upi--2020-03-12--Talk shows, game shows, sitcoms cancel studio audiences as coronavirus precaution

March 12 ( UPI ) -- Talk shows The Late Late Show with James Cordon , Jimmy Kimmel Live , The Talk , The View , Lights Out and Tosh.0 are canceling their studio audiences due to concerns over the coronavirus spread .
Pop 's tapings of One Day at a Time and MTV 's Ridiculousness will also go without audiences .
`` Out of an abundance of caution , The Late Late Show with James Corden and The Talk will forego their live studio audiences beginning Monday , March 16 , '' CBS told UPI in a statement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the on-air schedules are expected . ''
Likewise , ABC issued a statement .
`` As a precautionary measure , we have decided to temporarily suspend the live audience for Jimmy Kimmel Live !
beginning Monday , March 16 , '' the statement read .
`` The show will continue to film as scheduled and air dates will not be affected . ''
The Hollywood Reporter reports One Day at a Time taped without an audience beginning Tuesday and Ridiculousness began taping without an audience Thursday .
Variety reports Conan is on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , New York based talk shows The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon , Late Night with Seth Meyers , The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Full Frontal with Samantha Bee , The Daily Show with Trevor Noah , Last Week Tonight with John Oliver , Watch What Happens Live and The Greg Gutfeld Show made the same decision .
TBS provided Bee 's statement , that she would `` do the show in front of a mirror , which I actually prefer .
Despite the efforts being taken , we still have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taping 'was the largest audience ever to witness a [ taping of Full Frontal ] , period , both in person and around the globe . '
Wow ! ''
TVLine reports daytime talk shows Live with Kelly and Ryan , The Tamron Hall Show , The View , Rachael Ray and The Wendy Williams Show began taping without an in-studio audience Wednesday .
Game shows Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy suspended their audience tapings Monday according to the Los Angeles Times .
Sunday 's Democratic debate will also occur with no audience @

"The Late Late Show" with James Corden is one of many TV shows suspending live studio audiences as a coronavirus precaution. Photo courtesy by CBS
March 12 (UPI) -- Talk shows The Late Late Show with James Cordon, Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Talk, The View, Lights Out and Tosh.0 are canceling their studio audiences due to concerns over the coronavirus spread. Pop's tapings of One Day at a Time and MTV's Ridiculousness will also go without audiences. "Out of an abundance of caution, The Late Late Show with James Corden and The Talk will forego their live studio audiences beginning Monday, March 16," CBS told UPI in a statement. "At this time, no disruptions to the on-air schedules are expected." Advertisement
Likewise, ABC issued a statement. "As a precautionary measure, we have decided to temporarily suspend the live audience for Jimmy Kimmel Live! beginning Monday, March 16," the statement read. "The show will continue to film as scheduled and air dates will not be affected."
The Hollywood Reporter reports One Day at a Time taped without an audience beginning Tuesday and Ridiculousness began taping without an audience Thursday. Variety reports Conan is on hiatus for two weeks.
On Wednesday, New York based talk shows The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Watch What Happens Live and The Greg Gutfeld Show made the same decision.
Advertisement
TBS provided Bee's statement, that she would "do the show in front of a mirror, which I actually prefer. Despite the efforts being taken, we still have heard from Sean Spicer that tonight's taping 'was the largest audience ever to witness a [taping of Full Frontal], period, both in person and around the globe.' Wow!"
TVLine reports daytime talk shows Live with Kelly and Ryan, The Tamron Hall Show, The View, Rachael Ray and The Wendy Williams Show began taping without an in-studio audience Wednesday.
Game shows Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy suspended their audience tapings Monday according to the Los Angeles Times. Sunday's Democratic debate will also occur with no audience.


upi--2020-03-12--Symptomatic patients most likely to spread COVID-19, study says

March 12 ( UPI ) -- At least 373 people came in contact with a woman who traveled to Wuhan , China , and acquired the new coronavirus , but her husband was the only one she spread it to -- which researchers say suggests exposure to symptomatic patients is the clearest way to get the disease .
While not the only way COVID-19 can be transmitted , the first case of human-to-human transmission in the United States -- involving a married couple in Illinois -- suggests `` prolonged '' exposure to the virus increases the risk the most for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has reported .
The study , published Thursday in The Lancet by Illinois public health officials , details how the woman 's visit to family in China with a then-undiagnosed respiratory illness led to her showing symptoms 19 days later , before transmitting it to her husband .
The report comes one day after another analysis , also published by The Lancet , revealed that those with confirmed COVID-19 might be contagious for up to 37 days after infection .
A separate study , conducted with the National Institutes of Health , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a journal , found the virus might remain in the air for up to three hours and survive on contaminated surfaces for as long as two to three days .
The new Lancet report `` suggests that person-to-person transmission of SARS-CoV-2 might be most likely to occur through unprotected , prolonged exposure to an individual with symptomatic COVID-19 , '' Jennifer Layden , Chief Medical Officer for the Chicago Department of Public Health , said in a press release .
`` Healthcare facilities should rapidly triage and isolate individuals suspected of having COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local health departments for support in testing , management and containment efforts , '' Layden said .
According to the study , public health officials in Illinois immediately conducted an intensive epidemiologic investigation of the two confirmed cases once they were diagnosed .
In all , 372 individuals were identified as potential contacts , and 347 of them were actively monitored after confirmation of exposure on or after the day of symptom onset in the wife and husband .
This included 152 `` community contacts '' -- such as neighbors -- and 195 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transmission after monitoring the close contacts of the couple was found .
All of those monitored -- and 75 who were ultimately tested -- remained clear of the virus , including healthcare workers who treated the couple .
Of the 347 who were monitored , 43 developed fever , cough or shortness of breath and were isolated and tested for SARS-CoV-2 .
In addition , a `` convenience sample '' of 32 asymptomatic healthcare personnel contacts also were tested .
All tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 .
The authors of the Lancet report emphasized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all individuals with potential exposure to COVID-19 , because `` it was dependent on the couples ' recall of the places they visited , the people they met , and the time of symptom onset . ''
In addition , their investigation was conducted before updated U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance on exposure risk among contacts of patients with COVID-19 .
`` Current CDC recommendations for individuals with high-risk exposures to remain quarantined with no public activities might be effective in reducing onward person-to-person transmission of SARS-CoV-2 , '' Tristan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Chicago Department of Public Health , said in a press release .
According to a study published this week in Annals of Internal Medicine , people infected with COVID-19 are symptom-free for an average of five days after infection .
That study reviewed 181 cases from China and other countries that were confirmed before Feb. 24 and determined likely dates of exposure and symptom onset .
Most of the cases involved travel to or from Wuhan .
The analysis found that about 98 percent of those who develop symptoms of COVID-19 will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The findings support the 14-day quarantine period recommended for suspected cases because , for every 10,000 individuals quarantined for 14 days , only about 101 would develop symptoms after being released from quarantine , the authors said .
The authors of the new Lancet paper reported that the Illinois woman traveled to Wuhan on Dec. 25 and visited a hospitalized relative and other family members with a then-undiagnosed respiratory illness .
She returned to the U.S. on Jan. 13 and experienced six days of mild fever , fatigue and cough before being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Both the wife and husband have fully recovered and been discharged to home isolation , which was lifted 33 days after the woman 's returned from Wuhan following two negative tests for COVID-19 administered 24 hours apart .
The husband also has been declared cured .
`` Without using appropriate face masks or other personal protective equipment , individuals living in the same household as , or providing care in a non-healthcare setting for , a person with symptomatic COVID-19 are likely to be at high risk of infection , '' McPherson said @

