thedenverpost--2020-05-23--Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott says athletes safer on campus than at home, as SEC and Big 12 announ

Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott says athletes safer on campus than at home, as SEC and Big 12 announce plans for voluntary workouts in June

The momentum for college football to be played this fall continues to grow with each passing day .
On Friday afternoon , the Big 12 and the SEC announced plans to allow football players for volunteer workouts on campus by mid-June .
That same day , Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott said he thought athletes would be safer on campus and that college football may start on time .
Scott ’ s comments came during an interview with CNN in which he also expressed optimism that fans will see some type of college football season in the fall — and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games .
“ We ’ ve got three states in our conference where gyms are already open and student-athletes are wanting to get back , ” Scott said .
“ In most cases , we feel that student-athletes will be in a safer position and a healthier position if they can have access to the world-class medical care , supervision and support that they can get on their campuses , and if there are issues with the virus , to have access to these world-class medical centers that we have.
” The SEC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just two days after the NCAA Division I Council voted to lift a moratorium on voluntary workouts on campus by football and basketball players , effective June 1 .
The NCAA updated that ruling Friday by saying voluntary activities would be allowed in all sports starting June 1 .
The Pac-12 has yet to make an announcement on when it will permit athletes on campus , but Scott ’ s comments appear to signal a step in that direction .
He also indicated football camps could start in late July and there could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stadiums — although likely in a “ phased ” approach .
“ I think what we ’ re going to see is a patchwork state by state on the fan issue , ” Scott told CNN .
“ I think collectively college football will move together to start playing , hopefully , at the beginning of the season , assuming we have support from public health officials .
“ But I think we ’ re going to see a wide disparity across the country .
I even see it in my own conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probably initially on some type of socially distanced basis , and then in a phased approach start allowing more and more , and some states will be a little bit more conservative and will be playing in front of empty stadiums.
” The SEC initially announced Friday that voluntary in-person activities could resume June 8 on SEC campuses only for football , men ’ s basketball and women ’ s basketball .
But after the NCAA issued its updated ruling Friday afternoon , the SEC announced that June 8 date would apply to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this time , we are preparing to begin the fall sports season as currently scheduled , and this limited resumption of voluntary athletic activities on June 8 is an important initial step in that process , ” SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said .
Big 12 presidents and chancellors met Friday and decided voluntary activities could begin June 15 for football , July 1 for other fall sports and July 15 for all other sports .
SEC officials noted any workouts would take place “ under strict supervision of designated university personnel and safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ referred to June 8 as the start of a “ transition period that will allow student-athletes to gradually adapt to full training and sports activity after this recent period of inactivity.
” Permitted actions are limited by the NCAA to voluntary activities supervised by strength and conditioning personnel .
Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity said it was “ only the first step with further details and plans coming over the next several days and weeks.
” “ This is an important first step toward having a season this fall , and we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of our student-athletes , coaches and staff , ” Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said in a statement .
Defending national champion LSU said it will resume voluntary workouts for players on June 8 in accordance with the SEC decision .
“ Our administration has worked very hard to make sure that all of the necessary safety procedures and protocols are in place to keep our team safe and healthy , ” Tigers coach Ed Orgeron said .
“ This is a great first step @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get back to playing the great game of college football in the fall.
” The SEC decided to resume athletic activities with the guidance of a league task force that includes public health , infectious disease and sports medicine professionals from each of the league ’ s 14 member schools .
The task force prepared a series of best practices for screening , testing , monitoring , tracing , social distancing and maintaining clean environments to serve as a guide for each school .
Recommendations included testing of symptomatic team members ( including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as screening athletes before they arrive on campus within 72 hours of entering athletic facilities and on a daily basis once they resume athletic activities .
Other recommendations include immediate isolation of team members who are diagnosed with COVID-19 or are under investigation , followed by contact tracing under Centers for Disease Control and local public health guidelines .
“ Health and safety have been our top priority as we ’ ve gone about this planning process , and we ’ ll continue to follow guidance from medical experts and health officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Tennessee athletic director Phillip Fulmer said .
“ Our staff and student-athletes should be prepared for a ‘ new normal , ’ as we ’ ll be implementing changes to how everyone accesses and uses our facilities.
” SEC officials said the task force ’ s recommendations could provide a guide to league members , Sankey noted that each school would get to make its own decisions regarding plans for how to make sure student-athletes return safely .
For example , even though the task force ’ s recommendations only mentioned testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ athletic director for sports medicine Ron Courson said in a statement that the Bulldogs “ will conduct COVID testing and perform medical evaluations on all student-athletes.
” Florida announced that it also would be testing all of its athletes .
Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott said Friday he thinks college football will return on schedule with at least some spectators .
Abbott has already issued new rules to allow youth sports leagues to resume in June and for some professional leagues to hold events without spectators .
“ Once we get to college @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to have college football season start as planned , with fans in stands , ” Abbott said in an interview with Austin television station KXAN .
“ What we don ’ t know is what the capacity level would be.
” AP Sports Writers Jim Vertuno , Teresa M. Walker , Paul Newberry and John Zenor contributed to this report .

Stephen Hawkins, Steve Megargee, Matt Schubert

The momentum for college football to be played this fall continues to grow with each passing day.
On Friday afternoon, the Big 12 and the SEC announced plans to allow football players for volunteer workouts on campus by mid-June. That same day, Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott said he thought athletes would be safer on campus and that college football may start on time.
Scott’s comments came during an interview with CNN in which he also expressed optimism that fans will see some type of college football season in the fall — and that some may even be able to attend games.
“We’ve got three states in our conference where gyms are already open and student-athletes are wanting to get back,” Scott said . “In most cases, we feel that student-athletes will be in a safer position and a healthier position if they can have access to the world-class medical care, supervision and support that they can get on their campuses, and if there are issues with the virus, to have access to these world-class medical centers that we have.”
The SEC and Big 12’s announcements come just two days after the NCAA Division I Council voted to lift a moratorium on voluntary workouts on campus by football and basketball players, effective June 1. The NCAA updated that ruling Friday by saying voluntary activities would be allowed in all sports starting June 1.
The Pac-12 has yet to make an announcement on when it will permit athletes on campus, but Scott’s comments appear to signal a step in that direction. He also indicated football camps could start in late July and there could be fans in the stands at Pac-12 stadiums — although likely in a “phased” approach.
“I think what we’re going to see is a patchwork state by state on the fan issue,” Scott told CNN. “I think collectively college football will move together to start playing, hopefully, at the beginning of the season, assuming we have support from public health officials.
“But I think we’re going to see a wide disparity across the country. I even see it in my own conference, where states will allow fans, probably initially on some type of socially distanced basis, and then in a phased approach start allowing more and more, and some states will be a little bit more conservative and will be playing in front of empty stadiums.”
The SEC initially announced Friday that voluntary in-person activities could resume June 8 on SEC campuses only for football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball. But after the NCAA issued its updated ruling Friday afternoon, the SEC announced that June 8 date would apply to athletes in all sports.
“At this time, we are preparing to begin the fall sports season as currently scheduled, and this limited resumption of voluntary athletic activities on June 8 is an important initial step in that process,” SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said.
Big 12 presidents and chancellors met Friday and decided voluntary activities could begin June 15 for football, July 1 for other fall sports and July 15 for all other sports.
SEC officials noted any workouts would take place “under strict supervision of designated university personnel and safety guidelines developed by each institution.” They referred to June 8 as the start of a “transition period that will allow student-athletes to gradually adapt to full training and sports activity after this recent period of inactivity.”
Permitted actions are limited by the NCAA to voluntary activities supervised by strength and conditioning personnel. Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity said it was “only the first step with further details and plans coming over the next several days and weeks.”
“This is an important first step toward having a season this fall, and we will continue to collectively work together as our top priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches and staff,” Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said in a statement.
Defending national champion LSU said it will resume voluntary workouts for players on June 8 in accordance with the SEC decision.
“Our administration has worked very hard to make sure that all of the necessary safety procedures and protocols are in place to keep our team safe and healthy,” Tigers coach Ed Orgeron said. “This is a great first step to take in order for us to get back to playing the great game of college football in the fall.”
The SEC decided to resume athletic activities with the guidance of a league task force that includes public health, infectious disease and sports medicine professionals from each of the league’s 14 member schools.
The task force prepared a series of best practices for screening, testing, monitoring, tracing, social distancing and maintaining clean environments to serve as a guide for each school.
Recommendations included testing of symptomatic team members (including athletes, coaches and staffers) as well as screening athletes before they arrive on campus within 72 hours of entering athletic facilities and on a daily basis once they resume athletic activities.
Other recommendations include immediate isolation of team members who are diagnosed with COVID-19 or are under investigation, followed by contact tracing under Centers for Disease Control and local public health guidelines.
“Health and safety have been our top priority as we’ve gone about this planning process, and we’ll continue to follow guidance from medical experts and health officials as we navigate the coming weeks,” Tennessee athletic director Phillip Fulmer said. “Our staff and student-athletes should be prepared for a ‘new normal,’ as we’ll be implementing changes to how everyone accesses and uses our facilities.”
SEC officials said the task force’s recommendations could provide a guide to league members, Sankey noted that each school would get to make its own decisions regarding plans for how to make sure student-athletes return safely.
For example, even though the task force’s recommendations only mentioned testing symptomatic team members, Georgia senior associate athletic director for sports medicine Ron Courson said in a statement that the Bulldogs “will conduct COVID testing and perform medical evaluations on all student-athletes.” Florida announced that it also would be testing all of its athletes.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Friday he thinks college football will return on schedule with at least some spectators. Abbott has already issued new rules to allow youth sports leagues to resume in June and for some professional leagues to hold events without spectators.
“Once we get to college football season, our goal right now is to have college football season start as planned, with fans in stands,” Abbott said in an interview with Austin television station KXAN. “What we don’t know is what the capacity level would be.”
___
AP Sports Writers Jim Vertuno, Teresa M. Walker, Paul Newberry and John Zenor contributed to this report.


