dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-15--Fed takes emergency steps to slash rates and ease bank rules

WASHINGTON -- The Federal Reserve took emergency action Sunday to help the economy withstand the coronavirus by slashing its benchmark interest rate to near zero and saying it would buy $ 700 billion in Treasury and mortgage bonds .
The Fed 's surprise announcement signaled its concern that the viral outbreak will depress economic growth in the coming months and that it 's prepared to do whatever it can counter the risks .
It said it would keep its key rate at a range between zero and 0.25 % until it feels confident that the economy can survive what 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the United States .
The central bank will buy $ 500 billion of Treasury securities and $ 200 billion of mortgage-backed securities -- an effort to smooth over market disruptions that have made it hard for banks and large investors to sell Treasuries as well as to keep longer-term rates borrowing rates down .
The disruptions in the Treasury market sent the yield on the 10-year Treasury rising last week , an unusual move that threatens to push borrowing costs for mortgages and credit cards higher .
By aggressively slashing its benchmark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hundreds of billions of dollars into the financial system , the Fed 's moves Sunday recalled the emergency action it took at the height of the financial crisis .
Starting in 2008 , the Fed cut its key rate to near zero and kept it there for seven years .
The central bank has now returned that rate -- which influences many consumer and business loans -- to its record-low level .
Some of the Fed 's new steps are intended to free up money for banks to lend .
As businesses across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consumers stay home , they will seek short-term loans to maintain their payrolls .
The Fed said it has dropped its normal requirement that banks hold cash equal to 10 % of its customers ' deposits , allowing banks to lend those funds .
It also said banks can use additional cash buffers that were imposed after the 2008 financial crisis for lending .
`` The Federal Reserve is prepared to use its full range of tools to support the flow of credit to households and businesses and thereby promote its maximum employment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ central bank said .
`` It confirms that the Fed sees the economy going down ... very sharply '' toward recession , Adam Posen , president of the Peterson Institute for International Economics , said .
The Fed also announced that it has cut interest rates on dollar loans in a joint action that it has taken with five central banks overseas .
That is intended to ensure that foreign banks continue to have access to dollars that they lend to overseas companies .
All told , the Fed 's actions amount to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its most perilous juncture since the recession ended more than a decade ago .
Still , with the virus ' spread causing a broad shutdown of economic activity in the United States , the Fed faces a daunting task .
Its tools -- intended to ease borrowing rates , facilitate lending and boost confidence -- are n't ideally suited to offset a fear-driven halt in spending and traveling .
`` We have to hope that the Fed getting out in front of events , not to mention other central banks , pushes the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Adam Posen , president of the Peterson Institute for International Economics .
`` The heavy lifting for stimulus and for preventing lasting economic damage has to be done on the fiscal side .
That 's nature of this shock . ''
`` It confirms that the Fed sees the economy going down ... very sharply '' toward recession , Posen said .
Posen advocates fiscal steps such as providing sick leave and pay for quarantined workers and rolling over bank loans to small and medium sized businesses hit hard by the outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the magic bullet that saves everything , '' said Timothy Duy , an economist at the University of Oregon who follows the Fed .
But it sends a signal to Congress that the economy needs emergency stimulus .
Duy also predicted that the Fed will follow up with more moves , including possibly changing its inflation target to allow for more stimulus and providing more support for commercial paper -- the short-term notes that companies issue to meet expenses .
`` I do n't think they 're done yet , '' Duy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are an `` effort to keep markets from freezing up . ''
Earlier , Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said that both the central bank and the federal government have tools at their disposal to support the economy .
Mnuchin also said he did not think the economy is yet in recession .
Most economists , however , believe a recession is already here , or will be soon .
JPMorgan Chase predicts the economy will shrink 2 % in the current quarter and 3 % in the April-June quarter .
`` I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when asked if the U.S. is in recession .
`` The real issue is what economic tools are we going to use to make sure we get through this . ''
On Saturday , President Donald Trump reiterated his frequent demand that the Fed `` get on board and do what they should do , '' reflecting his argument that benchmark U.S. rates should be as low as they are in Europe and Japan , where they 're now negative .
Negative rates are generally seen as a sign of economic distress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they help stimulate growth .
Fed officials have indicated that they 're unlikely to cut rates below zero .
With the virus depressing travel , spending , and corporate investment and forcing the cancellation of sports leagues , business conferences , music performances , and Broadway shows , economists increasingly expect the economy to shrink for at least one or two quarters .
A six-month contraction would meet an informal definition of a recession .
Two weeks ago , in a surprise move , the Fed sought to offset the disease 's drags @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate by a half-percentage point -- its first cut between policy meetings since the financial crisis .
Its benchmark rate is now in a range of 1 % to 1.25 % .
Some analysts have forecast that the Fed will reduce its rate by just one-half or three-quarters of a point on Wednesday , rather than by a full point .
But policymakers have largely accepted research that says once its benchmark rate approaches zero , it would produce a greater economic benefit to cut all the way to zero rather than just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That 's because it takes time for rate cuts to work their way through the economy .
So if a recession threatens , quicker action is more effective .
Some of the attention Wednesday will likely be on what steps the Fed takes to further smooth the functioning of bond markets , a topic that can seem esoteric but that serves a fundamental role in the functioning of the economy .
The rate on the 10-year Treasury influences a range of borrowing costs for businesses and consumers , including mortgage and credit card @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't seamlessly trade those securities , borrowing rates might rise throughout the economy .
`` Even more important than the Fed 's rate-cutting function is the market-calming function , '' said David Wilcox , a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics and former head of research at the Fed .
The central bank took a huge step in that direction Thursday , when it said it would provide $ 1.5 trillion of short-term loans to banks .
The central bank will provide the cash to interested banks in return for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after one or three months .
That program is a response to signs that the bond market has been disrupted in recent days as many traders and banks have sought to unload large sums of Treasurys but have n't found enough willing buyers .
That logjam reduced bond prices and raised their yields -- the opposite of what typically happens when the stock market plunges .
The Fed also said last week that it would broaden its $ 60 billion monthly Treasury purchase program , launched last fall , from just short-term bills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already reinvesting $ 20 billion from its holdings of mortgage-backed securities into Treasuries of all durations , thereby bringing its total purchases to $ 80 billion .
Those purchases would help relieve banks of the Treasuries they want to sell .
Some analysts expect the Fed to extend those purchases past their current end-date of the second quarter and even vastly increase the size .
On Wednesday , the Fed 's policymakers will also update their forecasts for the economy and for interest rates .
Economists at Pimco predict that the Fed 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growth this year from 2 % to below 1.5 % .
That figure would be consistent with an economic contraction in the first half of the year , followed by a sharp rebound , Pimco said .

