalistic. So, analyze the reporting with your head and not just your heart. Then, make wise decisions, especially based on your health. You can be cautious and practical without being in a panic.
Second, for followers of Jesus, there is no room for fear. If we truly have God as our Father and are in right relationship with Him, we need only fear Him (in a holy, reverential way). We need not fear sudden disaster or wasting disease.
He is our shield and our strength, our lives are in His hands, and we trust Him, whatever comes our way. Plus, the greatest antidote to fear is a healthy, Bible-based faith. At times like this, it is good to build our faith with passages like Psalm 91.
Third, let's not only think of ourselves. Let's think of others too.
This is Our Time
As stated in an open letter by Akos Balogh, the CEO of The Gospel Coalition Australia, "The truth is, we don't know for sure. And so as a society, we're increasingly anxious. Anxious for our loved ones. Anxious for ourselves. It's a time of fear. But whatever happens, dear Christian, know this: this is our time. God has raised us up for such a time as this. It's no accident you're here. This is our time to think not about ourselves, but about our neighbors. Many of whom are scared, and will only grow more so as the virus spreads."
Let's use this opportunity to bring words of faith to others. To encourage them to put their trust in the Lord. And to let our friends and co-workers and neighbors know, no matter what happens in this world, we can enjoy eternal life in the presence of God.
Fourth, keep on praying for divine intervention, for a speedy end to this virus, and for millions of people to turn to Him.
The virus itself is deadly. But we can use it to bring life and hope to many.
Originally published at AskDrBrown.org - reposted with permission.
Taking No Chances: Elite Reportedly Fleeing To Doomsday Bunkers - By Matt Agorist/Activist -
As coronavirus fears continue to peak and the serfs fight each other over pallets of toilet paper at Costco, the world's elite aren't taking any chances. According to a report out of the Guardian, this week, the super-rich are preparing to self-isolate in the face of an escalation in the coronavirus crisis. But their plans extend far beyond stocking up on hand sanitizer and toilet paper.
The world's elite are hopping on their private jets and taking off to private bunkers across the world. As the Guardian reports:
Many are understood to be taking personal doctors or nurses on their flights to treat them and their families in the event that they become infected. The wealthy are also besieging doctors in private clinics in Harley Street, London, and across the world, demanding private coronavirus tests.
Doctors in London are reportedly being secretly contracted by concerned elite to get tested for coronavirus before they move to their bunkers. This testing is in spite of the fact that Britain's NHS said it would only test people with a "high chance" of having the illness - meaning people who had had close contact with a confirmed case or who had recently gone to a high-risk country.
Mark Ali, chief executive and medical director of the Private Harley Street Clinic, said:
This has led to huge demand from very wealthy people asking if they can pay for private testing. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer testing, as the NHS has said all tests should be done centrally.
Although Ali claims the tests are not being done on random rich people who request it, a source told the Guardian that is not the case.
Also, chief executive of the private jet company, PrivateFly, said the elite are booking his services at a far higher rate as people flee high-risk countries.
"Many are from groups which include elderly passengers or those with health conditions that make them particularly concerned about exposure to crowds on airline flights. We've just flown a group back to London from the south of France, with an immunocompromised passenger on board," he said.
Apparently, the elite are allowed to fly while the commoners are told they cannot. As TFTP reported on Monday, as coronavirus cases continued to rise in Italy, Italian officials began rolling out police state measures.
If citizens attempt to flee the country to avoid such tyranny, they face jail. Anyone leaving the "containment regions" risks three months in prison, or a fine of up to 206 euros ($234), Luciana Lamorgese said on Monday.
On Wednesday, the US took similar measures, banning all flights to Europe.
Some elite may be a little late to the game, however, as the Guardian reports:
Robert Vicino, founder and chief executive of Vivos Group, a California-based company constructing underground shelters designed to withstand a range of natural disasters and catastrophes, said his firm had seen a surge in inquiries and sales since the crisis took hold.
Vivos has converted a a cold war bunker in Indiana into accommodation for 80 people, and is offering space in 575 concrete bunkers in an abandoned second world war ordnance depot in South Dakota.
As TFTP previously reported, the theory that the super elite have turned into "Doomsday preppers" stockpiling supplies in preparation for the end of the world as we know it, is more than just a theory, and the latest properties purchased by the world's top billionaires give insight into how they plan to survive.
The cause of such an event is debatable--will an asteroid collide with Earth, or will nuclear warfare break out between two colliding super powers?
Forbes contributor Jim Dobson noted that in addition to "preparing for future escape plans with 'vacation homes' in remote locations," and "private planes ready to depart at a moment's notice," some of the wealthiest individuals in the U.S. are buying large amounts of land that can be used for self-survival.
Telecom CEO John Malone owns a total of 2.2 million acres, with massive amounts in Wyoming and Colorado. CNN founder Ted Turner owns 2 million acres that include land in Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico and North Dakota. AEG CEO Philip Anschutz owns 434,000 acres in Wyoming. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos owns 400,000 acres of land in Texas. And sports mogul Stan Kroenke owns 225,162 acres of land in Montana.
Dobson also noted that this type of preparation extends worldwide to moguls in Australia and New Zealand who are buying massive amounts of farmland. Because money and precious metals would be virtually useless following a major disaster, self-sustainable territory and the tools that come with it appear to be the new hot commodity.
As The Free Thought Project reported, the concept of the super-rich preparing to survive a worldwide disaster is nothing new--former Facebook product manager Antonio Garc�a Mart�nez and Reddit CEO Steve Huffman are among the moguls openly preparing for a major crisis.
"I think, to some degree, we all collectively take it on faith that our country works, that our currency is valuable, the peaceful transfer of power--that all of these things that we hold dear work because we believe they work. While I do believe they're quite resilient, and we've been through a lot, certainly we're going to go through a lot more," Huffman said.
The U.S. government is also preparing for the worst. In March 2012, former President Obama signed an executive order titled, "National Defense Resources Preparedness" into law, giving agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Agriculture, Department of Labor and Department of Defense the authority to seize resources, materials and facilities it deems necessary to ensure national defense.
Being prepared for emergencies is not panicking, it is smart. However, waiting until their is an actual emergency before you prepare is not a good idea. The government will not keep you safe. If anything, the crashing markets, the panic buying, the lockdowns, and travel bans are proof of the facade that is "government promised safety."
That being said, whether a worldwide crisis is caused by an asteroid hitting the Earth, a nuclear war breaking out, or Covid-19, the decisions made by the elite should always act as signals for the public.
When the individuals who already have massive amounts of money are preparing for a time when money is no longer valuable and self-sustainable farmland is the most precious resource, then it is time to start paying attention.
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