Trump Calls Himself ‘Wartime President’ As He Battles Virus
Describing himself as a “wartime president” fighting an invisible enemy, President Donald Trump invoked rarely used emergency powers to marshal critical medical supplies against the coronavirus pandemic. Trump also signed an aid package — which the Senate approved earlier Wednesday — that will guarantee sick leave to workers who fall ill.

Trump tapped his authority under the 70-year-old Defense Production Act to give the government more power to steer production by private companies and try to overcome shortages in masks, ventilators and other supplies.

The government has told Americans to avoid groups of more than 10 people and the elderly to stay home while a pointed reminder was given to millennials to follow the guidelines and avoid social gatherings. Trump likened the effort to the measures taken during World War II and said it would require national “sacrifice.” inhomelandsecurity.com

NRF Sends Letter to White House on Essential Retail Business Guidance
The National Retail Federation today sent a letter to President Trump and administration officials urging the federal government to produce national guidance for state and local governments seeking to clarify “essential retail businesses and services” for their communities. The text of the letter is available here.

RILA Calls for Bold Economic COVID-19 Solutions, Suspension of tariffs
In a letter sent to President Trump, the Secretary of Treasury and Congressional leaders, RILA called for a temporary suspension of all Section 301 tariffs that have fallen “directly on the retail community.” It also said that to ensure supply chains remain as functional as possible, distribution centers should be included in any definition of “essential business.”

The full letter can be found here.

UK: Supermarkets call for Police protection amid fears coronavirus
will lead to RIOTING
Desperate supermarkets are calling for police protection over fears coronavirus panic-buying could lead to rioting. Shelves have been stripped bare in stores across the UK as greedy shoppers bulk-buy essential items such as dry food, toilet paper and now even booze. Fights have erupted in some shops among frantic customers - with food retailers now urging the government for help from the police and even the military to stem the violence. There are fears lawlessness could take over with riots breaking out in just weeks if the industry is unable to keep up with the 40 per cent surge in food production and distribution, The Telegraph reports. Chiefs are also concerned shop workers could become victims of abuse if the hysteria continues in Britain. thesun.co.uk

Plight of Retail Workers: ‘I’m Scared to Go to Work’

Some chains have remained open during the pandemic, worrying employees who have to travel to their jobs and then interact with the public.

Chains like TJX, the owner of T.J. Maxx and Marshalls, Kohl’s and Starbucks remained open as of Wednesday morning, putting their employees — many of them relatively low-paid hourly workers — at potential risk.

The retail industry has endured a recent raft of bankruptcies and closures, as well as the pressure of new tariffs in the past year. It makes the prospect of losing weeks of business to the coronavirus even more chilling for many stores.

But staying open has also caused anxiety for their employees.

“This crisis is really shining a light on inequality across our nation and economy,” said Liz Dunn, the founder of Pro4ma, a retail analytics company.

Even as some people gripe about working from home, she said, “a lot of people can’t, and it’s likely they’re a lot more vulnerable in terms of what an economic downtown will do to their ability to feed their family and keep themselves housed.”

Some retailers said they were staying open because they viewed their businesses as important, even if not essential.

Starbucks employee began a petition through the website Coworker.org urging Starbucks to suspend business during the pandemic while continuing to pay employees. The petition has so far received more than 15,000 signatures.

“I’m scared to go to work, but if I don’t go I won’t get paid, and I have a one-year-old at home,” one employee wrote on Tuesday. “Please please please close all stores.”

Another wrote: “I have worked for this company for 18 years and have never felt less valued as a human being. I have to explain to my sales associates every single day why we are still open and honestly I have no more answers.” nytimes.com

A Time For Leadership
Trusting Employers For News & Protection
'Employees Look to Their Companies for Coronavirus News'
Across the globe, workers are turning to their employers for credible news about the coronavirus, creating a "considerable new responsibility for the corporate sector," according to a survey on trust by public relations firm Edelman. In general, respondents want more trustworthy information and worry about fake news and the politicization of the pandemic.

One of the most striking findings of the survey was that employees believe coronavirus information from their employers more than from the government, health companies and traditional media. Specifically, 63 percent of respondents believe information in an employer communication, compared to 58 percent for government websites and 51 percent for traditional media.

Well over half of respondents in all countries—75 percent in the U.S.—felt that employers had a responsibility to protect their employees and ensure that they do not spread the virus into the community.

Be Clear, Even About the Unknowns

The survey results reinforce the importance of clear, consistent and frequent internal communications at a time when rumors flourish and facts change by the minute.