Pedestrians walk near the New York Stock Exchange wearing face masks on Thursday. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
March 12 (UPI) -- At least 373 people came in contact with a woman who traveled to Wuhan, China, and acquired the new coronavirus, but her husband was the only one she spread it to -- which researchers say suggests exposure to symptomatic patients is the clearest way to get the disease. While not the only way COVID-19 can be transmitted, the first case of human-to-human transmission in the United States -- involving a married couple in Illinois -- suggests "prolonged" exposure to the virus increases the risk the most for acquiring the disease, a new study has reported. Advertisement
The study, published Thursday in The Lancet by Illinois public health officials, details how the woman's visit to family in China with a then-undiagnosed respiratory illness led to her showing symptoms 19 days later, before transmitting it to her husband.
Advertisement
The report comes one day after another analysis, also published by The Lancet, revealed that those with confirmed COVID-19 might be contagious for up to 37 days after infection.
A separate study, conducted with the National Institutes of Health, which has not been peer-reviewed or published in a journal, found the virus might remain in the air for up to three hours and survive on contaminated surfaces for as long as two to three days.
The new Lancet report "suggests that person-to-person transmission of SARS-CoV-2 might be most likely to occur through unprotected, prolonged exposure to an individual with symptomatic COVID-19," Jennifer Layden, Chief Medical Officer for the Chicago Department of Public Health, said in a press release.
"Healthcare facilities should rapidly triage and isolate individuals suspected of having COVID-19, and notify infection prevention services and local health departments for support in testing, management and containment efforts," Layden said.
According to the study, public health officials in Illinois immediately conducted an intensive epidemiologic investigation of the two confirmed cases once they were diagnosed.
In all, 372 individuals were identified as potential contacts, and 347 of them were actively monitored after confirmation of exposure on or after the day of symptom onset in the wife and husband. This included 152 "community contacts" -- such as neighbors -- and 195 healthcare professionals.
Advertisement
No evidence of additional transmission after monitoring the close contacts of the couple was found. All of those monitored -- and 75 who were ultimately tested -- remained clear of the virus, including healthcare workers who treated the couple.
Of the 347 who were monitored, 43 developed fever, cough or shortness of breath and were isolated and tested for SARS-CoV-2. In addition, a "convenience sample" of 32 asymptomatic healthcare personnel contacts also were tested. All tested negative for SARS-CoV-2.
The authors of the Lancet report emphasized that their investigation might not have identified all individuals with potential exposure to COVID-19, because "it was dependent on the couples' recall of the places they visited, the people they met, and the time of symptom onset."
In addition, their investigation was conducted before updated U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance on exposure risk among contacts of patients with COVID-19.
"Current CDC recommendations for individuals with high-risk exposures to remain quarantined with no public activities might be effective in reducing onward person-to-person transmission of SARS-CoV-2," Tristan McPherson, an infectious disease specialist at the Chicago Department of Public Health, said in a press release.
According to a study published this week in Annals of Internal Medicine, people infected with COVID-19 are symptom-free for an average of five days after infection. That study reviewed 181 cases from China and other countries that were confirmed before Feb. 24 and determined likely dates of exposure and symptom onset. Most of the cases involved travel to or from Wuhan.
Advertisement
The analysis found that about 98 percent of those who develop symptoms of COVID-19 will do so within 11.5 days of exposure. The findings support the 14-day quarantine period recommended for suspected cases because, for every 10,000 individuals quarantined for 14 days, only about 101 would develop symptoms after being released from quarantine, the authors said.
The authors of the new Lancet paper reported that the Illinois woman traveled to Wuhan on Dec. 25 and visited a hospitalized relative and other family members with a then-undiagnosed respiratory illness. She returned to the U.S. on Jan. 13 and experienced six days of mild fever, fatigue and cough before being hospitalized and testing positive for COVID-19.
Both the wife and husband have fully recovered and been discharged to home isolation, which was lifted 33 days after the woman's returned from Wuhan following two negative tests for COVID-19 administered 24 hours apart. The husband also has been declared cured.
"Without using appropriate face masks or other personal protective equipment, individuals living in the same household as, or providing care in a non-healthcare setting for, a person with symptomatic COVID-19 are likely to be at high risk of infection," McPherson said.


upi--2020-03-12--'Willoughbys' adaptation to premiere April 22 on Netflix

March 12 ( UPI ) -- Netflix 's adaptation of The Willoughbys will start streaming in April .
The streaming service shared a release date , April 22 , and a poster for the animated film Thursday on Twitter .
The Willoughbys is based on the Lois Lowry children 's book of the same name .
The story follows the Willoughby children , Tim , Jane and twins Barnaby A and Barnaby B , four youngsters with neglectful parents .
The poster shows the Willoughby kids plotting for their parents to leave on vacation .
`` Ever wish you could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so you could have your own adventure ?
THE WILLOUGHBYS gets it , '' Netflix captioned the post .
The Willoughbys features the voice of Will Forte as Tim , Alessia Cara as Jane , Vincent Tong as the Barnabys , Martin Short as Father Willoughby , Jane Krakowski as Mother Willoughby , Ricky Gervais as The Catt , Maya Rudolph as Nanny and Terry Crews as Commander Melanoff .
The Willoughbys is directed by Kris Pearn and Cory Evans .
Netflix is also adapting the Ann M. Martin book series The Baby-Sitters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The streaming service shared a poster for the show Thursday .

Ever wish you could send your parents away as a kid so you could have your own adventure? THE WILLOUGHBYS gets it. Featuring voices by: Will Forte Maya Rudolph Alessia Cara Terry Crews Martin Short Jane Krakowski Ricky Gervais On Netflix 4/22 pic.twitter.com/qb7DKVqE0J— Netflix Film (@NetflixFilm) March 12, 2020
March 12 (UPI) -- Netflix's adaptation of The Willoughbys will start streaming in April.
The streaming service shared a release date, April 22, and a poster for the animated film Thursday on Twitter.
Advertisement
The Willoughbys is based on the Lois Lowry children's book of the same name. The story follows the Willoughby children, Tim, Jane and twins Barnaby A and Barnaby B, four youngsters with neglectful parents.
The poster shows the Willoughby kids plotting for their parents to leave on vacation.
"Ever wish you could send your parents away as a kid so you could have your own adventure? THE WILLOUGHBYS gets it," Netflix captioned the post.
The Willoughbys features the voice of Will Forte as Tim, Alessia Cara as Jane, Vincent Tong as the Barnabys, Martin Short as Father Willoughby, Jane Krakowski as Mother Willoughby, Ricky Gervais as The Catt, Maya Rudolph as Nanny and Terry Crews as Commander Melanoff.
The Willoughbys is directed by Kris Pearn and Cory Evans.
Netflix is also adapting the Ann M. Martin book series The Baby-Sitters Club as a new TV series. The streaming service shared a poster for the show Thursday.


upi--2020-03-12--Democrats move Sunday's debate to D.C., without live audience

March 12 ( UPI ) -- The Democratic National Committee said Thursday it will stage Sunday 's primary debate between Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders at CNN 's Washington , D.C. , studio without a live audience , as a precautionary measure due to the coronavirus outbreak .
The party also said Univision anchor and moderator Jorge Ramos `` was in proximity with someone who was in direct contact with a person that tested positive for coronavirus , '' and would not participate in the debate .
Anchor Ilia Calderon will fill in as moderator .
`` Our number one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the safety of our staff , campaigns , and all those involved in the debate , '' DNC spokesperson Xochitl Hinojosa said in a statement .
The Biden and Sanders campaigns requested the move , she added .
The debate was originally scheduled to be held in Phoenix with a live audience ahead of next Tuesday 's Democratic primaries in Arizona , Florida , Ohio and Illinois .
Both candidates also canceled rallies two days ago after primaries were held in six states .
Sunday 's debate will air at 8 p.m. EDT @ @ @ @

Former Vice President Joe Biden shakes hands with Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders on stage at the primary debate in Des Moines, Iowa, on January 14. File Photo by CNN/UPI | License Photo
March 12 (UPI) -- The Democratic National Committee said Thursday it will stage Sunday's primary debate between Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders at CNN's Washington, D.C., studio without a live audience, as a precautionary measure due to the coronavirus outbreak. The party also said Univision anchor and moderator Jorge Ramos "was in proximity with someone who was in direct contact with a person that tested positive for coronavirus," and would not participate in the debate. Anchor Ilia Calderon will fill in as moderator. Advertisement
"Our number one priority has and will continue to be the safety of our staff, campaigns, and all those involved in the debate," DNC spokesperson Xochitl Hinojosa said in a statement.
The Biden and Sanders campaigns requested the move, she added.
The debate was originally scheduled to be held in Phoenix with a live audience ahead of next Tuesday's Democratic primaries in Arizona, Florida, Ohio and Illinois. Both candidates also canceled rallies two days ago after primaries were held in six states.
Sunday's debate will air at 8 p.m. EDT Sunday on CNN.


upi--2020-03-12--Soccer: U.S. women protest before game; federation sorry for lawsuit language

March 12 ( UPI ) -- Members of the United States Women 's National Team protested language used in court filings by the U.S. Soccer Federation by wearing their shirts inside out before a game against Japan .
In the recent filing , the federation 's legal representatives had argued that male players are superior physically and have more responsibility than female players because international men 's soccer is more competitive and has tournaments that generate better revenue .
The federation also said the job of a men 's national team player `` requires a higher level of skill based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job of a women 's player .
The protest occurred before the SheBelieves Cup final Wednesday at Toyota Stadium in Frisco , Texas .
Federation lawyers had used the controversial language Monday as part of a filing for a motion for summary judgement in the lawsuit filed by players from the women 's team .
The suit , filed in March , initially included 28 players who alleged that the federation used `` institutionalized gender discrimination '' toward the women 's team .
It was filed under the Equal Pay Act and Title @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1964 .
The plaintiffs were granted class status in November , meaning players from 2015 to the present day can be represented .
Seventy-two women have opted into the class .
The language the federation used was met with backlash on social media and from federation sponsors , including Coca-Cola and Deloitte .
Women 's players responded by wearing their warm-up shirts -- featuring U.S. logos -- inside out during the national anthem before Wednesday 's game .
They then beat Japan 3-1 and captured their third SheBelieves Cup title in five years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the language used in the filings in a statement released during the final minutes of the game .
`` On behalf of [ the federation ] , I sincerely apologize for the offense and pain caused by language in this week 's court filing , which did not reflect the values of our federation or our tremendous admiration of our women 's team , '' Cordeiro said in the statement .
`` Our [ women 's ] players are incredibly talented and work tirelessly , as they have demonstrated time and again from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cup titles . ''
Cordeiro also announced changes to the federation 's legal team , adding the firm Latham & Watkins to guide the federation 's `` legal strategy going forward . ''
`` I have made it clear to our legal team that even as we debate facts and figures in the course of this case , we must do so with the utmost respect not only for our women 's [ team players ] , but for all female athletes around the world , '' Cordeiro said .
The players filed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gary Klausner to issue a summary judgment , award them $ 66.7 million and cancel a trial in their equal pay lawsuit against the federation .
The federation filed a motion to have the lawsuit dismissed in its entirety .
The players and federation are on track for a May 5 trial , just before the 2020 Summer Olympics .
If Klausner does not approve either motion , the lawsuit will proceed .
`` The team was very upset , obviously , '' U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe told reporters Wednesday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are some of the undercurrent feelings that [ the federation has ] had for a long time , but to see that as the argument -- sort of blatant misogyny and sexism as the argument against us is really disappointing . ''
She added : `` I just want to say it 's all false .
To every girl out there , to every boy out there , who watches this team , who wants to be on this team or just wants to live their dream out , you are not lesser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` You are not better just because you are a boy .
We are all created equal and should have the equal opportunity to go out and pursue our dreams . ''

