upi--2020-03-17--Experts: Social distancing difficult, but key to reducing COVID-19 spread

March 17 ( UPI ) -- Social distancing may be inconvenient , and lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation , but it can also help prevent the spread of the new coronavirus , experts from the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University said Tuesday .
The goal is to keep people as far apart as possible to reduce the chances that people have of spreading the disease to one another .
As the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 grows -- to more than 5,700 , with at least one in all 50 states -- more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ banning gatherings of more than 25 people and ordering bars , restaurants , theaters , gyms , schools and other public spaces to close .
`` In some ways , we 're just starting to see the impact of the pandemic in the United States , but that does n't mean we ca n't start to do something about it , '' Dr. Caitlin Rivers , a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security , said during a webcast on Tuesday .
`` I do n't think people should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staying home , especially if you are sick , keeping physical distance between people and avoiding contact with high-touch surfaces are effective ways to help contain this virus . ''
According to a review published last week in the Journal of Travel Medicine , social distancing is designed to reduce interactions between people in the community , where individuals may be infectious but not yet identified , or isolated .
The approach is typically recommended as part of containment for diseases transmitted by respiratory droplets -- like COVID-19 -- say researchers at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the University of Alabama .
Although research on the effects of social distancing during the coronavirus outbreak is ongoing , a 2018 review of existing modeling studies published by BMC Public Health suggests they can reduce the spread of pandemic diseases by as much as 25 percent , as well as delaying and slowing their attack rate .
Rivers said that it 's this last point that is particularly important , and it is part of what public health specialists mean when they talk about `` flattening the curve '' of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slow transmission , '' she explained .
`` If we can change the shape of the curve of new cases , we can extend the number of new cases we see over a longer period of time to lessen the burden on our healthcare system so that it can manage . ''
Rivers emphasized that social distancing does n't necessarily mean housebound and indoors -- except for those with symptoms of the virus .
For those who are healthy , `` getting outside , going for a hike , walk or jog can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physical health . ''
People practicing social distancing can , and should , move in-person activities -- conversations with family and friends , for example -- online , using tools like Skype and What 's App .
Rivers noted that she and her colleagues have moved their `` water-cooler gossip sessions '' at work online recently , as part of their social distancing .
`` It 's social distancing , not psychological distancing , '' she said .
For those that do go out to exercise or buy needed supplies , she advised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roughly six feet from others and disinfect all surfaces `` you come in contact with . ''
`` The first thing I do when I get to the grocery story is wipe down my cart with an alcohol-based wipe , '' she added .
`` And wash your hands as soon as you get back home . ''
Everybody has to do it These steps are important for people of all ages , even younger adults who are n't at high risk for severe disease with COVID-19 , like seniors and those with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and diabetes .
`` Young people are the bridge to older people in pandemics , '' Rivers said .
By practicing social distancing , `` you 're breaking the train of transmission . ''
Still , she added , older adults or those with underlying health conditions may want to stay at home as much as possible , and cancel all non-essential appointments , including routine doctors visits , until the risk for spread is reduced .
`` We do n't know how much longer this outbreak will last or where it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` And we 're likely to see more cases for a while , even as we implement these strategies to contain the spread , because the incubation period for the virus is five days or more .
`` So , it will likely take several days for the changes we 're putting in place now to have an effect , '' she added .
`` However , I am encouraged by the measures put in place by many communities across the country , like closing schools and restaurants and encouraging people to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing to do . ''

A family leaves a grocery store with supplies in San Francisco on Monday. Six Bay Area counties have requested residents to shelter in place and maintain social distancing for three weeks. Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
March 17 (UPI) -- Social distancing may be inconvenient, and lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, but it can also help prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, experts from the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University said Tuesday. The goal is to keep people as far apart as possible to reduce the chances that people have of spreading the disease to one another. Advertisement
As the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 grows -- to more than 5,700, with at least one in all 50 states -- more and more cities are imposing curfews, banning gatherings of more than 25 people and ordering bars, restaurants, theaters, gyms, schools and other public spaces to close.
"In some ways, we're just starting to see the impact of the pandemic in the United States, but that doesn't mean we can't start to do something about it," Dr. Caitlin Rivers, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, said during a webcast on Tuesday. "I don't think people should be alarmed or panicked, but I think staying home, especially if you are sick, keeping physical distance between people and avoiding contact with high-touch surfaces are effective ways to help contain this virus."
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She added, "Social distancing does work."
Data supports the idea
According to a review published last week in the Journal of Travel Medicine, social distancing is designed to reduce interactions between people in the community, where individuals may be infectious but not yet identified, or isolated.
The approach is typically recommended as part of containment for diseases transmitted by respiratory droplets -- like COVID-19 -- say researchers at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the University of Alabama.
Although research on the effects of social distancing during the coronavirus outbreak is ongoing, a 2018 review of existing modeling studies published by BMC Public Health suggests they can reduce the spread of pandemic diseases by as much as 25 percent, as well as delaying and slowing their attack rate.
Rivers said that it's this last point that is particularly important, and it is part of what public health specialists mean when they talk about "flattening the curve" of COVID-19 spread.
"The idea is to slow transmission," she explained. "If we can change the shape of the curve of new cases, we can extend the number of new cases we see over a longer period of time to lessen the burden on our healthcare system so that it can manage."
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Distance doesn't mean isolation
Rivers emphasized that social distancing doesn't necessarily mean housebound and indoors -- except for those with symptoms of the virus. For those who are healthy, "getting outside, going for a hike, walk or jog can be beneficial for both your mental and physical health."
People practicing social distancing can, and should, move in-person activities -- conversations with family and friends, for example -- online, using tools like Skype and What's App. Rivers noted that she and her colleagues have moved their "water-cooler gossip sessions" at work online recently, as part of their social distancing.
"It's social distancing, not psychological distancing," she said.
For those that do go out to exercise or buy needed supplies, she advised, try to maintain a distance of roughly six feet from others and disinfect all surfaces "you come in contact with."
"The first thing I do when I get to the grocery story is wipe down my cart with an alcohol-based wipe," she added. "And wash your hands as soon as you get back home."
Everybody has to do it
These steps are important for people of all ages, even younger adults who aren't at high risk for severe disease with COVID-19, like seniors and those with other health problems, like heart disease and diabetes.
Advertisement
"Young people are the bridge to older people in pandemics," Rivers said. By practicing social distancing, "you're breaking the train of transmission."
Still, she added, older adults or those with underlying health conditions may want to stay at home as much as possible, and cancel all non-essential appointments, including routine doctors visits, until the risk for spread is reduced.
"We don't know how much longer this outbreak will last or where it will go from here," Rivers said. "And we're likely to see more cases for a while, even as we implement these strategies to contain the spread, because the incubation period for the virus is five days or more.
"So, it will likely take several days for the changes we're putting in place now to have an effect," she added. "However, I am encouraged by the measures put in place by many communities across the country, like closing schools and restaurants and encouraging people to stay home. It's the right thing to do."


upi--2020-03-17--Watch: Albino deer caught on camera in Tennessee field

March 17 ( UPI ) -- A woman who spotted an unusual animal in a Tennessee field captured video of @ @ @ @ @ Simmons said she and friend Ashley Summerford initially thought there was a goat with a @ @ @ @ @ field off Concord Road in Brentwood .
Simmons said it was n't until they stopped @ @ @ @ @ animals that she realized the white creature was an albino deer .
Albinism , a @ @ @ @ @ animal 's body to be free of pigment , is believed to occur about once @ @ @ @ @ .
Albino deer are a protected by a 2001 Tennessee state law that banned hunters @ @ @ @ @

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March 17 (UPI) -- A woman who spotted an unusual animal in a Tennessee field captured video of an albino deer.
Natalie Simmons said she and friend Ashley Summerford initially thought there was a goat with a group of deer in the field off Concord Road in Brentwood.
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Simmons said it wasn't until they stopped to take video of the animals that she realized the white creature was an albino deer.
Albinism, a genetic disorder that causes an animal's body to be free of pigment, is believed to occur about once in every 20,000 deer births.
Albino deer are a protected by a 2001 Tennessee state law that banned hunters from shooting the animals.


upi--2020-03-17--Beverley Mitchell announces pregnancy on Instagram

March 17 ( UPI ) -- Beverley Mitchell shared in an Instagram post on Tuesday that she is pregnant .
In her picture she held a pregnancy test showing the positive result .
`` We finally got our gold at the end of the rainbow !
!
!
! ''
Mitchell wrote .
`` We are pregnant with our rainbow baby ! ''
This will be the third child for Mitchell and husband Michael Cameron .
They had a daughter , Kenzie , in 2013 and son Huttan in 2015 .
In 2018 , Mitchell revealed in a blog post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday Instagram hinted that they had been struggling to try again .
`` The road has n't always been easy but it is so worth it ! ''
Mitchell wrote .
`` It has been far but scarier this time around but just got a great checkup so we are feeling lucky ! ''
The Clearblue company sponsored Mitchell 's post and Mitchell said she tried a few tests just to be sure .
`` Not going to lie I may have peed on quite a few sticks because I could n't honestly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` But sure enough they all said PREGNANT . ''
Mitchell began acting at age nine and played Lucy Camden on 11 seasons of the TV drama 7th Heaven from 1996 - 2007 , beginning when she was 15 .
She starred in the movie Saw II and the TV series Secret Life of the American Teenager and Hollywood Darlings .