Employees Will Remember This Moment

The actions taken now can leave a lasting imprint on company culture and employee loyalty, said Harold Hardaway, chief executive officer of the Cardigan Communications Group, a branding and internal communications consultant.

Hardaway also suggested establishing a rhythm for communications, such as a daily 1 p.m. e-mail or text about operations, so that employees know what to expect. "That helps with the panic."

The most popular posts covered travel updates, prevention measures and updated workforce protocols, along with reassuring messages from senior leadership about actions being taken. "It's never been more important for employers to meet employees where they are with critical information personalized to them so they feel informed, supported and connected," Alvino said. "Be the source of truth for your employees." shrm.org

For CEOs, a Crisis Is the Time to ‘Step Up’

A boss with crisis experience says leaders need to stay engaged, and ‘don’t freak out’

Almost every CEO will have the opportunity to play chief crisis officer. Paul Ingram, a professor at Columbia Business School, says executives are likely to face a crisis within three years of any point in time.

Those who succeed in the hot seat usually have ice in their veins. “A CEO is supposed to be the person who weighs and mitigates risks.” The coronavirus offers “a real opportunity for CEOs to step up.”

The “don’t freak out” mantra could be criticized as being too passive in the face of this global crisis, but it should be a golden rule in times like these. Everyone in a CEO’s orbit expects a busy leader with a million things going on to take immediate action on what seems most urgent.

Crises teach us that CEOs aren’t expected to be as right as they are expected to be engaged. wsj.com

ASIS: Q&A: Security’s Role During Pandemic Response
From supply chains to international travel to staffing availability, the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting many facets of businesses’ day-to-day activities and long-term goals.

To learn more about how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting business continuity and security professionals’ mission, Security Management connected with Scott Stewart, vice president of tactical analysis at Stratfor, to discuss emerging risks, trends, and opportunities for security professionals to step up. Stewart (pictured right) supervises Stratfor’s analysis of terrorism and security issues, and he is a regular contributor to leading media outlets on matters of security.

For additional resources and news around the pandemic, please visit the ASIS Disease Outbreak Security Resources page.

SM: How can security serve as a calming force during the pandemic? How can security and business continuity professionals demonstrate the value of their work during this time?

Stewart: First of all, just by our demeanor and presence. We should model the calm ourselves. We should also be reassuring: Yes, this is a problem, but we will get through it. asisonline.com

Los Angeles sheriff releasing inmates, urging fewer arrests to help combat coronavirus
The inmate population has been decreased by more than 600, in part through early release of those with less than 30 days left on their sentences.

Arrests have dropped from around 300 a day to around 60 a day, the sheriff said Monday. The aggregate bond amount for people to be booked also went up from $25,000 to $50,000, with those under that amount being cited, he said.

"Our population within the jail is a vulnerable population just by virtue of who they are and where they're located," Sheriff Alex Villanueva said Monday at a news conference. "So, we're protecting that population from potential exposure." nbcnews.com

Coronavirus Impacting Arrests Across the Nation
Middlesex Chiefs of Police Association, predicts most departments across the region issuing more summonses then arrests.

Throughout New England the same is happening. In an effort to adhere to identified protective measures to avoid the spread of COVID-19, is encouraging officers to exercise more discretion where appropriate. metrowestdailynews.com

EEOC: Employers Now May Take Employees’ Temperatures
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) gave employers the green light to take employees' temperatures to try and ward off the spread of the coronavirus in guidance updated March 18. But will taking temperatures really work?

However, employers should be aware that some people with COVID-19 do not have a fever," the agency stated. And some people with a fever do not have COVID-19.

Jeff Nowak, an attorney with Littler in Chicago, added that if employers want to take workers' temperatures, they should pay employees sent home for high temperatures to limit any legal risk, if they can afford to do so.

Employers also should consider what they'd do if employees refuse to have their temperatures taken. Would employers send these workers home without pay? shrm.org

Workers in Supermarkets and Drug Stores Deserve Respect and Appreciation, Union President Says
As the Inland Empire and surrounding areas adjust to life in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the union representing supermarket and drug store workers has called on shoppers to treat its members with the respect and appreciation they deserve.

Duffle praised union employers for working with Local 1167 to safeguard the health of workers and shoppers. Recent improvements include giving seniors and compromised individuals special access to the stores, as well as reducing business hours to allow for proper cleaning and restocking of merchandise.