Fed takes emergency steps to slash rates and ease bank rules
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell pauses during a news conference, Tuesday, March 3, 2020, while discussing an announcement from the Federal Open Market Committee, in Washington. The Fed on Sunday cut interest rates to near zero. Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- The Federal Reserve took emergency action Sunday to help the economy withstand the coronavirus by slashing its benchmark interest rate to near zero and saying it would buy $700 billion in Treasury and mortgage bonds.
The Fed's surprise announcement signaled its concern that the viral outbreak will depress economic growth in the coming months and that it's prepared to do whatever it can counter the risks. It said it would keep its key rate at a range between zero and 0.25% until it feels confident that the economy can survive what's become a sudden near-shutdown of economic activity in the United States.
The central bank will buy $500 billion of Treasury securities and $200 billion of mortgage-backed securities -- an effort to smooth over market disruptions that have made it hard for banks and large investors to sell Treasuries as well as to keep longer-term rates borrowing rates down. The disruptions in the Treasury market sent the yield on the 10-year Treasury rising last week, an unusual move that threatens to push borrowing costs for mortgages and credit cards higher.
By aggressively slashing its benchmark short-term rate to near zero and pumping hundreds of billions of dollars into the financial system, the Fed's moves Sunday recalled the emergency action it took at the height of the financial crisis. Starting in 2008, the Fed cut its key rate to near zero and kept it there for seven years. The central bank has now returned that rate -- which influences many consumer and business loans -- to its record-low level.
Some of the Fed's new steps are intended to free up money for banks to lend. As businesses across the country see their revenues dwindle as consumers stay home, they will seek short-term loans to maintain their payrolls. The Fed said it has dropped its normal requirement that banks hold cash equal to 10% of its customers' deposits, allowing banks to lend those funds. It also said banks can use additional cash buffers that were imposed after the 2008 financial crisis for lending.
"The Federal Reserve is prepared to use its full range of tools to support the flow of credit to households and businesses and thereby promote its maximum employment and price stability goals," the central bank said.
"It confirms that the Fed sees the economy going down ... very sharply'' toward recession, Adam Posen, president of the Peterson Institute for International Economics, said.
The Fed also announced that it has cut interest rates on dollar loans in a joint action that it has taken with five central banks overseas. That is intended to ensure that foreign banks continue to have access to dollars that they lend to overseas companies.
All told, the Fed's actions amount to a recognition that the U.S. economy faces its most perilous juncture since the recession ended more than a decade ago.
Still, with the virus' spread causing a broad shutdown of economic activity in the United States, the Fed faces a daunting task. Its tools -- intended to ease borrowing rates, facilitate lending and boost confidence -- aren't ideally suited to offset a fear-driven halt in spending and traveling.
"We have to hope that the Fed getting out in front of events, not to mention other central banks, pushes the economy in the right direction,'' said Adam Posen, president of the Peterson Institute for International Economics. "The heavy lifting for stimulus and for preventing lasting economic damage has to be done on the fiscal side. That's nature of this shock.''
"It confirms that the Fed sees the economy going down ... very sharply'' toward recession, Posen said.
Posen advocates fiscal steps such as providing sick leave and pay for quarantined workers and rolling over bank loans to small and medium sized businesses hit hard by the outbreak.
"This isn't going to be the magic bullet that saves everything,'' said Timothy Duy, an economist at the University of Oregon who follows the Fed.
But it sends a signal to Congress that the economy needs emergency stimulus. Duy also predicted that the Fed will follow up with more moves, including possibly changing its inflation target to allow for more stimulus and providing more support for commercial paper -- the short-term notes that companies issue to meet expenses.
"I don't think they're done yet,'' Duy said.
Duy said the asset purchases are an "effort to keep markets from freezing up.''
Earlier, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said that both the central bank and the federal government have tools at their disposal to support the economy.
Mnuchin also said he did not think the economy is yet in recession. Most economists, however, believe a recession is already here, or will be soon. JPMorgan Chase predicts the economy will shrink 2% in the current quarter and 3% in the April-June quarter.
"I don't think so," Mnuchin said, when asked if the U.S. is in recession. "The real issue is what economic tools are we going to use to make sure we get through this."
On Saturday, President Donald Trump reiterated his frequent demand that the Fed "get on board and do what they should do," reflecting his argument that benchmark U.S. rates should be as low as they are in Europe and Japan, where they're now negative. Negative rates are generally seen as a sign of economic distress, and there's little evidence that they help stimulate growth. Fed officials have indicated that they're unlikely to cut rates below zero.
With the virus depressing travel, spending, and corporate investment and forcing the cancellation of sports leagues, business conferences, music performances, and Broadway shows, economists increasingly expect the economy to shrink for at least one or two quarters. A six-month contraction would meet an informal definition of a recession.
Two weeks ago, in a surprise move, the Fed sought to offset the disease's drags on the economy by cutting its short-term rate by a half-percentage point -- its first cut between policy meetings since the financial crisis. Its benchmark rate is now in a range of 1% to 1.25%. Some analysts have forecast that the Fed will reduce its rate by just one-half or three-quarters of a point on Wednesday, rather than by a full point.
But policymakers have largely accepted research that says once its benchmark rate approaches zero, it would produce a greater economic benefit to cut all the way to zero rather than just to a quarter- or half-point above. That's because it takes time for rate cuts to work their way through the economy. So if a recession threatens, quicker action is more effective.
Some of the attention Wednesday will likely be on what steps the Fed takes to further smooth the functioning of bond markets, a topic that can seem esoteric but that serves a fundamental role in the functioning of the economy. The rate on the 10-year Treasury influences a range of borrowing costs for businesses and consumers, including mortgage and credit card rates. If banks and investors can't seamlessly trade those securities, borrowing rates might rise throughout the economy.
"Even more important than the Fed's rate-cutting function is the market-calming function," said David Wilcox, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics and former head of research at the Fed.
The central bank took a huge step in that direction Thursday, when it said it would provide $1.5 trillion of short-term loans to banks. The central bank will provide the cash to interested banks in return for Treasuries. The loans will be repaid after one or three months.
That program is a response to signs that the bond market has been disrupted in recent days as many traders and banks have sought to unload large sums of Treasurys but haven't found enough willing buyers. That logjam reduced bond prices and raised their yields -- the opposite of what typically happens when the stock market plunges.
The Fed also said last week that it would broaden its $60 billion monthly Treasury purchase program, launched last fall, from just short-term bills to all maturities. The Fed is already reinvesting $20 billion from its holdings of mortgage-backed securities into Treasuries of all durations, thereby bringing its total purchases to $80 billion.
Those purchases would help relieve banks of the Treasuries they want to sell. Some analysts expect the Fed to extend those purchases past their current end-date of the second quarter and even vastly increase the size.
On Wednesday, the Fed's policymakers will also update their forecasts for the economy and for interest rates. Economists at Pimco predict that the Fed's policymakers will collectively downgrade their estimate for growth this year from 2% to below 1.5%. That figure would be consistent with an economic contraction in the first half of the year, followed by a sharp rebound, Pimco said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-15--DuPage County declaring disaster in wake of first confirmed COVID-19 case

In the wake of the first confirmed COVID-19 infection in DuPage County , county board Chairman Dan Cronin is signing a disaster proclamation for the entire county , effective Monday .
`` This disaster proclamation is critical , as it puts our emergency operation plan into play for everyone here in DuPage County , '' Cronin said Sunday during a news conference at the Linda A. Kurzawa Community Center in Wheaton .
`` We are taking every possible action to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on our communities , '' he added .
The declaration , which follows similar measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one day after state health officials announced the county 's first confirmed coronavirus case .
Officials said infected person is a woman in her 60s who had been living at the Chateau Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Willowbrook .
She has been hospitalized and is listed in stable condition .
Ron Nunziato , CEO of Extended Care LLC , the consulting company working with Chateau , said the facility is following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , the Illinois Department of Public Health and the county health department .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ health , safety and well-being is our highest priority , '' he said .
`` We anticipated it was n't if , it was when , a resident would become affected . ''
He said the center previously implemented increased infection prevention practices and strategies , including symptom screening of staff and residents , enhanced environmental cleaning and disinfection , and visitor screening and restrictions .
`` We believe that because of the proactive approach to this crisis , we were able to identify this quickly , '' Nunziato added .
The center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities to promptly identify and monitor people who have had recent contact with the resident , he said .
Karen Ayala , executive director of the DuPage County Health Department , said the agency has been monitoring COVID-19 since late January .
`` We expected to see cases here , '' she said .
`` We have been talking about the eventuality of what happened yesterday , and we are absolutely not surprised nor are we panicked with this news . ''
The department has worked closely with schools , community organizations and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including washing hands , covering coughs and sneezes , and staying home while sick , Ayala said .
In the meantime , Cronin said the county 's health department and office of homeland security and emergency management are available to help local leaders coordinate municipal responses .
As part of the response , Cronin said , Comcast has pledged to make hi-speed data service available for 60 days to low-income families who do not have the company 's internet service in their homes .
Comcast also has opened its Wi-Fi access points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at thousands of points throughout the county .
The company will not disconnect service or charge late fees during this time , Cronin said .
Those looking to help can visit givingdupage.org for volunteer opportunities , he added .

DuPage County declaring disaster in wake of first confirmed COVID-19 case
In the wake of the first confirmed COVID-19 infection in DuPage County, county board Chairman Dan Cronin is signing a disaster proclamation for the entire county, effective Monday.
"This disaster proclamation is critical, as it puts our emergency operation plan into play for everyone here in DuPage County," Cronin said Sunday during a news conference at the Linda A. Kurzawa Community Center in Wheaton.
"We are taking every possible action to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on our communities," he added.
The declaration, which follows similar measures in Cook and McHenry counties, comes one day after state health officials announced the county's first confirmed coronavirus case.
Officials said infected person is a woman in her 60s who had been living at the Chateau Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Willowbrook. She has been hospitalized and is listed in stable condition.
Ron Nunziato, CEO of Extended Care LLC, the consulting company working with Chateau, said the facility is following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Illinois Department of Public Health and the county health department.
"As always, our residents' health, safety and well-being is our highest priority," he said. "We anticipated it wasn't if, it was when, a resident would become affected."
He said the center previously implemented increased infection prevention practices and strategies, including symptom screening of staff and residents, enhanced environmental cleaning and disinfection, and visitor screening and restrictions.
"We believe that because of the proactive approach to this crisis, we were able to identify this quickly," Nunziato added.
The center is working with state and county health authorities to promptly identify and monitor people who have had recent contact with the resident, he said.
Karen Ayala, executive director of the DuPage County Health Department, said the agency has been monitoring COVID-19 since late January.
"We expected to see cases here," she said. "We have been talking about the eventuality of what happened yesterday, and we are absolutely not surprised nor are we panicked with this news."
The department has worked closely with schools, community organizations and health care providers to highlight prevention steps, including washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home while sick, Ayala said.
In the meantime, Cronin said the county's health department and office of homeland security and emergency management are available to help local leaders coordinate municipal responses.
As part of the response, Cronin said, Comcast has pledged to make hi-speed data service available for 60 days to low-income families who do not have the company's internet service in their homes.
Comcast also has opened its Wi-Fi access points across DuPage County for subscribers and nonsubscribers at thousands of points throughout the county. The company will not disconnect service or charge late fees during this time, Cronin said.
Those looking to help can visit givingdupage.org for volunteer opportunities, he added.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-15--State now has 66 coronavirus cases after public health officials announce 2 positive cases downstate