Beverley Mitchell is pregnant with her third child according to the actress's Instagram post Tuesday. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
March 17 (UPI) -- Beverley Mitchell shared in an Instagram post on Tuesday that she is pregnant. In her picture she held a pregnancy test showing the positive result. "We finally got our gold at the end of the rainbow!!!!" Mitchell wrote. "We are pregnant with our rainbow baby!" Advertisement
This will be the third child for Mitchell and husband Michael Cameron. They had a daughter, Kenzie, in 2013 and son Huttan in 2015.
In 2018, Mitchell revealed in a blog post that she'd miscarried twins. Her Tuesday Instagram hinted that they had been struggling to try again.
"The road hasn't always been easy but it is so worth it!" Mitchell wrote. "It has been far but scarier this time around but just got a great checkup so we are feeling lucky!"
The Clearblue company sponsored Mitchell's post and Mitchell said she tried a few tests just to be sure.
"Not going to lie I may have peed on quite a few sticks because I couldn't honestly believe it!" Mitchell wrote. "But sure enough they all said PREGNANT."
Mitchell began acting at age nine and played Lucy Camden on 11 seasons of the TV drama 7th Heaven from 1996 - 2007, beginning when she was 15. She starred in the movie Saw II and the TV series Secret Life of the American Teenager and Hollywood Darlings.
Cameron and Mitchell married in 2008.


upi--2020-03-17--Ex-Rep. Duncan Hunter sentenced to 11 months in prison

March 17 ( UPI ) -- A federal judge in California sentenced former Rep. Duncan Hunter to 11 months in prison Tuesday for misusing campaign funds .
District Court Judge Thomas Whelan ordered Hunter , who resigned from Congress in January , to surrender May 29 to begin his sentence .
Prosecutors asked for a 14-month sentence , but he was eligible for five years of incarceration .
Duncan Hunter served six terms in Congress representing California 's 50th Congressional District , which comprises parts of San Diego and Riverside counties .
He pleaded guilty to the charges in December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Margaret Hunter , originally pleaded not guilty to the 60-count federal indictment alleging they used more than $ 250,000 of his campaign re-election funds for personal expenses such as video games , private school tuition , oral surgery and utilities between 2009 and 2016 .
In order to mask the spending the couple listed expenditures as charity donations , including filing dental bills as a charitable contribution to `` Smiles for Life '' and tickets to see Riverdance at the San Diego Civic Theater as a donation to `` San Diego Civic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Hunters began reimbursing the campaign in 2010 and by November 2017 had repaid more than $ 60,000 for what his campaign described as `` personal , mistaken and insufficiently documented expenditures . ''
In June , Margaret Hunter changed her plea , pleading guilty to a single count of conspiracy .
She is scheduled to be sentenced April 7 .
Before changing his plea , Duncan Hunter repeatedly denied the charges , describing the case as a `` witch hunt . ''

Former Rep. Duncan Hunter must surrender to begin serving his sentence May 29.. File Photo courtesy of Congress
March 17 (UPI) -- A federal judge in California sentenced former Rep. Duncan Hunter to 11 months in prison Tuesday for misusing campaign funds. District Court Judge Thomas Whelan ordered Hunter, who resigned from Congress in January, to surrender May 29 to begin his sentence. Prosecutors asked for a 14-month sentence, but he was eligible for five years of incarceration. Advertisement
Duncan Hunter served six terms in Congress representing California's 50th Congressional District, which comprises parts of San Diego and Riverside counties.
He pleaded guilty to the charges in December.
Both Duncan Hunter and his wife, Margaret Hunter, originally pleaded not guilty to the 60-count federal indictment alleging they used more than $250,000 of his campaign re-election funds for personal expenses such as video games, private school tuition, oral surgery and utilities between 2009 and 2016.
In order to mask the spending the couple listed expenditures as charity donations, including filing dental bills as a charitable contribution to "Smiles for Life" and tickets to see Riverdance at the San Diego Civic Theater as a donation to "San Diego Civic Center for Republican Women Federated/Fundraising."
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The Hunters began reimbursing the campaign in 2010 and by November 2017 had repaid more than $60,000 for what his campaign described as "personal, mistaken and insufficiently documented expenditures."
In June, Margaret Hunter changed her plea, pleading guilty to a single count of conspiracy. She is scheduled to be sentenced April 7.
Before changing his plea, Duncan Hunter repeatedly denied the charges, describing the case as a "witch hunt."


upi--2020-03-17--Australian student's first-ever lottery ticket wins $600,000

March 17 ( UPI ) -- An Australian college student said he ignored his friend 's advice and won $ @ @ @ @ @ ticket purchase .
The man told Lotterywest officials he visited Media Lottery Center & News @ @ @ @ @ , and bought a Monday Lotto ticket , despite a friend advising him to abstain @ @ @ @ @ me not to buy one as I never have any luck , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ found he did indeed have some luck when Monday night 's drawing earned him a @ @ @ @ @ I checked my ticket at home that night and when I realized I 'd won @ @ @ @ @ because I thought I was dreaming , '' he said .
The winner said his @ @ @ @ @ are to celebrate St. Patrick 's Day with lobster and Guinness .

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March 17 (UPI) -- An Australian college student said he ignored his friend's advice and won $600,000 with his first-ever lottery ticket purchase.
The man told Lotterywest officials he visited Media Lottery Center & News in Cannington, Western Australia, and bought a Monday Lotto ticket, despite a friend advising him to abstain.
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"My friend told me not to buy one as I never have any luck," he said.
The first-time lottery player found he did indeed have some luck when Monday night's drawing earned him a $600,000 jackpot.
"I checked my ticket at home that night and when I realized I'd won, I literally slapped myself because I thought I was dreaming," he said.
The winner said his immediate plans for his winnings are to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with lobster and Guinness.


upi--2020-03-17--Mammoth bone circles hint at how people survived Europe's ice age

March 17 ( UPI ) -- A study published Tuesday on mysterious bone circles on the Central Russian Plain , made largely from mammoth bones , reveals hints at how people survived Europe 's ice age .
The study , published in the journal Antiquity , uses radiocarbon dating and extraction by flotation of charcoal and chipped stone to show the oldest bone circle built by humans at one site on the Russian Plain .
The site , just outside of the modern village of Kostenski , 300 miles south of Moscow , is known as Kostenski 11 .
Bones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years old , which means the Kostenski site was being built as the Ice Age reached its coldest stage -- where summers were short and winters were long , with temperatures around -4 degrees Fahrenheit or colder .
The bone circle is a foot below current surface level , and the bones were likely sourced from animal graveyards and hidden by sediment , the analysis suggests .
The majority of bones were from mammoths .
Fifty-one lower jaws of mammoths and 64 mammoth skulls were used to construct the walls of the 30-foot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interior .
Other bones were found in smaller numbers , including bones of reindeer , horse , bear , wolf , red fox and arctic foxes .
About 70 bone circle structures are known to exist in Ukraine and the Russian Plain , according archaeologists at University of Exeter who conducted the research .
Eventually the bone circles were abandoned as the climate got colder and more inhospitable .
Archaeologists also for the first time found remains of charred wood and plant remains that showed ancient communities were burning wood , along with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ edible plants .
Researchers said the plants could have also been used for poisons , medicines , string or fabric .
Archaeologists had previously assumed the mammoth bone circles were used as dwellings for many months , but the new research shows the intensity of activity was less than would be expected from a long term base camp site .
`` Kostenski 11 represents a rare example of Paleolithic hunter gatherers living on in this harsh environment , '' said Dr. Alexander Pryor , who led the study .
`` What might have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
One possibility is that the mammoths and humans could have come to the area on masse because it had a natural spring that would have provided unfrozen liquid water throughout the winter -- rare in this period of extreme cold . ''
`` These finds shed new light on the purpose of these mysterious sites , '' Pryor added .
`` Archaeology is showing us more about how our ancestors survived in this desperately cold and hostile environment at the climax of the last ice age .
Most other places at similar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this time , but these groups had managed to adapt to find food , shelter and water . ''