United States Women's National Team star Megan Rapinoe said the team's players were "very upset" by language used by the U.S. Soccer Federation's legal team as part of a court filing in the players' equal pay lawsuit. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
March 12 (UPI) -- Members of the United States Women's National Team protested language used in court filings by the U.S. Soccer Federation by wearing their shirts inside out before a game against Japan. In the recent filing, the federation's legal representatives had argued that male players are superior physically and have more responsibility than female players because international men's soccer is more competitive and has tournaments that generate better revenue. Advertisement
The federation also said the job of a men's national team player "requires a higher level of skill based on speed and strength" than the job of a women's player.
The protest occurred before the SheBelieves Cup final Wednesday at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. Federation lawyers had used the controversial language Monday as part of a filing for a motion for summary judgement in the lawsuit filed by players from the women's team.
Advertisement
The suit, filed in March, initially included 28 players who alleged that the federation used "institutionalized gender discrimination" toward the women's team. It was filed under the Equal Pay Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The plaintiffs were granted class status in November, meaning players from 2015 to the present day can be represented. Seventy-two women have opted into the class.
The language the federation used was met with backlash on social media and from federation sponsors, including Coca-Cola and Deloitte.
Women's players responded by wearing their warm-up shirts -- featuring U.S. logos -- inside out during the national anthem before Wednesday's game. They then beat Japan 3-1 and captured their third SheBelieves Cup title in five years.
Federation president Carlos Cordeiro apologized for the language used in the filings in a statement released during the final minutes of the game.
"On behalf of [the federation], I sincerely apologize for the offense and pain caused by language in this week's court filing, which did not reflect the values of our federation or our tremendous admiration of our women's team," Cordeiro said in the statement.
Advertisement
"Our [women's] players are incredibly talented and work tirelessly, as they have demonstrated time and again from their Olympic gold medals to their World Cup titles."
Cordeiro also announced changes to the federation's legal team, adding the firm Latham & Watkins to guide the federation's "legal strategy going forward."
"I have made it clear to our legal team that even as we debate facts and figures in the course of this case, we must do so with the utmost respect not only for our women's [team players], but for all female athletes around the world," Cordeiro said.
The players filed a motion in February, asking Judge Gary Klausner to issue a summary judgment, award them $66.7 million and cancel a trial in their equal pay lawsuit against the federation. The federation filed a motion to have the lawsuit dismissed in its entirety.
The players and federation are on track for a May 5 trial, just before the 2020 Summer Olympics. If Klausner does not approve either motion, the lawsuit will proceed.
"The team was very upset, obviously," U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe told reporters Wednesday. "We have sort of felt that those are some of the undercurrent feelings that [the federation has] had for a long time, but to see that as the argument -- sort of blatant misogyny and sexism as the argument against us is really disappointing."
Advertisement
She added: "I just want to say it's all false. To every girl out there, to every boy out there, who watches this team, who wants to be on this team or just wants to live their dream out, you are not lesser just because you are a girl.
"You are not better just because you are a boy. We are all created equal and should have the equal opportunity to go out and pursue our dreams."


upi--2020-03-12--Press aide for Jair Bolsonaro tests positive for coronavirus days after Mar-a-Lago visit

March 12 ( UPI ) -- Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro 's press officer , who also visited U.S. President Donald Trump at his resort in South Florida last weekend , has tested positive for the coronavirus disease , Brazilian officials said Thursday .
Communications chief Fabio Wajngarten submitted himself for testing this week and the result was positive , the officials said .
Wajngarten was with Bolsonaro on the trip to Trump 's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach , Fla. , last Saturday .
The Brazilian president has also been tested .
NBC News , The Washington Post and CNN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Exposures from the case are being assessed , which will dictate next steps , '' she said .
`` Both the president and vice president had almost no interactions with the individual who tested positive and do not require being tested at this time .
`` The White House Medical Unit and the United States Secret Service has been working closely with various agencies to ensure every precaution is taken to keep the first and second families , and all White House staff healthy .
`` To reiterate CDC guidelines , there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms , and only people with prolonged close exposure to confirmed positive cases should self-quarantine . ''
When asked about the diagnosis earlier Thursday , Trump told reporters he `` was n't concerned . ''
Thursday , Bolsonaro canceled a trip to the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Norte , which one official said was called off due to `` health security reasons . ''
Coronavirus cases spiked to nearly 70 in Brazil on Wednesday , with most clustered in the heavily populated southeast .
Health Minister Luiz Henrique Mandetta warned lawmakers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming cases .
During an event in Miami on Tuesday , the Brazilian president said he felt the coronavirus disease was being overblown , and said it was mainly a `` fantasy '' spread by news media .

U.S. President Donald Trump walks at the White House with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on March 19, 2019. Bolsonaro's press secretary, who also traveled to Trump's Florida resort last weekend, has tested positive for the coronavirus. File Photo by Jim Lo Scalzo/UPI | License Photo
March 12 (UPI) -- Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's press officer, who also visited U.S. President Donald Trump at his resort in South Florida last weekend, has tested positive for the coronavirus disease, Brazilian officials said Thursday. Communications chief Fabio Wajngarten submitted himself for testing this week and the result was positive, the officials said. Wajngarten was with Bolsonaro on the trip to Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Fla., last Saturday. The Brazilian president has also been tested. Advertisement
NBC News, The Washington Post and CNN also reported Wajngarten's diagnosis.
White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham acknowledged the positive test result Thursday afternoon.
"Exposures from the case are being assessed, which will dictate next steps," she said. "Both the president and vice president had almost no interactions with the individual who tested positive and do not require being tested at this time.
"The White House Medical Unit and the United States Secret Service has been working closely with various agencies to ensure every precaution is taken to keep the first and second families, and all White House staff healthy.
Advertisement
"To reiterate CDC guidelines, there is currently no indication to test patients without symptoms, and only people with prolonged close exposure to confirmed positive cases should self-quarantine."
When asked about the diagnosis earlier Thursday, Trump told reporters he "wasn't concerned."
Thursday, Bolsonaro canceled a trip to the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Norte, which one official said was called off due to "health security reasons."
Coronavirus cases spiked to nearly 70 in Brazil on Wednesday, with most clustered in the heavily populated southeast. Health Minister Luiz Henrique Mandetta warned lawmakers of an "abrupt rise" in coming cases.
During an event in Miami on Tuesday, the Brazilian president said he felt the coronavirus disease was being overblown, and said it was mainly a "fantasy" spread by news media.


upi--2020-03-13--Nepal closes access to Mount Everest due to coronavirus outbreak

March 13 ( UPI ) -- The government of Nepal has closed off access to Mount Everest at the peak of the climbing tourist season due to the coronavirus spread , in a move that 's expected to cost Kathmandu millions in lost revenue .
Officials said the closure will run through April 30 .
Peak climbing season runs from March through May .
The decision was made Thursday after a meeting that included Nepal Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ishwar Pokhrel .
The government also said it would limit travel to and from India by land and maintain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Climbers from the United States , Britain , China , India , Japan and South Korea make up the annual bulk of those who scale the world 's tallest peak , where each pays an average of $ 11,000 in fees .
Nepal counts on those tourism dollars -- which are connected to hotel stays , airline guides and local employment of mountain guides -- to fund its economy year-round .
Climbing tourism earns Nepal more than $ 1 billion each year .
Some have said the closure could give more time for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and bodies along its trails , but Nepalese officials said that ca n't happen unless the government has the funds to pay those workers .
Nepal granted permits to more than 1,000 climbers in 2019 .
Of that group , 644 reached the peak of Mount Everest .
The only other access point to Mount Everest , via China , was closed by Beijing earlier this week .