thedenverpost--2020-05-23--Motorcyclist dies in two-vehicle crash in west Denver

The crash , involving a motorcycle and an automobile , happened at the intersection of West Colfax Avenue and Knox @ @ @ @ @ The motorcyclist was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead .
No @ @ @ @ @ An investigation is ongoing .
The intersection was shut down for several hours after the @ @

A motorcyclist died Friday in a two-vehicle crash in west Denver.
The crash, involving a motorcycle and an automobile, happened at the intersection of West Colfax Avenue and Knox Court, police said.
UPDATE: This Motorcycle rider has been pronounced deceased at the hospital. No other injuries reported to anyone else. The crash remains under investigation. The intersection will be opening up shortly. — Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice) May 23, 2020
The motorcyclist was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. No other injuries were reported. An investigation is ongoing.
The intersection was shut down for several hours after the incident.


thedenverpost--2020-05-23--Mexico cancels soccer season because of coronavirus pandemic

MEXICO CITY — Mexico ’ s Liga MX canceled the remainder of its spring season without crowning a champion for the first time , a decision caused by the new coronavirus pandemic .
Teams had played 10 of the Clausura ’ s 17 dates before suspending play March 15 .
The league said in a statement Friday that restrictions caused by the health emergency made it impossible to continue without putting people at risk .
“ It ’ s indisputable that we live in an unprecedented situation in this country that obliges the soccer industry in Mexico to act with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the demands that have presented themselves , ” the statement said .
Some teams had begun testing players for COVID-19 as a step toward resuming the season , most likely in stadiums without fans .
Twelve players from Santos Laguna in the northern city of Torreon tested positive this week .
Cruz Azul , seeking its first league title since 1997 , finished with 22 points and a one-point lead over second-place León , which joined Cruz Azul in qualifying for the next CONCACAF Champions League .
Santos Laguna and América were next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the leading scored with nine goals .
The women ’ s professional season was also canceled .

MEXICO CITY — Mexico’s Liga MX canceled the remainder of its spring season without crowning a champion for the first time, a decision caused by the new coronavirus pandemic.
Teams had played 10 of the Clausura’s 17 dates before suspending play March 15. The league said in a statement Friday that restrictions caused by the health emergency made it impossible to continue without putting people at risk.
“It’s indisputable that we live in an unprecedented situation in this country that obliges the soccer industry in Mexico to act with absolute sensitivity and respond with unity to the demands that have presented themselves,” the statement said.
Some teams had begun testing players for COVID-19 as a step toward resuming the season, most likely in stadiums without fans. Twelve players from Santos Laguna in the northern city of Torreon tested positive this week.
Cruz Azul, seeking its first league title since 1997, finished with 22 points and a one-point lead over second-place León, which joined Cruz Azul in qualifying for the next CONCACAF Champions League. Santos Laguna and América were next with 17 points each.
Jonathan Rodríguez was the leading scored with nine goals.
The women’s professional season was also canceled.


thedenverpost--2020-05-23--Colorado reports no additional deaths tied directly to COVID-19 as testing reaches new peak

Colorado health officials on Saturday reported 1,327 people who had contracted COVID-19 have died since the new coronavirus was first confirmed in the state , and that death-certificate data shows 1,088 fatalities were directly due to the virus .
That ’ s an increase of three deaths of people with the virus and zero additional fatalities from COVID-19 over Friday ’ s tallies , though there ’ s a lag in reporting deaths to the state health department — particularly death-certificate data .
Last week , the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment revamped the way it reports deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the total number of fatalities in which the person had the virus as well as the number of deaths that have been directly attributed to COVID-19 on a death certificate .
There have been 4,105 people hospitalized since the outbreak was confirmed in the state in early March , though only 426 people were hospitalized with symptoms of the illness as of Saturday afternoon , state data shows .
At least 32 people since Friday either went home or were transferred to a lower level of care such as a rehabilitation facility .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ were 336 critical care ventilators being used across the state , down from 463 a month ago , according to state data .
To date , 23,964 people have tested positive for or are believed to have COVID-19 , the highly infectious respiratory illness causes by the virus , though health officials have said the true number is closer to 167,000 .
Officials recorded 6,215 tests on Friday as the state ramps up its capabilities to better track the virus .
The testing rate — 109.1 tests per 100,000 people per day — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Colorado health officials have previously said they hope to reach over 8,500 tests per day by the end of May .
Health experts say 152 tests per 100,000 people is the daily number necessary to safely monitor the outbreak .
Much of the testing has been focused on senior living facilities and other care homes , though Gov .
Jared Polis on Monday announced that anybody in the state showing COVID-19 symptoms can get tested for free .
Officials have confirmed outbreaks at 263 contained facilities across the state , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s three more than the previous day .
The state health department announces new totals daily of coronavirus deaths and confirmed cases based on what ’ s reported up from Colorado ’ s counties ; though the deaths and positive test results may be announced on a particular day , they may have occurred any time in the past and are just now being reported to the state .

Colorado health officials on Saturday reported 1,327 people who had contracted COVID-19 have died since the new coronavirus was first confirmed in the state, and that death-certificate data shows 1,088 fatalities were directly due to the virus.
That’s an increase of three deaths of people with the virus and zero additional fatalities from COVID-19 over Friday’s tallies, though there’s a lag in reporting deaths to the state health department — particularly death-certificate data.
Last week, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment revamped the way it reports deaths related to the new coronavirus, listing the total number of fatalities in which the person had the virus as well as the number of deaths that have been directly attributed to COVID-19 on a death certificate.
There have been 4,105 people hospitalized since the outbreak was confirmed in the state in early March, though only 426 people were hospitalized with symptoms of the illness as of Saturday afternoon, state data shows. At least 32 people since Friday either went home or were transferred to a lower level of care such as a rehabilitation facility.
Additionally, as of Saturday, there were 336 critical care ventilators being used across the state, down from 463 a month ago, according to state data.
To date, 23,964 people have tested positive for or are believed to have COVID-19, the highly infectious respiratory illness causes by the virus, though health officials have said the true number is closer to 167,000.
Officials recorded 6,215 tests on Friday as the state ramps up its capabilities to better track the virus. The testing rate — 109.1 tests per 100,000 people per day — is the highest testing total to date, and Colorado health officials have previously said they hope to reach over 8,500 tests per day by the end of May. Health experts say 152 tests per 100,000 people is the daily number necessary to safely monitor the outbreak.
Much of the testing has been focused on senior living facilities and other care homes, though Gov. Jared Polis on Monday announced that anybody in the state showing COVID-19 symptoms can get tested for free. Officials have confirmed outbreaks at 263 contained facilities across the state, including nursing homes, jails and factories. That’s three more than the previous day.
The state health department announces new totals daily of coronavirus deaths and confirmed cases based on what’s reported up from Colorado’s counties; though the deaths and positive test results may be announced on a particular day, they may have occurred any time in the past and are just now being reported to the state.
—


thedenverpost--2020-05-23--NBA says it is talking with Disney about resuming season

The NBA is in talks with The Walt Disney Company on a single-site scenario for a resumption of play in Central Florida in late July , the clearest sign yet that the league believes the season can continue amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The National Basketball Players Association is also part of the talks with Disney , the league said Saturday .
Games would be held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex , a massive campus on the Disney property near Orlando .
NBA spokesman Mike Bass said the conversations were still “ exploratory , ” and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practices and housing as well .
“ Our priority continues to be the health and safety of all involved , and we are working with public health experts and government officials on a comprehensive set of guidelines to ensure that appropriate medical protocols and protections are in place , ” Bass said .
The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is a 255-acre campus with multiple arenas that could host games simultaneously and has been home to , among other things , the Jr. NBA World Championship in recent years .
ESPN , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partners , is primarily owned by Disney .
Space won ’ t be an issue , even if Major League Soccer — which is also in talks to resume its season at Disney — is there at the same time as the NBA .
The entire Disney complex is roughly 40 square miles , with nearly 24,000 hotel rooms owned or operated by Disney within the campus .
The NBA suspended its season March 11 , becoming the first of the U.S. major pro leagues to do so after it was revealed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jazz tested positive for COVID-19 .
The list of NBA players who were known to test positive eventually grew to 10 — not all were identified — and Commissioner Adam Silver said last month that the actual total was even higher .
But the league has been working on countless return-to-play scenarios for several weeks , all with the caveat that testing would be an integral part of any resumption of the season .
It remains unknown where the NBA is in the process of securing tests or developing large-scale testing protocols .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be played before the postseason begins — or if all 30 teams would be playing .
The league has asked team general managers for additional input on those matters .
Jared Dudley of the Los Angeles Lakers said in a conference call with reporters on Wednesday that he believes the playoffs , whenever they start , will be the traditional best-of-seven format .
“ That ’ s the money-winner when it comes to Disney , ” Dudley said .
“ That ’ s why we ’ ll be in Orlando .
Disney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they make their money .
During the playoffs and finals , it will all be seven games .
That one I ’ m almost 100 % sure of.
” Central Florida has been known as a viable option to host an NBA restart since at least mid-April , and other cities — such as Las Vegas , which also has a longstanding relationship with the NBA — were known to be considered as well .
Florida has confirmed just over 50,000 COVID-19 cases , though more than half of those are in Miami-Dade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not in the Orlando area .
Gov .
Ron DeSantis has said he wants the state open for pro sports , even telling franchises not based in Florida that they could come to the Sunshine State and train if restrictions preventing it existed in their own locales .
“ Places are opening up .
Let ’ s not forget COVID isn ’ t magically less contagious now , ” Malcolm Miller of the Toronto Raptors tweeted Saturday .
“ The virus itself didn ’ t get better… stay safe.
” Teams have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ training facilities for voluntary sessions since May 8 , and more than half of the league ’ s franchises have taken advantage of that opportunity .
The next steps along a return-to-play path would likely include a loosening of the restrictions for those voluntary workouts — no more than four players are currently allowed inside any facility at a time — and then a plan for when training camps could open .
If the league plans to resume play in late July , then camps conceivably could open around the start of that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season games could be a major perk for players , even though some teams are out of the playoff mix .
The league can take about 1.08 % percent of a player ’ s salary for each regular season game that is not played if what the collective bargaining agreement between the league and its players describes as a “ Force Majeure Event , ” the legal term for unforeseeable circumstances such as an epidemic or pandemic , is enacted .
The more regular season games played , the less money the players @ @ @