A woman in her 60s living in a long-term care facility in DuPage County is one of seven new cases of COVID-19 in the suburbs .
It 's among 18 new confirmed cases in Illinois ' overall , health officials said Saturday .
Later , officials announced two positive coronavirus cases in downstate Sangamon County , bringing the state 's total 66 .
That DuPage location was `` locked down to outside visitors , '' Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said in an afternoon press briefing , and state and local officials are identifying others there who might be at risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what we 've seen of this virus so far , older adults do tend to suffer more severe illness , and that 's why our focus will be on these populations , '' said Dr. Ngozi Ezike , director of the Illinois ' Department of Public Health .
`` Younger adults and children may have only mild illness , but if they attend larger events or come in contact with vulnerable populations , ... that could cause spread of the virus .
It will take all of us working together to help reduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The first novel coronavirus cases in central and southern Illinois also were confirmed Saturday , indicating the outbreak now spans eight counties .
Pritzker 's message at the news briefing was clear : Stay home .
`` Once again , no matter how healthy you feel , if you can , stay home .
If you are able to telework , do so .
If you do n't have to travel , do n't , '' he said .
`` This is n't forever .
This is a sacrifice in the short term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to control the spread of this virus and prevent our medical infrastructure from dealing with too many cases at once is an action that saves lives . ''
In addition to new cases in the metropolitan area -- seven in Chicago , four in suburban Cook County , one in DuPage County , one in Kane County and one in Lake County -- the Illinois Department of Public Health announced 4 cases in other geographic regions in addition to the two new cases in Sangamon County .
Two women , one in her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were diagnosed in St. Clair County in the metro-east area .
One man in his 70s tested positive in Cumberland County in southeast Illinois , as did one man in his 70s in Woodford County in central Illinois .
Late Saturday , the Rosemont Health and Fitness Club announced it had learned that a 73-year-old man who had used the club has been diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus .
The member had been in Egypt on a river cruise before returning the fitness club .
The club was shut down and will remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hiatus , the village 's health department will oversee a deep cleaning of the entire facility .
It was unclear if this case is among those that have been confirmed in the state report .
There have been no deaths in Illinois related to COVID-19 , she added .
A number of the earliest diagnoses have made a full recovery .
State health officials warned those with heart disease , lung disease , weakened immune systems , cancer patients , elderly people and pregnant women are at the highest risk .
Of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contracted the virus from travel , another third were sickened from being in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 and the remaining cases could be from community spread , Ezike said .
Pritzker 's call for residents to practice social distancing measures comes after he ordered all public and private schools to close for two weeks -- from Tuesday , March 17 , through Tuesday , March 31 .
He also banned any events with more than 1,000 people and urged those hosting events of 250 people or more to cancel them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ additional public health and safety mandates , Pritzker said his administration is `` always looking at all the options , '' but did not have any immediate plans .
`` Counties and cities can make further restrictions if they choose , '' Pritkzer added .
Tuesday is Illinois ' primary election , and state officials encouraged voters to cast their ballot by mail , submit it with the county clerk 's office or in person at an early-voting site .
Polls will be open Tuesday as well .
`` Stay well , stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not a time for panic , '' Dr. Allison Arwady , commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health , said .
`` It 's a time for listening to the advice and learning more to make sure you 're sharing good information . ''
State officials strongly encouraged any Illinoisan who thinks they might have COVID-19 to call their health care provider as opposed to going to a medical office or the emergency room .
Licensed Illinois physicians received guidance from the Public Health Department to analyze a patient 's symptoms over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether that person should be screened in person .
Those with mild symptoms most likely do not need a coronavirus test , Ezike said .
Instead , they will typically be asked to isolate themselves at home .
As of Friday , labs overseen by her department processed about 1,600 tests , representing more than 800 patients .
Ezika warned that as commercial laboratories are able to handle tests , `` we could see a dramatic increase of positives over the coming days and weeks . ''
Pritkzer on Saturday also announced his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for permission to expand Medicaid coverage .
If approved , Illinois could add new physicians to the program .
For those with general COVID-19 questions , the Department of Public Health maintains a hotline at 1-800-889-3931 and an email address ( dph.sick @ illinois.gov ) .

State now has 66 coronavirus cases after public health officials announce 2 positive cases downstate
Governor, J.B. Pritzker and Dr. Ngozi Ezike, right, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, provide the daily update on novel coronavirus in Illinois at the Thompson Center on Saturday. Tyler LaRiviere/Chicago Sun-Times
A woman in her 60s living in a long-term care facility in DuPage County is one of seven new cases of COVID-19 in the suburbs.
It's among 18 new confirmed cases in Illinois' overall, health officials said Saturday. Later, officials announced two positive coronavirus cases in downstate Sangamon County, bringing the state's total 66.
That DuPage location was "locked down to outside visitors," Gov. J.B. Pritzker said in an afternoon press briefing, and state and local officials are identifying others there who might be at risk of contracting the virus.
"From what we've seen of this virus so far, older adults do tend to suffer more severe illness, and that's why our focus will be on these populations," said Dr. Ngozi Ezike, director of the Illinois' Department of Public Health. "Younger adults and children may have only mild illness, but if they attend larger events or come in contact with vulnerable populations, ... that could cause spread of the virus. It will take all of us working together to help reduce the spread of this virus."
The first novel coronavirus cases in central and southern Illinois also were confirmed Saturday, indicating the outbreak now spans eight counties.
Pritzker's message at the news briefing was clear: Stay home.
"Once again, no matter how healthy you feel, if you can, stay home. If you are able to telework, do so. If you don't have to travel, don't," he said. "This isn't forever. This is a sacrifice in the short term. ... Every action that we take to control the spread of this virus and prevent our medical infrastructure from dealing with too many cases at once is an action that saves lives."
In addition to new cases in the metropolitan area -- seven in Chicago, four in suburban Cook County, one in DuPage County, one in Kane County and one in Lake County -- the Illinois Department of Public Health announced 4 cases in other geographic regions in addition to the two new cases in Sangamon County.
Two women, one in her 60s and one in her 70s, were diagnosed in St. Clair County in the metro-east area.
One man in his 70s tested positive in Cumberland County in southeast Illinois, as did one man in his 70s in Woodford County in central Illinois.
Late Saturday, the Rosemont Health and Fitness Club announced it had learned that a 73-year-old man who had used the club has been diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus. The member had been in Egypt on a river cruise before returning the fitness club.
The club was shut down and will remain closed until March 30. During this hiatus, the village's health department will oversee a deep cleaning of the entire facility.
It was unclear if this case is among those that have been confirmed in the state report.
There have been no deaths in Illinois related to COVID-19, she added. A number of the earliest diagnoses have made a full recovery.
State health officials warned those with heart disease, lung disease, weakened immune systems, cancer patients, elderly people and pregnant women are at the highest risk.
Of the 64 cases in Illinois, about one-third contracted the virus from travel, another third were sickened from being in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 and the remaining cases could be from community spread, Ezike said.
Pritzker's call for residents to practice social distancing measures comes after he ordered all public and private schools to close for two weeks -- from Tuesday, March 17, through Tuesday, March 31. He also banned any events with more than 1,000 people and urged those hosting events of 250 people or more to cancel them.
When asked if he would consider additional public health and safety mandates, Pritzker said his administration is "always looking at all the options," but did not have any immediate plans.
"Counties and cities can make further restrictions if they choose," Pritkzer added.
Tuesday is Illinois' primary election, and state officials encouraged voters to cast their ballot by mail, submit it with the county clerk's office or in person at an early-voting site. Polls will be open Tuesday as well.
"Stay well, stay safe, stay calm. It's not a time for panic," Dr. Allison Arwady, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health, said. "It's a time for listening to the advice and learning more to make sure you're sharing good information."
State officials strongly encouraged any Illinoisan who thinks they might have COVID-19 to call their health care provider as opposed to going to a medical office or the emergency room. Licensed Illinois physicians received guidance from the Public Health Department to analyze a patient's symptoms over the phone and make a determination about whether that person should be screened in person.
Those with mild symptoms most likely do not need a coronavirus test, Ezike said. Instead, they will typically be asked to isolate themselves at home.
As of Friday, labs overseen by her department processed about 1,600 tests, representing more than 800 patients. Ezika warned that as commercial laboratories are able to handle tests, "we could see a dramatic increase of positives over the coming days and weeks."
Pritkzer on Saturday also announced his administration planned to ask the federal government for permission to expand Medicaid coverage. If approved, Illinois could add new physicians to the program.
For those with general COVID-19 questions, the Department of Public Health maintains a hotline at 1-800-889-3931 and an email address (dph.sick@illinois.gov).