March 13 (UPI) -- The government of Nepal has closed off access to Mount Everest at the peak of the climbing tourist season due to the coronavirus spread, in a move that's expected to cost Kathmandu millions in lost revenue.
Officials said the closure will run through April 30. Peak climbing season runs from March through May.
Advertisement
The decision was made Thursday after a meeting that included Nepal Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ishwar Pokhrel.
The government also said it would limit travel to and from India by land and maintain strict quarantine protocols at the border.
Climbers from the United States, Britain, China, India, Japan and South Korea make up the annual bulk of those who scale the world's tallest peak, where each pays an average of $11,000 in fees.
Nepal counts on those tourism dollars -- which are connected to hotel stays, airline guides and local employment of mountain guides -- to fund its economy year-round. Climbing tourism earns Nepal more than $1 billion each year.
Some have said the closure could give more time for locals to clean the mountain of debris and bodies along its trails, but Nepalese officials said that can't happen unless the government has the funds to pay those workers.
Advertisement
Nepal granted permits to more than 1,000 climbers in 2019. Of that group, 644 reached the peak of Mount Everest.
The only other access point to Mount Everest, via China, was closed by Beijing earlier this week.


upi--2020-03-13--Tom Hanks reminds: 'There is no crying in baseball' amid COVID-19 crisis

March 13 ( UPI ) -- Tom Hanks is thanking those caring for him and his wife , actress Rita Wilson , while they are quarantined in Australia with the COVID-19 virus .
`` We have COVID-19 and are in isolation so we do not spread it to anyone else .
There are those for whom it could lead to a very serious illness .
We are taking it one-day-at-a-time , '' the 63-year-old Oscar winner wrote in a statement posted on Twitter Thursday .
`` There are things we can all do to get through this by following the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ourselves and each other , no ?
Remember , despite all the current events , there is no crying in baseball . ''
The baseball line is a famous quote from Hanks ' 1992 baseball-themed movie A League of Their Own , which co-starred Madonna , Geena Davis and Rosie O'Donnell as female baseball players in the 1940s .
Hanks played their grouchy coach .
The actor also shared in Thursday 's tweet a photo of him and his 63-year-old wife casually dressed and wearing baseball caps .
The couple announced on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declared this week by the CDC as a global pandemic .

1/3
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson thanked on social media those in Australia who are taking care of them since they were diagnosed with COVID-19 this week. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
March 13 (UPI) -- Tom Hanks is thanking those caring for him and his wife, actress Rita Wilson, while they are quarantined in Australia with the COVID-19 virus. "We have COVID-19 and are in isolation so we do not spread it to anyone else. There are those for whom it could lead to a very serious illness. We are taking it one-day-at-a-time," the 63-year-old Oscar winner wrote in a statement posted on Twitter Thursday. Advertisement
"There are things we can all do to get through this by following the advice of experts and taking care of ourselves and each other, no? Remember, despite all the current events, there is no crying in baseball."
The baseball line is a famous quote from Hanks' 1992 baseball-themed movie A League of Their Own, which co-starred Madonna, Geena Davis and Rosie O'Donnell as female baseball players in the 1940s. Hanks played their grouchy coach.
The actor also shared in Thursday's tweet a photo of him and his 63-year-old wife casually dressed and wearing baseball caps.
Advertisement
The couple announced on Wednesday they had been diagnosed with the virus declared this week by the CDC as a global pandemic.


upi--2020-03-13--U.S. Soccer Federation president Carlos Cordeiro resigns amid women's players' lawsuit

March 13 ( UPI ) -- United States Soccer Federation president Carlos Cordeiro has resigned a day after apologizing for `` inexcusable '' language used in filings against women 's national team players in their equal pay lawsuit against the federation .
Cordeiro announced his resignation Thursday .
He posted a statement on Twitter .
`` It has been an incredible privilege to serve as the president of [ the federation ] , '' Cordeiro wrote .
`` My one and only mission has always been to do what is best for our federation .
After discussions with the board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ step down , effective immediately . ''
Cordeiro referenced his mistake in not fully reviewing the legal filings , saying the language caused `` great offense and pain . ''
The lawsuit , filed in March , initially included 28 players who alleged that the federation used `` institutionalized gender discrimination '' toward the women 's team .
It was filed under the Equal Pay Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 .
The plaintiffs were granted class status in November , meaning players from 2015 to the present @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have opted into the class .
The players and federation are set for a May 5 trial .
`` It was unacceptable and inexcusable , '' Cordeiro said of the language used in the filings .
`` I did not have the opportunity to fully review the filing in its entirety before it was submitted , and I take responsibility for not doing so .
`` Had I done so , I would have objected to the language that did not reflect my personal admiration for our women 's players or our values @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Soccer Federation vice president Cindy Parlow Cone will take over as president .
Players from the women 's team protested after the filings by wearing their warm-up shirts inside out during the national anthem before they beat Japan in the SheBelieves Cup final Wednesday in Frisco , Texas .
The language in the filings prompted backlash on social media and from federation sponsors .
Cordeiro offered an initial apology during the final minutes of the SheBelieves Cup final before resigning the next day .
`` While it is gratifying that there has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federation 's ] blatant misogyny , the sexist culture and policies overseen by Carlos Cordeiro have been approved for years by the board of directors of [ the federation ] , '' women 's players ' spokesperson Molly Levinson said .
`` This institution must change and support and pay women players equally . ''
The federation issued a statement Thursday , canceling upcoming men 's and women 's national team matches in March and April amid the coronavirus outbreak .
The federation also canceled the majority of youth national team and extended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April .

Former United States Soccer Federation president Carlos Cordeiro (C) met President Donald Trump at the White House after the 2018 FIFA Men's World Cup. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
March 13 (UPI) -- United States Soccer Federation president Carlos Cordeiro has resigned a day after apologizing for "inexcusable" language used in filings against women's national team players in their equal pay lawsuit against the federation. Cordeiro announced his resignation Thursday. He posted a statement on Twitter. Advertisement
"It has been an incredible privilege to serve as the president of [the federation]," Cordeiro wrote. "My one and only mission has always been to do what is best for our federation. After discussions with the board of directors, I have decided to step down, effective immediately."
Cordeiro referenced his mistake in not fully reviewing the legal filings, saying the language caused "great offense and pain."
The lawsuit, filed in March, initially included 28 players who alleged that the federation used "institutionalized gender discrimination" toward the women's team. It was filed under the Equal Pay Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The plaintiffs were granted class status in November, meaning players from 2015 to the present day can be represented. Seventy-two women have opted into the class. The players and federation are set for a May 5 trial.
"It was unacceptable and inexcusable," Cordeiro said of the language used in the filings. "I did not have the opportunity to fully review the filing in its entirety before it was submitted, and I take responsibility for not doing so.
Advertisement
"Had I done so, I would have objected to the language that did not reflect my personal admiration for our women's players or our values as an organization."
Former U.S. Soccer Federation vice president Cindy Parlow Cone will take over as president.
Players from the women's team protested after the filings by wearing their warm-up shirts inside out during the national anthem before they beat Japan in the SheBelieves Cup final Wednesday in Frisco, Texas. The language in the filings prompted backlash on social media and from federation sponsors.
Cordeiro offered an initial apology during the final minutes of the SheBelieves Cup final before resigning the next day.
"While it is gratifying that there has been such a deafening outcry against [the federation's] blatant misogyny, the sexist culture and policies overseen by Carlos Cordeiro have been approved for years by the board of directors of [the federation]," women's players' spokesperson Molly Levinson said. "This institution must change and support and pay women players equally."
The federation issued a statement Thursday, canceling upcoming men's and women's national team matches in March and April amid the coronavirus outbreak. The federation also canceled the majority of youth national team and extended national team camps through the end of April.


upi--2020-03-13--New COVID-19 cases fall in China; 64,000 have been treated, released

March 13 ( UPI ) -- Nations worldwide increased efforts Friday to fight off the spread of the coronavirus , as China reported its lowest daily number of new infections since the beginning of the crisis in December .
China 's National Health Commission reported eight new cases of COVID-19 and seven deaths in its daily update .
It said five were reported in Wuhan , ground zero for the global outbreak , and three were imported -- meaning no new infections in China were recorded outside the virus ' epicenter .
The new numbers increased China 's total caseload @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 64,000 have been treated and discharged from hospitals .
Nearly 3,200 people in China have died since the virus emerged .
New cases have also slowed in South Korea .
Health officials cited Friday 110 new cases -- the lowest daily number in more than two weeks .
Seoul said it 's close to completing a massive testing effort in the southeastern city of Daegu , the country 's main coronavirus hotspot , and will increase measures to contain clusters elsewhere .
Internationally , more than 6,700 new patients and 300 deaths were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first cases -- French Polynesia , Turkey , Honduras and the Ivory Coast , the World Health Organization said .
The total worldwide has surpassed 125,000 and 4,600 deaths , the WHO said after classifying the outbreak a global pandemic this week .
In Japan , the lower house of Parliament , the Diet , on Friday approved a measure giving Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the government greater leeway to institute emergency measures , such as closing schools .
New infections rose Friday afternoon with the addition of eight more cases .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump Friday morning and the pair intend to save the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo , scheduled to begin in July .
Trump praised Japan 's preparations and said there are still `` lots of options '' for holding the Summer Games as scheduled , after earlier suggesting they might have to be postponed for a year .
Thomas Bach , head of the International Olympic Committee , told German media the IOC will ultimately follow the WHO recommendation on whether to cancel the Tokyo Games .
Australia has increased its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public against traveling overseas .
`` We advise all Australians to reconsider your need to travel overseas at this time , regardless of your destination , age or health , '' Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters Friday .
`` If your travel is not essential , consider carefully whether now is the right time . ''
Morrison , who on Thursday unveiled an $ 11 billion stimulus package to counter the economic harm of the coronavirus , also called for gatherings of more than 500 people to be canceled as a @ @ @