The NBA is in talks with The Walt Disney Company on a single-site scenario for a resumption of play in Central Florida in late July, the clearest sign yet that the league believes the season can continue amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The National Basketball Players Association is also part of the talks with Disney, the league said Saturday. Games would be held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, a massive campus on the Disney property near Orlando.
NBA spokesman Mike Bass said the conversations were still “exploratory,” and that the Disney site would be used for practices and housing as well.
“Our priority continues to be the health and safety of all involved, and we are working with public health experts and government officials on a comprehensive set of guidelines to ensure that appropriate medical protocols and protections are in place,” Bass said.
The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is a 255-acre campus with multiple arenas that could host games simultaneously and has been home to, among other things, the Jr. NBA World Championship in recent years. ESPN, one of the NBA’s broadcast partners, is primarily owned by Disney.
Space won’t be an issue, even if Major League Soccer — which is also in talks to resume its season at Disney — is there at the same time as the NBA. The entire Disney complex is roughly 40 square miles, with nearly 24,000 hotel rooms owned or operated by Disney within the campus.
The NBA suspended its season March 11, becoming the first of the U.S. major pro leagues to do so after it was revealed that All-Star center Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz tested positive for COVID-19. The list of NBA players who were known to test positive eventually grew to 10 — not all were identified — and Commissioner Adam Silver said last month that the actual total was even higher.
But the league has been working on countless return-to-play scenarios for several weeks, all with the caveat that testing would be an integral part of any resumption of the season.
It remains unknown where the NBA is in the process of securing tests or developing large-scale testing protocols. Also unclear: how many regular-season games would be played before the postseason begins — or if all 30 teams would be playing. The league has asked team general managers for additional input on those matters.
Jared Dudley of the Los Angeles Lakers said in a conference call with reporters on Wednesday that he believes the playoffs, whenever they start, will be the traditional best-of-seven format.
“That’s the money-winner when it comes to Disney,” Dudley said. “That’s why we’ll be in Orlando. Disney owns ESPN. That’s where they make their money. During the playoffs and finals, it will all be seven games. That one I’m almost 100% sure of.”
Central Florida has been known as a viable option to host an NBA restart since at least mid-April, and other cities — such as Las Vegas, which also has a longstanding relationship with the NBA — were known to be considered as well.
Florida has confirmed just over 50,000 COVID-19 cases, though more than half of those are in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties and not in the Orlando area. Gov. Ron DeSantis has said he wants the state open for pro sports, even telling franchises not based in Florida that they could come to the Sunshine State and train if restrictions preventing it existed in their own locales.
“Places are opening up. Let’s not forget COVID isn’t magically less contagious now,” Malcolm Miller of the Toronto Raptors tweeted Saturday. “The virus itself didn’t get better… stay safe.”
Teams have been allowed to welcome players back to their training facilities for voluntary sessions since May 8, and more than half of the league’s franchises have taken advantage of that opportunity.
The next steps along a return-to-play path would likely include a loosening of the restrictions for those voluntary workouts — no more than four players are currently allowed inside any facility at a time — and then a plan for when training camps could open. If the league plans to resume play in late July, then camps conceivably could open around the start of that month.
Rescheduling at least some regular season games could be a major perk for players, even though some teams are out of the playoff mix.
The league can take about 1.08% percent of a player’s salary for each regular season game that is not played if what the collective bargaining agreement between the league and its players describes as a “Force Majeure Event,” the legal term for unforeseeable circumstances such as an epidemic or pandemic, is enacted.
The more regular season games played, the less money the players will lose.


thedenverpost--2020-05-23--Hardrock 100 canceled amid uncertainty over coronavirus pandemic

The Hardrock 100 ultrarun has been canceled for a second straight year , becoming the latest endurance sporting event in Colorado to be scrapped over health concerns from the coronavirus pandemic .
The race ’ s board of directors announced the decision publicly on Saturday .
It ’ s the fourth time the run has been canceled since it debuted in 1992 .
“ We considered the health and safety of our runners and community our litmus , ” run director Dale Garland said in an interview with the Denver Post .
“ The tipping point was the uncertainty with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We feel like we ’ re a pretty good organization , and we do a good job of managing what we can control .
But we can ’ t control everything.
” The iconic 100.5-mile loop course , one of the hardest ultramarathons in the world , takes about 140 runners through the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado , hitting the towns of Silverton , Ouray , Telluride and Lake City .
A mixture of elite and amateur runners — and their support crews — descend on Silverton from the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start .
The decision comes after the Lake County Commissioners voted May 12 to ban gatherings of more than 250 people through September , forcing the cancelation of the Leadville race series , including the Leadville 100 ultrarun , which usually draws more than 700 runners and their crews in late August .
To put on the event , Hardrock ’ s organizers work with 13 different federal , state and local jurisdictions , each of which currently have varying levels of restrictions .
Garland said the organizing committee considered alternatives , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside support crews at aid stations , and canceling the in-person pre-race briefing and post-run awards ceremony .
“ We what-if ’ ed this thing to death , ” Garland said .
The event could have obtained the permits and insurance , but participant safety and concern that an event might lead to an outbreak that could overwhelm the area ’ s small , rural healthcare system was too concerning .
• He took nearly 48 hours to finish the Hardrock 100 .
The race ’ s winner was waiting for him .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ miles into the Hardrock 100 .
Then , he won the race .
Organizers last year were forced to cancel the run because high amounts of late-season snow and avalanche debris left many roads and passes along the course inaccessible , even through the late summer .
The event was also canceled in 1995 because of snow conditions and in 2002 because of a nearby wildfire .
Runners who had gained entry for 2019 ’ s race were deferred to an entry this year , and plans for how to honor this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Garland said .
The decision to call off the run deals another blow to summer tourism , one of the region ’ s most important sources of economic stability .
The Hardrock 100 itself run remains financially viable despite two years of disruption , Garland said , and is slated to take place next year on July 16 .
“ A run director likes to direct a run .
I ’ m sad about that , but I ’ m also in a sense relieved , because this has occupied our minds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m relieved to have made a decision , ” Garland said .
“ I have a heavy heart as does most of our run committee .
”

The Hardrock 100 ultrarun has been canceled for a second straight year, becoming the latest endurance sporting event in Colorado to be scrapped over health concerns from the coronavirus pandemic.
The race’s board of directors announced the decision publicly on Saturday. It’s the fourth time the run has been canceled since it debuted in 1992.
“We considered the health and safety of our runners and community our litmus,” run director Dale Garland said in an interview with the Denver Post. “The tipping point was the uncertainty with what we’re dealing with. We feel like we’re a pretty good organization, and we do a good job of managing what we can control. But we can’t control everything.”
The iconic 100.5-mile loop course, one of the hardest ultramarathons in the world, takes about 140 runners through the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado, hitting the towns of Silverton, Ouray, Telluride and Lake City. A mixture of elite and amateur runners — and their support crews — descend on Silverton from the United States and all over the world for the start.
The decision comes after the Lake County Commissioners voted May 12 to ban gatherings of more than 250 people through September, forcing the cancelation of the Leadville race series, including the Leadville 100 ultrarun, which usually draws more than 700 runners and their crews in late August.
To put on the event, Hardrock’s organizers work with 13 different federal, state and local jurisdictions, each of which currently have varying levels of restrictions. Garland said the organizing committee considered alternatives, including a staggered starts, limited or no outside support crews at aid stations, and canceling the in-person pre-race briefing and post-run awards ceremony.
“We what-if’ed this thing to death,” Garland said.
The event could have obtained the permits and insurance, but participant safety and concern that an event might lead to an outbreak that could overwhelm the area’s small, rural healthcare system was too concerning.
Organizers last year were forced to cancel the run because high amounts of late-season snow and avalanche debris left many roads and passes along the course inaccessible, even through the late summer. The event was also canceled in 1995 because of snow conditions and in 2002 because of a nearby wildfire. Runners who had gained entry for 2019’s race were deferred to an entry this year, and plans for how to honor this year’s entrants were still being considered, Garland said.
The decision to call off the run deals another blow to summer tourism, one of the region’s most important sources of economic stability. The Hardrock 100 itself run remains financially viable despite two years of disruption, Garland said, and is slated to take place next year on July 16.
“A run director likes to direct a run. I’m sad about that, but I’m also in a sense relieved, because this has occupied our minds for two months, and I’m relieved to have made a decision,” Garland said. “I have a heavy heart as does most of our run committee.”


