Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Tuesday that the Pentagon will provide 5 million respirator masks and 2,000 specialized ventilators to federal heath authorities to help in the response to the coronavirus pandemic. Esper told Pentagon reporters that the ventilators are designed for use by deployed troops and the military will need to train civilians on how to use them. He said some may have “single-use” limitations. And he said the first million respirator masks will be made available ïmmediately. U.S. officials have talked about the shortage of ventilators to help treat patients with the virus. Esper also said he has asked the Navy to prepare hospital ships for deployment.

President Donald Trump is asking Congress to unleash a torrent of emergency economic aid — including direct checks to Americans — in an extraordinary effort to shore up households and the economy in the coronavirus crisis. As part of a proposed economic rescue not seen since the Great Recession in 2008, Trump wants checks sent to the public within two weeks as part of a package that officials said could approach a cost of $1 trillion. Congressional leaders vowed swift action. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin appeared on Capitol Hill to brief Senate Republicans as state and local officials acted more forcefully to restrict gatherings and mobility in the face of growing sickness. “We want to go big,” Trump said at a White House briefing.

The Trump administration says individuals and businesses will be allowed to delay paying their 2019 tax bills for 90 days past the usual April 15 deadline. The extension announced Tuesday is an effort to inject up to $300 billion into the economy at a time when the coronavirus appears on the verge of causing a recession. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said individuals will be able to delay paying up to $1 million in payments. Corporations will be able to defer payment on up to $10 million. Taxpayers will still have to file their tax returns by the April 15 deadline. But they won’t have to pay their tax bill for 90 additional days. During that time, individuals and corporations will not be subject to interest or penalty payments. “All you have to do is file your taxes,” Mnuchin said.

Disturbed by empty store shelves and reports of hoarding during the coronavirus crisis, a man stood on a Southern California street corner and held up a homemade cardboard sign with a simple request: “Share your toilet paper.” Jonny Blue told the San Diego Union-Tribune on Saturday that the response to his impromptu toilet paper exchange in Encinitas was immediate and positive. Drivers honked horns in support and stopped to drop off rolls of toilet paper. Just as quickly, Blue would hand rolls to those in need. Blue, a physical therapist, said he plans to be out on the corner again Sunday to “encourage people to be better” amid the global pandemic. Blue gave a few rolls to a grateful motorist who said he came up empty at several stores.

New restrictions were placed on the Israeli public by the Ministry of Health today, specifying that no one leave their home for any non-essential purpose, such as purchasing food or medicine. The number of coronavirus patients has risen to 337, and all efforts possible are being taken to prevent a spread which could overwhelm the country’s already overcrowded medical system. Desperate for answers and solutions, the Jewish people turn to Rav Chaim Kanievsky for chizuk. Kanievsky has been a major player in headlines related to the outbreak this week, after advising that chedarim stay open in order to avoid bitul Torah, as well as recommending that klal yisroel be m’chazek in shmiras haloshon.

An urgent phone meeting regarding the spread of the Coronavirus conducted by the Whitehouse concluded moments ago at which dozens of Admorim and Rabbonim participated. Leading the meeting was Avi Berkowitz and a council for the President. Despite rumors on Jewish social media stating he would participate, President Trump and VP Pence did not participate […]

Due to the current situation, many Jews are faced with the inability to say Kaddish. When a person passes away the soul ascends to the heavenly court where it must face judgment for all the actions performed during its lifetime. Based on this judgment, the soul will be rewarded for its merits and punished for its […]

The situation in our communities in the tri-State area is very serious, and many people are still not grasping the severity of what is unfolding. Here are the facts, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise: YWN has learned that more than 100 cases have been confirmed overnight in Boro Park, and there are close to 1,000 tests that are still awaiting results. Crown Heights has HUNDREDS and possibly thousands of cases, with some people already placed on respirators. The Five Towns has around 100 confirmed cases and over 1,000 awaiting results. Williamsburg has lots of cases. Many people in Flatbush are being tested this morning, and some Shuls have already been closed. A senior Boro Park Hatzolah Paramedic sent out a public message pleading with people to take action before it’s too late.

HURRY TIME IS RUNNING OUT Free Copy Digital Download of the Noam Elimelech Tzetel Katan along with The Rebbe Elimelech’s famed segulah the Tefillah Kodem HaTefillah – Prayer before Praying in English please email us your name, email and phone number now at chassidusonline@gmail.com PLUS MORE EXCITING NEWS! ANNOUNCING A brand new translation into English of the Classic Sefer Noam Elimelech All new Torahs and teachings, all new stories, all new translations and all new content. Presenting MeOros Noam Elimelech.

Schools in communities across the world are closing their doors as part of precautionary measures against the spread of COVID-19, and many parents find themselves in new and unfamiliar territory. Parents must now face the challenge of keeping their children occupied and educated, all while balancing their professional and financial responsibilities with potential personal and spiritual anxieties. Chai Lifeline has received numerous questions from parents, struggling to deal with this new reality. Rabbi Dr.