People in Beijing wear mandatory protective face masks and have their temperature checked before they're allowed to enter an international shopping mall. Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
March 13 (UPI) -- International health officials said Friday that Europe has become the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, as the continent is now producing more new cases each day than China did at the height of its crisis. The World Health Organization said in an update late Friday morning there are 132,000 COVID-19 cases worldwide in 123 nations. More than 5,000 people have died, the organization said. Johns Hopkins University, which has been regularly tracking cases around the world, reported nearly 137,500 cases globally by 2 p.m. EDT Friday. Advertisement
"Europe has now become the epicenter of the crisis, with more reported cases and deaths than the rest of the world combined apart from of China," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said from Geneva, Switzerland.
Ghebreyesus also reported that progress has been made against COVID-19. More countries have set up national plans using "whole-of-government" approaches and most have established lab testing, he said.
Advertisement
"We have shipped supplies of personal protective equipment to 56 countries. We are shipping to a further 28, and we have sent almost 1.5 million diagnostic tests to 120 countries."
The WHO chief reiterated, however, that the spread of the virus can't be stopped with isolated actions such as "social distancing," and requires more comprehensive strategies that include rigorous contact tracing and quarantine enforcement.
Europe
Italian health officials said Friday its death toll has surpassed 1,000 and the number of new cases climbed by more than 2,200. They added that nearly 1,300 cases have recovered.
Italy's healthcare system is under threat with the surge of cases pushing its capacity to treat seriously ill patients. A study published in The Lancet medical journal on Thursday predicted the nation will run out of beds in intensive care units if more aren't provided within about a week.
The Spanish government said Friday it will implement a 15-day "state of alarm," under which authorities can restrict movements of citizens and limit the number of people in certain areas at certain times.
The measure also allows authorities to ration services and the consumption of essential items to prevent panic buying. Friday was just the second time Spain activated a state of alarm since the 1970s.
Advertisement
The Catalan regional government ordered a complete lockdown in parts of Barcelona, affecting a total of 70,000 people.
With more than 4,300 confirmed cases, Spain trails only China, Italy and Iran as the nation with the most COVID-19 cases.
Asia/Middle East
China reported eight new cases and seven deaths Friday. The cases increased China's caseload to just under 81,000 -- of which 64,000 have been treated and discharged from hospitals. Nearly 3,200 patients have died.
New cases have also slowed in South Korea. Health officials cited 110 new cases Friday -- the lowest daily number in more than two weeks. Seoul said it's close to completing a large-scale testing effort in the southeastern city of Daegu, its main coronavirus epicenter.
In Japan, the lower house of Parliament, the Diet, on Friday approved a measure giving Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the government greater leeway to institute emergency measures, such as closing schools. New infections rose Friday afternoon with the addition of eight more cases.
More than 11,300 cases have been reported in Iran. A team of WHO experts who traveled there said they're encouraged by Tehran's efforts, saying they are "evolving in the right direction."
Advertisement
Australia
Australia increased its travel advisory to Level 3 Friday and urged the public against traveling overseas.
"We advise all Australians to reconsider your need to travel overseas at this time, regardless of your destination, age or health," Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters Friday. "If your travel is not essential, consider carefully whether now is the right time."
Morrison, who on Thursday unveiled an $11 billion stimulus package to counter the economic harm of the coronavirus, also called for gatherings of more than 500 people to be canceled as a precautionary measure.


upi--2020-03-13--Listen: Lin-Manuel Miranda releases audio of cut 'Hamilton' song

March 13 ( UPI ) -- Broadway star and composer Lin-Manuel Miranda released a song that was cut from his @ @ @ @ @ Wish I could send you peace of mind via this app .
Alas .
But @ @ @ @ @ no one 's heard .
Here 's a cut Hamilton/Washington tune called I Have This @ @ @ @ @ heard it , not even Kail .
Funnier if you picture me and @ ChrisisSingin @ @ @ @ @ tweeted Thursday night along with audio of the song .
The track is a conversation @ @ @ @ @ Alexander Hamilton and George Washington .
Miranda and Christopher Jackson played the roles when the @ @ @ @ @ 2015 .
It won the Pulitzer Prize , Tony Award for Best Musical and Grammy @ @ @ @ @ .
All major New York stage performances -- including Broadway shows -- have been canceled @ @ @ @ @ to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus .

1/3
Lin Manuel Miranda released a song that did not make it into the final version of "Hamilton." File Photo by Christine Chew/UPI | License Photo
March 13 (UPI) -- Broadway star and composer Lin-Manuel Miranda released a song that was cut from his musical blockbuster Hamilton. "Wish I could send you peace of mind via this app. Alas. But I can send you music no one's heard. Here's a cut Hamilton/Washington tune called I Have This Friend. No one's heard it, not even Kail. Funnier if you picture me and @ChrisisSingin singing it," Miranda tweeted Thursday night along with audio of the song. Advertisement
The track is a conversation between America's founding fathers Alexander Hamilton and George Washington.
Miranda and Christopher Jackson played the roles when the show opened on Broadway in 2015. It won the Pulitzer Prize, Tony Award for Best Musical and Grammy Award for Best Musical Album.
Thomas Kail directed the production.
All major New York stage performances -- including Broadway shows -- have been canceled through mid-April in an attempt to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.


upi--2020-03-13--Uma Thurman to star in Apple TV+ series 'Suspicion'

March 13 ( UPI ) -- Kill Bill and Pulp Fiction actress Uma Thurman has signed on to star in @ @ @ @ @ of the Israeli TV series False Flag .
The cast will also include Kunal Nayyar @ @ @ @ @ Campbell , Elyes Gabel , Elizabeth Henstridge and Angel Coulby .
Rob Williams is serving @ @ @ @ @ is on-board to direct .
`` Suspicion is a high-paced thriller about the kidnapping of @ @ @ @ @ American businesswoman , played by Uma Thurman , '' the subscription-based , streaming service said @ @ @ @ @ `` Twenty-one-year-old Leo 's abduction from a large , upmarket hotel in central New York @ @ @ @ @ goes viral .
Swiftly , four British citizens staying at the hotel become the prime @ @ @ @ @ guilty of anymore than being in the wrong place at the wrong time ? ''
@ @ @ @ @ .
It is the home of The Morning Show , Servant , For All Mankind @ @ @ @ @

1/3
Uma Thurman has landed the lead role in the Apple TV+ thriller "Suspicion." File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
March 13 (UPI) -- Kill Bill and Pulp Fiction actress Uma Thurman has signed on to star in Suspicion, the U.S. adaptation of the Israeli TV series False Flag. The cast will also include Kunal Nayyar, Noah Emmerich, Georgina Campbell, Elyes Gabel, Elizabeth Henstridge and Angel Coulby. Advertisement
Rob Williams is serving as show-runner and Chris Long is on-board to direct.
"Suspicion is a high-paced thriller about the kidnapping of the son of a prominent American businesswoman, played by Uma Thurman," the subscription-based, streaming service said in a press release.
"Twenty-one-year-old Leo's abduction from a large, upmarket hotel in central New York is captured on video and goes viral. Swiftly, four British citizens staying at the hotel become the prime suspects. But are they guilty of anymore than being in the wrong place at the wrong time?"
Apple TV+ launched last year. It is the home of The Morning Show, Servant, For All Mankind, See and Dickinson.