thedenverpost--2020-05-23--Former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf arrested in California

PALM DESERT , Calif. — Former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf was arrested in Southern California on Friday .
Leaf , 44 , was arrested on a domestic battery charge in Palm Desert , which is about 110 miles ( 177 kilometers ) southeast of Los Angeles , according to booking information provided by the Riverside County Sheriff ’ s Department on Saturday .
Leaf is being held on $ 5,000 bail at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility .
It wasn ’ t immediately known if Leaf had a lawyer who could speak on his behalf .
Leaf finished third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led Washington State to the Rose Bowl .
He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers as the No .
2 pick in 1998 , but he was only 4-14 as a starter in three seasons .
He was 0-3 with the Dallas Cowboys in 2001 and finished his four-year career with 14 touchdown passes and 36 interceptions .
He was arrested in 2012 for breaking into a home in Montana to steal prescription drugs , which violated his Texas probation and led to prison .
Last July , Leaf was hired by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leaf worked for the Pac-12 Network last season and has been co-hosting a show on SiriusXM ’ s Pac-12 channel .

PALM DESERT, Calif. — Former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf was arrested in Southern California on Friday.
Leaf, 44, was arrested on a domestic battery charge in Palm Desert, which is about 110 miles (177 kilometers) southeast of Los Angeles, according to booking information provided by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department on Saturday. Leaf is being held on $5,000 bail at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility.
It wasn’t immediately known if Leaf had a lawyer who could speak on his behalf.
Leaf finished third in Heisman Trophy voting in 1997 and led Washington State to the Rose Bowl. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers as the No. 2 pick in 1998, but he was only 4-14 as a starter in three seasons. He was 0-3 with the Dallas Cowboys in 2001 and finished his four-year career with 14 touchdown passes and 36 interceptions.
He was arrested in 2012 for breaking into a home in Montana to steal prescription drugs, which violated his Texas probation and led to prison.
Last July, Leaf was hired by ESPN to be a football analyst. Leaf worked for the Pac-12 Network last season and has been co-hosting a show on SiriusXM’s Pac-12 channel.


thedenverpost--2020-05-23--Alaska Baseball League cancels upcoming summer season

ANCHORAGE , Alaska — The Alaska Baseball League has canceled its summer season , as the future of sports worldwide remains uncertain during the coronavirus pandemic .
“ To operate this summer without the ability to keep all involved safe from exposure to the COVID-19 virus , we as a league have decided not to proceed this summer , ” the league website reads .
The summer league season was scheduled to begin on June 29 .
The five-team league is made up of college players from mostly the Lower 48 but also from places as far away as Taiwan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel and housing would have been a logistical challenge during the seven weeks of play , KTVA-TV reported .
The Mat-Su Miners proposed a short season in July and other teams have also expressed their desire to compete , officials said .
League teams are expected to contact state and local governments about the plan .
Even Major League Baseball is trying to formulate a plan to get its players back on the field .
The Alaska Baseball League was founded in 1969 with five teams : the Anchorage Bucs , Anchorage Glacier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Peninsula Oilers .

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The Alaska Baseball League has canceled its summer season, as the future of sports worldwide remains uncertain during the coronavirus pandemic.
“To operate this summer without the ability to keep all involved safe from exposure to the COVID-19 virus, we as a league have decided not to proceed this summer,” the league website reads.
The summer league season was scheduled to begin on June 29.
The five-team league is made up of college players from mostly the Lower 48 but also from places as far away as Taiwan. If competition resumed on time, travel and housing would have been a logistical challenge during the seven weeks of play, KTVA-TV reported.
The Mat-Su Miners proposed a short season in July and other teams have also expressed their desire to compete, officials said. League teams are expected to contact state and local governments about the plan.
Even Major League Baseball is trying to formulate a plan to get its players back on the field.
The Alaska Baseball League was founded in 1969 with five teams: the Anchorage Bucs, Anchorage Glacier Pilots, Chugiak Chinooks, Mat-Su Miners and Peninsula Oilers.


thedenverpost--2020-05-23--President Trump plays golf for 1st time since the coronavirus pandemic

STERLING , Va. — President Donald Trump played golf Saturday for the first time since he declared the coronavirus pandemic a national emergency more than two months ago , leading to the shutdown of much of American society .
His return to the course was the latest sign that he wants the country back to pre-outbreak times , even as the U.S. death toll from the virus nears 100,000 , twice what he once predicted it would be .
Trump also planned Memorial Day visits to Arlington National Cemetery and the Fort McHenry national monument in Baltimore , followed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday to watch to U.S. astronauts blast into orbit .
The golf outing came a day after Trump said houses of worship are “ essential ” and he demanded that governors allow them to reopen during the holiday weekend .
It also followed guidance from Dr. Deborah Birx , the White House coronavirus task force coordinator , that it was OK for people to be outdoors this weekend as long as they took appropriate safety precautions .
Trump pulled away from the White House on a sunny morning wearing a white polo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Photographs that appeared later on Twitter showed him swinging a golf club and driving alone in a cart on the course at his private Trump National Golf Club in Sterling , Virginia .
The White House had no comment on the president ’ s activities at the club , but said he had discussed the pandemic ’ s effect on the global economy with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday .
The golf trip was the president ’ s first visit to one of his money-making properties since March 8 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in West Palm Beach during a weekend at his Florida home .
The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a global pandemic on March 11 , and Trump followed with the national emergency declaration two days later .
Trump is an avid golfer who has been overheard telling his White House guests how much he missed playing the game .
On Friday , Birx said it ’ s OK for Americans to play golf , tennis or other sports this weekend “ if you stay 6 feet ( 1.8 meters ) apart.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had the highest positivity rate in the country .
The capital city ’ s coronavirus death rate is higher than all but four states : New York , New Jersey , Massachusetts and Connecticut .
The U.S. leads the world with a reported 1.6 million coronavirus cases and more than 96,000 deaths , according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University .
Trump has ordered U.S. flags on federal buildings and national monuments to half-staff through Sunday in memory of Americans lost to COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s regular golf outings when he was president .
“ Can you believe that with all of the problems and difficulties facing the U.S. , President Obama spent the day playing golf .
Worse than Carter , ” Trump tweeted in October 2014 during the Ebola epidemic in West Africa , comparing Obama to former President Jimmy Carter .

STERLING, Va. — President Donald Trump played golf Saturday for the first time since he declared the coronavirus pandemic a national emergency more than two months ago, leading to the shutdown of much of American society. His return to the course was the latest sign that he wants the country back to pre-outbreak times, even as the U.S. death toll from the virus nears 100,000, twice what he once predicted it would be.
Trump also planned Memorial Day visits to Arlington National Cemetery and the Fort McHenry national monument in Baltimore, followed by a trip to Florida’s coast on Wednesday to watch to U.S. astronauts blast into orbit.
The golf outing came a day after Trump said houses of worship are “essential” and he demanded that governors allow them to reopen during the holiday weekend. It also followed guidance from Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus task force coordinator, that it was OK for people to be outdoors this weekend as long as they took appropriate safety precautions.
Trump pulled away from the White House on a sunny morning wearing a white polo shirt, white cap and dark slacks. Photographs that appeared later on Twitter showed him swinging a golf club and driving alone in a cart on the course at his private Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia.
The White House had no comment on the president’s activities at the club, but said he had discussed the pandemic’s effect on the global economy with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday.
The golf trip was the president’s first visit to one of his money-making properties since March 8, when he visited his private golf club in West Palm Beach during a weekend at his Florida home. The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a global pandemic on March 11, and Trump followed with the national emergency declaration two days later.
Trump is an avid golfer who has been overheard telling his White House guests how much he missed playing the game.
On Friday, Birx said it’s OK for Americans to play golf, tennis or other sports this weekend “if you stay 6 feet (1.8 meters) apart.” She also said the Washington metropolitan area had the highest positivity rate in the country. The capital city’s coronavirus death rate is higher than all but four states: New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Connecticut.
The U.S. leads the world with a reported 1.6 million coronavirus cases and more than 96,000 deaths, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.
Trump has ordered U.S. flags on federal buildings and national monuments to half-staff through Sunday in memory of Americans lost to COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
Trump levied frequent criticism of Barack Obama’s regular golf outings when he was president.
“Can you believe that with all of the problems and difficulties facing the U.S., President Obama spent the day playing golf. Worse than Carter,” Trump tweeted in October 2014 during the Ebola epidemic in West Africa, comparing Obama to former President Jimmy Carter.


thedenverpost--2020-05-23--Fire destroys warehouse on San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf