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-15--Round Lake Beach police officer shot while breaking up domestic disturbance

A Round Lake Beach police officer was listed in stable condition after being shot in the leg Sunday while responding @ @ @ @ @ battery , authorities said .
The shooting occurred shortly after 1 p.m. when officers were @ @ @ @ @ the 100 block of Golfview Drive and arrived to find a pair of adult relatives @ @ @ @ @ the Lake County Major Crime Task Force .
The first officer to arrive was attempting @ @ @ @ @ one of the men got into a physical altercation with the officer and attempted to @ @ @ @ @ During the struggle , the man was able to fire the gun while it remained @ @ @ @ @ the officer in the lower leg .
The man was quickly taken under control and @ @ @ @ @ , authorities said .
The officer was taken to a hospital in stable condition with @ @ @ @ @ threatening injuries .
Following protocol , the Round Lake Beach Police Department contacted the major @ @ @ @ @ an independent investigation , which is ongoing .

Round Lake Beach police officer shot while breaking up domestic disturbance
A Round Lake Beach police officer was listed in stable condition after being shot in the leg Sunday while responding to reports of a domestic battery, authorities said.
The shooting occurred shortly after 1 p.m. when officers were called to a home in the 100 block of Golfview Drive and arrived to find a pair of adult relatives fighting outside, according to the Lake County Major Crime Task Force.
The first officer to arrive was attempting to contain the situation when one of the men got into a physical altercation with the officer and attempted to grab his holstered firearm. During the struggle, the man was able to fire the gun while it remained in its holster, hitting the officer in the lower leg.
The man was quickly taken under control and is now in police custody, authorities said. The officer was taken to a hospital in stable condition with what were described as nonlife threatening injuries.
Following protocol, the Round Lake Beach Police Department contacted the major crime task force to conduct an independent investigation, which is ongoing.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-15--Remembering, with a shudder, the last time there was no major-league baseball

Major-league baseball has only been shut down a few days , but the memories are already flooding back .
I remember -- all too well -- what is was like the last time there was no baseball when there was supposed to be baseball .
I 'll never forget that day in Oakland when the regular season ended due to the player 's strike .
That was Aug. 10 , 1994 .
After the first-place White Sox beat the A 's 2-1 , Gene Lamont strolled into the cramped manager 's office at the Coliseum completely naked , pulled up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the media .
Lamont did n't have many answers , and he could n't have possibly known how low the game would sink .
Play did not resume for 232 days , the longest work stoppage in major-league history , and there was no shortage of bizarre happenings during the down time .
The 1994 season was my first on the White Sox beat , and it started with the international media mobbing a rookie named Michael Jordan when spring training opened in Sarasota , Fla .
Since Jordan played the '94 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't on the Sox 's major-league roster , he reported to spring training in 1995 with players still on strike .
Instead of getting himself ready to play , say the upcoming season at Class AAA and maybe join the White Sox after the all-star break , Jordan was viewed as a huge drawing card as major-league clubs decided to launch the '95 season with replacement players .
That did n't fly with Air Jordan , and he bolted White Sox camp on March 2 .
When I talked to former Sox GM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he gave me quite a scoop -- Jordan was finished playing baseball and returning to the NBA with the Bulls .
As for the rest of the White Sox 's replacement team that spring , it was quite the mess .
Even though he had been out of baseball for four years , Dennis `` Oil Can '' Boyd was the de facto ace , and he was n't lacking confidence .
Talking to Boyd one day , I asked him for his thoughts about sticking with the Sox after the strike and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alvarez , Jason Bere and Jim Abbott in the rotation .
`` I do n't know about that , '' Boyd said in between drags off his cigarette .
`` I 've never been a fifth starter before . ''
Pete Rose Jr. was also a part of the White Sox 's `` replacement '' team in the spring of 1995 , and he knew it was only because of his name and potential to draw fans .
I also remember there was a surfer from California in camp and a washed-up catcher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out in front of the Sox 's training complex in Sarasota one morning and watching a beat-up station wagon with Michigan plates pull up .
A bunch of haggard kids piled out and asked where they should go for tryouts .
Fortunately , the strike ended on April 2 , the regular major leaguers showed up for an abbreviated spring training and the regular season started 24 days later .
It turned out to be a terrible season for the White Sox .
Lamont was fired on June 2 after an 11-20 start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as manager .
Just like now , it was a pretty terrible time .
The critical difference is greed caused the last baseball stoppage .
What we 're dealing with now is a completely different ballgame .

Remembering, with a shudder, the last time there was no major-league baseball
Robert Martinez, left, leads a group of protesters out of the stands after the third inning of the game between the San Diego Padres and the Houston Astros in Houston, on August 11, 1994. Major League baseball players went on strike after games were completeted that day and play did not resume for 232 days. AP File Photo
Major-league baseball has only been shut down a few days, but the memories are already flooding back.
Nightmares will probably follow.
I remember -- all too well -- what is was like the last time there was no baseball when there was supposed to be baseball.
I'll never forget that day in Oakland when the regular season ended due to the player's strike.
That was Aug. 10, 1994. After the first-place White Sox beat the A's 2-1, Gene Lamont strolled into the cramped manager's office at the Coliseum completely naked, pulled up a chair and took a few questions from the media.
Lamont didn't have many answers, and he couldn't have possibly known how low the game would sink.
Play did not resume for 232 days, the longest work stoppage in major-league history, and there was no shortage of bizarre happenings during the down time.
The 1994 season was my first on the White Sox beat, and it started with the international media mobbing a rookie named Michael Jordan when spring training opened in Sarasota, Fla.
Remember that name.
Since Jordan played the '94 season at Class AA Birmingham and wasn't on the Sox's major-league roster, he reported to spring training in 1995 with players still on strike.
Instead of getting himself ready to play, say the upcoming season at Class AAA and maybe join the White Sox after the all-star break, Jordan was viewed as a huge drawing card as major-league clubs decided to launch the '95 season with replacement players.
That didn't fly with Air Jordan, and he bolted White Sox camp on March 2.
When I talked to former Sox GM Ron Schueler about a week later, he gave me quite a scoop -- Jordan was finished playing baseball and returning to the NBA with the Bulls.
As for the rest of the White Sox's replacement team that spring, it was quite the mess.
Even though he had been out of baseball for four years, Dennis "Oil Can" Boyd was the de facto ace, and he wasn't lacking confidence.
Talking to Boyd one day, I asked him for his thoughts about sticking with the Sox after the strike and slotting in behind Alex Fernandez, Wilson Alvarez, Jason Bere and Jim Abbott in the rotation.
"I don't know about that," Boyd said in between drags off his cigarette. "I've never been a fifth starter before."
Pete Rose Jr. was also a part of the White Sox's "replacement" team in the spring of 1995, and he knew it was only because of his name and potential to draw fans.
I also remember there was a surfer from California in camp and a washed-up catcher named Barry Lyons.
I remember standing out in front of the Sox's training complex in Sarasota one morning and watching a beat-up station wagon with Michigan plates pull up. A bunch of haggard kids piled out and asked where they should go for tryouts.
Fortunately, the strike ended on April 2, the regular major leaguers showed up for an abbreviated spring training and the regular season started 24 days later.
It turned out to be a terrible season for the White Sox. Lamont was fired on June 2 after an 11-20 start and the estimable Terry Bevington took over as manager.
Just like now, it was a pretty terrible time.
The critical difference is greed caused the last baseball stoppage.
What we're dealing with now is a completely different ballgame.
Stay healthy.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-15--With coronavirus, how safe will voting be this Election Day?