upi--2020-03-13--Five states order schools to close amid COVID-19 outbreak

March 13 ( UPI ) -- The governors of Maryland , Ohio , Michigan , New Mexico and Oregon ordered all schools in their states to close while the governor of Kentucky recommended they shut their doors as they attempt to curb the spread of the coronavirus .
Maryland Gov .
Larry Hogan announced the school closures among several other measures the state adopted on Thursday during a press conference after the state recorded its first community transmission of the deadly COVID-19 virus , meaning the infected patient has no known exposure to the disease .
The state has 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department of Health .
Hogan told reporters the development shows the state is entering a new phase of contamination and the public should expect the number of infections in Maryland `` to dramatically and rapidly rise . ''
`` Our primary focus is now turning from containment to aggressively working to mitigate and limit the spread of the virus , '' he said .
`` ... We believe that all of us need to take serious actions to limit day-to-day interactions and activities and we all need to do our part to stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be closed from Monday through to March 27 , during which time all school buildings and school buses should be cleaned and disinfected to prevent the virus ' spread upon the resumption of classes , the governor 's office detailed in a press release on the measures Hogan announced Thursday .
Hogan also announced the prohibition of mass gatherings of more than 250 people , including religious , spiritual and sporting events , adding Maryland to a growing list of states to do so , including California , Oregon and Washington .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed from Friday and that no passenger or crew member will be permitted to disembark from a cruise ship at the Port of Baltimore that has made a port call outside of the United States since Jan. 31 .
`` This problem continues to evolve and will escalate rapidly and dramatically , '' he said .
`` For Marylanders , the actions I have announced here today will be disruptive to your everyday lives .
They may seem extreme , and they may sound frightening , but they could be the difference in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Earlier Thursday , Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine announced that he has ordered all kindergarten through 12th-grade schools to close from Monday until April 3 .
`` This order includes all public , community and private K-12 schools in the state , but does not apply to Ohio 's childcare system , '' his office said in a statement .
While closed , DeWine said the schools should work `` to provide education through alternative means '' and school districts can make decisions on the use of their buildings .
`` Staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as directed by administrators , '' the statement read .
The governor also banned mass gatherings of more than 100 people after Ohio confirmed its fifth COVID-19 infection .
The order , signed by Amy Acton , director of Ohio 's Department of Health , takes immediate effect , prohibiting more than 100 people in a single space , including theaters , stadiums and arenas , though sporting events may be held if spectators are excluded .
In Michigan , Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer ordered the closure of all public , private and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus , '' her office said in a statement .
`` This is a necessary step to protect our kids , our families and our overall public health , '' Whitmer said .
`` ...
I know this will be a tough time , but we 're doing this to keep the most people we can safe .
I urge everyone to make smart choices during this time and to do everything they can to protect themselves and their families . ''
The announcement came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's first two presumptive cases of COVID-19 .
On Thursday , the Michigan Department of Health said there were 12 presumptive cases requiring confirmation from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
New Mexico Gov .
Michelle Lujan Grisham announced in a statement Thursday that the state 's K-12 schools will close for three weeks from Monday as the state confirmed its sixth COVID-19 patient .
`` This is a proactive measure to limit the potential community spread of COVID-19 , '' Education Secretary Ryan Stewart said in a statement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ this measure after they have experienced community spread of this virus .
New Mexico is going to be proactive and do everything we can to prevent the potential spread of this virus . ''
In Oregon , a day after Gov .
Kate Brown issued a ban on gatherings of 250 people , she ordered schools in the state to close until March 31 .
Brown said in a statement she is taking this measure as `` it has now become impossible to functionally operate schools due to workforce issues and student absences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shortages in staff and superintendents are concerned for school personnel who are at elevated risk , such as those over age 60 and those with underlying medical issues , '' she said .
Brown clarified that suspending school will not stop the spread of the coronavirus , warning the public to avoid older adults caring for students who are out of school when possible .
`` This is a trying time for our community and I am reluctant to increase the burden on families who are already struggling to adapt to and stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` However , we are left with little choice in light of school districts ' staff capacity and operational concerns . ''
The Oregon Health Authority raised the state 's number of cases to 30 on Thursday after confirming six more infections .
In Kentucky , Gov .
Andy Beshear edged his state closer to doing likewise by recommending that school superintendents close their facilities from Monday .
He said the recommendation was based on the advice of medical professionals .
`` This coming Monday , we are recommending that Kentucky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ classes for at least the next two weeks , '' Beshear said in a statement .
`` This is a big and necessary step and announcing it gives our superintendents , teachers and parents the time to prepare .
It is important for children to go to school tomorrow so they can get the resources they need for the next couple of weeks . ''
According to the state 's Department of Public Health , Kentucky has 11 confirmed cases of COVID-19 .
As of mid-day Thursday , three public school districts in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while two others announced they would close Friday and the Kentucky School for the Blind and the Kentucky School for the Deaf both confirmed they would be closing Monday , according to the Kentucky Governor 's Office , adding that most said they would reopen by April 13 .
The Archdiocese of Washington also announced Thursday that all Catholic schools in the state would close .

March 13 (UPI) -- The governors of Maryland, Ohio, Michigan, New Mexico and Oregon ordered all schools in their states to close while the governor of Kentucky recommended they shut their doors as they attempt to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
The District of Columbia joined them Friday morning, announcing that D.C. Public Schools will be closed until April 1.
Advertisement
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced the school closures among several other measures the state adopted on Thursday during a press conference after the state recorded its first community transmission of the deadly COVID-19 virus, meaning the infected patient has no known exposure to the disease. The state has 12 confirmed COVID-19 patients, according to its Department of Health.
Hogan told reporters the development shows the state is entering a new phase of contamination and the public should expect the number of infections in Maryland "to dramatically and rapidly rise."
Advertisement
"Our primary focus is now turning from containment to aggressively working to mitigate and limit the spread of the virus," he said. "...We believe that all of us need to take serious actions to limit day-to-day interactions and activities and we all need to do our part to stop this virus from spreading."
Schools will be closed from Monday through to March 27, during which time all school buildings and school buses should be cleaned and disinfected to prevent the virus' spread upon the resumption of classes, the governor's office detailed in a press release on the measures Hogan announced Thursday.
Hogan also announced the prohibition of mass gatherings of more than 250 people, including religious, spiritual and sporting events, adding Maryland to a growing list of states to do so, including California, Oregon and Washington.
He also said senior centers will be closed from Friday and that no passenger or crew member will be permitted to disembark from a cruise ship at the Port of Baltimore that has made a port call outside of the United States since Jan. 31.
"This problem continues to evolve and will escalate rapidly and dramatically," he said. "For Marylanders, the actions I have announced here today will be disruptive to your everyday lives. They may seem extreme, and they may sound frightening, but they could be the difference in saving lives and keeping people safe."
Advertisement
D.C. schools Chancellor Lewis Ferebee said the decision to shutter schools in the nation's capital was made to ensure "the well-being of our students and school communities."
During the shutdown, he said, there will also be no school-sponsored activities such as athletics, extracurriculars, field trips, events, or after-school programs.
Earlier Thursday, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced that he has ordered all kindergarten through 12th-grade schools to close from Monday until April 3.
"This order includes all public, community and private K-12 schools in the state, but does not apply to Ohio's childcare system," his office said in a statement.
While closed, DeWine said the schools should work "to provide education through alternative means" and school districts can make decisions on the use of their buildings.
"Staff members should continue to report to school as directed by administrators," the statement read.
The governor also banned mass gatherings of more than 100 people after Ohio confirmed its fifth COVID-19 infection.
The order, signed by Amy Acton, director of Ohio's Department of Health, takes immediate effect, prohibiting more than 100 people in a single space, including theaters, stadiums and arenas, though sporting events may be held if spectators are excluded.
Advertisement
In Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered the closure of all public, private and boarding schools from Monday until April 5 "to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus," her office said in a statement.
"This is a necessary step to protect our kids, our families and our overall public health," Whitmer said. "... I know this will be a tough time, but we're doing this to keep the most people we can safe. I urge everyone to make smart choices during this time and to do everything they can to protect themselves and their families."
The announcement came a day after Whitmer announced the state's first two presumptive cases of COVID-19. On Thursday, the Michigan Department of Health said there were 12 presumptive cases requiring confirmation from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced in a statement Thursday that the state's K-12 schools will close for three weeks from Monday as the state confirmed its sixth COVID-19 patient.
"This is a proactive measure to limit the potential community spread of COVID-19," Education Secretary Ryan Stewart said in a statement. "We have seen other states take this measure after they have experienced community spread of this virus. New Mexico is going to be proactive and do everything we can to prevent the potential spread of this virus."
Advertisement
In Oregon, a day after Gov. Kate Brown issued a ban on gatherings of 250 people, she ordered schools in the state to close until March 31.
Brown said in a statement she is taking this measure as "it has now become impossible to functionally operate schools due to workforce issues and student absences."
"Schools are experiencing critical shortages in staff and superintendents are concerned for school personnel who are at elevated risk, such as those over age 60 and those with underlying medical issues," she said.
Brown clarified that suspending school will not stop the spread of the coronavirus, warning the public to avoid older adults caring for students who are out of school when possible.
"This is a trying time for our community and I am reluctant to increase the burden on families who are already struggling to adapt to and stay healthy during this crisis," she said. "However, we are left with little choice in light of school districts' staff capacity and operational concerns."
The Oregon Health Authority raised the state's number of cases to 30 on Thursday after confirming six more infections.
In Kentucky, Gov. Andy Beshear edged his state closer to doing likewise by recommending that school superintendents close their facilities from Monday. He said the recommendation was based on the advice of medical professionals.
Advertisement
"This coming Monday, we are recommending that Kentucky's public and private schools cease in-person classes for at least the next two weeks," Beshear said in a statement. "This is a big and necessary step and announcing it gives our superintendents, teachers and parents the time to prepare. It is important for children to go to school tomorrow so they can get the resources they need for the next couple of weeks."
According to the state's Department of Public Health, Kentucky has 11 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
As of mid-day Thursday, three public school districts in the state said they had already closed while two others announced they would close Friday and the Kentucky School for the Blind and the Kentucky School for the Deaf both confirmed they would be closing Monday, according to the Kentucky Governor's Office, adding that most said they would reopen by April 13.
The Archdiocese of Washington also announced Thursday that all Catholic schools in the state would close.