SAN FRANCISCO — A fire engulfed a warehouse on San Francisco ’ s Fisherman ’ s Wharf early Saturday , sending a thick plume of smoke over the waterfront and threatening to spread to a historic World War II-era ship before firefighters brought the flames under control .
One firefighter sustained a hand injury while battling the fire at the warehouse the size of a football field on Pier 45 , San Francisco Fire Lt. Jonathan Baxter said .
Baxter said after the fire subsided , investigators scoured the building to determine whether homeless people were inside .
“ That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is why we ’ re actively trying to confirm if anybody saw anybody in this building , ” he told KGO-TV .
“ To our knowledge … nobody is supposed to be in the building and we are hoping … that there is no victim , ” he said .
However , at least two workers told the San Francisco Chronicle they were inside the fish processing and storage warehouse when the fire broke out before dawn .
Alejandro Arellano , who works for La Rocca Seafood , was cleaning out a fish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shortly after 4 a.m.. “ I saw a lot of smoke .
A few minutes later , fire everywhere , ” he said .
“ It was very , very scary .
I ’ ve never seen anything like it.
” The fire tore through the warehouse near the end of the concrete pier , causing its walls to collapse , Baxter said .
The flames singed the first fire truck to respond to the scene , forcing firefighters to turn their hoses on the vehicle to save it , he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with some using ladder trucks to drench the warehouse from above .
A fire boat was used to protect the SS Jeremiah O ’ Brien , a liberty ship that stormed Normandy on D-Day in 1944 .
“ Our firefighters absolutely saved the SS Jeremiah O ’ Brien during this fire as flames were pinching on the side of this vessel , ” Baxter said .
The ship docks by Pier 45 and is among numerous tourist attractions on the wharf , a maritime hub for cruises around San Francisco Bay as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ catch of the day .
Visitors come for the Dungeness crabs , clam chowders served in sourdough bread bowls , the sea lions that hang out on the floating docks and shops and curiosities on Pier 39 .
Shops and restaurants on the wharf have been shut by the city ’ s stay-at-home order to slow the spread of the coronavirus and were expected to reopen on May 31 .
The fire was confined to the end of the pier , well away from the Musée Mécanique and its historic arcade games and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fishing companies that have been operating out of Pier 45 said the fire exacerbated an already tough business climate caused by the pandemic .
Kenny Belov , owner of the seafood wholesaler TwoXSea , told the Chronicle his building near the warehouse was not damaged but he worried a power outage on the pier could ruin the fish in his freezer .
“ Not that it would ever need this , but the seafood industry didn ’ t need this now , ” Belov said .
“ It ’ s surreal .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last couple months , with restaurants ( closed ) .
… Of all the problems in the world , this is not a big one .
But it ’ s frustrating.
” Coast Guard crew members and police assisted by keeping other vessels away from the pier .
Fire investigators were assessing any damage to the pier and were looking into the cause of the blaze , Baxter said .

SAN FRANCISCO — A fire engulfed a warehouse on San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf early Saturday, sending a thick plume of smoke over the waterfront and threatening to spread to a historic World War II-era ship before firefighters brought the flames under control.
One firefighter sustained a hand injury while battling the fire at the warehouse the size of a football field on Pier 45, San Francisco Fire Lt. Jonathan Baxter said.
Baxter said after the fire subsided, investigators scoured the building to determine whether homeless people were inside.
“That is something of grave concern, that is why we’re actively trying to confirm if anybody saw anybody in this building,” he told KGO-TV.
“To our knowledge … nobody is supposed to be in the building and we are hoping … that there is no victim,” he said.
However, at least two workers told the San Francisco Chronicle they were inside the fish processing and storage warehouse when the fire broke out before dawn.
Alejandro Arellano, who works for La Rocca Seafood, was cleaning out a fish storage locker when the fire began, shortly after 4 a.m..
“I saw a lot of smoke. A few minutes later, fire everywhere,” he said. “It was very, very scary. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
The fire tore through the warehouse near the end of the concrete pier, causing its walls to collapse, Baxter said. The flames singed the first fire truck to respond to the scene, forcing firefighters to turn their hoses on the vehicle to save it, he said.
More than 130 firefighters fought the flames, with some using ladder trucks to drench the warehouse from above. A fire boat was used to protect the SS Jeremiah O’Brien, a liberty ship that stormed Normandy on D-Day in 1944.
“Our firefighters absolutely saved the SS Jeremiah O’Brien during this fire as flames were pinching on the side of this vessel,” Baxter said.
The ship docks by Pier 45 and is among numerous tourist attractions on the wharf, a maritime hub for cruises around San Francisco Bay as well as fishing boats hauling in the catch of the day. Visitors come for the Dungeness crabs, clam chowders served in sourdough bread bowls, the sea lions that hang out on the floating docks and shops and curiosities on Pier 39.
Shops and restaurants on the wharf have been shut by the city’s stay-at-home order to slow the spread of the coronavirus and were expected to reopen on May 31.
The fire was confined to the end of the pier, well away from the Musée Mécanique and its historic arcade games and the popular restaurant Alioto’s.
Fishing companies that have been operating out of Pier 45 said the fire exacerbated an already tough business climate caused by the pandemic.
Kenny Belov, owner of the seafood wholesaler TwoXSea, told the Chronicle his building near the warehouse was not damaged but he worried a power outage on the pier could ruin the fish in his freezer.
“Not that it would ever need this, but the seafood industry didn’t need this now,” Belov said. “It’s surreal. We’ve obviously had a tough go the last couple months, with restaurants (closed). … Of all the problems in the world, this is not a big one. But it’s frustrating.”
Coast Guard crew members and police assisted by keeping other vessels away from the pier.
Fire investigators were assessing any damage to the pier and were looking into the cause of the blaze, Baxter said.


thedenverpost--2020-05-23--Coronavirus in Colorado, May 23: A look at the latest updates on COVID-19

On Friday , Colorado public health officials gave Douglas County the OK to reopen restaurants , gyms , houses of worship and the Park Meadows mall at 50 % occupancy .
This is the first time CDPHE gave a safer-at-home order variance to a metro-area county .
Meanwhile , more than 1,000 deaths have been directly attributed to COVID-19 and more than 1,300 have been associated with the illness .
Health officials also announced that there were more than 23,000 confirmed cases and nearly 145,000 people had been tested .
Throughout the day , we will share the latest coverage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak on this page .
Also , bear in mind The Denver Post relies on support from its readers to provide this in-depth coverage of the coronavirus outbreak , so please consider buying a subscription if you haven ’ t already .
Here are the updates from May 21 .
• Douglas County restaurants , houses of worship , gyms and Park Meadows mall can partially reopen after state grants variance • Suicides in Colorado dropped 40 % during first 2 months of coronavirus pandemic — but calls to crisis line spiked • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how to respond • These Colorado grocery stores , retail outlets and restaurants have coronavirus outbreaks • More symptoms , no slam-dunk drugs : What we now know — and still don ’ t know — about the coronavirus • These Colorado cities and counties require masks be worn in public places • These Colorado counties have extended their stay-at-home orders • Coronavirus timeline : An in-depth look at COVID-19 in Colorado • Colorado coronavirus map : Where are cases being reported ?
• Colorado unemployment FAQ : How to apply , details @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have the coronavirus ?
Here ’ s what to do if you ’ re not sure .
• How social distancing works and what it means for you Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado .
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado .

On Friday, Colorado public health officials gave Douglas County the OK to reopen restaurants, gyms, houses of worship and the Park Meadows mall at 50% occupancy. This is the first time CDPHE gave a safer-at-home order variance to a metro-area county.
Meanwhile, more than 1,000 deaths have been directly attributed to COVID-19 and more than 1,300 have been associated with the illness. Health officials also announced that there were more than 23,000 confirmed cases and nearly 145,000 people had been tested.
Throughout the day, we will share the latest coverage from Denver Post journalists on the coronavirus outbreak on this page. Also, bear in mind The Denver Post relies on support from its readers to provide this in-depth coverage of the coronavirus outbreak, so please consider buying a subscription if you haven’t already.
Here are the updates from May 21.
What’s new
Resources
The numbers
Live blog
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado.
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-05-23--Holiday amid pandemic: Americans divided on how to respond