“But more needs to be done,” he said. “We need more breaks so workers can better clean their hands, better access to gloves and masks when they’re appropriate, and first-day sick leave to encourage workers to stay home at the first sign of not feeling well.”

“Working together, our communities will get through this crisis,” Duffle said. “Let’s treat each other with kindness and civility, keeping in mind we are all neighbors and friends doing the best we can.” businesswire.com

San Diego: Undercover price-gouging investigation leads to 8 arrests during coronavirus pandemic
 

COVID-19 Store & Mall Closings

More Than 110 Retailers Have Now Shut All Their Stores Because Of Coronavirus
A new tally of retailers that have closed all their stores totals more than 110 businesses, ranging from national chains like Macy’s, Nordstrom, Apple and Old Navy to local specialty stores like ABC Carpet & Home, Kith and Showfields.

Most of these retailers’ announcements say they expect to open at the end of March or in early April, but the rapidly deteriorating environment caused by the ever-widening coronavirus pandemic is likely to make those re-opening plans moot. Already, entities that have closed like Major League Baseball have pushed back projected returns well into mid- to late spring.

In the meantime, stores selling essentials like food, drugs, household goods and, of course, toilet paper continue to sell out their inventories, often with long lines and record revenue days. Their stock prices reflect the increased business.

Here is a list of all the retailers that have closed all their stores because of the pandemic:

Why Lowe's, Staples, CVS, others are still open

These Retailers Have Been Staying Open.
Employees Say They’re Afraid For Themselves And Others.

Temporary closures could wipe out up to 50% of some retailers' annual profits, Cowen says

Read more below in our special COVID-19 Tracker-Canadian Connections column
 

Simon Property closing its 128 malls across 38 states amid coronavirus pandemic
Simon Property Group, the largest owner of shopping malls in the nation, is closing all of its malls and retail properties because of the coronavirus outbreak. The closings started at 7 p.m. local time Wednesday and are expected to end March 29, the Indianapolis-based company said in a news release. The closings come after several department stores, from Macy's and J.C. Penney to Nordstrom and other mall brands including Gap, Victoria's Secret and Sephora, announced they are also temporarily closing locations. The closings include the company's 209 U.S. properties, which include malls and premium outlets in 38 states and Puerto Rico. usatoday.com

All Westfield malls in the U.S. to close amid coronavirus pandemic
All 37 Westfield malls across the United States, including World Trade Center, Garden State Plaza and Century City locations, will be shut down for all but "essential" retail outlets due to the coronavirus pandemic. The centers, in states from California and Connecticut to New York, New Jersey and Florida, will be closed March 19 through March 29, according to a statement by its parent company, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield. The 10-day closure will remain unless otherwise instructed by the local authorities, read the statement. usatoday.com

Connecticut joins N.Y., N.J., Pa., in closing malls

Maryland - all Malls

New Mexico - all Malls

Orlando International Premium Outlets

Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets

Orlando Outlet Marketplace Outlet

The Florida Mall, Orlando

Pentagon City Mall Has Closed Temporarily

Potomac Mills closed through March 29

Mall of America closes for at least 2 weeks; Target, Best Buy to reduce hours

NYC's Hudson Yards Closes Down

Biometrics Institute postpones U.S. conference, now September 21, Washington D.C.

Best Buy putting limit on in-store traffic to 10 to 15 customers at a time

Kroger has 10,000 job openings in wake of increased demand

Retailers dedicate 1st hour of shopping to seniors

How to Avoid Shaking Hands

Coronavirus now possibly largest-ever cyber security threat
The cumulative volume of coronavirus-related email lures and other threats is the largest collection of attack types exploiting a single theme for years, possibly ever.

The total volume of phishing emails and other security threats relating to the Covid-19 coronavirus now represents the largest coalescing of cyber attack types around a single theme that has been seen in a long time, and possibly ever, according to Sherrod DeGrippo, senior director of threat research and detection at Proofpoint.

“Criminals have sent waves of emails that have ranged from a dozen to over 200,000 at a time, and the number of campaigns is trending upwards. Initially, we were seeing about one campaign a day worldwide; we’re now observing three to four a day. This increase underscores just how appealing global news can be for cyber criminals.”

The widespread transition to remote working meant cyber criminals will have a wider range of targets. computerweekly.com

CSO Special Report: Navigating the pandemic
In an industry obsessed with disruption, suddenly, everything has been turned on its head.