The majority of bones found at the Kostenski 11 site in the Russian Plains were from mammoths, including 51 lower jaws and 64 individual mammoth skulls. Photo by Alex Pryor/University of Exeter
March 17 (UPI) -- A study published Tuesday on mysterious bone circles on the Central Russian Plain, made largely from mammoth bones, reveals hints at how people survived Europe's ice age. The study, published in the journal Antiquity, uses radiocarbon dating and extraction by flotation of charcoal and chipped stone to show the oldest bone circle built by humans at one site on the Russian Plain. Advertisement
The site, just outside of the modern village of Kostenski, 300 miles south of Moscow, is known as Kostenski 11.
Bones at the site are more than 20,000 years old, which means the Kostenski site was being built as the Ice Age reached its coldest stage -- where summers were short and winters were long, with temperatures around -4 degrees Fahrenheit or colder.
The bone circle is a foot below current surface level, and the bones were likely sourced from animal graveyards and hidden by sediment, the analysis suggests.
The majority of bones were from mammoths. Fifty-one lower jaws of mammoths and 64 mammoth skulls were used to construct the walls of the 30-foot by 30-foot structure and scattered across the interior. Other bones were found in smaller numbers, including bones of reindeer, horse, bear, wolf, red fox and arctic foxes.
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About 70 bone circle structures are known to exist in Ukraine and the Russian Plain, according archaeologists at University of Exeter who conducted the research. Eventually the bone circles were abandoned as the climate got colder and more inhospitable.
Archaeologists also for the first time found remains of charred wood and plant remains that showed ancient communities were burning wood, along with bones, for fuel and foraging for edible plants.
Researchers said the plants could have also been used for poisons, medicines, string or fabric.
Archaeologists had previously assumed the mammoth bone circles were used as dwellings for many months, but the new research shows the intensity of activity was less than would be expected from a long term base camp site.
"Kostenski 11 represents a rare example of Paleolithic hunter gatherers living on in this harsh environment," said Dr. Alexander Pryor, who led the study. "What might have brought ancient hunter gatherers to this site? One possibility is that the mammoths and humans could have come to the area on masse because it had a natural spring that would have provided unfrozen liquid water throughout the winter -- rare in this period of extreme cold."
"These finds shed new light on the purpose of these mysterious sites," Pryor added. "Archaeology is showing us more about how our ancestors survived in this desperately cold and hostile environment at the climax of the last ice age. Most other places at similar latitudes in Europe had been abandoned by this time, but these groups had managed to adapt to find food, shelter and water."
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upi--2020-03-17--Soccer freestyler juggles ball across 50-mile Siberian lake

March 17 ( UPI ) -- A British soccer freestyler set a world record when he walked 50 miles across @ @ @ @ @ a soccer ball with his feet , knees , chest and head .
John Farnworth @ @ @ @ @ set a Guinness World Record when he performed `` keepie uppies '' across .61 miles @ @ @ @ @ spent 48 hours juggling the soccer ball across Lake Baikal , the world 's largest @ @ @ @ @ in a Facebook post that the accomplishment was `` the hardest 48 hour period I @ @ @ @ @ is believed to have broken a Guinness record on the second day of the challenge @ @ @ @ @ a football on ice in one hour .
He traveled a distance of about 3 @ @ @ @ @ .
Farnworth 's endurance challenge raised funds for Cancer Research UK .
He said the @ @ @ @ @ friendship with AJ Foster , 36 , who was diagnosed with lymphoma three years ago @

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March 17 (UPI) -- A British soccer freestyler set a world record when he walked 50 miles across a Siberian like while juggling a soccer ball with his feet, knees, chest and head.
John Farnworth, 34, who previously set a Guinness World Record when he performed "keepie uppies" across .61 miles of the Saharah desert, spent 48 hours juggling the soccer ball across Lake Baikal, the world's largest frozen lake.
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Farnworth said in a Facebook post that the accomplishment was "the hardest 48 hour period I've experienced."
He is believed to have broken a Guinness record on the second day of the challenge for farthest distance covered juggling a football on ice in one hour. He traveled a distance of about 3 miles in a single hour.
Farnworth's endurance challenge raised funds for Cancer Research UK. He said the stunt was inspired by his friendship with AJ Foster, 36, who was diagnosed with lymphoma three years ago.


upi--2020-03-18--Tampa Bay Bucs ticket sales surge after Tom Brady agreement

March 18 ( UPI ) -- Fans were in a virtual pileup for football tickets in the hours after reports surfaced that Tom Brady was joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers .
Brady announced he was ending his 20-year tenure with the New England Patriots at 8:45 a.m. EDT Tuesday .
Between 6 and 7 p.m. , there were multiple reports confirming that Brady had agreed to join the Buccaneers .
There were fewer than 1,000 people in line to buy Buccaneers tickets at 7 p.m. on TicketMaster 's website , according to screenshots on social media .
More than 1,350 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That number increased by 500 in 10 minutes before jumping to a total of 4,000 by 7:55 p.m. By 9 p.m. there were nearly 7,000 people in line to buy season tickets .
Sources told NFL Network Wednesday that Brady and the Buccaneers finalized a contract that pays the future Hall of Fame quarterback up to $ 30 million annually .
The Buccaneers had the worst home attendance in the NFC in 2019 , averaging 51,898 fans per game , according to ESPN .
Only the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Chargers averaged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tampa Bay has ranked in the bottom five for home attendance for four consecutive seasons .
The Buccaneers ' regular season home schedule for 2020 includes games against the Green Bay Packers , Kansas City Chiefs , Minnesota Vikings , New Orleans Saints , Los Angles Chargers , Atlanta Falcons , Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams .

Tom Brady played 20 seasons for the New England Patriots but will have a new home in 2020. File Photo by Matthew Healey/UPI | License Photo
March 18 (UPI) -- Fans were in a virtual pileup for football tickets in the hours after reports surfaced that Tom Brady was joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brady announced he was ending his 20-year tenure with the New England Patriots at 8:45 a.m. EDT Tuesday. Between 6 and 7 p.m., there were multiple reports confirming that Brady had agreed to join the Buccaneers. Advertisement
There were fewer than 1,000 people in line to buy Buccaneers tickets at 7 p.m. on TicketMaster's website, according to screenshots on social media. More than 1,350 people were in line at 7:15 p.m. That number increased by 500 in 10 minutes before jumping to a total of 4,000 by 7:55 p.m. By 9 p.m. there were nearly 7,000 people in line to buy season tickets.
Sources told NFL Network Wednesday that Brady and the Buccaneers finalized a contract that pays the future Hall of Fame quarterback up to $30 million annually.
The Buccaneers had the worst home attendance in the NFC in 2019, averaging 51,898 fans per game, according to ESPN. Only the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Chargers averaged fewer fans at their home stadiums. Tampa Bay has ranked in the bottom five for home attendance for four consecutive seasons.
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The Buccaneers' regular season home schedule for 2020 includes games against the Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, Los Angles Chargers, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams.
Tom Brady retires: a look back at his famed career


upi--2020-03-18--Watch: Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert give monologues from home

March 18 ( UPI ) -- Late night talk show hosts Jimmy Fallon , Jimmy Kimmel , Stephen Colbert and Conan O'Brien have been entertaining fans from their homes amid the COVID-19 virus .
Fallon presented a Tonight Show : At Home Edition on Tuesday where the comedian was filmed by his wife Nancy Juvonen .
Fallon presented a monologue and showcased how he was celebrating St. Patrick 's Day indoors with Guinness beer and soda bread .
`` I 'm doing the show from my house in New York and this is how crazy New York traffic is .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ room , and I was still 20 minutes late getting in , '' Fallon joked .
Fallon also said that he will be using the homemade videos to highlight a different charity that fans can donate to .
He presented Feeding America which runs a nationwide network of 200 food banks .
Kimmel also gave a monologue from his office , stating that he was hiding from his kids .
He discussed life in quarantine , Tom Brady leaving the Patriots and how he was celebrating St. Patrick 's Day .
Kimmel said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyday until he can return and also highlighted charity No Kid Hungry .
`` My blood type right now is Disney positive or Disney+ whatever they call it .
We 've watched Frozen 2 more times than the animators who drew it have watched Frozen 2 , '' Kimmel joked .
Colbert hosted his second at home version of The Late Show on Tuesday by talking to viewers while sitting near a fire pit in his backyard .
Colbert delivered a monologue which covered current topics and spoke with his band leader Jon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of `` Danny Boy '' in honor of St. Patrick 's Day that featured lyrics relating to COIVD-19 and having to stay in quarantine .
O'Brien , for St. Patrick 's Day , uploaded a video of himself singing `` Danny Boy '' while washing his hands with bottles of Guinness and Jameson along with Lucky Charms .

March 18 (UPI) -- Late night talk show hosts Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert and Conan O'Brien have been entertaining fans from their homes amid the COVID-19 virus.
Fallon presented a Tonight Show: At Home Edition on Tuesday where the comedian was filmed by his wife Nancy Juvonen.
Advertisement
Fallon presented a monologue and showcased how he was celebrating St. Patrick's Day indoors with Guinness beer and soda bread.
"I'm doing the show from my house in New York and this is how crazy New York traffic is. I'm doing the show from living room, and I was still 20 minutes late getting in," Fallon joked.
Fallon also said that he will be using the homemade videos to highlight a different charity that fans can donate to. He presented Feeding America which runs a nationwide network of 200 food banks.
Kimmel also gave a monologue from his office, stating that he was hiding from his kids. He discussed life in quarantine, Tom Brady leaving the Patriots and how he was celebrating St. Patrick's Day.
Advertisement
Kimmel said he will be shooting a mini monologue everyday until he can return and also highlighted charity No Kid Hungry.
"My blood type right now is Disney positive or Disney+ whatever they call it. We've watched Frozen 2 more times than the animators who drew it have watched Frozen 2," Kimmel joked.
Colbert hosted his second at home version of The Late Show on Tuesday by talking to viewers while sitting near a fire pit in his backyard.
Colbert delivered a monologue which covered current topics and spoke with his band leader Jon Batiste. The duo performed a rendition of "Danny Boy" in honor of St. Patrick's Day that featured lyrics relating to COIVD-19 and having to stay in quarantine.
O'Brien, for St. Patrick's Day, uploaded a video of himself singing "Danny Boy" while washing his hands with bottles of Guinness and Jameson along with Lucky Charms.


