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Connect the World
Chinese Rescuers Scour Collapsed Hotel; Italy Puts A Quarter Of Its Population On Lockdown; Greece Accused Of Abusing Migrants Coming From Turkey; Sports World Reacts To Coronavirus; States Ask Americans To Self- Quarantine And Work From Home; Young Republicans Want Party To Act On Climate Change. Aired 10-11a ET
Aired March 08, 2020 - 10:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[10:00:00]
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
LYNDA KINKADE, CNN INTERNATIONAL ANCHOR: This hour, one in four people in Italy going into lockdown amid the coronavirus outbreak spread. Also ahead.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOMANA KARADSHEH, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Thousands have made it across this river to Greece. Many of them have come back with shocking
accounts of what they've been through.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KINKADE: CNN takes you to the Turkish-Greek border where brutal tactics that are allegedly being used against migrants. Also --
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: To find out how many people are being slaved and why.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I don't know it's actually there.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KINKADE: Students in the U.K. learning about modern-day slavery as we gear up to My Freedom Day this Wednesday. Well, hello and welcome to our
expanded edition of Connect about I'm Lynda Kinkade in for Becky Anderson. Good to have you with us. Well, Italy is putting a quarter of its
population under lockdown in a bid to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Now, this comes off to an alarming increase in new cases there, more than two 1,200 in a single day. Now the streets of its financial capital look
almost abandoned. The outbreak has stretched right across the world even reaching a political convention attended by U.S. President Trump and Vice
President Pence.
And in China, containment efforts have ended in tragedy. A hotel being used to house people coming from high-risk areas collapsed, killing at least 10
people. Desperate search commonly underway for almost two dozen.
CNN's David Culver is in Shanghai covering the search and rescue for us. We've also got Ben Wedeman about an hour-drive southeast of Milan, in
Italy. Of course, millions of people under lockdown there. And Natasha Chen joins us here with the situation in the U.S.
First I want to start with David and that collapsed building suddenly an absolute tragedy. This hotel was being used to house people they didn't
necessarily have the coronavirus, but came from areas where there was an outbreak. And we know the death toll is already at 10, but thousands of
people are still trapped.
DAVID CULVER, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: It is absolutely devastating, Lynda, when you think about the circumstances here. And you're
right, they tested negative, and they were being they're held monitored as a precaution, and these are hotels that are essentially designated by the
government to be places where they can put people in quarantine and keep them under observation medically for a certain period of time, usually
about 14 days total.
So we know that 23 people are still unaccounted for at this hour. As you mentioned, at least 10 people have lost their lives. And the images we're
seeing out of Fujian Province, which is in the southeastern part of China, are just heartbreaking. And you see that there are families who are
obviously among those who are staying at this hotel and are being taken out of the rubble. Some of them just young children being carried out by first
responders there.
We know that there were some thousand if not more first responders are on scene, firefighters and medics, trying to assist with this. It was Saturday
night, local time, around 7:15 when this collapse happened. We know in all there were roughly about 80 people inside that facility. Among them, there
were staff and there were, of course, a dealership, employees as well as part of that structure contained to dealership. But then some 58 people who
were among those in quarantine, Lynda.
And so right now, with the death toll at 10, 23 still missing, it is a question as to how quickly they can get to them. But you also know that
first responders are dealing with not only the circumstances of trying to get through all this rubble, but also trying to protect themselves because
of course, they want to make sure that they're layered up and protected against any potential exposure to the coronavirus as they're going through
this.
So it's a difficulty that no doubt they're trying to face as they're trying to get to people as quickly as possible. And all of this as folks were
likely being held there if they can back into that province to resume work and try to get back to some sense of normalcy.
[10:05:05]
KINKADE: Yes. Suddenly makes it a complex operation to try and rescue those trapped. I'm wondering what we know about the building as to why it
collapsed, because I understand this building was built just in 2013, and it may have been under renovation. What are you hearing?
CULVER: That's what -- we are hearing that from state media in particular that this was constructed back in 2013, renovations started in 2018, so
just a couple of years ago. And we know that some more recent updates were happening as recently as January of this year, so just within the past
couple of months. And what we're hearing is that perhaps one of the structural pillars may have been showing some instability earlier in the
evening on Saturday, around seven o'clock, about 15 minutes or so before the collapse.