Reimagining processes and software and infrastructure to satisfy some McKinsey-driven mandate has screeched to a halt. Instead, nearly every tech company — and almost every business — is desperately determining how to use its arsenal of technology to combat the stunningly severe disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Everybody is doing the same thing most of the rest of the developed world is doing: teleconferencing, leaning into our collaboration tools, furiously tapping our smartphones, and firing up videoconferencing software like never before. Everyone seems to have realized simultaneously that these communication tools are now our lifelines. The new normal is arriving quicker than anyone could have imagined.

In our new work-from-home reality, security quickly becomes top of mind. “A security guide for pandemic planning: 7 key steps” by CSO Contributing Writer Bob Violino addresses the vital points to consider. Ponder the sober advice offered by Nitin Natarajan, principal at a domestic preparedness advisory firm: “Assess risks and vulnerabilities to physical and cyber systems from a reduction in staff, both internally and among key organizational interdependences.” And above all, ensure your response to the pandemic is coordinated among all groups involved: cybersecurity pros, emergency management staff, and risk communications teams.

CIO Senior Writer Clint Boulton has it right: If there was ever a time to tighten your business continuity plan, this is it. His “Business continuity: Coronavirus crisis puts CIOs' plans to the test” explores the extensive prep of two forward-looking companies, AvidXchange and Snow Software, both of which have wedded mature work-from-home policies and procedures to business continuity. That planning is paying off in real time as these companies confront COVID-19. If your time is limited, jump to the conclusion for some quick advice on communications and risk management.

Wondering how the massive shift to work-from-home affects remote-access networks? Network World's Michael Cooney dives deep into that topic in “Coronavirus challenges remote networking.”

Several useful articles serve those working at home. Barbara Krasnoff’s “10 tips to set up your home office for videoconferencing” provides great pointers for those of us less accustomed to being in front of the camera (I still haven't gotten the lighting right). Computerworld contributor Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols, who has managed to avoid working in an office for the past 30 years, brings us “How to survive and thrive while working from home.” cio.com

NIST - Public Comments Requested
Integrating Cybersecurity and Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)
NIST is releasing Draft NISTIR 8286, Integrating Cybersecurity and Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), for public comment. This report promotes greater understanding of the relationship between cybersecurity risk management and ERM, and the benefits of integrating those approaches.

The public comment period closes on April 20, 2020. See the publication details for a copy of the draft and instructions for submitting comments. nist.gov

Cybersecurity Insights - A NIST Blog: Telework Security Basics

The Cybercriminal Response to COVID-19 on the Dark Web

Microsoft Teams usage up by 12 million in the past week, hitting 44 million daily active users, due largely to COVID-19

Experian's Seventh Annual Data Breach Preparedness Study
 

Santa Clarita, CA: Deputies respond to reports of robbery at Canyon Country Home Depot
Deputies responded to the Home Depot following reports of a robbery, according to SCV Sheriff’s Station Sgt. Adam Stoll. Stoll confirmed that the theft took place at around 5:15 p.m., and that the items taken were believed to be power tools. “It was a strong-arm robbery,” said Stoll. Sheriff’s officials are still investigating the incident and attempting to identify the suspect and vehicle they used to flee the scene. No arrests have been made in connection to the incident, according to Stoll. signalscv.com

Walmart Shoplifting Suspect Stuffed 35 Items Inside Box
Walmart employees said they saw the suspect take a box containing a new mailbox off the shelf, open it, and fill that cardboard box with numerous household items and then re-seal the box to make it look as if she was just buying the mailbox. She then moved to a self-checkout. At self-checkout, store employees saw the woman make motions that she was scanning items, but instead put them in her bag unpaid for. In all, 35 items were either stuffed in the box or not scanned – a total of $463.72 worth of merchandise. jocoreport.com

Nags Head, NC: Two wanted for $3,000 Ulta Beauty theft
Police on the Outer Banks need your help to catch two people who they say stole thousands of dollars from a beauty supply business. Nags Head police say last Wednesday a man and a woman came into the Ulta Beauty location on South Croatan Highway. The two stole over $3,000 in merchandise from the business. witn.com

Soldotna, AK: Female shoplifter busted with nearly $500 of merchandise from Sportsman’s Warehouse and Safeway

Lincoln, NE: Walgreens shoplifter flees with 6 Thermometers valued at over $100

Owensboro, KY: Merchandise worth $631 was reported stolen Sunday from Walmart

Darien, IL: Repeat Offender arrested on Felony Theft charges at The Home Depot