Potentially late changes to polling locations , new hygiene protocols and even the amount some election judges are being paid are among the ways Tuesday 's primary will be different from many voters ' memories of casting a ballot due to the COVID-19 outbreak .
Despite the efforts being made to make polling places safe , county clerks ' officials say it 's still up to people to consider their own circumstances while weighing the decision whether to vote .
`` Our office would n't provide different messaging to different populations , '' said John Mirkovic , Cook County deputy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our message for an 85-year-old is the same as for an 18-year-old : The polls are open and if you want to vote , you can . ''
But he added that people should be as mindful of public health agencies ' guidance on Tuesday as every other day .
`` Accordingly , please do n't mistake a general 'Vote today ' appeal as 'Everyone should vote regardless of health or safety , ' '' Mirkovic said .
`` That is all we can say beyond the additional message that we are doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanitation at the polling place .
It is our duty to provide the opportunity for all to vote , but it is the public 's duty to do what they feel is necessary to protect themselves and their families . ''
Suburban voters are being encouraged to visit the relevant links on county clerk websites to confirm the location of their polling place , since there have been several last-minute changes .
The cleanliness being planned for polling places will be more stringent and the advice to voters themselves possibly more specific this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for instance , has recommended that voters bring their own black or blue pens to sign and mark their ballots .
While pens will be provided , using one 's own will limit physical contact at the polling place to just the paper ballot itself and provide a greater sense of comfort to anxious voters .
As they have during early voting , Lake County election workers will be using sanitizing wipes to routinely clean frequently touched voting equipment and materials at Election Day polling sites to reduce risk of exposure to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's office reports that supplies of hand sanitizer provided to polling places have been increased and that it remains in close contact with state and local agencies regarding recommended cleaning procedures and assistance in obtaining needed supplies .
Among the reasons for many of the polling place changes throughout the suburbs is guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health to protecting vulnerable members of the population .
DuPage County is among those that will not use any long-term care or senior living facilities as polling places on Election Day .
Seventeen polling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for that specific reason to the DuPage County Fairgrounds at 2015 Manchester Road in Wheaton .
McHenry County , too , is relocating polling places from four senior care facilities in Algonquin , Crystal Lake , McHenry and Woodstock to other sites in those communities for the same reason .
A shortage of Election Day judges prompted some county clerk 's offices to raise their pay and resort to last-minute appeals , hoping to attract displaced college students as well as others in need of some extra money .
The Cook County clerk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waiving training requirements for anyone willing to help .
They can contact the clerk 's office by emailing to elect.judge @ cookcountyil.gov .
DuPage County has increased its pay from $ 130 to $ 200 and is asking those able to work to apply at dupageco.org/Election/JudgeApplication/ .
The most up-to-date information on polling locations and their changes can be found on the county clerk websites at cookcountyclerk.com , dupageco.org/election , kanecountyclerk.org/Elections/Pages/Vote.aspx , lakecountyil.gov/4085/Where-Do-I-Vote and mchenrycountyil.gov/county-government/departments-a-i/county-clerk .

With coronavirus, how safe will voting be this Election Day?
Potentially late changes to polling locations, new hygiene protocols and even the amount some election judges are being paid are among the ways Tuesday's primary will be different from many voters' memories of casting a ballot due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Despite the efforts being made to make polling places safe, county clerks' officials say it's still up to people to consider their own circumstances while weighing the decision whether to vote.
"Our office wouldn't provide different messaging to different populations," said John Mirkovic, Cook County deputy clerk for policy and communications. "Our message for an 85-year-old is the same as for an 18-year-old: The polls are open and if you want to vote, you can."
But he added that people should be as mindful of public health agencies' guidance on Tuesday as every other day.
"Accordingly, please don't mistake a general 'Vote today' appeal as 'Everyone should vote regardless of health or safety,'" Mirkovic said. "That is all we can say beyond the additional message that we are doing all we can to increase cleaning and sanitation at the polling place. It is our duty to provide the opportunity for all to vote, but it is the public's duty to do what they feel is necessary to protect themselves and their families."
Suburban voters are being encouraged to visit the relevant links on county clerk websites to confirm the location of their polling place, since there have been several last-minute changes.
The cleanliness being planned for polling places will be more stringent and the advice to voters themselves possibly more specific this year.
Lake County Clerk Robin O'Conner, for instance, has recommended that voters bring their own black or blue pens to sign and mark their ballots.
While pens will be provided, using one's own will limit physical contact at the polling place to just the paper ballot itself and provide a greater sense of comfort to anxious voters.
As they have during early voting, Lake County election workers will be using sanitizing wipes to routinely clean frequently touched voting equipment and materials at Election Day polling sites to reduce risk of exposure to the coronavirus.
The DuPage County clerk's office reports that supplies of hand sanitizer provided to polling places have been increased and that it remains in close contact with state and local agencies regarding recommended cleaning procedures and assistance in obtaining needed supplies.
Among the reasons for many of the polling place changes throughout the suburbs is guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health to protecting vulnerable members of the population.
DuPage County is among those that will not use any long-term care or senior living facilities as polling places on Election Day. Seventeen polling places in the county have been relocated for that specific reason to the DuPage County Fairgrounds at 2015 Manchester Road in Wheaton.
McHenry County, too, is relocating polling places from four senior care facilities in Algonquin, Crystal Lake, McHenry and Woodstock to other sites in those communities for the same reason.
A shortage of Election Day judges prompted some county clerk's offices to raise their pay and resort to last-minute appeals, hoping to attract displaced college students as well as others in need of some extra money.
The Cook County clerk's office is offering $150 and waiving training requirements for anyone willing to help. They can contact the clerk's office by emailing to elect.judge@cookcountyil.gov.
DuPage County has increased its pay from $130 to $200 and is asking those able to work to apply at dupageco.org/Election/JudgeApplication/.
The most up-to-date information on polling locations and their changes can be found on the county clerk websites at cookcountyclerk.com, dupageco.org/election, kanecountyclerk.org/Elections/Pages/Vote.aspx, lakecountyil.gov/4085/Where-Do-I-Vote and mchenrycountyil.gov/county-government/departments-a-i/county-clerk.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-13--Analysis: Will coronavirus sink the cruise industry?

Marketing for the Grand Princess cruise ship advises prospective passengers to `` Expect the extraordinary '' when they take sail .
Last week , that promise was exceeded when helicopters lowered COVID-19 test kits to a poolside deck as the ship floated off San Francisco .
Twenty-one passengers and crew members tested positive for the coronavirus .
This week , the ship docked in Oakland , California , and started disembarking passengers , to be sent for medical care or into isolation .
But those cruisers were n't the only ones to face an extraordinary end to their vacation : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hundreds and sent luxury liners on desperate searches for ports at which they can dock .
The human toll from the virus is steep ; so , too , is its effect on the public image and finances of the $ 45 billion cruise industry .
The weight of the U.S. government is against it , with the State Department now warning all Americans not to travel by cruise ship .
`` It ai n't pretty , '' Richard Fain , CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. , one of the world 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` In fact , to use a technical term I learned in business school , it sucks . ''
Royal Caribbean 's stock fell as much as 19 % Monday , amid a broad market sell-off , but rebounded Tuesday as President Donald Trump suggested government help might be coming to the industry .
Also Tuesday , S & P Global Ratings said it might cut the cruise company 's bond rating , as well as that of rival Carnival Corp. Fain 's pain is unlikely to generate much public sympathy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of global gross-domestic product and employment , it 's worth acknowledging .
If the world 's economy is to recover quickly from coronavirus , tourism will need to recover , too .
COVID-19 is a more serious threat than the other health and safety issues that have plagued cruises over the decades .
Turbulence is sure to follow , but cruises -- like the rest of the global tourism industry -- are n't sunk .
The birth of the cruise industry dates to the 1960s , and so does its image as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness were linked to ( among other issues ) bad water , shrimp cocktails and living in close quarters with thousands of strangers .
Although governments in the U.S. and elsewhere have implemented comprehensive inspection programs that have reduced the occurrence of shigellosis and other diarrhea-inducing bugs , there 's still no avoiding them .
Indeed , just last month , a Princess Cruises ship cut short a 14-day Caribbean trip when hundreds of passengers and crew came down with suspected norovirus .
Meanwhile , outbreaks of respiratory illnesses like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ common enough on cruise ships that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention publishes guidelines on how to manage them .
The World Health Organization has long warned that cruises pose health risks to older passengers -- the demographic that happens to be the cruise industry 's prime demographic .
On Sunday , a top U.S. health official told elderly Americans , `` just do n't get on a cruise ship . ''
It does n't end there , either .
Passengers have been stranded on ships , such as the infamous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which a fire knocked out power and sewage systems ) , regularly fall off cruise ships , and have even been threatened with violent death and drowning , such as during the Costa Concordia sinking in 2012 .
Yet , remarkably , none of these incidents , individually or collectively , has managed to stall the industry 's growth over the decades .
In fact , it 's been accelerating .
Between 2009 and 2019 , straight through the depths of the Great Recession , global passenger numbers increased every year , going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Is COVID-19 the problem that grounds the fun ?
For now , it does n't look good .
The Wall Street Journal reports that some Mediterranean cruises are operating with 20 % fewer passengers , compared with a year earlier .
Meanwhile , the world 's biggest cruise lines have canceled most Asia-Pacific cruises .
It does n't help , either , that social media is filled with users reacting to each cruise ship outbreak by asking , `` Why would anyone go on a cruise ? ''
But even with these problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasons not to worry .
First , and perhaps most important , the traveling public has a decadeslong record of not caring .
`` Nothing is permanent , '' explained Frank Del Rio , chief executive of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd , in a recent interview .
`` Customers do have a relatively short memory , thank God . ''
Next , long-term demographics favor the travel industry -- especially cruises .
Cruises have attracted a younger clientele in recent years , but older passengers ( in 2018 , 51 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time to sail remain the key , recession-proof industry demographic .
Finally , there is China .
Only 10 % of its citizens have traveled internationally , and yet the country is already the world 's biggest source of outbound travelers .
Cruises have been a direct beneficiary of that growth : Between 2012 and 2016 , Chinese passenger counts grew by an average of almost 80 % per year .
Most of these passengers , like their counterparts elsewhere , wo n't be deterred once the pandemic situation resolves .
In fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determination to put the country back to work , Chinese travel bookings are rebounding .
Most of those bookings are likely work-related , but it 's just a matter of time before pent-up demand ( intensified by weeks in quarantine ) results in new vacation bookings .
A recent survey of Chinese travel consumers found that more than half plan to go somewhere within three months of the coronavirus crisis being resolved -- and one-quarter within one month .
Already smaller boutique cruise lines are reporting that business is holding steady or even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voyages targeting travelers in the vicinity of cruise terminals .
As governments and cruise lines manage shipboard coronavirus onto land and out of the news , bookings should rebound across the industry .
That 's good news for a global economy that could badly use some , and a cruise industry that thrives on being remembered as a safe and accessible getaway .
Even in the midst of a crisis , the next vacation is just around the corner .