And some of the workers actually reached out to the owner according to state media to alert them to say, look, something seems to be a miss here
and this should be an issue, and then shortly thereafter, that's when the collapse happened. As of now, according to state media, the owner is being
detained and being questioned by police. We don't know how of course that will end up, if any charges will go forward. But as of now, it's an
investigation in the midst of a rescue operation, Lynda.
KINKADE: All right, David Culver, we will stay on this story. Good to have you on it for us. Thanks so much. We'll talk to you very soon. I want to go
right now to our Ben Wedeman who's covering the lockdown in Italy. And Ben, obviously, it's been called a national emergency.
We know a quarter of the population in Italy has been locked down. You and the team obviously have been trying to leave that lockdown zone. I
understand you're about an hour south of Milan now. Just give us a sense of what it's like right now.
BEN WEDEMAN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, the lockdown was announced very early this morning by Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte,
but it actually has not been imposed. And what is behind me is one of the checkpoints to the -- to the pre-existing red zones where about 50,000
people live as opposed to the approximately 16 million who will be in the expanded red zone.
And in that expanded red zone, life as we know it is going to be completely different. Things like marriages, baptisms, funerals have been banned. All
University schools were already closed. They're going to be closed for even longer. The leave of all medical personnel has been canceled in order to
deal with this crisis. Sort of everything, the Daily texture of life is going to change in those areas. But it's not quite sure at this point, when
that is going to happen.
Now, we've learned for instance, that the president of the Lombardi region where Milan is located has been found to be positive with Coronavirus. So
the numbers yesterday more than 1,200 by far the largest increase in the number of recorded cases. And of course, in about three hours we're going
to get the latest statistics. And most people are bracing for yet another dramatic increase. Lynda?
KINKADE: Yes, not good. We will check in with you when those numbers come through. But even though the pope is obviously far from the north of Italy,
back in the Vatican, he's changed his movements because of the corner virus. He delivered his Sunday prayers via video because of those concerns.
They did appear that window to bless a few people who gathered in St. Peter's Square. So Ben, have all religious services been canceled?
WEDEMAN: Only in the northern part, in the so-called red zone have they been canceled. And in fact, in Milan, they've actually been canceled for
quite some time. Masses have not been held for several weeks. We did attend to perhaps the last funeral, public funeral in Milan as you'll see shortly
in this report we did Saturday, but by and large life for the church and for the faithful in this part of Italy is changing dramatically.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
WEDEMAN: Brother Marcelo greets the first arrivals at a Milan soup kitchen. Every day at 11:30 in the morning, volunteers hand out more than 1,000
meals to those need. To avoid a crowd, they now pass through get their bagged lunch and leave. The rhythm of church life has changed for Marcelo
and the other brothers of the Capuchin Order at the Chiesa del Sacro Cuore di Gesu, the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
As a cloud of the virus that hovers over Italy grows ever darker, he sees a silver lining.
[10:10:05]
This is a bath in reality, says brother Marcelo. It's a moment of great humility because we're reminded that we're humans, we're not omnipotent.
We're fragile. You become sick. But what's beautiful is that we see how much we need one another.
The last mass here was February 22. How does he feel when he sees the church empty on Sunday?
Not well, he repeats four times. Sometimes it said priests, the clergy, the church are a powerful. At this moment, it's clear to us what is a priest
without his flock? Perhaps priorities are shifting back to basics.
This is an opportunity says worshiper Eros Tavernal, to reflect, to think, to be with your family, and more than anything, to slow down our lives
which I think are going by too fast.
Later, brother Marcelo reaches out to a fellow Capuchin, Alberto, in the red zone, where the outbreak is most intense and exit and entry are tightly
controlled. Brother Alberto is in quarantine with a fever, but has yet to be tested for the virus.
First of all, I'm sorry, says Marcelo. Yet Albert's spirit seem high. He jokes that with all the couples staying home, there will be many new babies
to baptize. In the afternoon, a rare gathering in the church for the funeral of a 67-year-old man. He did not die, we're told, from the virus.
The number of mourners is modest but large by today's standards. So much is changing in this Italy's time of trial.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
WEDEMAN: And of course, with the expansion of these red zones to so many people, so many more people are going to be taking that cold bath in
reality. Lynda?
KINKADE: Yes, exactly. All right, Ben Wedeman, you and the crew take care of that for us. Thanks so much for your reporting. Well, the cruise ship
that's being quarantined off the coast of California will dock on Monday. So 21 people in the Grand Princess, on that cruise has now tested positive
for the coronavirus.
