COVID-19 Update: April 21, 2020: Building Another Wall

The President announces a suspension of all immigration. He does so via tweet. Policy to follow: tinyurl.com/y77zkpfy.

In Australia: The cratering infection rate sparks calls for an easing of lockdown: tinyurl.com/y9jxlaao.

Oil futures have plunged below zero: tinyurl.com/ybyxj9wl.

Meanwhile:

The sticking point on additional stimulus funding is -- you guessed it -- testing: tinyurl.com/yc77nw66. Senator Charles Schumer says the bill is good to go, but the GOP is hesitating: tinyurl.com/yd4hy5xl.

Brett Giroir, the White House's coronavirus testing czar, has had a checkered career: tinyurl.com/yasyhwzj.

And the White House is being criticized after so much money went to multi-million (and billion) dollar hotel and restaurant chains while small local businesses are shut out: tinyurl.com/y96cu92p.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp wants to open the state's movie theatres on April 27: tinyurl.com/yb7v4g5j. Not so fast, say the theatre owners: tinyurl.com/y8ygl2qj.

How American Idol plans to broadcast from more than 40 different locations: tinyurl.com/y7kq69oy.

If the NBA goes with fanless games, a model exists in Vegas: tinyurl.com/y8yvn8ca.

The Venice Film Festival is set to open September 2: tinyurl.com/y779yoev. But in Munich, Oktoberfest won't be happening: tinyurl.com/y7v2cx27.

Elsewhere in Europe, people are attacking cell towers in the mistaken belief that 5G technology is linked to the coronavirus: tinyurl.com/y8xu9gff.

For God's sake, don't litter with your masks and gloves: tinyurl.com/ybbu5fky.

Mobilizing:

The Actors Fund reports that The Shows Must Go On! YouTube Channel broadcast of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of The Opera at the Royal Albert Hall raised more than $400,000 in just 48 hours for the national human services organization that fosters stability and resiliency and serves as a safety net to everyone in performing arts and entertainment, among others: tinyurl.com/vvkq5wd.

Company news:

LynTec has announced a new on-demand, tailored training and support program via live video to enhance the lines of customer communication during and beyond the COVID-19 crisis. Designed to work around customers' schedules and needs, the company's live video sessions provide customers with real-time information, training, and technical support for the company's leading range of electrical automation and control systems. The live sessions will take place from LynTec's new HD demo room. Customers can schedule a customized, interactive electrical or power control training session by contacting LynTec at 913-529-2233 or info@lyntec.com.

Training:

Harman has more webinars on tap. "Stage Plot to Doors in 5 Hours or Less" with Dustin Dunsmore will be held on Thursday. Register at tinyurl.com/ybnnz43b. "How to Program a Show for a Festival Rig" with Lauren Sago is on Friday: Register at tinyurl.com/ya3sl6cd. "Architectural Lighting Products" with Robert Svensson and Henrik Kristensen is Monday, April 27. Register at tinyurl.com/y8jfgyld.

Lectrosonics has produced the new video series "Wireless Side Chats," hosted by Karl Winkler, vice president of sales and marketing, and available as a playlist on the company's YouTube page: tinyurl.com/ybxpp3r2.

Vanguard LED Systems is hosting a virtual trade show. To reserve attendance, send a request to info@vanguardled.com.

Cancellations and postponements:

New York's Gay Pride Parade, held on the last Sunday in June, is off, along with other large gatherings in June: tinyurl.com/ybuc6ymb.

Powerhouse Theatre in Poughkeepsie, New York, has cancelled its summer season: tinyurl.com/yd2bmxdx.

Entertainment:

You can catch the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center's 30th anniversary gala online today at 5:30pm: tinyurl.com/ya786e6a.

The Flea Theater in New York says that SERIALS @ The Flea: ONLINE!, a spinoff of the organization's popular late-night episodic show, will feature five all-new plays specifically created for digital viewing. SERIALS will be available on Saturday, April 25 at 9:00pm on the Flea's Instagram ( tinyurl.com/ya7ryw4c) and YouTube (tinyurl.com/ycx29ak8) channels.

This week, you can see livestreams of the following Metropolitan Opera productions: Tosca, Les Contes d'Hoffmann, The Merry Widow, La Traviata, and La Cenerentola. Utah Opera's Carol Anderson gives a talk before each opera at www.facebllk.com/utahopera/.

Savannah Voice Festival is offering "Virtually Live," a series of talks and concerts, at tinyurl.com/y8q8ddur.

Until April 27, you can stream for free The Wooster Group's production of House/Lights, which, as only this troupe can do, combines Gertrude Stein's Doctor Faustus Lights the Lights with Joseph Mawra's B-movie classic, Olga's House of Shame. Donations cheerfully accepted: tinyurl.com/ya6y8yr8.

To receive your LSA copies at home (no charge), please email LSA@plasa.org or go to www.ezsubscription.com/lsa/mysubscription.