Analysis: Will coronavirus sink the cruise industry?
The human toll from the coronavirus COVID-19 is steep; so, too, is its effect on the public image and finances of the $45 billion cruise industry. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP, File)
Marketing for the Grand Princess cruise ship advises prospective passengers to "Expect the extraordinary" when they take sail. Last week, that promise was exceeded when helicopters lowered COVID-19 test kits to a poolside deck as the ship floated off San Francisco. Twenty-one passengers and crew members tested positive for the coronavirus. This week, the ship docked in Oakland, California, and started disembarking passengers, to be sent for medical care or into isolation. But those cruisers weren't the only ones to face an extraordinary end to their vacation: Elsewhere, onboard COVID-19 outbreaks have sickened hundreds and sent luxury liners on desperate searches for ports at which they can dock.
The human toll from the virus is steep; so, too, is its effect on the public image and finances of the $45 billion cruise industry. The weight of the U.S. government is against it, with the State Department now warning all Americans not to travel by cruise ship. "It ain't pretty," Richard Fain, CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., one of the world's largest cruise companies, said last week. "In fact, to use a technical term I learned in business school, it sucks."
Royal Caribbean's stock fell as much as 19% Monday, amid a broad market sell-off, but rebounded Tuesday as President Donald Trump suggested government help might be coming to the industry. Also Tuesday, S & P Global Ratings said it might cut the cruise company's bond rating, as well as that of rival Carnival Corp.
Fain's pain is unlikely to generate much public sympathy. But with tourism accounting for roughly 10% of global gross-domestic product and employment, it's worth acknowledging. If the world's economy is to recover quickly from coronavirus, tourism will need to recover, too. COVID-19 is a more serious threat than the other health and safety issues that have plagued cruises over the decades. Turbulence is sure to follow, but cruises -- like the rest of the global tourism industry -- aren't sunk.
The birth of the cruise industry dates to the 1960s, and so does its image as a floating incubator for human illness. Outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness were linked to (among other issues) bad water, shrimp cocktails and living in close quarters with thousands of strangers. Although governments in the U.S. and elsewhere have implemented comprehensive inspection programs that have reduced the occurrence of shigellosis and other diarrhea-inducing bugs, there's still no avoiding them. Indeed, just last month, a Princess Cruises ship cut short a 14-day Caribbean trip when hundreds of passengers and crew came down with suspected norovirus.
Meanwhile, outbreaks of respiratory illnesses like the flu (and COVID-19) are common enough on cruise ships that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention publishes guidelines on how to manage them. The World Health Organization has long warned that cruises pose health risks to older passengers -- the demographic that happens to be the cruise industry's prime demographic. On Sunday, a top U.S. health official told elderly Americans, "just don't get on a cruise ship."
It doesn't end there, either. Passengers have been stranded on ships, such as the infamous 2013 "poop cruise" (during which a fire knocked out power and sewage systems), regularly fall off cruise ships, and have even been threatened with violent death and drowning, such as during the Costa Concordia sinking in 2012. Yet, remarkably, none of these incidents, individually or collectively, has managed to stall the industry's growth over the decades. In fact, it's been accelerating. Between 2009 and 2019, straight through the depths of the Great Recession, global passenger numbers increased every year, going from 17.8 million to 30 million.
Is COVID-19 the problem that grounds the fun? For now, it doesn't look good. The Wall Street Journal reports that some Mediterranean cruises are operating with 20% fewer passengers, compared with a year earlier. Meanwhile, the world's biggest cruise lines have canceled most Asia-Pacific cruises. It doesn't help, either, that social media is filled with users reacting to each cruise ship outbreak by asking, "Why would anyone go on a cruise?"
But even with these problems, the cruise industry has plenty of reasons not to worry. First, and perhaps most important, the traveling public has a decadeslong record of not caring. "Nothing is permanent," explained Frank Del Rio, chief executive of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, in a recent interview. "Customers do have a relatively short memory, thank God." Next, long-term demographics favor the travel industry -- especially cruises. Cruises have attracted a younger clientele in recent years, but older passengers (in 2018, 51% of passengers were over age 50) with time to sail remain the key, recession-proof industry demographic.
Finally, there is China. Only 10% of its citizens have traveled internationally, and yet the country is already the world's biggest source of outbound travelers. Cruises have been a direct beneficiary of that growth: Between 2012 and 2016, Chinese passenger counts grew by an average of almost 80% per year. Most of these passengers, like their counterparts elsewhere, won't be deterred once the pandemic situation resolves. In fact, thanks to the Chinese government's determination to put the country back to work, Chinese travel bookings are rebounding.
Most of those bookings are likely work-related, but it's just a matter of time before pent-up demand (intensified by weeks in quarantine) results in new vacation bookings. A recent survey of Chinese travel consumers found that more than half plan to go somewhere within three months of the coronavirus crisis being resolved -- and one-quarter within one month. Already smaller boutique cruise lines are reporting that business is holding steady or even growing as cruises are reconfigured into shorter-term voyages targeting travelers in the vicinity of cruise terminals.
As governments and cruise lines manage shipboard coronavirus onto land and out of the news, bookings should rebound across the industry. That's good news for a global economy that could badly use some, and a cruise industry that thrives on being remembered as a safe and accessible getaway. Even in the midst of a crisis, the next vacation is just around the corner.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-15--Citing coronavirus concerns, Navy Pier closing until April 3

Navy Pier will close to the public beginning Monday until at least Friday , April 3 , officials announced Sunday @ @ @ @ @ and well-being of staff , partners and guests is always Navy Pier 's top priority @ @ @ @ @ to doing our part to help mitigate risks to the general public and stagnate the @ @ @ @ @ '' the announcement states .
`` We have been working very closely with city officials @ @ @ @ @ determine the best course of action each step of the way , and the Pier @ @ @ @ @ with their recommendations . ''
As of now , Navy Pier plans to resume operations @ @ @ @ @ , but officials say they will re-evaluate the status of COVID-19 in Chicago and make @ @ @ @

Citing coronavirus concerns, Navy Pier closing until April 3
Navy Pier will be closed until at least Friday, April 3, as part of an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, 2012
Navy Pier will close to the public beginning Monday until at least Friday, April 3, officials announced Sunday,
The health, safety and well-being of staff, partners and guests is always Navy Pier's top priority, and we are committed to doing our part to help mitigate risks to the general public and stagnate the community spread of COVID-19," the announcement states. "We have been working very closely with city officials and subject matter experts to determine the best course of action each step of the way, and the Pier's closure is in line with their recommendations."
As of now, Navy Pier plans to resume operations on Friday, April 3, but officials say they will re-evaluate the status of COVID-19 in Chicago and make adjustments as needed.
For updates, visit the Navy Pier website, www.navypier.org.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-15--Chicago Culinary Kitchen on Palatine village council meeting menu

Palatine village council members are to gather for a meeting Monday night expected to include consideration of a proposed location @ @ @ @ @ .
The session is set for 7 p.m. in the council chambers at village hall @ @ @ @ @ .
Currently in a mall at Northwest Highway and Quentin Road , the restaurant is @ @ @ @ @ move into vacant space in a strip mall on the southeast corner of Lake-Cook and @ @ @ @ @ Kitchen has gained a regional following for its authentic Texas-style barbecue , craft beer and @ @

Chicago Culinary Kitchen on Palatine village council meeting menu
Palatine village council members are to gather for a meeting Monday night expected to include consideration of a proposed location shift for Chicago Culinary Kitchen. The session is set for 7 p.m. in the council chambers at village hall, 200 E. Wood St. Currently in a mall at Northwest Highway and Quentin Road, the restaurant is seeking a special-use permit to move into vacant space in a strip mall on the southeast corner of Lake-Cook and Hicks roads. Chicago Culinary Kitchen has gained a regional following for its authentic Texas-style barbecue, craft beer and more.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-15--How should the NHL proceed if and when play can resume?