So what happens next? Well with me is our Natasha Chen who is covering these developments. So, obviously, we know there's 3,500 on that cruise
ship from dozens of countries, they're finally going to be allowed to dock.
NATASHA CHEN, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Right. This was really a relief to hear that information because for days, they had been sitting
there wondering what was going to happen, knowing that 21 people tested positive. Most of those people are crew members. Only two passengers have
tested positive. But now they know that once they dock in Oakland, California on Monday, the first priority is to really get the people who
need acute medical attention to hospitals and then the rest of them can start to disembark a process that could take several days.
Those who are California residents will be taken to federally run facilities within the state of California. Non-California residents will be
taken out of state to other facilities. And there's still no information as of right now, as to what happens with the international passengers. What we
do know is that the crew members will have to stay on board to be tested and potentially treated.
KINKADE: Tough circumstances with those crew members. So I want to ask you about another potential problem. Another cruise ship is facing similar
conditions. What can you tell us?
CHEN: Right. So, the same cruise line, Princess Cruise Line said that one of their crew members from the Grand Princess had actually transferred to
the Royal Princess ship about 15 days ago. And while this person has not shown any symptoms, the CDC, Centers for Disease Control, has asked that
this cruise not sailed right now. It was scheduled to sail this weekend.
So right now, until that crew member has been tested and potentially received further medical treatment -- further medical evaluation, they are
not allowed to sail. And so, that royal princess ship is currently canceled for that cruise and they're talking to customers about how to get them
refunds.
KINKADE: All right, well, certainly a lot of developments. But good news for the people on board that they will be able to come ashore. But it
sounds like they some quarantine time for them.
CHEN: Absolutely.
[10:15:06]
KINKADE: All right, Natasha Chen, thanks so much.
CHEN: Thank you
KINKADE: I want to get you up to speed on some other stories we are following right now on our radar. Egypt says 33 new coronavirus cases have
now been confirmed onboard a quarantine cruise ship on the Nile River in the southern city of Luxor. A total of 45 people on board including
foreigners have been infected. Egyptian state media say there are now 48 confirmed coronavirus cases in the country.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control says 50 people have died from the coronavirus and hard-hit region of South Korea. And hours ago, the country
reported more than 360 new cases, most were in Daegu, one of the country's most infected areas. More than 7,100 people have now contracted the virus
nationwide. Panic over the coronavirus led to two women fighting over this shopping cart full of toilet paper in Sydney, Australia.
One woman had stripped the shelves despite the store's limit of four packets per customer. Both women have been charged. Australia has at least
74 coronavirus cases and three deaths. Well, with so many angles to cover and of course misinformation spreading about the coronavirus, we want you
to stay up to date with the facts. You can go to cnn.com and subscribe to our coronavirus fact versus fiction newsletter.
And still to come here on CONNECT THE WORLD, companies are asking thousands of employees to work from home to help contain the coronavirus. But what
about workers in the so-called gig economy? Plus, migrants looking to escape war are being beaten and robbed of their dignity. We'll update you
on the chaos the Turkey-Greece border.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KINKADE: Welcome back. Well, the Turkish coast guards announced this weekend that it is actively stopping migrants attempting to cross the
Aegean Sea citing the dangers of the journey. Well, this comes as tensions remain high on the country's borders with Greece after Turkey opened the
crossings to get to those trying -- to get those trying to get through to Europe.
Well, last week, E.U. officials praise the great government and pledged nearly $800 million in aid to help keep its border secure. The Greek forces
are accused of using brutal tactics in pushing back the refugees and migrants. Our Jomana Karadsheh reports.
[10:20:14]
JOMANA KARADSHEH, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: They were desperate for Europe, but Europe didn't want them. Sent back to Turkey stripped of their
clothes, I.D. documents and their dignity. These men from Pakistan, Morocco, and Syria say they were violently pushed back by Greek security
forces. We can't verify the conditions in which this video from Turkish state broadcaster TRT was filmed, but human rights groups have documented
dozens of similar testimonies from refugees in recent years.
Thousands have made it across this river to Greece. Many of them have come back with shocking accounts of what they've been through. 20-year-old
Abdulaziz has been walking for hours barefoot. We found him and his friends on the road in the Turkish border city of Edirne. They say Greek security
forces caught them shortly after they crossed into Greece illegally.