upi--2020-03-18--All sides to blame for at least 120 attacks on Yemen hospitals, watchdog report says

March 18 ( UPI ) -- Medical facilities and health workers in Yemen were targeted more than 100 times between 2015 and 2018 , causing harm to the war-torn nation 's treatment infrastructure and accelerating its humanitarian crisis , a watchdog report said Wednesday .
The 96-page report by Mwatana for Human Rights and Physicians for Human Rights said all sides are to blame for at least 120 attacks on Yemeni hospitals and healthcare workers over that three-year span .
The study said attacks were documented in 20 of 22 governorates .
Yemen has in civil war since 2014 when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overwhelmed government forces and took control of the capital of Sana ' a .
The government , backed by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates , has since been fighting to regain control .
Titled `` I Ripped the IV Out and Started Running : Attacks on Healthcare in Yemen , '' Wednesday 's report said the Yemeni government , Saudi coalition and the Houthis have all been responsible for attacks against medical facilities and health workers .
`` Each attack on a health facility reverberates far beyond its walls , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Middle East and North Africa Researcher , said in a statement .
`` The killings of doctors , nurses and other health workers deprive communities of desperately-needed healthcare . ''
The report documented 35 aerial strikes against medical facilities , 46 ground attacks and nine military occupations .
Researchers also cited assaults on health workers and looting and interruptions of humanitarian aid by all sides .
At least 96 civilians and healthcare workers died in the attacks and more than 200 were injured , it added .
Koteiche said the greatest challenge for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's no authority to hold anyone accountable .
`` The breakdown in the rule of law in Yemen , furthered by the parties to the conflict , has created a human rights catastrophe with few parallels , in which the protected status of medical facilities and personnel has lost meaning , '' Koteiche said .
The United Nations has called the ongoing civil war the world 's worst humanitarian crisis , with two-thirds of Yemen 's 28 million people suffering from hunger and needing aid to survive .

Doctors look after a wounded man at a makeshift hospital in Sana'a, Yemen. Wednesday's report documented at least 120 attacks on Yemeni hospitals and health workers over three years. File Photo by Mohammad Abdullah/UPI | License Photo
March 18 (UPI) -- Medical facilities and health workers in Yemen were targeted more than 100 times between 2015 and 2018, causing harm to the war-torn nation's treatment infrastructure and accelerating its humanitarian crisis, a watchdog report said Wednesday. The 96-page report by Mwatana for Human Rights and Physicians for Human Rights said all sides are to blame for at least 120 attacks on Yemeni hospitals and healthcare workers over that three-year span. The study said attacks were documented in 20 of 22 governorates. Advertisement
Yemen has in civil war since 2014 when Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, overwhelmed government forces and took control of the capital of Sana'a. The government, backed by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, has since been fighting to regain control.
Titled "I Ripped the IV Out and Started Running: Attacks on Healthcare in Yemen," Wednesday's report said the Yemeni government, Saudi coalition and the Houthis have all been responsible for attacks against medical facilities and health workers.
"Each attack on a health facility reverberates far beyond its walls," Rayan Koteiche, Physicians for Human Rights Middle East and North Africa Researcher, said in a statement. "The killings of doctors, nurses and other health workers deprive communities of desperately-needed healthcare."
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The report documented 35 aerial strikes against medical facilities, 46 ground attacks and nine military occupations. Researchers also cited assaults on health workers and looting and interruptions of humanitarian aid by all sides. At least 96 civilians and healthcare workers died in the attacks and more than 200 were injured, it added.
Koteiche said the greatest challenge for those affected in Yemen is that there's no authority to hold anyone accountable.
"The breakdown in the rule of law in Yemen, furthered by the parties to the conflict, has created a human rights catastrophe with few parallels, in which the protected status of medical facilities and personnel has lost meaning," Koteiche said.
The United Nations has called the ongoing civil war the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with two-thirds of Yemen's 28 million people suffering from hunger and needing aid to survive.


upi--2020-03-18--Coronavirus cases top 200,000 worldwide; EU closes borders

March 18 ( UPI ) -- The European Union has closed its external borders to non-essential travel and airline passengers around the world moved to return home Wednesday amid new coronavrius restrictions .
The EU announced after a video conference Tuesday that all member nations unanimously agreed to reinforce the bloc 's external borders by `` applying a coordinated temporary restriction of non-essential travel to the EU for a period of 30 days . ''
The coronavirus epicenter has shifted from China to Europe , and the EU on Wednesday joined France , Spain and Italy in imposing border closures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus through social distancing .
EU officials ordered non-essential shops and open-air markets to close and urged citizens to work from home when at all possible .
Early Wednesday , the number of worldwide cases surpassed 200,000 for the first time and more than 8,000 deaths were recorded by Johns Hopkins University , which is keeping a running tally .
`` It is up to them now to implement -- they said they will immediately do that , this is good in order to have an unanimous and united approach what the external @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Ursula von der Leyen said .
`` There was a lot of approval what our proposal is concerned . ''
The EU restrictions are the latest in series of new measures impacting travelers abroad .
Australia has updated its global travel advisory to a `` level four . ''
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade urged Australians to return home as soon as possible or risk being stranded .
In Germany 's northern , western and southern borders were open only to travelers who have `` valid reasons '' for travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most foreign travelers from entry , and those who do enter will be required to self-isolate for 14 days .
In China , things are slowly returning to normal as the number of new cases continued to dwindle Wednesday .
Hubei province , the original epicenter , has reported just one new case and 11 additional deaths .
Chinese officials have gradually relaxed lockdown measures imposed last month and local officials allowed schools to resume classes in `` low risk '' provinces .

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Military personnel in protective suits disinfect streets on Wednesday in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. The nation is in its fourth day of public confinement to stem the spread of the coronavirus. Photo by Lavandeira Jr/EPA-EFE
March 18 (UPI) -- The European Union has closed its external borders to non-essential travel, and airline passengers around the world moved to return home Wednesday amid new coronavirus restrictions. The EU announced after a video conference Tuesday that all member nations unanimously agreed to reinforce the bloc's external borders by "applying a coordinated temporary restriction of non-essential travel to the EU for a period of 30 days." Advertisement
The pandemic's epicenter has shifted from China to Europe, and the EU on Wednesday joined France, Spain and Italy in imposing border closures intended to stop the spread of the virus through social distancing.
EU officials ordered non-essential shops and open-air markets to close and urged citizens to work from home when at all possible.
"It is up to them now to implement. They said they will immediately do that. This is good in order to have an unanimous and united approach," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. "There was a lot of approval."
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Meanwhile, the European Central Bank announced in a statement a $821 billion pandemic emergency purchase program late Wednesday to "counter the serious risks to the monetary policy transmission mechanism and the outlook for the euro areas posed by the outbreak.
The bank said the purchases will occur until the end of 2020.
Early Wednesday, the number of worldwide cases surpassed 200,000 for the first time, and more than 8,000 deaths were recorded by Johns Hopkins University, which is keeping a running tally. By the end of the day, it had counted 218,631 cases and 8,809 deaths attributed to the disease.
Italy, which has the second-highest number of cases after China, reported its largest single-day death toll Tuesday at 475. That brings the overall death toll in the country to 2,978, Emergency Commissioner and Civil Protection Chief Angelo Borrelli said Wednesday.
The EU restrictions are the latest in a series of new measures impacting travelers abroad.
Israel on Wednesday also announced, effective immediately, all foreign nationals will be barred from entering the country.
"Pursuant to recommendations from the Ministry of Health, as of today, entry into Israel by foreign nationals will not be permitted, even if they have proven the ability to stay in quarantine," the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in a statement.
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Prior to the ban, Israel had allowed in non-citizens who could prove they could self-isolate. Exceptions to the ban will be made for those "whose lives are based in Israel," the ministry said.
The country has 433 confirmed cases of COVID-19, according to the Ministry of Health.
Australia has updated its global travel advisory to a Level 4. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade urged Australians to return home as soon as possible or risk being stranded.
On Thursday, Qantas and its subsidiary Jetstar announced that they would be suspending international flights from late March, grounding some 150 aircraft. The company earlier announced that it was cutting some 90 percent of international flights and 60 percent of domestic travel.
"With the federal government now recommending against all overseas travel from Australia, regularly scheduled international flights will continue until late March to assist with repatriation and will then be suspended until at least the end of May 2020," it said in a statement.
Ryanair, a budget carrier popular in Europe, said in a statement Wednesday it would cut more than 80 percent of its flights from now until Tuesday when it expects "most if not all" of its planes will be grounded.
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And Air Canada, Canada's national carrier, said Wednesday it will gradually be suspending the majority of its international and U.S. transborder flights by March 31.
Germany's northern, western and southern borders were open only to those who have "valid reasons" for travel.
Russia also announced it would ban most foreign travelers from entry, and those who do enter will be required to self-isolate for 14 days.
In China, life was slowly returning to normal as the number of new cases continued to dwindle Wednesday. Hubei province, where the outbreak began, has reported one new case and 11 additional deaths.
Chinese officials have gradually relaxed lockdown measures imposed last month and local officials allowed schools to resume classes in "low-risk" provinces.
Scenes from a pandemic: World copes with COVID-19


upi--2020-03-18--Six-time Pro Bowl DT Gerald McCoy to join Dallas Cowboys

March 18 ( UPI ) -- The Dallas Cowboys have agreed to sign free agent defensive tackle Gerald McCoy .
Sources informed ESPN , CBS Sports and NFL Network of the three-year pact late Tuesday night .
McCoy , 32 , spent last season with the Carolina Panthers after spending the first nine years of his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers .
He signed a one-year , $ 3 million contract with the Panthers last June .
The 6-foot-4 , 300-pound defensive tackle had 37 tackles , 13 quarterback hits , seven tackles for a loss , five sacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last season for the Panthers .
The six-time Pro Bowl selection and 2013 All-Pro had 54.5 sacks in 123 starts during his tenure with the Buccaneers .
McCoy entered the league as the No .
3 overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft .
The Cowboys lost defensive tackle Maliek Collins to the Las Vegas Raiders Tuesday in free agency .
They also lost tight end Jason Witten and safety Jeff Heath to Las Vegas .
Dallas lost cornerback Byron Jones to the Miami Dolphins and defensive lineman Robert Quinn to the Chicago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receiver Amari Cooper with a five-year contract agreement and placed the exclusive franchise tag on quarterback Dak Prescott .