As we enter into an unprecedented -- and quite frankly , depressing -- era in sports , we thought this would be good time to try to see the light at the end of the tunnel .
Because , hopefully , the NBA , NHL and Major League Baseball will resume play in 4-6 weeks .
And if that happens , each league must have a plan on how to proceed .
For the NHL , that almost certainly means calling off the regular season and jumping right into the Stanley Cup playoffs -- ideally in front of capacity crowds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and across social media on how the postseason should look , so I wanted to show you all what Commissioner Dietz would do if I was in charge : If the regular season is declared over , there is no way you can use total points to determine the field because all of the teams have played between 68-71 games .
So the NHL will likely use points percentage .
But look at the NHL standings and what you 'll see is that Nashville and Vancouver , who both have 78 points and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over Winnipeg ( 80 points , .563 pct ) .
The same thing happens in the East where the Islanders ( 80 points , .588 pct . )
would bounce Columbus ( 81 points , .579 pct. )
.
The solution is simple .
Let 's create a little winner-take-all drama by allowing four more teams in -- two in each conference .
That would set up these matchups : The winners would then go on to face the division winners .
This scenario is the exactly what former Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one thing you 'd change in the NHL ? ''
series that ran last season .
And , incredibly , his Panthers would be one of the teams to qualify .
If this were done , you 'd hear plenty of whining and gnashing of teeth from the New York Rangers because they are .001 percentage points behind Florida .
But , hey , they had 70 games to find another point somewhere .
So deal with it an move on because no system is going to be perfect at this point .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be a best-of-five .
The better seed plays the first two games on the road then gets the remaining three games at home .
Then play the Stanley Cup Final as a 2-3-2 best-of-seven .
( Why do n't they do this anyway , by the way ? )
This cuts down on travel , thus lessening the chances for infections .
The big question is , what do you do about allowing fans in ?
Hopefully the coronavirus is contained by mid-April or mid-May and we can watch games with full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season with nobody in the stands seems preferable to not finishing it at all .
One analyst suggested allowing 24 teams into the dance .
And guess what that would mean ?
You guessed it -- the Blackhawks would qualify .
Yep , Patrick Kane , Jonathan Toews and Co. would be the 12th seed in the West .
The plan would be to give the top four teams in each conference a bye and make the 5-12 seeds play a best-of-three series .
Assuming seeds were based on total points , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oilers .
This seems like a far-fetched option at best .
But let 's say we get to late May and then the league decides it can resume .
There 's not much time left at that point , so the best option might be to stick with 16 teams and : • Play best-of-three series in the first two rounds .
For now , we hope everyone stays safe , this situation is over quickly and we can all get back to watching sports -- and especially hockey -- sooner rather than @ @

How should the NHL proceed if and when play can resume?
How might the NHL change the playoff format if, and when, the season can continue? Associated Press File Photo
As we enter into an unprecedented -- and quite frankly, depressing -- era in sports, we thought this would be good time to try to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Because, hopefully, the NBA, NHL and Major League Baseball will resume play in 4-6 weeks.
And if that happens, each league must have a plan on how to proceed.
For the NHL, that almost certainly means calling off the regular season and jumping right into the Stanley Cup playoffs -- ideally in front of capacity crowds.
There were varying opinions on television and across social media on how the postseason should look, so I wanted to show you all what Commissioner Dietz would do if I was in charge:
1. Expand the field
If the regular season is declared over, there is no way you can use total points to determine the field because all of the teams have played between 68-71 games. So the NHL will likely use points percentage.
Fine. That's Step 1.
But look at the NHL standings and what you'll see is that Nashville and Vancouver, who both have 78 points and a .565 winning percentage, would qualify over Winnipeg (80 points, .563 pct). The same thing happens in the East where the Islanders (80 points, .588 pct.) would bounce Columbus (81 points, .579 pct.).
The solution is simple. Let's create a little winner-take-all drama by allowing four more teams in -- two in each conference. That would set up these matchups:
• Minnesota at Nashville
• Winnipeg at Vancouver
• Florida at Carolina
• Columbus at New York Islanders
The winners would then go on to face the division winners.
This scenario is the exactly what former Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville suggested in our "What's the one thing you'd change in the NHL?" series that ran last season. And, incredibly, his Panthers would be one of the teams to qualify.
If this were done, you'd hear plenty of whining and gnashing of teeth from the New York Rangers because they are .001 percentage points behind Florida.
But, hey, they had 70 games to find another point somewhere. So deal with it an move on because no system is going to be perfect at this point.
2. Adjust series
After the play-in games, each series should be a best-of-five. The better seed plays the first two games on the road then gets the remaining three games at home.
Then play the Stanley Cup Final as a 2-3-2 best-of-seven. (Why don't they do this anyway, by the way?)
This cuts down on travel, thus lessening the chances for infections.
The big question is, what do you do about allowing fans in? Hopefully the coronavirus is contained by mid-April or mid-May and we can watch games with full stadiums.
If not, finishing the season with nobody in the stands seems preferable to not finishing it at all.
3. Final thoughts
One analyst suggested allowing 24 teams into the dance. And guess what that would mean? You guessed it -- the Blackhawks would qualify.
Yep, Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Co. would be the 12th seed in the West. The plan would be to give the top four teams in each conference a bye and make the 5-12 seeds play a best-of-three series.
Assuming seeds were based on total points, that means the Hawks would play the Edmonton Oilers.
Getting excited?
Well, don't.
This seems like a far-fetched option at best.
But let's say we get to late May and then the league decides it can resume. There's not much time left at that point, so the best option might be to stick with 16 teams and:
• Play best-of-three series in the first two rounds.
• Play best-of-five in the conference finals
• Play best-of-seven in the Stanley Cup Final.
For now, we hope everyone stays safe, this situation is over quickly and we can all get back to watching sports -- and especially hockey -- sooner rather than later.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-15--Pritzker orders all bars, restaurant dining rooms closed

Gov .
J.B. Pritzker on Sunday ordered all restaurants and bars in the state closed to customers at the end of business Monday until at least March 30 , a sweeping measure aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus .
Restaurants can continue serving pickup and drive-through customers and provide delivery during the two-week hiatus .
Pritzker announced the order during a news conference in which he lamented that many people had not heeded earlier suggestions to avoid crowds and public gatherings .
`` The time for persuasion and public appeal is over , '' he said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is not a joke . ''
The edict comes as the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Illinois rose to 93 , up from 64 during Pritzker 's media briefing Saturday .
Despite some of the unprecedented measures taken to curb COVID-19 , Pritzker said the state will go forward with Tuesday 's primary election as planned .
His move to close restaurants and bars has the backing of health authorities as well as the Illinois Restaurant Association .
`` First and foremost , we want to protect the health of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' association President Sam Toia said .
`` We will remain diligent , helping employers to navigate the immediate challenges that come with rapidly changing situation . ''
Pritzker and Toia emphasized that they expect employees affected by the order would continue to get paid , though they also acknowledged it would hurt some workers and business owners .
`` Every choice now is hard and it comes with real consequences for our residents , '' Pritzker said .
`` But as your governor , I can not let the gravity of these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the science and the experts say will keep people safe . ''
The order did n't come as a complete surprise to Spiro Kondos , owner of Draft Picks sports bar and grill in Mount Prospect .
Although he had a full bar Sunday afternoon , Kondos said it seemed like only a matter of time after the cancellation of sporting events and public gatherings .
`` Is this the right decision ?
I 'm not a doctor , but they have to take some type of drastic measures like this , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's going to impact us tremendously . ''
Kondos said he would use the two weeks to clean the restaurant and find other ways to keep his 30 employees working .
`` It 's out of my control , '' he said .
At Countyline Tavern in Buffalo Grove , General Manager Mike Prusak said he 's making plans to set up a curbside pickup program for customers .
`` Obviously , it 's not the best thing to happen to us , for sure , '' he said .
`` But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest of public health . ''
Officials said scenes of hundreds of revelers gathered at Chicago bars Saturday night to celebrate St. Patrick 's Day weekend helped lead to Sunday 's decision .
`` I tried earlier this week to appeal to everyone 's good judgment to stay home , to avoid bars , not to congregate in crowds .
It 's unfortunate that many people did n't take that seriously , '' Pritzker said .
Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said the 29 new infections disclosed Sunday include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Sangamon , Whiteside and Winnebago counties .
`` The number of positive test results that we are getting each day is increasing exponentially , and the number of counties across Illinois is also expanding , '' Ezike said .
`` People should assume that this novel coronavirus is in their communities .
And we all need to take steps to protect ourselves and reduce the spread . ''