NEW YORK — President Donald Trump visited one of his golf clubs Saturday at the start of Memorial Day weekend as he urges U.S. states to reopen after coronavirus-related lockdowns .
Yet many Americans remained cautious as the number of confirmed cases nationwide passed 1.6 million .
In California , where many businesses and recreational activities are reopening , officials in Los Angeles County said they would maintain tight restrictions until July 4 .
Some religious leaders took issue with Trump ’ s declaration that houses of worship are “ essential ” and should resume in-person services this weekend .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic and in order to protect our flock , we advise that congregations remain closed until more accurate and uniform information is provided , ” said Bishop Paul Egensteiner , who oversees the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America ’ s congregations in the hard-hit New York City region .
Rain dampened the start of the holiday weekend in the northeastern U.S. , where newly reopened beaches had been expected to attract throngs of people and test the effectiveness of social distancing rules .
However , Trump visited one of his private golf clubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Trump National Golf Club in northern Virginia .
He has been pushing for state and local leaders to fully reopen after months after closures and tight restrictions .
Overseas , there was mixed news .
New coronavirus cases in China fell to zero on Saturday for the first time since the start of the outbreak but surged in India and overwhelmed hospitals across Latin America..
In countries with weak health care systems , impoverished populations and not enough clean water , fighting the virus is increasingly difficult .
“ I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t go out and sell , my children won ’ t have food to eat .
I am obliged to go out and come here to sell products , despite the danger that we are in , ” said Nagnouma Kante , a market vendor in Guinea ’ s capital Conakry .
Turkey imposed its toughest lockdown measures yet starting Saturday for the Eid al-Fitr holiday marking the end of Ramadan , and Yemen ’ s Houthi rebels urged believers to use masks and stay inside , as authorities try to contain infections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of multigenerational feasting and collective prayer .
Many governments are easing restrictions as they face a political backlash and historic recessions brought on by the battle against the virus .
In just a few months , the pandemic has killed at least 338,000 people worldwide and infected more than 5.2 million , according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University .
It says more than 96,000 people have died of COVID-19 in the United States .
In Germany , which has drawn praise for its handling of the virus , seven people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurant in the northwest of the country .
It would be the first known such case since restaurants started reopening two weeks ago .
And in Frankfurt , more than 40 people tested positive after a church service of the Evangelical Christian Baptist congregation on May 10 .
The city ’ s health office said one is hospitalized .
A church leader said the community had complied with all hygiene rules but has canceled all gatherings and is now holding services online .
Authorities in nearby Hanau called off Muslim prayers planned for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Religious events helped spread the virus early in the pandemic , and resuming gatherings of the faithful is an especially thorny issue .
Mindful of evangelical Christians who are key to his base of support ahead of November ’ s election , Trump on Friday labeled houses of worship as “ essential ” and urged governors to let them reopen this weekend .
However , leaders of many denominations have said they plan to move gradually and cautiously .
France allowed in-person services to resume starting Saturday after a legal challenge to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ places of worship .
One of the world ’ s major pilgrimage sites is reopening Sunday : the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem , built on the site where Christians believe Jesus was crucified , buried and resurrected .
Latin America is the latest epicenter of the virus , and experts note the limits of government action in a region where millions have informal jobs and many police forces are weak or corrupt and unable to enforce restrictions .
Brazil and Mexico reported record numbers of infections and deaths almost daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidents for limited lockdowns .
But infections also rose and intensive care units were swamped in Peru , Chile and Ecuador , all countries lauded for imposing early and aggressive business shutdowns and quarantines .
Concerns are rising in India , where new cases showed another record jump Saturday , topping 6,000 for a second consecutive day as a two-month lockdown has eased .
States with relatively few cases have seen spikes in recent days as residents , including migrant workers traveling on special trains , have returned home .
While some countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , badly hit Russia is still struggling with its first , and reported more than 9,000 new daily cases Saturday .
In the U.S. , some regions are opening more quickly than others .
California is preparing its wineries for visitors next week , and Las Vegas casinos could reopen June 4 .
New Yorkers got an unexpected reprieve after Gov .
Andrew Cuomo eased the virus-ravaged state ’ s ban on gatherings in time for the Memorial Day weekend , when Americans honor fallen military service members , hold picnics and head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the kickoff to summer .
Some families planned to go to beaches or national parks for the first time since the virus hit , and Interior Secretary David Bernhardt was scheduled to visit the Grand Canyon on Saturday .
Moulson reported from Berlin and Charlton from Paris .
Associated Press writers around the world contributed .

David Crary, Geir Moulson, Angela Charlton

NEW YORK — President Donald Trump visited one of his golf clubs Saturday at the start of Memorial Day weekend as he urges U.S. states to reopen after coronavirus-related lockdowns. Yet many Americans remained cautious as the number of confirmed cases nationwide passed 1.6 million.
In California, where many businesses and recreational activities are reopening, officials in Los Angeles County said they would maintain tight restrictions until July 4. Some religious leaders took issue with Trump’s declaration that houses of worship are “essential” and should resume in-person services this weekend.
“Being at the epicenter of this pandemic and in order to protect our flock, we advise that congregations remain closed until more accurate and uniform information is provided,” said Bishop Paul Egensteiner, who oversees the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s congregations in the hard-hit New York City region.
Rain dampened the start of the holiday weekend in the northeastern U.S., where newly reopened beaches had been expected to attract throngs of people and test the effectiveness of social distancing rules.
However, Trump visited one of his private golf clubs for the first time during pandemic — the Trump National Golf Club in northern Virginia. He has been pushing for state and local leaders to fully reopen after months after closures and tight restrictions.
Overseas, there was mixed news. New coronavirus cases in China fell to zero on Saturday for the first time since the start of the outbreak but surged in India and overwhelmed hospitals across Latin America..
In countries with weak health care systems, impoverished populations and not enough clean water, fighting the virus is increasingly difficult.
“I’m a mother, if I don’t go out and sell, my children won’t have food to eat. I am obliged to go out and come here to sell products, despite the danger that we are in,” said Nagnouma Kante, a market vendor in Guinea’s capital Conakry.
Turkey imposed its toughest lockdown measures yet starting Saturday for the Eid al-Fitr holiday marking the end of Ramadan, and Yemen’s Houthi rebels urged believers to use masks and stay inside, as authorities try to contain infections at a time usually marked by days of multigenerational feasting and collective prayer.
Many governments are easing restrictions as they face a political backlash and historic recessions brought on by the battle against the virus. In just a few months, the pandemic has killed at least 338,000 people worldwide and infected more than 5.2 million, according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University. It says more than 96,000 people have died of COVID-19 in the United States.
In Germany, which has drawn praise for its handling of the virus, seven people appear to have been infected at a restaurant in the northwest of the country. It would be the first known such case since restaurants started reopening two weeks ago.
And in Frankfurt, more than 40 people tested positive after a church service of the Evangelical Christian Baptist congregation on May 10. The city’s health office said one is hospitalized.
A church leader said the community had complied with all hygiene rules but has canceled all gatherings and is now holding services online. Authorities in nearby Hanau called off Muslim prayers planned for a stadium Sunday as a precaution.
Religious events helped spread the virus early in the pandemic, and resuming gatherings of the faithful is an especially thorny issue.
Mindful of evangelical Christians who are key to his base of support ahead of November’s election, Trump on Friday labeled houses of worship as “essential” and urged governors to let them reopen this weekend. However, leaders of many denominations have said they plan to move gradually and cautiously.
France allowed in-person services to resume starting Saturday after a legal challenge to the government’s ban on gatherings in places of worship.
One of the world’s major pilgrimage sites is reopening Sunday: the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, built on the site where Christians believe Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected.
Latin America is the latest epicenter of the virus, and experts note the limits of government action in a region where millions have informal jobs and many police forces are weak or corrupt and unable to enforce restrictions.
Brazil and Mexico reported record numbers of infections and deaths almost daily this week, fueling criticism of their presidents for limited lockdowns. But infections also rose and intensive care units were swamped in Peru, Chile and Ecuador, all countries lauded for imposing early and aggressive business shutdowns and quarantines.
Concerns are rising in India, where new cases showed another record jump Saturday, topping 6,000 for a second consecutive day as a two-month lockdown has eased. States with relatively few cases have seen spikes in recent days as residents, including migrant workers traveling on special trains, have returned home.
While some countries are facing a second wave of infections, badly hit Russia is still struggling with its first, and reported more than 9,000 new daily cases Saturday.
In the U.S., some regions are opening more quickly than others. California is preparing its wineries for visitors next week, and Las Vegas casinos could reopen June 4.
New Yorkers got an unexpected reprieve after Gov. Andrew Cuomo eased the virus-ravaged state’s ban on gatherings in time for the Memorial Day weekend, when Americans honor fallen military service members, hold picnics and head outdoors on what’s traditionally seen as the kickoff to summer.
Some families planned to go to beaches or national parks for the first time since the virus hit, and Interior Secretary David Bernhardt was scheduled to visit the Grand Canyon on Saturday.
___
Moulson reported from Berlin and Charlton from Paris. Associated Press writers around the world contributed.
___
Follow AP pandemic coverage at http://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.


thedenverpost--2020-05-23--Pedestrian killed during hit-and-run in Denver Friday night

A pedestrian was killed during a hit-and-run crash Friday night in Denver ’ s Valverde neighborhood , Denver police tweeted @ @ @ @ @ hit near the intersection of West Alameda Avenue and South Yuma Street .
The individual @ @ @ @ @ , where he was pronounced dead , police said .
The intersection was closed to @ @ @ @ @ incident .