upi--2020-03-13--Suicidal thoughts in children more common than thought

Suicidal thoughts have haunted nearly one of every 10 pre-teens in the United States , a new study reveals .
About 8.4 percent of children aged 9 or 10 said they 'd temporarily or regularly harbored thoughts of suicide , researchers report .
Importantly , only around 1 percent of children that age reported a suicide attempt or planning their suicide .
But suicidal thoughts at that age are a warning sign of a future filled with woe , said senior researcher Dr. Sophia Frangou , a professor of psychiatry with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you think of how young they are , 8 percent is quite a startling number , '' Frangou said .
`` Thinking of killing yourself , and that life is n't worth it , when you 're 9 is pretty extreme . ''
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 10- to 14-year-olds , researchers said in background notes , and these sorts of thoughts paint a picture of a troubled childhood .
`` Being so seriously unhappy so early in life is a sign of vulnerability for adverse mental health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It 's not just about suicide . ''
For this study , Frangou and her colleagues analyzed data from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development study , which is tracking the growth and health of nearly 12,000 children across the United States .
Children and their caregivers filled out reports that included questions related to suicidal thoughts and behaviors .
Two factors played a strong role in whether a child would have suicidal thoughts , the research team found .
`` Children that have some sort of psychological problems , even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live in families that are in some way dysfunctional , those are the ones that are at the highest risk to have suicidal thoughts , '' Frangou said .
Kids suffering from anxiety , depression or other psychological or behavior problems are 74 percent more likely to experience suicidal thoughts , results show .
And children who reported family conflict were 30 percent to 75 percent more likely to harbor thoughts of suicide , even after accounting for their psychological problems , the researchers said .
The findings were published online March 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ None of these numbers are surprising , said Mitch Prinstein , a professor of psychology and neuroscience with the University of North Carolina , Chapel Hill .
`` We 've been seeing the age where suicide ideation and suicidal behavior is occurring get lower and lower over the last few years , '' Prinstein said .
`` We know that suicide is very closely related to the experience of stress , not just the stress that kids are experiencing but the stress that parents and people around them are experiencing , which kids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of children 's hospital admissions for suicidal thoughts or behavior has more than doubled over the last decade , rising from 0.7 percent in 2008 to 1.8 percent in 2015 , the researchers said .
The research team also found two factors that appeared to protect kids against suicidal thoughts : active parental supervision and having a positive experience in school .
`` The kids that liked going to school and felt the school environment was a good environment for them were less likely to have these types of thoughts , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the degree to which parents are involved in their children 's lives , '' she explained .
`` They know where their kids are , they know the names of their friends , '' Frangou said .
`` It 's not about quality time , it 's about knowing what your kid is doing and being involved in an active , meaningful way . ''
These results indicate a need for school-based screening for suicide , much as vision and hearing tests are conducted with youngsters , Prinstein and Frangou said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can start looking for kids who have difficulties and for families who have difficulties .
We should think of schools as a means to help them , '' Frangou said .
`` You do n't have to look for the suicidal kid .
You have to look for the unhappy one , '' she continued .
`` You do n't have to specifically predict who will have suicidal thoughts .
You have to be more sensitized to children who are unhappy , either because their families are difficult or because they themselves experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of telltale signs that a child is troubled enough to think about suicide , said Dr. Kimberly Gordon-Achebe , a child and adolescent psychiatrist in Baltimore .
These include : • Changes in behavior or eating habits .
• Withdrawing from peers or isolating themselves .
`` These are great indicators of what could be going on in their mind , '' Gordon-Achebe said .
Boston Children 's Hospital has more about child and teen suicide .

Suicidal thoughts have haunted nearly one of every 10 pre-teens in the United States, a new study reveals.
About 8.4 percent of children aged 9 or 10 said they'd temporarily or regularly harbored thoughts of suicide, researchers report.
Advertisement
Importantly, only around 1 percent of children that age reported a suicide attempt or planning their suicide.
But suicidal thoughts at that age are a warning sign of a future filled with woe, said senior researcher Dr. Sophia Frangou, a professor of psychiatry with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, in New York City.
"When you think of how young they are, 8 percent is quite a startling number," Frangou said. "Thinking of killing yourself, and that life isn't worth it, when you're 9 is pretty extreme."
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 10- to 14-year-olds, researchers said in background notes, and these sorts of thoughts paint a picture of a troubled childhood.
Advertisement
"Being so seriously unhappy so early in life is a sign of vulnerability for adverse mental health outcomes in adulthood," Frangou noted. "It's not just about suicide."
For this study, Frangou and her colleagues analyzed data from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development study, which is tracking the growth and health of nearly 12,000 children across the United States.
Children and their caregivers filled out reports that included questions related to suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Two factors played a strong role in whether a child would have suicidal thoughts, the research team found.
"Children that have some sort of psychological problems, even minor ones, and the ones that live in families that are in some way dysfunctional, those are the ones that are at the highest risk to have suicidal thoughts," Frangou said.
Kids suffering from anxiety, depression or other psychological or behavior problems are 74 percent more likely to experience suicidal thoughts, results show.
And children who reported family conflict were 30 percent to 75 percent more likely to harbor thoughts of suicide, even after accounting for their psychological problems, the researchers said.
The findings were published online March 12 in The Lancet Psychiatry medical journal.
None of these numbers are surprising, said Mitch Prinstein, a professor of psychology and neuroscience with the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
Advertisement
"We've been seeing the age where suicide ideation and suicidal behavior is occurring get lower and lower over the last few years," Prinstein said. "We know that suicide is very closely related to the experience of stress, not just the stress that kids are experiencing but the stress that parents and people around them are experiencing, which kids definitely pick up on."
The number of children's hospital admissions for suicidal thoughts or behavior has more than doubled over the last decade, rising from 0.7 percent in 2008 to 1.8 percent in 2015, the researchers said.
The research team also found two factors that appeared to protect kids against suicidal thoughts: active parental supervision and having a positive experience in school.
"The kids that liked going to school and felt the school environment was a good environment for them were less likely to have these types of thoughts," Frangou said.
Parental supervision means "the degree to which parents are involved in their children's lives," she explained.
"They know where their kids are, they know the names of their friends," Frangou said. "It's not about quality time, it's about knowing what your kid is doing and being involved in an active, meaningful way."
Advertisement
These results indicate a need for school-based screening for suicide, much as vision and hearing tests are conducted with youngsters, Prinstein and Frangou said.
"Schools are a good place where we can start looking for kids who have difficulties and for families who have difficulties. We should think of schools as a means to help them," Frangou said.
"You don't have to look for the suicidal kid. You have to look for the unhappy one," she continued. "You don't have to specifically predict who will have suicidal thoughts. You have to be more sensitized to children who are unhappy, either because their families are difficult or because they themselves experience anxiety."
There are a number of telltale signs that a child is troubled enough to think about suicide, said Dr. Kimberly Gordon-Achebe, a child and adolescent psychiatrist in Baltimore. These include:
Changes in behavior or eating habits.
Sleeping in class.
Withdrawing from peers or isolating themselves.
Acting moody or irritable.
Talking about death with peers.
Drawing pictures or writing about death.
"These are great indicators of what could be going on in their mind," Gordon-Achebe said.
More information
Boston Children's Hospital has more about child and teen suicide.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-03-13--Strengthening immune health can help protect against COVID-19, experts say

March 13 ( UPI ) -- Research shows people with underlying health conditions or compromised immune systems are at greater risk as the novel coronavirus , COVID-19 , spreads -- but experts say taking steps to improve health could make a big difference .
`` I tell all of my patients with chronic health conditions like diabetes , high blood pressure and heart disease to do what they can to maximize their health right now , '' Kathryn A. Boling , a family physician at Mercy Medical Center , told UPI .
`` That means taking your medications as directed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have high blood pressure , for example , now is not the time to slacking off on your diet and eating a lot of salty foods . ''
A study published Wednesday in The Lancet , which reviewed the cases of 191 people with COVID-19 , found that those with high blood pressure , diabetes and heart disease were more likely to have severe disease , require hospitalization for care or die than people who were otherwise healthy when they became infected .
In all , 54 of the 191 patients in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Wuhan , China , epicenter of the outbreak -- died , and two thirds had at least one other health condition before getting sick .
According to the authors , 26 had high blood pressure , 17 had diabetes , 13 had heart disease and four had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , or COPD .
`` All of these conditions , and other chronic disease , can suppress your immune system 's ability to mount a defense against a virus like COVID-19 , '' Boling said .
`` When people say those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk , they mean somebody who is undergoing chemotherapy , or has HIV or people who have rheumatoid arthritis who are taking immuno-suppressor medications .
Pregnant women are also a little immune suppressed . ''
People who are 65 and older also do n't have the same immune defenses they once did , which is why seniors get a high-dose flu vaccine every year , she added .
Still , those who fall into one or more high risk groups -- more than 30 million Americans have diabetes , while more than 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help minimize their risk by living a healthy lifestyle .
A balanced , nutritious diet , regular exercise and getting enough sleep can go a long way to optimizing the immune system to fight off infection , whether it 's the flu or something more serious .
People can also make changes that enhance immune system function .
For example , eating a low-carbohydrate diet with plenty of different-colored fruits and vegetables helps supply the immune system with the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients it needs to fight infection .
A high-fiber diet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the gut microbiome -- or so-called `` good bacteria '' in the digestive tract -- and bolster immune defenses .
Boling recommends that all her patients take up to 2000 IUs of vitamin D daily .
Vitamin D has been shown to play a role in immune health , she said , and many people do n't get adequate amounts of it in their diets .
The potential benefits of supplements like echinacea and vitamin C for immune health have n't proved in existing studies , she added , and those considering supplements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them .
Another study published Wednesday in The Lancet linked smoking with more severe disease in COVID-19 .
Boling said she has advised her patients who smoke to quit even more emphatically since the start of the outbreak .
`` People need to make sure their immune systems are at peak functioning ability , so when or if they do get sick they do better , '' she noted .
`` Most people have a pretty good idea of how strong their immune system is based on how they do every year with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come in that say , ' I never get sick . '
Well then , their immune system is probably pretty robust .
But if people find that they get sick multiple times every winter , then it 's probably something they need to work on , now more than ever . ''