Pritzker orders all bars, restaurant dining rooms closed
Gov. J.B. Pritzker ordered all restaurants and bars closed at the end of the business day Monday in a sweeping measure aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19.
Restaurants across the state must close to dine-in customers at the end of business Monday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker ordered Sunday in a move aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus. David Proeber/The Pantagraph via AP
Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Sunday ordered all restaurants and bars in the state closed to customers at the end of business Monday until at least March 30, a sweeping measure aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus.
Restaurants can continue serving pickup and drive-through customers and provide delivery during the two-week hiatus.
Pritzker announced the order during a news conference in which he lamented that many people had not heeded earlier suggestions to avoid crowds and public gatherings.
"The time for persuasion and public appeal is over," he said. "The time for action is now. This is not a joke."
The edict comes as the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Illinois rose to 93, up from 64 during Pritzker's media briefing Saturday.
Despite some of the unprecedented measures taken to curb COVID-19, Pritzker said the state will go forward with Tuesday's primary election as planned.
His move to close restaurants and bars has the backing of health authorities as well as the Illinois Restaurant Association.
"First and foremost, we want to protect the health of our customers and our team members," association President Sam Toia said. "We will remain diligent, helping employers to navigate the immediate challenges that come with rapidly changing situation."
Pritzker and Toia emphasized that they expect employees affected by the order would continue to get paid, though they also acknowledged it would hurt some workers and business owners.
"Every choice now is hard and it comes with real consequences for our residents," Pritzker said. "But as your governor, I cannot let the gravity of these choices prevent us from taking the actions that the science and the experts say will keep people safe."
The order didn't come as a complete surprise to Spiro Kondos, owner of Draft Picks sports bar and grill in Mount Prospect. Although he had a full bar Sunday afternoon, Kondos said it seemed like only a matter of time after the cancellation of sporting events and public gatherings.
"Is this the right decision? I'm not a doctor, but they have to take some type of drastic measures like this," he said. "Unfortunately, it's going to impact us tremendously."
Kondos said he would use the two weeks to clean the restaurant and find other ways to keep his 30 employees working.
"It's out of my control," he said.
At Countyline Tavern in Buffalo Grove, General Manager Mike Prusak said he's making plans to set up a curbside pickup program for customers.
"Obviously, it's not the best thing to happen to us, for sure," he said. "But I understand it's in the best interest of public health."
Officials said scenes of hundreds of revelers gathered at Chicago bars Saturday night to celebrate St. Patrick's Day weekend helped lead to Sunday's decision.
"I tried earlier this week to appeal to everyone's good judgment to stay home, to avoid bars, not to congregate in crowds. It's unfortunate that many people didn't take that seriously," Pritzker said.
Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said the 29 new infections disclosed Sunday include the first cases in Champaign, Clinton, Sangamon, Whiteside and Winnebago counties.
"The number of positive test results that we are getting each day is increasing exponentially, and the number of counties across Illinois is also expanding," Ezike said. "People should assume that this novel coronavirus is in their communities. And we all need to take steps to protect ourselves and reduce the spread."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-15--'Bigger than any one of us': Biden, Sanders take on pandemic

WASHINGTON -- Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders sought in Sunday 's Democratic debate to cast themselves as best-positioned to lead the nation through a global pandemic , with Biden pledging to deploy the military to help with recovery efforts and Sanders using the crisis to pitch his long-sought overhaul of the country 's health care system .
The fast-moving coronavirus dominated the first one-on-one faceoff of the 2020 campaign , reflecting the way the crisis has upended American life by closing schools , disrupting travel and raising questions about President Donald Trump 's ability to lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is bigger than any one of us -- this calls for a national rallying for one another , '' Biden said .
Biden 's and Sanders ' prescriptions for addressing the public health and economic crisis highlighted the ideological divide between the two men vying for the Democratic nomination .
Biden , a centrist who helped implement the 2009 bailout of the financial industry , warned that another government-backed economic rescue plan may be needed in the coming months , while the liberal Sanders suggested a tax on the wealthiest Americans .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ race for the Democratic nomination have shifted dramatically since Biden and Sanders last debated less than three weeks ago .
After a sluggish start to the primary season , Biden has surged to the front of the field , drawing overwhelming support from black voters and consolidating the backing of several rivals who have dropped out of the race .
Biden appeared determined to keep his focus on the general election , making direct overtures to Sanders ' supporters and committing for the first time to selecting a woman as his running mate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After Biden 's announcement , Sanders said he would `` in all likelihood '' do the same .
Sanders has struggled to broaden his coalition beyond young people and liberals , and his path to the nomination is rapidly shrinking .
Still , he appeared determined to draw sharp contrasts with Biden throughout , challenging the former vice president to disavow a super PAC backing his candidacy and casting Biden as inconsistent during his career on his support for the financial industry and women 's health issues .
The Vermont senator also repeatedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now-familiar debate between him and Biden over health care .
Sanders argued that the troublesome shortages in coronavirus tests and anxiety over the preparedness of the nation 's health care system to deal with an impending increase in patients highlight why the U.S. should move to the government-run , `` Medicare For All '' system he has long championed .
`` One of the reasons that we are unprepared , and have been unprepared , is we do n't have a system .
We 've got thousands of private insurance plans , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government-run health insurance program .
`` That is not a system that is prepared to provide health care to all people in a good year , without the epidemic . ''
Biden , who supports adding a public insurance option to the current system , argued that a pandemic was not a moment to attempt to push through an overhaul of the American health insurance system , a politically arduous endeavor .
`` This is a crisis , '' Biden said .
`` We 're at war with a virus .
It has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
As the debate opened , Biden and Sanders skipped a handshake , greeting each other instead with an elbow bump .
They took their positions at podiums spaced 6 feet apart in keeping with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for limiting the spread of the novel coronavirus .
They addressed the nation , and each other , from a television studio in Washington without an in-person audience .
The pandemic has upended the campaign for days , prompting Biden and Sanders to cancel rallies and instead hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Their campaign staffs are also working remotely , and the candidates -- both in their late 70s -- said they were taking personal precautions to guard against a virus that is a greater risk to the elderly .
`` I 'm using a lot of soap and hand sanitizer , '' Sanders said .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ majority of people recover from the new virus .
According to the World Health Organization , people with mild illness recover in about two weeks , while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover .
There are more than 167,000 cases confirmed worldwide .

'Bigger than any one of us': Biden, Sanders take on pandemic
Former Vice President Joe Biden, left, and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., right, participate in a Democratic presidential primary debate at CNN Studios in Washington, Sunday, March 15, 2020. Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders sought in Sunday's Democratic debate to cast themselves as best-positioned to lead the nation through a global pandemic, with Biden pledging to deploy the military to help with recovery efforts and Sanders using the crisis to pitch his long-sought overhaul of the country's health care system.
The fast-moving coronavirus dominated the first one-on-one faceoff of the 2020 campaign, reflecting the way the crisis has upended American life by closing schools, disrupting travel and raising questions about President Donald Trump's ability to lead the nation through turbulent times.
"This is bigger than any one of us -- this calls for a national rallying for one another," Biden said.
Biden's and Sanders' prescriptions for addressing the public health and economic crisis highlighted the ideological divide between the two men vying for the Democratic nomination. Biden, a centrist who helped implement the 2009 bailout of the financial industry, warned that another government-backed economic rescue plan may be needed in the coming months, while the liberal Sanders suggested a tax on the wealthiest Americans.
The stakes and the standings in the race for the Democratic nomination have shifted dramatically since Biden and Sanders last debated less than three weeks ago. After a sluggish start to the primary season, Biden has surged to the front of the field, drawing overwhelming support from black voters and consolidating the backing of several rivals who have dropped out of the race.
Biden appeared determined to keep his focus on the general election, making direct overtures to Sanders' supporters and committing for the first time to selecting a woman as his running mate if he becomes the Democratic nominee. After Biden's announcement, Sanders said he would "in all likelihood" do the same.
Sanders has struggled to broaden his coalition beyond young people and liberals, and his path to the nomination is rapidly shrinking. Still, he appeared determined to draw sharp contrasts with Biden throughout, challenging the former vice president to disavow a super PAC backing his candidacy and casting Biden as inconsistent during his career on his support for the financial industry and women's health issues.
The Vermont senator also repeatedly pushed questions regarding the coronavirus toward a now-familiar debate between him and Biden over health care. Sanders argued that the troublesome shortages in coronavirus tests and anxiety over the preparedness of the nation's health care system to deal with an impending increase in patients highlight why the U.S. should move to the government-run, "Medicare For All" system he has long championed.
"One of the reasons that we are unprepared, and have been unprepared, is we don't have a system. We've got thousands of private insurance plans," said Sanders, who backs a sweeping government-run health insurance program. "That is not a system that is prepared to provide health care to all people in a good year, without the epidemic."
Biden, who supports adding a public insurance option to the current system, argued that a pandemic was not a moment to attempt to push through an overhaul of the American health insurance system, a politically arduous endeavor.
"This is a crisis," Biden said. "We're at war with a virus. It has nothing to do with copays or anything."
As the debate opened, Biden and Sanders skipped a handshake, greeting each other instead with an elbow bump. They took their positions at podiums spaced 6 feet apart in keeping with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for limiting the spread of the novel coronavirus. They addressed the nation, and each other, from a television studio in Washington without an in-person audience.
The pandemic has upended the campaign for days, prompting Biden and Sanders to cancel rallies and instead hold virtual events with voters around the country. Their campaign staffs are also working remotely, and the candidates -- both in their late 70s -- said they were taking personal precautions to guard against a virus that is a greater risk to the elderly.
"I'm using a lot of soap and hand sanitizer," Sanders said.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover. There are more than 167,000 cases confirmed worldwide.