March 18 (UPI) -- The Dallas Cowboys have agreed to sign free agent defensive tackle Gerald McCoy.
Sources informed ESPN, CBS Sports and NFL Network of the three-year pact late Tuesday night. McCoy, 32, spent last season with the Carolina Panthers after spending the first nine years of his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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He signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Panthers last June.
The 6-foot-4, 300-pound defensive tackle had 37 tackles, 13 quarterback hits, seven tackles for a loss, five sacks and two passes defensed in 16 starts last season for the Panthers. The six-time Pro Bowl selection and 2013 All-Pro had 54.5 sacks in 123 starts during his tenure with the Buccaneers.
McCoy entered the league as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.
The Cowboys lost defensive tackle Maliek Collins to the Las Vegas Raiders Tuesday in free agency. They also lost tight end Jason Witten and safety Jeff Heath to Las Vegas. Dallas lost cornerback Byron Jones to the Miami Dolphins and defensive lineman Robert Quinn to the Chicago Bears.
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The Cowboys retained star wide receiver Amari Cooper with a five-year contract agreement and placed the exclusive franchise tag on quarterback Dak Prescott.


upi--2020-03-18--Las Vegas Raiders to sign DE Carl Nassib

March 18 ( UPI ) -- The Las Vegas Raiders have agreed to a contract with free agent defensive end @ @ @ @ @ NFL Network and The Athletic Nassib received a three-year , $ 25 million deal Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ 17 million in guarantees .
Nassib , 26 , had 34 total tackles , 11 @ @ @ @ @ for a loss , six sacks , a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in @ @ @ @ @ the Tampa Bay Buccaneers .
The 6-foot-7 , 275-pound defender joined the Buccaneers in 2018 @ @ @ @ @ Browns .
Nassib entered the league as a third-round pick by the Browns in the @ @ @ @ @ Penn State product has 115 tackles , 40 quarterback hits , 31 tackles for a @ @ @ @ @ 11 passes defensed , three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 59 career appearances @

Carl Nassib (L) had 12.5 sacks over the last two seasons while playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. File Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI | License Photo
March 18 (UPI) -- The Las Vegas Raiders have agreed to a contract with free agent defensive end Carl Nassib. Sources told NFL Network and The Athletic Nassib received a three-year, $25 million deal Tuesday. The pact includes $17 million in guarantees. Advertisement
Nassib, 26, had 34 total tackles, 11 quarterback hits, eight tackles for a loss, six sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 14 games last season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 6-foot-7, 275-pound defender joined the Buccaneers in 2018 off waivers from the Cleveland Browns.
Nassib entered the league as a third-round pick by the Browns in the 2016 NFL Draft. The Penn State product has 115 tackles, 40 quarterback hits, 31 tackles for a loss, 18 sacks, 11 passes defensed, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 59 career appearances.


upi--2020-03-18--Kathy Griffin's mother Maggie dead at 99

March 18 ( UPI ) -- Kathy Griffin announced on Instagram that her mother Maggie Griffin has died at the age of 99 .
`` My Mom , the one and only Maggie Griffin , passed away today .
Hours ago .
I am gutted .
She was my best friend .
She was my family .
You knew her .
She appreciated you guys so much , '' the comedian said on Tuesday alongside a photo of herself sitting poolside with her mom .
`` I 'm shaking .
I wo n't ever be prepared .
Her point of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GOT each other .
I 'm so grateful you got to be part of her life .
You love her .
I know it .
She knew it .
She 's irreplaceable , '' Kathy Griffin continued .
`` I 'm telling you right now , I am not doing well with this .
I 'm rambling now .
Sorry it truly feels like the end of an era .
Oh , and OF COURSE she went on St. Patrick 's Day .
I love you guys , '' Kathy Griffin concluded .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that her mother was suffering from dementia .
Country music star Reba McEntire recently announced the death of her mother Jacqueline McEntire at the age of 94 .

March 18 (UPI) -- Kathy Griffin announced on Instagram that her mother Maggie Griffin has died at the age of 99.
"My Mom, the one and only Maggie Griffin, passed away today. Hours ago. I am gutted. She was my best friend. She was my family. You knew her. She appreciated you guys so much," the comedian said on Tuesday alongside a photo of herself sitting poolside with her mom.
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"I'm shaking. I won't ever be prepared. Her point of view. So unique. We just GOT each other. I'm so grateful you got to be part of her life. You love her. I know it. She knew it. She's irreplaceable," Kathy Griffin continued.
"I'm telling you right now, I am not doing well with this. I'm rambling now. Sorry it truly feels like the end of an era. Oh, and OF COURSE she went on St. Patrick's Day. I love you guys," Kathy Griffin concluded.
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Kathy Griffin had announced in January 2019 that her mother was suffering from dementia.
Country music star Reba McEntire recently announced the death of her mother Jacqueline McEntire at the age of 94.
Notable deaths of 2020


upi--2020-03-18--Hackers, cybercriminals target victims with coronavirus fears, experts warn

March 18 ( UPI ) -- Computer security experts are warning about a rise in cyberattacks that are seeking to capitalize on the coronavirus outbreak for financial and political gain .
Cybersecurity company FireEye and IBM 's X-Force say cybercriminals from nations that include China , Russia , North Korea , Vietnam , India , Brazil and the United States are behind the efforts .
Some , they say , include sending emails while posing as health organizations in attempts to infect victims ' computers with malicious software .
Benjamin Read , senior manager of cyber espionage analysis at FireEye @ @ @ @ @ @ @ espionage attacks targeting government entities as well as widespread financial-based plots .
`` We 've definitely seen some of it targeting individuals , also some going at corporations and really what the bad guys are seeking to do with that is going to vary based on who they get into , '' Read said .
`` The cybercrime ecosystem is very split up , so you have efforts that are very focused on getting initial entry . ''
He said FireEye has determined hacking groups typically track events online based on what potential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , increasing the risk as concern over the virus continues to grow .
`` The global reach of these is more reflective of the global interest than any specific geopolitical ties , '' he said .
FireEye and X-Force have both observed malicious campaigns and bogus emails written in English , Italian , Chinese and other languages that contain links and file attachments purporting to contain vital information about the outbreak of the coronavirus .
`` We have seen samples of spam claiming to be from the World Health Organization , Chinese Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and links to various online shops trying to scam the user by selling face masks that claim to protect against coronavirus , '' IBM X-Force security analyst Ashkan Vila said .
The WHO has issued a warning about such attacks and outlined what legitimate emails will look like , and the U.S. Secret Service also advised Americans to watch out for `` phishing '' attacks related to the coronavirus .
Earlier this week , the National Security Council also warned about false rumors being spread by text message of a national quarantine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department of Health and Human Services was targeted by hackers who overloaded its servers for hours .
Vila said cybercriminals ' main goal is finding money , via stolen credit card data or mining valuable personal data to sell on the `` dark web . ''
Experts say their main tactic to steal valuable information is trumping up fear about the coronavirus .
`` These threat actors often like to use the fear and panic of people concerned about COVID-19 to bypass their natural skepticism they might have for an email they 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far , experts say , most attacks and efforts have centered on bogus health emails that contain attachments or a link of some kind .
The best way to avoid being victimized , they add , is for people to be skeptical .
Do n't open attachments or click on any hyperlink contained in suspicious emails from unknown sources , and do your best to confirm the origin of the emails .
Another way to avoid being fooled , they say , is to never use your official work email account to sign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more you use your business email address for registering for personal accounts like social media , subscriptions and other services , the more likely it might get used by spammers , '' Vila said .
`` This helps to ensure that you are only receiving emails that you expect to receive . ''