It was the military or the police, he tells us. They were carrying weapons. They took all our clothes. We were left in our underwear. They took our
phones, our money and documents. They burnt the IDs and clothes, he tells us. He claims they were beaten up, lined up on the ground, and kicked with
combat boots.
Greek authorities have repeatedly denied using these brutal push-back methods or excessive force. The government says Greece has the right to
defend its borders from illegal crossings. It's also doing so on behalf of Europe. During our time at the border, we heard many similar stories.
Everybody from Afghanistan?
We met this group of Afghan refugees, exhausted yet determined. Hameed carried his baby boy through the river and fields. After walking for five
hours, he says they were caught by Greek security.
HAMEED, AFGHAN REFUGEE: They beat us with some like -- it was a stick. And then the deport us back.
KARADSHEH: Did they beat you up?
HAMEED: Yes. My wife, this person.
KARADSHEH: So they hit you and they hit your wife.
HAMEED: Yes, yes, everything.
KARADSHEH: Hameed says, people don't choose to become refugees.
HAMEED: We want my children become big in the good idea and could have good life.
KARADSHEH: In their pursuit of that good life, thousands have found themselves pawns on a political chessboard between Turkey and the E.U.
HAMZA, PAKISTANI REFUGEE: I try one time but the Greek army say go back. Go back to Istanbul. They take all our money, mobile. We come here with only
underwear. What is this? We are -- we are all like a ball and both countries are like a bat. They playing game with us.
KARADSHEH: No one here knows how this game will end, but they say nothing will stop them from trying to make it to Europe. Jomana Karadsheh, CNN on
the Turkish-Greek border.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KINKADE: We have a developing story out of Saudi Arabia this hour. Three senior members of the Saudi royal family, including a brother of the
current King Salman and former Crown Prince have been detained, a source with the knowledge of the arrests has told CNN. Well, CNN's International
Diplomatic Editor Nic Robertson has been in touch with his Saudi sources on the ground and joins us now live from London with more on this. So Nic,
just bringing us up to speed with what you found out.
NIC ROBERTSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC EDITOR: Lynda, I think, you know, some of the details in this have been hard to get to. And perhaps
that part of that is because not everyone in the Saudi government here is fully aware of all the details. Several Saudi government sources that I've
spoken to are not aware of the arrests.
It's certainly been an understanding that since the former Crown Prince Muhammed bin Nayef, who was a former interior minister, as well, and a
former -- somebody who got on very well with counterterrorism officials in the United States, since he was ousted from his position as Crown Prince
back in the summer of 2017 by the current Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, it is been a sort of a general understanding that he has been under house
arrest effectively since then.
However, a source who knows some of the people who've been arrested says that Prince Ahmed, the brother of the former King, the former Crown Prince
himself, Mohammed bin Nayef and his brother have been detained. Prince -- some of Prince Ahmed's sons have been detained as well, as well as some of
his security detail.
And the understanding of this source is that they've been taken to a location now, the same location that one of the sons of the former King,
Prince Turki bin Abdullah is being held at. So, you know, you have sort of sources associated with people who have been detained or put under house
arrest and have an understanding of what's been happening to them, saying that some of those roles, Prince Ahmed, the former Crown Prince have now
been taken into more formal detention, whereas government officials who one would expect to be better informed of this are not aware that these people
have sort of been taken to detention.
I think there was a broad understanding, however, that they had been under a scrutiny, a house arrest, if you will, for the first several years.
[10:25:59]
KINKADE: Interesting developments. We will come back to you as you get more information. Nic Robertson, good to have you with us. Thank you. Well,
Lebanon's spiraling financial crisis has hit a new low. Prime Minister Hassan Diab says the country won't make its euro bond payment of $1.2
billion which is due on Monday.
This will be Lebanon's first default on foreign debt. Mr. Diab says his country's foreign currency reserves are critically low and are needed for
basic needs. He's also calling for lenders to renegotiate and restructure about $31 billion of debt.
Well, still to come here on CONNECT THE WORLD, companies are asking thousands of Americans to work from home as the coronavirus continues to
spread. How will this impact productivity and the bottom line, coming up? Plus --
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[10:30:23]
KINKADE: Welcome back. Well, let's update you on what we know about the novel coronavirus.
After a dramatic spike in cases, the Italian government has announced a virtual lockdown for Northern Italy. Schools and sports and wellness
centers will be closed. Weddings and funerals will be suspended.