A pedestrian was killed during a hit-and-run crash Friday night in Denver’s Valverde neighborhood, Denver police tweeted.
An adult male was hit near the intersection of West Alameda Avenue and South Yuma Street. The individual was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said.
Authorities are still developing suspect info.
The intersection was closed to traffic Friday night after the incident.


thedenverpost--2020-05-24--Rockies prospects Ryan Rolison, Tyler Nevin face uncertainty of no minor league season

Limbo is not a comfortable place for athletes to reside , but that ’ s where minor league baseball players find themselves as spring eases toward summer .
Left-hander Ryan Rolison was likely going to begin the 2020 season pitching for the Hartford Yardgoats , the Rockies ’ Double-A affiliate .
First baseman Tyler Nevin hoped to climb the ladder to Triple-A Albuquerque and , perhaps , crack Colorado ’ s big-league roster .
Now , in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and minor league baseball ’ s unsettled future , the two prospects wait for news , direction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s been an adjustment , for sure , being down this time of year and not being able to pitch , ” Rolison said .
“ It ’ s kind of weird.
” He ’ s been living at his parents ’ house in his native Jackson , Tenn. , playing catch in the backyard with his father , Gary , and working out at his high school gym .
All the while , the Rockies ’ first-round pick out of the University of Mississippi in 2018 does his best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m trying to take it day by day , ” he said .
“ I ’ ve been in contact with my agent ( Andrew Nacario ) to find out what he ’ s hearing .
I ’ m trying to stay ready .
Whenever the time does come that we ’ re able to step back on the field , I have to be ready .
“ I know that .
But it ’ s really about controlling what I can control , and that ’ s keeping my body in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going.
” Negotiations about the long-term future of the minor leagues remain largely on hold until the fate of the 2020 major league season is resolved , but it ’ s all but certain that this year ’ s minor league season will be canceled .
Empty stadiums , TV-only games and a lucrative postseason TV deal might work for the majors , but those are not viable options for the minors .
There ’ s not enough money to make without fans , and therefore no point to assemble teams and have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Many MiLB operators anticipate that their season will officially be canceled at some point after the 2020 MLB season plan is finalized , ” said J.J. Cooper , the executive editor of Baseball America , considered the bible of minor-league baseball coverage .
“ If they can ’ t play games with fans in the stands , they lose almost all of their revenue .
It ’ s hard to see how those teams can play .
Some MLB teams , like the Angels , have already begun furloughing minor league coaches .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ furloughed staff as well.
” Minor league baseball already was facing major changes before the pandemic struck .
The National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues , the governing body , is reportedly prepared to agree in September to MLB ’ s proposal to cut the number of affiliations from 162 to 120 for the 2021 season .
MLB remains firm on its demand for a more controllable 120-team farm system , which would do away with rookie or short-season A leagues .
Rolison and Nevin , however , have more immediate concerns .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the field , but the health of everybody is paramount and that should always come first , ” said Nevin , who was added to Colorado ’ s 40-man roster in November but was slowed by an abdominal injury during his first big-league camp this spring .
Nevin has participated in Zoom meetings with fellow Rockies position players every week and stays in touch with the club ’ s coaches , but he has not been told what the summer of 2020 might hold for him .
“ It ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , but until the decisions are made about the big-league team , you really can ’ t know what ’ s going to happen , ” he said .
“ I could drive myself crazy trying to do that , so I try not to speculate.
” There are multiple reports that if the major league season begins in July , rosters would be expanded to 50 players , almost twice the normal size .
Thirty players would be on the active roster while 20 players would be on a so-called “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high-end prospects who could be shuttled onto the active roster in case of injuries or ineffectiveness of players .
It ’ s possible that Nevin could be part of the “ taxi squad.
” Many details would have to be worked out , but players on the taxi squad would likely have to attempt to stay sharp by practicing and possibly playing in modified intrasquad games .
There is also speculation that rather than face losing a full season of development , minor league players would gather at teams ’ spring training sites @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this summer or in the fall .
Cooper has proposed that the traditional Arizona Fall League be expanded so that every major league team has its own club competing .
Currently , the AFL fields six teams , with multiple franchises filling out each roster .
Last year , for example , the Salt River Rafters were made up of top prospects from the Rockies , Arizona Diamondbacks , Miami Marlins , Minnesota Twins and Tampa Bay Rays .
Zach Wilson , the Rockies ’ farm director , said he could not comment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players if there is no minor league season .
“ I ’ m not ready to talk about any of this stuff yet as there is still way too much unknown , ” Wilson said .
“ Until things become clearer , I don ’ t want to speculate.
” Rolison is approaching a major stepping stone in his career .
He dominated at low-A Asheville last season , yielding only one earned run in 14 ⅔ innings .
He was promoted to High-A Lancaster after just three starts .
Though he struggled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 22 homers in 116 ⅓ innings — he made progress in a place considered a hitter ’ s paradise .
A season at Double-A Hartford was going to be a major test for the lefty .
“ Hearing about all of the prospects that are in Double-A , it could have been a big stepping stone in my career , ” he said .
“ Getting off to a good start there , who knows what could have happened ?
I was hoping to show everybody that I was ready for the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Double-A and have that competition against those good hitters.
” Now there ’ s a chance he won ’ t compete at all , though he hopes he would be considered in the Rockies ’ plans as part of their taxi squad .
“ That ’ s something I ’ ve questioned my agent about during these unprecedented times , ” Rolison said .
“ Just looking at it , and having a feel for where I am at within the organization , I feel like there is a chance I could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
” If that doesn ’ t happen , and if there are no minor league games , Rolison believes the Rockies will come up with a plan that allows him to face competition .
“ If it turns out there is no season , at some point , we ’ ll have to be in a situation where pitchers are competing against hitters , ” he said .
“ You can ’ t take a full year off .
You can ’ t have a wasted year of development .
I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

Limbo is not a comfortable place for athletes to reside, but that’s where minor league baseball players find themselves as spring eases toward summer.
Left-hander Ryan Rolison was likely going to begin the 2020 season pitching for the Hartford Yardgoats, the Rockies’ Double-A affiliate. First baseman Tyler Nevin hoped to climb the ladder to Triple-A Albuquerque and, perhaps, crack Colorado’s big-league roster.
Now, in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and minor league baseball’s unsettled future, the two prospects wait for news, direction and a chance to play ball.
“It’s been an adjustment, for sure, being down this time of year and not being able to pitch,” Rolison said. “It’s kind of weird.”
He’s been living at his parents’ house in his native Jackson, Tenn., playing catch in the backyard with his father, Gary, and working out at his high school gym. All the while, the Rockies’ first-round pick out of the University of Mississippi in 2018 does his best to stay level-headed.
“I’m trying to take it day by day,” he said. “I’ve been in contact with my agent (Andrew Nacario) to find out what he’s hearing. I’m trying to stay ready. Whenever the time does come that we’re able to step back on the field, I have to be ready.
“I know that. But it’s really about controlling what I can control, and that’s keeping my body in the best shape possible and getting my arm going.”
Negotiations about the long-term future of the minor leagues remain largely on hold until the fate of the 2020 major league season is resolved, but it’s all but certain that this year’s minor league season will be canceled. Empty stadiums, TV-only games and a lucrative postseason TV deal might work for the majors, but those are not viable options for the minors. There’s not enough money to make without fans, and therefore no point to assemble teams and have them travel to visiting cities.
“Many MiLB operators anticipate that their season will officially be canceled at some point after the 2020 MLB season plan is finalized,” said J.J. Cooper, the executive editor of Baseball America, considered the bible of minor-league baseball coverage. “If they can’t play games with fans in the stands, they lose almost all of their revenue. It’s hard to see how those teams can play. Some MLB teams, like the Angels, have already begun furloughing minor league coaches. Many MiLB teams have laid off or furloughed staff as well.”
Minor league baseball already was facing major changes before the pandemic struck. The National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, the governing body, is reportedly prepared to agree in September to MLB’s proposal to cut the number of affiliations from 162 to 120 for the 2021 season. MLB remains firm on its demand for a more controllable 120-team farm system, which would do away with rookie or short-season A leagues.
Rolison and Nevin, however, have more immediate concerns.
“Obviously we want to get back on the field, but the health of everybody is paramount and that should always come first,” said Nevin, who was added to Colorado’s 40-man roster in November but was slowed by an abdominal injury during his first big-league camp this spring.
Nevin has participated in Zoom meetings with fellow Rockies position players every week and stays in touch with the club’s coaches, but he has not been told what the summer of 2020 might hold for him.
“It’s not that we don’t talk about it, but until the decisions are made about the big-league team, you really can’t know what’s going to happen,” he said. “I could drive myself crazy trying to do that, so I try not to speculate.”
There are multiple reports that if the major league season begins in July, rosters would be expanded to 50 players, almost twice the normal size. Thirty players would be on the active roster while 20 players would be on a so-called “taxi” squad; a group of high-end prospects who could be shuttled onto the active roster in case of injuries or ineffectiveness of players. It’s possible that Nevin could be part of the “taxi squad.”
Many details would have to be worked out, but players on the taxi squad would likely have to attempt to stay sharp by practicing and possibly playing in modified intrasquad games.
There is also speculation that rather than face losing a full season of development, minor league players would gather at teams’ spring training sites for expanded development camps at some point this summer or in the fall.
Cooper has proposed that the traditional Arizona Fall League be expanded so that every major league team has its own club competing. Currently, the AFL fields six teams, with multiple franchises filling out each roster. Last year, for example, the Salt River Rafters were made up of top prospects from the Rockies, Arizona Diamondbacks, Miami Marlins, Minnesota Twins and Tampa Bay Rays.
Zach Wilson, the Rockies’ farm director, said he could not comment on how the Rockies would develop their players if there is no minor league season.
“I’m not ready to talk about any of this stuff yet as there is still way too much unknown,” Wilson said. “Until things become clearer, I don’t want to speculate.”
Rolison is approaching a major stepping stone in his career. He dominated at low-A Asheville last season, yielding only one earned run in 14 ⅔ innings. He was promoted to High-A Lancaster after just three starts. Though he struggled some at Lancaster — 4.87 ERA and 22 homers in 116 ⅓ innings — he made progress in a place considered a hitter’s paradise.
A season at Double-A Hartford was going to be a major test for the lefty.
“Hearing about all of the prospects that are in Double-A, it could have been a big stepping stone in my career,” he said. “Getting off to a good start there, who knows what could have happened? I was hoping to show everybody that I was ready for the next level. I was excited to get to Double-A and have that competition against those good hitters.”
Now there’s a chance he won’t compete at all, though he hopes he would be considered in the Rockies’ plans as part of their taxi squad.
“That’s something I’ve questioned my agent about during these unprecedented times,” Rolison said. “Just looking at it, and having a feel for where I am at within the organization, I feel like there is a chance I could be on (the taxi squad).”
If that doesn’t happen, and if there are no minor league games, Rolison believes the Rockies will come up with a plan that allows him to face competition.
“If it turns out there is no season, at some point, we’ll have to be in a situation where pitchers are competing against hitters,” he said. “You can’t take a full year off. You can’t have a wasted year of development. I think they’ll figure something out.”