Experts have observed malicious campaigns and bogus emails written in English, Italian, Chinese and other languages. File Photo courtesy Federal Bureau of Investigation/UPI
March 18 (UPI) -- Computer security experts are warning about a rise in cyberattacks that are seeking to capitalize on the coronavirus outbreak for financial and political gain. Cybersecurity company FireEye and IBM's X-Force say cybercriminals from nations that include China, Russia, North Korea, Vietnam, India, Brazil and the United States are behind the efforts. Some, they say, include sending emails while posing as health organizations in attempts to infect victims' computers with malicious software. Advertisement
Benjamin Read, senior manager of cyber espionage analysis at FireEye, said his firm has also observed espionage attacks targeting government entities as well as widespread financial-based plots.
"We've definitely seen some of it targeting individuals, also some going at corporations and really what the bad guys are seeking to do with that is going to vary based on who they get into," Read said. "The cybercrime ecosystem is very split up, so you have efforts that are very focused on getting initial entry."
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He said FireEye has determined hacking groups typically track events online based on what potential victims are most likely to click on, increasing the risk as concern over the virus continues to grow.
"The global reach of these is more reflective of the global interest than any specific geopolitical ties," he said.
FireEye and X-Force have both observed malicious campaigns and bogus emails written in English, Italian, Chinese and other languages that contain links and file attachments purporting to contain vital information about the outbreak of the coronavirus.
"We have seen samples of spam claiming to be from the World Health Organization, Chinese Health Ministry and Japan Health Ministry distributing malware, and links to various online shops trying to scam the user by selling face masks that claim to protect against coronavirus," IBM X-Force security analyst Ashkan Vila said.
The WHO has issued a warning about such attacks and outlined what legitimate emails will look like, and the U.S. Secret Service also advised Americans to watch out for "phishing" attacks related to the coronavirus.
Earlier this week, the National Security Council also warned about false rumors being spread by text message of a national quarantine in the United States -- and the Department of Health and Human Services was targeted by hackers who overloaded its servers for hours.
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Vila said cybercriminals' main goal is finding money, via stolen credit card data or mining valuable personal data to sell on the "dark web." Experts say their main tactic to steal valuable information is trumping up fear about the coronavirus.
"These threat actors often like to use the fear and panic of people concerned about COVID-19 to bypass their natural skepticism they might have for an email they're seeing," Vila noted.
So far, experts say, most attacks and efforts have centered on bogus health emails that contain attachments or a link of some kind. The best way to avoid being victimized, they add, is for people to be skeptical. Don't open attachments or click on any hyperlink contained in suspicious emails from unknown sources, and do your best to confirm the origin of the emails.
Another way to avoid being fooled, they say, is to never use your official work email account to sign up for personal services.
"The more you use your business email address for registering for personal accounts like social media, subscriptions and other services, the more likely it might get used by spammers," Vila said. "This helps to ensure that you are only receiving emails that you expect to receive."


upi--2020-03-18--Watch live: SpaceX plans Starlink launch from Florida on Wednesday

ORLANDO , Fla. , March 18 ( UPI ) -- SpaceX plans to launch it sixth cluster of 60 Starlink satellites from Florida at 8:16 a.m. Wednesday .
The mission is to lift off aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center .
A successful launch would boost the number of Starlink satellites in orbit to 362 , by far the largest satellite constellation .
An attempted launch of the mission was postponed Sunday at the last second when software detected a problem with the rocket 's power supply .
Wednesday 's attempt has a 90 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant problems in the recovery zone for the booster landing , according to the Air Force weather forecast .
The space firm launched 60 Starlink satellites at a time in May , November , on Jan. 6 and 29 and Feb. 17 , with two test satellites launched before that .
The satellites are stacked in the rocket nosecone , using a flat-panel design that minimizes volume .
Starlink satellites are roughly the size of a large dinner table , each weighing more than 500 pounds .
SpaceX intends ultimately to launch thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ globe to provide high-speed Internet everywhere , even in extreme weather or aboard high-speed jets .

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SpaceX launches its sixth Starlink cluster from Florida on Wednesday. Photo courtesy of SpaceX
ORLANDO, Fla., March 18 (UPI) -- SpaceX successfully launched its sixth Starlink satellite cluster from Florida at 8:16 a.m. Wednesday, using a first-stage booster for the fifth time. The company had hoped to land the first-stage booster for the rocket on a barge in the Atlantic Ocean, but SpaceX said the booster failed to make the landing. SpaceX has been recovering boosters by flying them back to Earth since December 2015. Advertisement
Wednesday's launch also used a recovered fairing, or half of the rocket's nosecone.
SpaceX announced via live broadcast during the launch the results of an experiment to make the satellites less visible from the ground. A satellite now in orbit has a non-reflective coating that makes it notably less visible, but the company is embarking on a new experiment to install a sunshade on a satellite for an upcoming launch.
In Wednesday's launch, a Falcon 9 rocket lifted off into blue skies streaked with thin clouds from the company's Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center. Having been used four times before, the normally white booster was dark with soot.
The mission carried 60 Starlink satellites, putting the total in orbit at 362, by far the largest known satellite constellation.
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The space firm previously launched 60 Starlink satellites at a time in May, November, on Jan. 6 and 29 and Feb. 17, with two test satellites launched before that.
Starlink satellites are roughly the size of a large dinner table, each weighing over 500 pounds.. The company intends ultimately to launch thousands of satellites to beam broadband around the globe, providing high-speed Internet everywhere, even in extreme weather or aboard high-speed jets.


upi--2020-03-18--Donald Trump, federal gov't, Bernie Sanders are viral failures

Coronavirus , COVID-19 , is the immediate threat to the nation 's well-being .
How it spreads , the impact on the economies and on the social fabric , not only of the United States but other nations , are unknowable .
Conceivably , hundreds of millions and even billions could be infected .
On the other hand , the actions taken by South Korea , Singapore and Taiwan to combat the virus seem to have worked .
Whether these actions are transportable is also unknown .
Lurking , however , are three other viruses of a political nature that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States .
The first is the failure of the federal government to govern .
Second is presidential contender Bernie Sanders .
And last is President Donald Trump .
For too long , I have warned that the failure of governments to govern is among the greatest threats to societies at large , especially in the West .
That the Senate chose to leave Washington last Friday while the House was about to vote on a rescue package to deal with COVID-19 was outrageous and a collective dereliction of duty .
Fortunately , state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more serious and professional actions to counter this pandemic .
Among the causes of this failure to govern have been the virulent effects of ultra-partisanship and excessive politicization .
The old Republican Party has disappeared .
And the Democratic Party is moving hard left , driven so by factions that demand a revolution against large corporations , the rich and the elites .
In that regard , while it appears likely that former Vice President Joe Biden will win his party 's presidential nomination , Sanders refuses to concede and continues his quest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ view , Sanders intends to impose some of his most radical policies and promises on Biden and his platform .
The quid pro quo is Sanders ' support and , of course , that of his supporters .
Should Biden be forced or persuaded to adapt some of Sanders ' policies that Republicans will attack as `` socialist , '' Trump will be the beneficiary .
As Trump observed , `` America is not and never will be socialist . ''
Too many of Sanders ' programs are not only unaffordable .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ student debt plans are unworkable .
As Trump has eviscerated traditional Republican preferences for fiscal prudence and international engagement , Sanders risks `` socializing '' the Democratic Party .
This politically viral infection will accelerate further distancing from the center where a majority of Americans reside .
Unfortunately , Trump is exactly the wrong person to be president during a crisis .
The reason is that he is the face of extreme partisanship and politicization .
Worse , Trump 's inability to rally the nation and indeed to be seen as trustworthy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record of ignoring or dismissing facts and truth , deprive the public of the leadership that is desperately needed .
In past crises , Presidents Ronald Reagan , George H.W .
Bush , Bill Clinton , George W. Bush and Barack Obama were able to provide leadership despite politicization and often harsh personal attacks against each .
Public views on COVID-19 are split along party lines , adding to this crisis of confidence .
Some 85 percent of Republicans believe the administration is handling this crisis .
An equal percentage of Democrats believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , `` A house divided against itself can not stand . ''
If mishandled , unless COVID-19 magically evaporates , we face another divided house .
While this is not World War II , more Americans could succumb to this disease than in that conflict .
Yet , the nation needs a World War II-like response to COVID-19 .
Franklin D. Roosevelt 's address to Congress immediately after the attack on Pearl Harbor rallied Americans , even as the Pacific battleship fleet was in ruins .
Can Trump rise to the challenge ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ could Trump address a joint congressional session to bring the divided nation together ?
Or would that simply widen the divide ?
And if not Trump , who ?
Compounding these uncertainties was the dismal performance of federal agencies last weekend in failing to anticipate the need for processing thousands of Americans landing in major airports who might be infected with COVID-19 .
Two actions are essential .
First , the nation needs a comprehensive plan for defeating the spread and recurrence of COVID-19 medically , economically and socially .
Congress must play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it can overcome its partisan divisions .
Second , the administration and the president in particular must inform the public on a factual and scientific basis and not the whims or impulses that have characterized Trump 's prior statements and tweets .
For example , the public was promised 4 million COVID-19 test kits by last weekend .
That did not happen .
We won World War II .
We must prevail over COVID-19 .
Will we ?
Harlan Ullman is a senior adviser at the Atlantic Council .
His latest book is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Has Lost Every War It Starts . ''
Follow him @ harlankullman .