Markets, malls, restaurants, and bars will be opened but only on restricted schedules. And only if they put a meters distance between patrons.
Here in the United States, one person who attended a political conference addressed by President Donald Trump -- Mike Pence was also there, has
tested positive for the coronavirus. Mr. Trump, though says, he's not worried about the exposure.
And in China, a hotel being used as a coronavirus containment center has collapsed, killing at least, 10 people. Dozens remain trapped and the cause
is still under investigation.
Well, another big sports event is feeling the impact of the coronavirus. Bahrain's Formula One Grand Prix race set to take place just two weekends
from now will be closed to spectators.
A statement on the official web site, says, "Convening a major sporting event which is open to the public and allows thousands of international
travelers and local fans to interact in close proximity would not be the right thing to do at this present time." Well, at last report, Bahrain had,
at least, 83 confirmed cases of the coronavirus.
Well, for more, our Don Riddell from CNN's "WORLD SPORT" joins us now. So, Don, the event, in this case, will go ahead but with no fans.
DON RIDDELL, CNN INTERNATIONAL SPORTS ANCHOR: Right, Formula One definitely feeling the impacts of coronavirus. The Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai,
which was due to take place later in the season next month had already been suspended or postponed indefinitely, and now this.
The season is due to begin next weekend at Melbourne, Australia. Formula One, say they plan for that to go ahead as they say it will.
There's been a lot of speculation about what will happen to the Ferrari team given that many of the team will be traveling from Italy to that race.
KINKADE: Yes.
RIDDELL: But at this point, Formula One says that race is still on, but clearly F1 feeling the effects of coronavirus.
KINKADE: And certainly, this is far from the first event to be canceled, postponed, or to play to an empty stadium. We are seeing it.
RIDDELL: Yes, we're seeing that in Italy today. I mean, it's an eerie sight. Five games in Serie A, the top league in the country have -- just so
happens to be the most exciting league title race we've had in about 20 years in Italy, and you've got games being played behind closed doors
today.
The last two weeks have seen disruption to the schedule with games either being postponed or suspended. And now, you've got the Italian sports
minister, saying he feels that the league should just be suspended at this point. We'll hear more about that this coming week.
KINKADE: Wow.
RIDDELL: All events, all over the board are being impacted. One of the biggest events in the tennis calendar, Indian Wells, which gets going
tomorrow in California. Both WTA and the ATP, those are the organizing committees for the men's and women's tours, have issued a lengthy statement
saying there going to be all these precautions now taking place.
So, players will not hold hands with mascots, ball kids will wear gloves, ball kids will not be allowed to touch the towels that normally they'd be
handing to the players between points.
KINKADE: Yes.
RIDDELL: Players are being advised or cautioned not to accept pens from fans to sign autographs on balls and then shirts, and that kind of things.
So, that --
(CROSSTALK)
KINKADE: Wow. It seems a little extreme in some cases, but --
RIDDELL: Well, yes, I mean, we're trying to prevent the spread, right?
KINKADE: Yes.
RIDDELL: I mean, in the Premier League this weekend, players are not shaking hands.
KINKADE: Yes.
RIDDELL: That's rather stark. Although, you wonder if it's really worth it when the players score a goal and they all jump into a big pile together.
KINKADE: Exactly.
RIDDELL: But, the Premier League, doing what it can. But, I mean, it's everywhere we look now. We're seeing sport impacted.
KINKADE: The one sport we are have been talking about a lot. There still is that cloud hanging over it? It is, of course, the Olympics in Japan, its
set to take place in July.
RIDDELL: Yes.
KINKADE: And we're seeing these mixed messages from the -- from the Olympic minister in Japan, saying, well, we could postpone it.
RIDDELL: Right.
KINKADE: And the Olympic committee -- the IOC saying, no, it's going to go ahead.
RIDDELL: Yes, Thomas Bach. The president of the IOC was emphatic this week. I mean, he had a press conference during the middle of the week when I
would estimate that about 90 percent of the questions he fielded were about coronavirus.
He began to sound like a broken record, but he basically said we are going ahead as planned. He said that the words postponement and cancellation
hadn't even been mentioned there at a committee meeting earlier in that day.
KINKADE: Wow.
RIDDELL: Make of that what you will. But, of course, there is a great deal of speculation. We know what Japan is dealing with. You know, they're now
playing baseball games behind closed doors.
KINKADE: Yes.
