COVID-19 disaster, worldwide

This 11 June 2020 video says about itself:

The coronavirus pandemic is having a devastating impact on refugees around the world.

Preventative measures like social distancing and frequent hand washing are often difficult to implement in crowded camps.

The aid agencies helping the refugees are struggling as well.

Wealthy nations in Europe, North America and the Middle East are slashing donations, and keeping that money at home to tackle the economic fallout of the pandemic.

Oxfam, one of the world’s largest charities, laid off nearly 1,500 staff and pulled out of 18 countries last month.

A recent survey estimated that global government aid will drop by 25 billion dollars by 2021.

So how do we ensure protection for some of the world’s most vulnerable people?

COVID-19 cases spike across the United States. By Jacob Crosse, 12 June 2020. Twelve US states—Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Michigan, Arkansas, Florida, South Carolina, Delaware and Hawaii—have all seen a 25 percent or more spike in average cases within the last week.

Translated from Dutch NOS radio today:

Trump campaign team: complaining after contagion at election meeting not possible

In violation of the advice to avoid busy spots because of the coronavirus, President Trump will resume his massive campaign meetings this month. The thousands of people expected in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on June 19, must promise not to sue the campaign team if they become infected.

Below the event registration form, there is a short text, in which signatories admit the risk of contamination. By registering, attendees automatically undertake to accept all coronavirus-related risks and in no way hold the campaign staff accountable “for any illness or injury”.

Not just COVID-19. Also, injuries caused by Trump’s bouncers violently ejecting people from the rally. For heckling. For being black. For being a Muslim. For being a journalist.

The meeting in Tulsa is the first since a major lockdown in the United States three months ago. Trump’s campaign events are usually attended by thousands of supporters and there are concerns about the spread of the virus in the masses.

More than two million infections and nearly 114,000 deaths have been diagnosed in the US. Yesterday, a leading Harvard University expert warned that the death toll could reach 200,000 in September.

“They treat us like we are slaves”. Detroit Flex-N-Gate workers denounce sweatshop conditions. By J. Cooper, 12 June 2020. Workers are facing intolerable conditions after the reopening of the auto parts plants.

Brazilian delivery workers strike in defense of their lives. By Tomas Castanheira, 12 June 2020. Delivery workers have been carrying out strikes and protests in Brazil since April, connected to delivery workers’ strikes around the world in countries like Spain, Ecuador and Argentina.

From the World Socialist Web Site, 12 June 2012:

Wildcat strike by cleaners at London school

Migrant workers employed as cleaners at the UK Ark Global academy school in south London stage a wildcat strike June 4.

The United Voices of the World (UVW) union members work for outsourcing company Ridge Crest. They walked out over wage arrears going back in some instances to January 2019. They are also demanding to be paid statutory sick pay, pay of £12 an hour, and face masks for COVID-19 protection. The UVW is currently balloting them for official strike action.