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President Donald Trump meets with tourism industry executives to discuss the response to the coronavirus on Tuesday. Photo Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Coronavirus, COVID-19, is the immediate threat to the nation's well-being. How it spreads, the impact on the economies and on the social fabric, not only of the United States but other nations, are unknowable. Conceivably, hundreds of millions and even billions could be infected. On the other hand, the actions taken by South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan to combat the virus seem to have worked. Whether these actions are transportable is also unknown. Advertisement
Lurking, however, are three other viruses of a political nature that will have long-term impact on the United States. The first is the failure of the federal government to govern. Second is presidential contender Bernie Sanders. And last is President Donald Trump.
For too long, I have warned that the failure of governments to govern is among the greatest threats to societies at large, especially in the West. That the Senate chose to leave Washington last Friday while the House was about to vote on a rescue package to deal with COVID-19 was outrageous and a collective dereliction of duty. Fortunately, state and local governments appear to be taking more serious and professional actions to counter this pandemic.
Advertisement
Among the causes of this failure to govern have been the virulent effects of ultra-partisanship and excessive politicization. The old Republican Party has disappeared. And the Democratic Party is moving hard left, driven so by factions that demand a revolution against large corporations, the rich and the elites.
In that regard, while it appears likely that former Vice President Joe Biden will win his party's presidential nomination, Sanders refuses to concede and continues his quest to be the candidate. In my view, Sanders intends to impose some of his most radical policies and promises on Biden and his platform. The quid pro quo is Sanders' support and, of course, that of his supporters.
Should Biden be forced or persuaded to adapt some of Sanders' policies that Republicans will attack as "socialist," Trump will be the beneficiary. As Trump observed, "America is not and never will be socialist." Too many of Sanders' programs are not only unaffordable. His healthcare, free education and relief of student debt plans are unworkable.
As Trump has eviscerated traditional Republican preferences for fiscal prudence and international engagement, Sanders risks "socializing" the Democratic Party. This politically viral infection will accelerate further distancing from the center where a majority of Americans reside.
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Unfortunately, Trump is exactly the wrong person to be president during a crisis. The reason is that he is the face of extreme partisanship and politicization. Worse, Trump's inability to rally the nation and indeed to be seen as trustworthy, credible and believable, given his track record of ignoring or dismissing facts and truth, deprive the public of the leadership that is desperately needed. In past crises, Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama were able to provide leadership despite politicization and often harsh personal attacks against each.
Public views on COVID-19 are split along party lines, adding to this crisis of confidence. Some 85 percent of Republicans believe the administration is handling this crisis. An equal percentage of Democrats believe the opposite. As Abraham Lincoln observed, "A house divided against itself cannot stand." If mishandled, unless COVID-19 magically evaporates, we face another divided house.
While this is not World War II, more Americans could succumb to this disease than in that conflict. Yet, the nation needs a World War II-like response to COVID-19. Franklin D. Roosevelt's address to Congress immediately after the attack on Pearl Harbor rallied Americans, even as the Pacific battleship fleet was in ruins.
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Can Trump rise to the challenge? Like FDR and in other crises, could Trump address a joint congressional session to bring the divided nation together? Or would that simply widen the divide? And if not Trump, who?
Compounding these uncertainties was the dismal performance of federal agencies last weekend in failing to anticipate the need for processing thousands of Americans landing in major airports who might be infected with COVID-19.
Two actions are essential. First, the nation needs a comprehensive plan for defeating the spread and recurrence of COVID-19 medically, economically and socially. Congress must play a crucial role, but only if it can overcome its partisan divisions.
Second, the administration and the president in particular must inform the public on a factual and scientific basis and not the whims or impulses that have characterized Trump's prior statements and tweets. For example, the public was promised 4 million COVID-19 test kits by last weekend. That did not happen.
We won World War II. We must prevail over COVID-19. Will we?
Harlan Ullman is a senior adviser at the Atlantic Council. His latest book is "Anatomy of Failure: Why America Has Lost Every War It Starts." Follow him @harlankullman.
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U.S. copes with COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-03-18--Kim Jong Un: Upgrading public health sector a 'crucial task'

SEOUL , March 18 ( UPI ) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called bolstering public health capacity in North Korea a `` crucial task '' at a groundbreaking ceremony for a hospital in Pyongyang , state-run media reported Wednesday .
`` To be honest , our party analyzed and evaluated the current state of the country 's health and medical sectors thoroughly and scientifically and criticized the fact that there was no modern medical health facility in the country 's capital , '' Kim said , according to the Korean Central News Agency .
The drive to `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' is `` a crucial task to which top-priority state efforts should be directed under whatever conditions and environments , '' Kim said at the ceremony , which was held on Tuesday .
The appearance was the first publicly reported sighting of the North Korean leader in the capital in weeks , which had led to speculation that he had been trying to avoid exposure to the coronavirus .
He was previously reported overseeing military drills on the east coast of the country earlier this month .
While North Korean state media regularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 in South Korea , the cloistered communist country has still reported no patients of its own .
However , many observers call those claims doubtful .
In a briefing with reporters on Friday , Gen. Robert Abrams , commander of U.S .
Forces Korea , said that anecdotal evidence such as a lack of military activity indicates that there are very likely COVID-19 cases in North Korea .
`` It is a closed-off nation , so we ca n't say emphatically that they have cases , but we 're fairly certain they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What I do know is that their armed forces had been fundamentally in a lockdown for about 30 days and only recently have they started routine training again . ''
Health and government officials around the world have expressed concern about the ability of North Korea 's limited health infrastructure to handle an outbreak of COVID-19 .
`` The United States is deeply concerned about the vulnerability of the North Korean people to a coronavirus outbreak , '' Morgan Ortagus , spokeswoman for the U.S. State Department , said in a statement in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to foreign travelers in January , soon after reports began emerging that the coronavirus was sickening hundreds in neighboring China .
A news report in the Pyongyang Times last week highlighted North Korea 's ongoing efforts to `` prevent COVID-19 from entering and spreading in the country , '' which include inspection and quarantine of goods coming into the country , school closures and public awareness campaigns .
Kim did not mention COVID-19 at the hospital groundbreaking ceremony .
He called for the hospital to be completed by the 75th anniversary of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Korea on Oct. 10. and `` personally pressed the button of the blasting machine '' to start construction , KCNA reported .

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called the need to bolster public health a "crucial task" for the country amidst a coronavirus oubtreak that is sweeping the world. File Photo by KCNA | License Photo
SEOUL, March 18 (UPI) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called bolstering public health capacity in North Korea a "crucial task" at a groundbreaking ceremony for a hospital in Pyongyang, state-run media reported Wednesday. "To be honest, our party analyzed and evaluated the current state of the country's health and medical sectors thoroughly and scientifically and criticized the fact that there was no modern medical health facility in the country's capital," Kim said, according to the Korean Central News Agency. Advertisement
The drive to "prop up the field of public health" is "a crucial task to which top-priority state efforts should be directed under whatever conditions and environments," Kim said at the ceremony, which was held on Tuesday.
The appearance was the first publicly reported sighting of the North Korean leader in the capital in weeks, which had led to speculation that he had been trying to avoid exposure to the coronavirus. He was previously reported overseeing military drills on the east coast of the country earlier this month.
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While North Korean state media regularly update the rising number of cases of COVID-19 in South Korea, the cloistered communist country has still reported no patients of its own.
However, many observers call those claims doubtful.
In a briefing with reporters on Friday, Gen. Robert Abrams, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, said that anecdotal evidence such as a lack of military activity indicates that there are very likely COVID-19 cases in North Korea.
"It is a closed-off nation, so we can't say emphatically that they have cases, but we're fairly certain they do," Abrams said. "What I do know is that their armed forces had been fundamentally in a lockdown for about 30 days and only recently have they started routine training again."
Health and government officials around the world have expressed concern about the ability of North Korea's limited health infrastructure to handle an outbreak of COVID-19.
"The United States is deeply concerned about the vulnerability of the North Korean people to a coronavirus outbreak," Morgan Ortagus, spokeswoman for the U.S. State Department, said in a statement in February.
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North Korea closed its borders to foreign travelers in January, soon after reports began emerging that the coronavirus was sickening hundreds in neighboring China.
A news report in the Pyongyang Times last week highlighted North Korea's ongoing efforts to "prevent COVID-19 from entering and spreading in the country," which include inspection and quarantine of goods coming into the country, school closures and public awareness campaigns.
Kim did not mention COVID-19 at the hospital groundbreaking ceremony. He called for the hospital to be completed by the 75th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea on Oct. 10. and "personally pressed the button of the blasting machine" to start construction, KCNA reported.


upi--2020-03-18--New Zealand legalizes abortion

New Zealand legalizes abortion

March 18 ( UPI ) -- New Zealand legalized abortion on Wednesday when lawmakers voted to remove the procedure from its Crimes Act .
The Abortion Legislation Bill passed the New Zealand Parliament 68 to 51 after its third and final reading and is now being sent to the governor-general 's office to be signed into law .
By removing it from the Crimes Act , abortion will now be treated as a health issue , said Andrew Little , New Zealand 's minister of justice .
`` The previous law required a woman seeking an abortion to go through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access a procedure and that was less safe , '' he said in a statement .
`` The changes agreed to by parliament will better ensure women get advice and treatment in a more timely way . ''
Under the new law , abortion will be available from a health practitioner to those in their first 20 weeks of pregnancy , after which abortions can be performed if a qualified health practitioner regards it to be in the best interest of a woman 's physical and mental health .
The law also provides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abortion is performed and requires the minister of health to ensure the availability of abortion , counseling , contraception and other reproductive health services .
Jan Logie , a member of parliament , said the new law gives women `` the freedom to make the right decisions for themselves about having a child . ''
`` Our previous abortion law was 40 years old and did n't reflect current medical science or best practice , '' she said .
`` It treated pregnant people in our communities as untrustworthy and unable to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to healthcare .
Now , if they do decide to seek an abortion , it will be able to be timely and compassionate . ''
Parliament voted earlier Wednesday against holding a public referendum on the change to the Crimes Act .