RIDDELL: They're taking all kinds of measures. Scientist in Japan has spoken to us here at CNN, saying they think the games should be postponed.
Still, a long way to go though.
(CROSSTALK)
KINKADE: Still a long way to go, but already people canceling flights.
RIDDELL: I mean -- you mean, these five months, 20 weeks -- absolutely.
[10:35:01]
KINKADE: Fear other events of business and pleasure.
RIDDELL: Yes.
KINKADE: So, you wonder even if they -- it did go ahead.
RIDDELL: Right.
KINKADE: Because they will have empty stadiums.
RIDDELL: I mean, we should remember just how many people go to the Olympics?
KINKADE: Yes.
RIDDELL: 11,000 athletes alone from all over the world will be going to Tokyo.
(CROSSTALK)
KINKADE: From all over the world. Yes.
RIDDELL: Not to mention the hundreds of thousands of support staff, media, tourists and fans who would plan to be at the event -- at any other normal
time. So, I mean, we'll have to see.
KINKADE: Yes, we'll see. Still a few months away, as you say. All right.
RIDDELL: Right.
KINKADE: Don Riddell, Good to have you here.
RIDDELL: Sure.
KINKADE: Thank you.
RIDDELL: Well, in the U.S., the work from home trend is sometimes considered a job perk. But for some companies, it's now becoming the only
option as states work to contain the coronavirus.
Thousands are being told to self-quarantine at home. Even schools are closing classrooms and turning to virtual learning. CNN's Brian Todd
reports on how people and businesses are coping with this drastic transition.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BRIAN TODD, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Around the country, some workplaces are telling their employees, stay home because of the coronavirus outbreak.
Tech giant's Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Facebook are asking employees in Seattle to work from home when possible with the encouragement of local
officials.
DOW CONSTANTINE, EXECUTIVE, KING COUNTY: We are encouraging employers to maximize telecommuting.
TODD: Other employers are preparing to make that move. NASA and J.P. Morgan Chase are preparing by conducting one-day telework practice runs. In New
York State, a few thousand people have been asked to self-quarantine, teleworking, teleconferencing, refraining from travel, getting much of a
work done at home could soon be much more commonplace.
The University of Washington in Seattle said classrooms will be shuttered for the next two weeks.
ANA MARIE CAUCE, PRESIDENT, UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON: In many of our classrooms, there is incredibly close proximity.
TODD: Meanwhile, some schools like St. John Vianney in Holmdel, New Jersey can offer students their lessons, textbooks, and assignments online. And
are prepared to go into virtual days if the school needs to close.
Is America ready to telework?
NICK SELBY, CHIEF SECURITY OFFICER, PAXOS: I think that we're already seeing over the past 15 years, a lot of companies, even very large
companies, companies that might surprise you like IBM, which has a huge portion of its workforce working at home already.
TODD: But for many, that means a shift in workplace culture. Employees will need to be outfitted at home with the computers and other equipment they'll
need, and they have to be trained on how to use them.
STEPHEN WARD, VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING, RISKLENS: Luckily, the steps are very, very intuitive. You know, obviously, there's a number of different
software solutions out there to enable telework or virtual conferencing. Very simple to set up.
TODD: Workplace analysts acknowledge there are many businesses like carmakers, factories, food services, banks with retail branches, where
employees working remotely is out of the question.
But in other sectors, they say, the psychological advantages of working from home could lead to better productivity. Employees feel less stressed.
The freedom of being able to walk around at home and grab a snack can build creativity. The downsides, sometimes employees feel isolated or lose focus
on the mission.
SELBY: People who are not used to working in a remote location at home falling victim to the fact that they're at home and they get to work in
bunny slippers which they might mistake for the opportunity to sort of goof off and maybe miss some deadlines.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.
TODD: Stephen Ward, whose cybersecurity firm has about half its people working from home has a formula for keeping those employees focused and
motivated.
WARD: Use your calendar. You know, set tasks for yourself. Get up and take a shower. Simply just going through that process of like not working in
your pajamas is a good idea.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KINKADE: Working in pajamas sounds like a good idea. For many in the gig economy, working from home is not always an option and the inability to do
so can result in no paycheck. With sick and leave pay not an option.
So, the question for many is, therefore, becoming to a self-isolate or pay my rent. CNN's Luke McGee has delved into the knock-on effects everyone
will feel found the viruses impact on the gig economy. And you can read his full analysis on cnn.com.