thedenverpost--2020-05-24--Memorial Day’s sea of flags will be missing from national cemeteries because of coronavirus

The sight of thousands of tiny American flags precisely pegged against rows of symmetrically aligned headstones in the nation ’ s national cemeteries has been a rite of each Memorial Day for as long as can be remembered .
This year , that symphony of flags will not be seen , the casualties of a national pandemic leaving its own mark on history .
“ That ’ s how it is , though .
It ’ s very sad , ” said Morrison Fussner , the founder of Flags for Fallen Vets , a Texas-based nonprofit that each year places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the base of each veteran ’ s grave marker in 13 national cemeteries , including the three in Colorado .
“ Our whole purpose to exist is to ensure those flags get placed , ” Fussner said .
“ It is what we do .
We place them for all in a cemetery.
” But the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on May 13 made it clear : No en masse placing of flags this year .
Individual families may do so during a private visit to the graves , including flowers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , by necessity , will be different from past Memorial Day observances , ” VA Secretary Robert Wilkie said in a press release , noting the traditional laying of wreaths will continue without a public audience .
At Fort Logan National Cemetery , that ceremony occurred on Thursday and was attended by cemetery staff .
In a nearby storage locker , about 100,000 small flags will remain until next year and the nearly 3,000 volunteers who place them in Fort Logan will remain at home , Fussner said .
“ They just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there at the same time , and I get it , ” said Fussner , himself a third-generation Marine Corps veteran .
“ Nothing stops us from remembering them on Monday and what that day really stands for.
” That ’ s how elementary school principal Ann Ramirez sees it .
She and family will go to Fort Logan on Monday for the first time , to pay tribute to her late father , Korean War veteran Norman Harpole , and his wife , Vivian .
The couple , married for 65 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Norman , 86 , in March and Vivian , 84 , in April .
The couple was interred on Saturday .
“ For me , it is my first Memorial Day needing or desiring to visit somebody , ” she said in a telephone interview .
“ It was getting close , and this is what you do on Memorial Day , especially because he ’ s a veteran .
It ’ s a special time for families , whether there ’ s COVID or not.
” Like many of his generation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about his military service – he was an Army cook stationed in Japan – but came to understand the needs of veterans as a member of the American Legion , Ramirez said .
He worked as its chaplain and ministered to veterans for many years , she said .
“ He used to talk about the first time anyone had ever thanked him for his service , ” she recalled .
“ He was tearful and grateful .
For so many years he squelched that .
If vets don ’ t take care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He took great honor to do that.
” At All Veterans Funeral & Cremation in Wheat Ridge , more than 60 families have chosen to delay burial at Fort Logan because of the continued restrictions on full military honors because of the pandemic .
“ The entire mission of our company is to serve veterans and their families , and there ’ s not a time more reflective of that than Memorial Day , ” said Al Kamm , who runs the business with his sister , Tommie .
It was started by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kamm .
“ Here we are , months later ( after stay-at-home orders were issued ) , with a holiday and nothing ’ s changed and it remains devastating , ” he said .
“ It ’ s another layer of grief because they can ’ t honor them with that service they had hoped for.
” In an effort to assuage the emotions , the Kamms have begun offering cremations that include a donated retired flag .
As a memorial , the Kamms also offer families several of the stars cut from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to do the service they deserve but we can do that , ” he said , noting the preferred method of disposing of a retired flag is to burn it .
For Kay Corken of Parker , waiting to give a full military funeral to her father , Vernon Haas , is important .
The World War II veteran of the U.S. Navy hardly spoke of his time in the military , Corken said , but she understood the sacrifices he must have made and came to appreciate its significance .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ May 7 at the age of 94 .
“ Sure , we want closure , but I want him to have the service he so deserves , ” Corken said .
“ I ’ m not sure when that will be and I ’ m not sure I won ’ t run out of patience .
It ’ s hard to wait , but it ’ s not something we need right this second.
” A Memorial Day without the chance to visit a gravestone is different than what she had expected , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a proud veteran is a worthy sacrifice to make .
The remains of her mother , Ruby , will be reinterred with him , Corken said .
“ I want his two grandsons to understand and always remember that legacy , to have that ( memorial ) service embedded into their mind , ” she said .
“ Over time people forget about the time of that great generation , the wars , and the veterans that are so important.
” “ The whole thing , the ceremony , is to have that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did and how he served , ” Corken said .
“ It ’ s momentous .
”

The sight of thousands of tiny American flags precisely pegged against rows of symmetrically aligned headstones in the nation’s national cemeteries has been a rite of each Memorial Day for as long as can be remembered.
This year, that symphony of flags will not be seen, the casualties of a national pandemic leaving its own mark on history.
“That’s how it is, though. It’s very sad,” said Morrison Fussner, the founder of Flags for Fallen Vets, a Texas-based nonprofit that each year places about 650,000 of those tiny flags at the base of each veteran’s grave marker in 13 national cemeteries, including the three in Colorado.
“Our whole purpose to exist is to ensure those flags get placed,” Fussner said. “It is what we do. We place them for all in a cemetery.”
But the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on May 13 made it clear: No en masse placing of flags this year. Individual families may do so during a private visit to the graves, including flowers. Social distancing is encouraged.
“This year, by necessity, will be different from past Memorial Day observances,” VA Secretary Robert Wilkie said in a press release, noting the traditional laying of wreaths will continue without a public audience.
At Fort Logan National Cemetery, that ceremony occurred on Thursday and was attended by cemetery staff.
In a nearby storage locker, about 100,000 small flags will remain until next year and the nearly 3,000 volunteers who place them in Fort Logan will remain at home, Fussner said.
“They just don’t want 3,000 people out there at the same time, and I get it,” said Fussner, himself a third-generation Marine Corps veteran. “Nothing stops us from remembering them on Monday and what that day really stands for.”
That’s how elementary school principal Ann Ramirez sees it. She and family will go to Fort Logan on Monday for the first time, to pay tribute to her late father, Korean War veteran Norman Harpole, and his wife, Vivian. The couple, married for 65 years, died just six weeks apart; Norman, 86, in March and Vivian, 84, in April.
The couple was interred on Saturday.
“For me, it is my first Memorial Day needing or desiring to visit somebody,” she said in a telephone interview. “It was getting close, and this is what you do on Memorial Day, especially because he’s a veteran. It’s a special time for families, whether there’s COVID or not.”
Like many of his generation, Norman wasn’t much to talk about his military service – he was an Army cook stationed in Japan – but came to understand the needs of veterans as a member of the American Legion, Ramirez said. He worked as its chaplain and ministered to veterans for many years, she said.
“He used to talk about the first time anyone had ever thanked him for his service,” she recalled. “He was tearful and grateful. For so many years he squelched that. If vets don’t take care of each other, who will? He took great honor to do that.”
At All Veterans Funeral & Cremation in Wheat Ridge, more than 60 families have chosen to delay burial at Fort Logan because of the continued restrictions on full military honors because of the pandemic.
“The entire mission of our company is to serve veterans and their families, and there’s not a time more reflective of that than Memorial Day,” said Al Kamm, who runs the business with his sister, Tommie. It was started by their late father, Vietnam veteran Tom Kamm.
“Here we are, months later (after stay-at-home orders were issued), with a holiday and nothing’s changed and it remains devastating,” he said. “It’s another layer of grief because they can’t honor them with that service they had hoped for.”
In an effort to assuage the emotions, the Kamms have begun offering cremations that include a donated retired flag. As a memorial, the Kamms also offer families several of the stars cut from those flags.
“We may not be able to do the service they deserve but we can do that,” he said, noting the preferred method of disposing of a retired flag is to burn it.
For Kay Corken of Parker, waiting to give a full military funeral to her father, Vernon Haas, is important.
The World War II veteran of the U.S. Navy hardly spoke of his time in the military, Corken said, but she understood the sacrifices he must have made and came to appreciate its significance.
A life-long Coloradan, Haas died on May 7 at the age of 94.
“Sure, we want closure, but I want him to have the service he so deserves,” Corken said. “I’m not sure when that will be and I’m not sure I won’t run out of patience. It’s hard to wait, but it’s not something we need right this second.”
A Memorial Day without the chance to visit a gravestone is different than what she had expected, Corken said, but paying homage to a proud veteran is a worthy sacrifice to make. The remains of her mother, Ruby, will be reinterred with him, Corken said.
“I want his two grandsons to understand and always remember that legacy, to have that (memorial) service embedded into their mind,” she said. “Over time people forget about the time of that great generation, the wars, and the veterans that are so important.”
She paused, her voice cracking.
“The whole thing, the ceremony, is to have that memory of him, of what he did and how he served,” Corken said. “It’s momentous.”