The New Zealand Parliament House in Wellington, New Zealand. Photo by Michal Klajban/ Wikimedia commons
March 18 (UPI) -- New Zealand legalized abortion on Wednesday when lawmakers voted to remove the procedure from its Crimes Act. The Abortion Legislation Bill passed the New Zealand Parliament 68 to 51 after its third and final reading and is now being sent to the governor-general's office to be signed into law. Advertisement
By removing it from the Crimes Act, abortion will now be treated as a health issue, said Andrew Little, New Zealand's minister of justice.
"The previous law required a woman seeking an abortion to go through many hoops that resulted in delays to access a procedure and that was less safe," he said in a statement. "The changes agreed to by parliament will better ensure women get advice and treatment in a more timely way."
Under the new law, abortion will be available from a health practitioner to those in their first 20 weeks of pregnancy, after which abortions can be performed if a qualified health practitioner regards it to be in the best interest of a woman's physical and mental health. The law also provides counseling if needed before and after an abortion is performed and requires the minister of health to ensure the availability of abortion, counseling, contraception and other reproductive health services.
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Jan Logie, a member of parliament, said the new law gives women "the freedom to make the right decisions for themselves about having a child."
"Our previous abortion law was 40 years old and didn't reflect current medical science or best practice," she said. "It treated pregnant people in our communities as untrustworthy and unable to make their own decisions and created serious barriers to healthcare. Now, if they do decide to seek an abortion, it will be able to be timely and compassionate."
Parliament voted earlier Wednesday against holding a public referendum on the change to the Crimes Act.


upi--2020-03-18--Esper: Pentagon to give masks, ventilators to HHS

March 18 ( UPI ) -- The Pentagon will make available up to 5 million respirator masks and other personal protective equipment as well as 2,000 deployable ventilators to the Department of Health and Human Services to aid U.S. medical workers fighting to contain the COVID-19 outbreak , said U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper .
Esper told reporters Tuesday that 1 million masks would be available immediately and that they will all be coming from the Department of Defense 's strategic reserves .
News of the maks being made available came as U.S. President Mike Pence urged construction companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local hospitals and to cancel their existing orders .
`` Those industrial masks that they use on construction sites are perfectly acceptable for healthcare workers to be protected from a respiratory disease , '' Pence said Tuesday during a press briefing of the Coronavirus Task Force , which he leads .
Concerning the ventilators , Esper said they are not the same as those commonly used and require special training to operate , `` but we are committed to supporting HHS ' requirements in any way we can . ''
Esper added the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to meet the United States ' projected need , calling on the private sector to fill in the gap .
`` When you look at the numbers of people that are projected that may need ventilators , 2,000 does n't put much of a dent into it , '' he said .
He also said the Pentagon has made available 14 certified coronavirus testing labs to test non-military personnel and will soon have two more available for this purpose .
The Pentagon is also considering deploying the National Guard and Reserves to assist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support , he said .
Esper said at least 18 states and over 1,500 Guardsmen have been activated during the COVID-19 health crisis , but if the National Guard is going to be deployed he wants governors to know how its members can be used as the Department of Defense `` wants to be the last resort . ''
`` We can come in , rather than being the first , and really help enable through the Guard and Reserve to play that role initially , '' he said .
On Tuesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , meaning all 50 states have now been infected with the virus .
According to a live tally by Johns Hopkins University , the United States recorded more than 6,360 infections and more than 100 deaths due to the coronavirus .

Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Tuesday the Pentagon has made available 5 million respirator masks and 2,000 deployable ventilators to the Department of Health and Human Services. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
March 18 (UPI) -- The Pentagon will make available up to 5 million respirator masks and other personal protective equipment as well as 2,000 deployable ventilators to the Department of Health and Human Services to aid U.S. medical workers fighting to contain the COVID-19 outbreak, said U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper. Esper told reporters Tuesday that 1 million masks would be available immediately and that they will all be coming from the Department of Defense's strategic reserves. Advertisement
News of the maks being made available came as U.S. President Mike Pence urged construction companies to donate their N95 respirator masks to local hospitals and to cancel their existing orders.
"Those industrial masks that they use on construction sites are perfectly acceptable for healthcare workers to be protected from a respiratory disease," Pence said Tuesday during a press briefing of the Coronavirus Task Force, which he leads.
Concerning the ventilators, Esper said they are not the same as those commonly used and require special training to operate, "but we are committed to supporting HHS' requirements in any way we can."
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Esper added the number of ventilators will not be enough to meet the United States' projected need, calling on the private sector to fill in the gap.
"When you look at the numbers of people that are projected that may need ventilators, 2,000 doesn't put much of a dent into it," he said.
He also said the Pentagon has made available 14 certified coronavirus testing labs to test non-military personnel and will soon have two more available for this purpose.
The Pentagon is also considering deploying the National Guard and Reserves to assist states with planning, logistics and medical support, he said.
Esper said at least 18 states and over 1,500 Guardsmen have been activated during the COVID-19 health crisis, but if the National Guard is going to be deployed he wants governors to know how its members can be used as the Department of Defense "wants to be the last resort."
"We can come in, rather than being the first, and really help enable through the Guard and Reserve to play that role initially," he said.
On Tuesday, West Virginia announced its first COVID-19 patient, meaning all 50 states have now been infected with the virus. According to a live tally by Johns Hopkins University, the United States recorded more than 6,360 infections and more than 100 deaths due to the coronavirus.


upi--2020-03-18--Minorities less likely to get recommended lung cancer imaging

Black and Hispanic Americans are less likely than whites to receive recommended lung cancer imaging , a new study claims .
PET-CT imaging is recommended because it provides doctors the best possible picture of non-small cell lung cancer ( NSCLC ) , which helps determine the best treatment for the patient .
The University of Colorado Cancer Center study examined PET-CT use and outcomes for nearly 29,000 white patients , just over 3,100 black patients and about 1,900 Hispanic patients who were diagnosed with NSCLC between 2007 and 2015 .
Black patients were only half as likely as whites to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 70 percent as likely as whites to receive it , the study found .
`` We started from the perspective of outcomes : we know that black and Hispanic lung cancer patients tend to not do as well as non-Hispanic whites , '' said Dr. Rustain Morgan , an assistant professor of radiology .
`` We wondered if there could also be differences in how these groups are imaged at diagnosis . ''
The study `` reaffirmed that patients who are imaged with PET-CT at diagnosis have better cancer-specific survival , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Also , `` it showed there is a significant difference in who gets the recommended PET-CT at diagnosis , '' Morgan added .
`` And third , it leads to more questions , like what is driving this difference and are these disparities in adherence to imaging guidelines present in other cancers . ''
More advanced cancers typically require more aggressive treatment .
While some types of imaging , including chest X-ray , may be able to detect a primary lung tumor , they may miss smaller areas of cancer .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authors noted .
If blacks and Hispanics are n't getting the best imaging , it could help explain why those with lung cancer have worse outcomes than white patients , Morgan said .
`` Now that we know more about this problem , we must find ways to address it , '' he concluded .
The study was published recently in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute .
The U.S. National Cancer Institute has more on lung cancer .

Black and Hispanic Americans are less likely than whites to receive recommended lung cancer imaging, a new study claims.
PET-CT imaging is recommended because it provides doctors the best possible picture of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which helps determine the best treatment for the patient.
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The University of Colorado Cancer Center study examined PET-CT use and outcomes for nearly 29,000 white patients, just over 3,100 black patients and about 1,900 Hispanic patients who were diagnosed with NSCLC between 2007 and 2015.
Black patients were only half as likely as whites to receive this imaging, and Hispanics were about 70 percent as likely as whites to receive it, the study found.
"We started from the perspective of outcomes: we know that black and Hispanic lung cancer patients tend to not do as well as non-Hispanic whites," said Dr. Rustain Morgan, an assistant professor of radiology. "We wondered if there could also be differences in how these groups are imaged at diagnosis."
The study "reaffirmed that patients who are imaged with PET-CT at diagnosis have better cancer-specific survival," Morgan said in a university news release.
Also, "it showed there is a significant difference in who gets the recommended PET-CT at diagnosis," Morgan added. "And third, it leads to more questions, like what is driving this difference and are these disparities in adherence to imaging guidelines present in other cancers."
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More advanced cancers typically require more aggressive treatment. While some types of imaging, including chest X-ray, may be able to detect a primary lung tumor, they may miss smaller areas of cancer. This can lead to undertreatment, the study authors noted.
If blacks and Hispanics aren't getting the best imaging, it could help explain why those with lung cancer have worse outcomes than white patients, Morgan said.
"Now that we know more about this problem, we must find ways to address it," he concluded.
The study was published recently in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
More information
The U.S. National Cancer Institute has more on lung cancer.
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