[10:39:10]
KINKADE: Well, this is CNN. We're going to be right back after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KINKADE: Well, here in the United States, the climate crisis has been at the top of the Democratic Party political agenda. But many young
Republicans, say fighting climate change is a generational issue, not a political one.
In fact, some of the college students you're about to hear from believe their party is simply wrong to dismiss it. Chief climate correspondent Bill
Weir wants to know why.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BILL WEIR, CNN CHIEF CLIMATE CORRESPONDENT: At the Conservative Political Action Conference, you'd expect Fox News and the NRA, deplorable hammocks.
Donald Trump, nutcrackers and statues made of nails.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He's America's superhero and he's tough as nails.
WEIR: But this year's CPAC had something new.
So, do you consider yourself sort of a Republican Greta?
KIERA O'BRIEN, FOUNDER, YOUNG CONSERVATIVES FOR CARBON DIVIDENDS: No, no. I see myself as a solution-seeker.
WEIR: OK.
[10:45:00]
O'BRIEN: I am done with us talking about the problem. We've talked about the problem, we recognize the problems, and now we need to talk about
solutions.
WEIR: She is the leader of this booth full of Republicans, all devoted to fighting climate change.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is our web site.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.
WEIR: With taxes on big oil --
I've been to a few CPACs in my day, and spotting a climate-woke Republican who wants to have a carbon tax, is like spotting a snow leopard in the
wild. I mean, what drives this change?
O'BRIEN: I think it's a lot of young people, honestly. This is really a generational issue. We believe that people, my age, and a little bit older
are really waking up to the problem that is climate change on both sides of the aisle.
WEIR: And in a packed happy hour around the corner --
BENJI BACKER, PRESIDENT, AMERICAN CONSERVATIVE COALITION: It's really awesome to see such an amazing crowd of conservatives who care about the
environment here --
WEIR: A rival group of conservative climate hawks gather, as, for the first time, polls show more than half of young Republicans believe the government
isn't doing enough to fight manmade global warming.
But as more of them agree with Greta that our House is on fire, new debates are breaking out over the best way to put it out.
BACKER: I think she's incredible, for someone her age to be speaking up and shifting the course of global history.
WEIR: Benji Backer, grew up knocking on doors for John McCain and Mitt Romney as a kid. And in college, created the American Conservation
Coalition.
Do you support President Trump?
BACKER: I don't support President Trump's approach to the environment so far.
WEIR: A group built for green and frustrated young Republicans.
BACKER: And the facts that you have to have some government protections on human health and the environment, and protecting animals, and wildlife,
that has to be there.
WEIR: He says his group now has chapters on over 200 campuses, all who share the belief that free market forces and innovation can stop global
warming.
BACKER: Everyone in my generation wants to buy a Tesla. Everyone in my generation wants to have solar panels on their roofs. They're -- that
demand is there, and that's a culture change that no government policy could ever enact.
WEIR: He opposes most regulation and a carbon tax. But Kiera O'Brien disagrees. She's an Alaskan, helping pay for Harvard with the money her
state takes from big oil and gives to each resident. So she's all in for the Baker-Shultz plan, named for the members of Ronald Reagan's cabinet who
helped write it.
O'BRIEN: This is the solution that is backed by the largest statement of economists in the history of the profession of economics.
WEIR: It would tax carbon and divvy it up among Americans. The average family would get about $2,000 a year to start, but both tax and dividend
would ramp up until fossil fuel goes the way of the dinosaurs.
O'BRIEN: I would love for President Trump to sign a plan just like this.
WEIR: Do you think he will?
O'BRIEN: I think he could.
WEIR: Really?
O'BRIEN: Yes.
WEIR: But if he wins again, what does that do for the climate do you think, based on his attitudes historically?
O'BRIEN: I mean, attitudes can change in the future. We're betting on it with the Republican Party as a whole. I see no reason why President Trump
couldn't change his mind as well.
WEIR: Bill Weir, CNN, Washington.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KINKADE: Well, "MY FREEDOM DAY" is almost here. This Wednesday, March 11th, scene and partners with young people worldwide four day of action against
modern-day slavery. And this year, we're asking what does freedom mean to you? Now, here's what Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt had to say.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
USAIN BOLT, EIGHT-TIME OLYMPIC GPLD MEDALIST: Freedom for me means freedom of speech. Looking how you want to live, living free, being happy, and
being with family and friends around me.
For me, it is all about happiness, you know, I mean. Willing to do whatever you want to do, to go whatever you want to go, and just live in. You know I
mean, no bind, no, nobody tell me what you want to do. Just to live free and happy.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KINKADE: Well, after the break, we're going to head to a school in the U.K. Students discuss what freedom means to them.
But first, later, the latest in our "FOLLOW THE STARTUP" series. Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: For any startup, this is a moment to savor.
MOSTAFA KANDIL, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, SWVL: Today is an amazing day for us. It's a new milestone where it is --
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: A time to celebrate, reflect, and look to the future.
KANDIL: I'm Mostafa Kandil. I'm the CEO of SWVL, and we build mass transit across emerging markets.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: For Kandil and his team moving into their new global headquarters in Dubai, this phase two of a journey started in a one-bedroom
apartment in Cairo.
KANDIL: We chose Dubai as in terms of proximity in terms of access to talent and being closer to the people believed in us, our investors
basically.
[10:50:04]
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Location is critical to the success of any startup, not just proximity to the market, but also the ease of doing business in that
location. The access to a skilled workforce, funding opportunities, advice, and guidance.
ABDELRAHMAN SUKAR, GLOBAL DIGITAL AND CONTENT MARKETING MANAGER, SWVL: When we relocated like a month ago, we didn't really imagine that the office is
going to be that cool, and the environment is going to be like that. The whole team is very amazed about it.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Get 1 billion bookings will be 10 billion bookings.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Kandil chose Dubai as the best location from which to launch his ambitious expansion plan. The city's international travel
connections, a perfect springboard into African and Asian markets.
KANDIL: We want to build the fastest unicorn in Middle East and Africa.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: But for a little while, at least, work can be put on pause. Today is about team building and celebrating.
In real estate, they say it's all about location, location, location.
KANDIL: Come, come, come, closer.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: For entrepreneurs like Kadil, as today proves, the same applies when it comes to creating a successful stardom.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KINKADE: Welcome back. Well, March 11th is "MY FREEDOM DAY". That's this Wednesday. It's a student-led day of action against modern-day slavery. And
CNN is partnering with young people right across the world to shine a light on human trafficking.
So what does freedom mean to you? Well, this is how some students in Abu Dhabi answer that question.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JACK COOPER, STUDENT, AMERICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF ABU DHABI: My name is Jack Cooper, from American Community School of Abu Dhabi. And I feel free
when I jumped in the pool with my brothers.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KINKADE: That does look free. Well, those students were in Abu Dhabi. And CNN's Anna Stewart tells us about a group of students in Ascot, England,
who are spreading the word in creative ways.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ANNA STEWART, CNN CORRESPONDENT: They're young, but they want to make a difference. Pupils in this school in England, are raising awareness about
the scourge of modern slavery.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: How would you feel if you had to leave your country against your will to work for nothing?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: How would you feel?
STEWART: It's a subject this school has addressed with several classes. Highlighting issues like forced labor and sexual servitude. For most, it's
been an eye-opening experience.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It was quite shocking to find out how many people have been slaved and why.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I didn't notice that severe.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I kind of thought that slavery is just in the past. I didn't realize that it was still happening.
[10:55:04]
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It opened my eyes a lot more because I didn't think slavery was as big as any can think, it was really around anymore.
STEWART: For these people in a leafy corner of England, recognizing their own privilege is the first step in taking action.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What we can do is taken advantage of our privileged position, and talk about this. We can make the difference by confronting
it.
STEWART: These kids celebrate their own freedom with renewed gratitude.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It made me feel very lucky that it hasn't happened to me or anyone I know.
STEWART: These young people now want others to know that slavery still devastates lives.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: People don't realize that slavery happens everywhere. And its -- people don't see it, but it does happen everywhere.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Press that freedom, and --
STEWART: And they hope to be part of the solution.
Anna Stewart, CNN, Ascot, England.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KINKADE: Great work there by those students.
Well, we are just three days away from the global day of action against modern-day slavery, and I plan to celebrate My Freedom Day with the
students here at the Atlanta International School.
So, please do join us, March 11th, this Wednesday to tell the world what freedom means to you. You can share your story on social media using the
#My Freedom Day.
Well, there's another hour of CONNECT THE WORLD, right after a very quick break. I'm Lynda Kinkade. I'll see you then.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
END