Research suggests that mitigating underlying health conditions and taking action to improve the immune system could lessen the risk posed by COVID-19. Photo by iXimus /Pixabay
March 13 (UPI) -- Research shows people with underlying health conditions or compromised immune systems are at greater risk as the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, spreads -- but experts say taking steps to improve health could make a big difference. "I tell all of my patients with chronic health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease to do what they can to maximize their health right now," Kathryn A. Boling, a family physician at Mercy Medical Center, told UPI. "That means taking your medications as directed, exercising and eating well. If you have high blood pressure, for example, now is not the time to slacking off on your diet and eating a lot of salty foods." Advertisement
A study published Wednesday in The Lancet, which reviewed the cases of 191 people with COVID-19, found that those with high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease were more likely to have severe disease, require hospitalization for care or die than people who were otherwise healthy when they became infected.
Advertisement
In all, 54 of the 191 patients in the study -- all of whom were from Wuhan, China, epicenter of the outbreak -- died, and two thirds had at least one other health condition before getting sick. According to the authors, 26 had high blood pressure, 17 had diabetes, 13 had heart disease and four had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD.
"All of these conditions, and other chronic disease, can suppress your immune system's ability to mount a defense against a virus like COVID-19," Boling said. "When people say those who are immune suppressed are at greater risk, they mean somebody who is undergoing chemotherapy, or has HIV or people who have rheumatoid arthritis who are taking immuno-suppressor medications. Pregnant women are also a little immune suppressed."
People who are 65 and older also don't have the same immune defenses they once did, which is why seniors get a high-dose flu vaccine every year, she added.
Still, those who fall into one or more high risk groups -- more than 30 million Americans have diabetes, while more than 100 million have high blood pressure -- can help minimize their risk by living a healthy lifestyle.
A balanced, nutritious diet, regular exercise and getting enough sleep can go a long way to optimizing the immune system to fight off infection, whether it's the flu or something more serious.
Advertisement
People can also make changes that enhance immune system function. For example, eating a low-carbohydrate diet with plenty of different-colored fruits and vegetables helps supply the immune system with the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients it needs to fight infection.
A high-fiber diet, including grains and yogurt, can strengthen the gut microbiome -- or so-called "good bacteria" in the digestive tract -- and bolster immune defenses.
Boling recommends that all her patients take up to 2000 IUs of vitamin D daily. Vitamin D has been shown to play a role in immune health, she said, and many people don't get adequate amounts of it in their diets.
The potential benefits of supplements like echinacea and vitamin C for immune health haven't proved in existing studies, she added, and those considering supplements should talk to their doctor before taking them.
Another study published Wednesday in The Lancet linked smoking with more severe disease in COVID-19. Boling said she has advised her patients who smoke to quit even more emphatically since the start of the outbreak.
"People need to make sure their immune systems are at peak functioning ability, so when or if they do get sick they do better," she noted. "Most people have a pretty good idea of how strong their immune system is based on how they do every year with cold and flu. I have people come in that say, 'I never get sick.' Well then, their immune system is probably pretty robust. But if people find that they get sick multiple times every winter, then it's probably something they need to work on, now more than ever."


upi--2020-03-13--Endangered coho salmon preservation an upstream battle in California

DENVER , March 13 ( UPI ) -- The endangered coho salmon of Tomales Bay , north of San Francisco , are getting assistance from a stream restoration effort that could help rescue them from near-extinction locally .
Through the project , fish ecologists hope they can restore habitat to rebuild decimated populations of the historic fish , which once was a staple of indigenous diets and later California commercial fishing .
Central California coast coho salmon formerly were plentiful on the West Coast , but the population has shrunk so low that the fish is listed as endangered in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal Endangered Species Act .
It is now illegal to catch coho salmon in California .
Cohos are not protected in Alaska .
The fishes ' spawning grounds are becoming hard to find .
Unlike Chinook salmon , which lay eggs in rushing rivers , coho prefer small streams .
Where once the coho spawned in almost 600 natural small streams and rivers in California , that habitat has now mostly disappeared .
Most small tributaries have been encroached by housing development or dammed for drinking-water reservoirs .
Still , the cohos are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lagunitas Creek watershed , tourists come from San Francisco and beyond to watch the salmon run every winter along the stream beds .
The fish swim 26 miles upstream from the ocean to spawn in December and January .
`` They 're big fish , 24 to 30 inches , in their red spawning colors , '' said Chuck Schultz , a member of the local Golden Gate Trout Unlimited chapter .
During the yearly salmon run , the fish leap up a series of waterfalls called the Inkwells , `` about 6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Schultz said .
`` Seeing a big fish like that in a small stream is really something . ''
Usually , about 400 to 500 leaping coho make the annual trip to the spawning grounds , but this year 's numbers were dangerously small , with fewer than 90 fish making the trek -- among the lowest counts in 25 years , according to the Marin Municipal Water District .
`` We 've seen the coho population bounce back after disappointing runs and we 're hopeful that improving ocean conditions will mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Eric Ettlinger , aquatic ecologist for the water district .
This summer , earthmovers will remove the remnants of a man-made fish barrier , possibly making it significantly easier for cohos to return to their spawning grounds in west Marin County .
`` Historically , there were thousands of these fish , and the numbers are now dismally low , '' said Todd Steiner , executive director of the Olema-based Salmon Protection and Watershed Network .
More than 95 percent of their population has been lost , said Steiner , a wildlife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife will create a new path for coho in the San Geronimo Creek , which runs through a shuttered golf course north of San Francisco .
A concrete and metal structure called Roy 's Pools will be replaced by a $ 2 million project that will create a free-flowing channel for the salmon , as well as steelhead trout and other stream wildlife .
Volunteers also will replace native plants , including redwood seedlings .
A visitor bridge will allow fish viewing .
The life of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between fresh and ocean waters .
The fish live for three years .
As juveniles , they grow to about 3 inches long in freshwater streams , and then make the trek through the bay to the Pacific Ocean , where they grow to 2 feet long and with weights of 8 to 10 pounds They make one trip back to their birthplace to spawn and die .
Wild coho will not mingle or breed with fishery-raised coho salmon that are stocked in other local river habitats .
Still , the restoration project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coho population , the salmon group 's Steiner said .
`` We 're taking down a tiny dam , not big at all , but it is one of the only streams left for coho to reach the headlands , '' Steiner said .
`` We may not be able to bring them back from brink of local extinction .
The science of habitat restoration is new , and we learn every time we do a project .
There are no guarantees in this line of work . ''

1/2
Removing a fish barrier on a small stream this summer in Marin County, Calif. may help rebuild wild coho salmon populations. Photo courtesy of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries
DENVER, March 13 (UPI) -- The endangered coho salmon of Tomales Bay, north of San Francisco, are getting assistance from a stream restoration effort that could help rescue them from near-extinction locally. Through the project, fish ecologists hope they can restore habitat to rebuild decimated populations of the historic fish, which once was a staple of indigenous diets and later California commercial fishing. Advertisement
Central California coast coho salmon formerly were plentiful on the West Coast, but the population has shrunk so low that the fish is listed as endangered in California, Oregon and Washington under the federal Endangered Species Act. It is now illegal to catch coho salmon in California. Cohos are not protected in Alaska.
The fishes' spawning grounds are becoming hard to find. Unlike Chinook salmon, which lay eggs in rushing rivers, coho prefer small streams.
Where once the coho spawned in almost 600 natural small streams and rivers in California, that habitat has now mostly disappeared. Most small tributaries have been encroached by housing development or dammed for drinking-water reservoirs.
Advertisement
Still, the cohos are beloved in the region. In the Lagunitas Creek watershed, tourists come from San Francisco and beyond to watch the salmon run every winter along the stream beds. The fish swim 26 miles upstream from the ocean to spawn in December and January.
"They're big fish, 24 to 30 inches, in their red spawning colors," said Chuck Schultz, a member of the local Golden Gate Trout Unlimited chapter.
Leaping fish
During the yearly salmon run, the fish leap up a series of waterfalls called the Inkwells, "about 6 or 7 feet in the air," Schultz said. "Seeing a big fish like that in a small stream is really something."
Usually, about 400 to 500 leaping coho make the annual trip to the spawning grounds, but this year's numbers were dangerously small, with fewer than 90 fish making the trek -- among the lowest counts in 25 years, according to the Marin Municipal Water District.
"We've seen the coho population bounce back after disappointing runs and we're hopeful that improving ocean conditions will mean higher returns in coming years," said Eric Ettlinger, aquatic ecologist for the water district.
This summer, earthmovers will remove the remnants of a man-made fish barrier, possibly making it significantly easier for cohos to return to their spawning grounds in west Marin County.
Advertisement
"Historically, there were thousands of these fish, and the numbers are now dismally low," said Todd Steiner, executive director of the Olema-based Salmon Protection and Watershed Network. More than 95 percent of their population has been lost, said Steiner, a wildlife biologist.
In June, the network and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife will create a new path for coho in the San Geronimo Creek, which runs through a shuttered golf course north of San Francisco.
A concrete and metal structure called Roy's Pools will be replaced by a $2 million project that will create a free-flowing channel for the salmon, as well as steelhead trout and other stream wildlife. Volunteers also will replace native plants, including redwood seedlings. A visitor bridge will allow fish viewing.
Round-trip journey
The life of the wild coho is a round-trip journey between fresh and ocean waters.
The fish live for three years. As juveniles, they grow to about 3 inches long in freshwater streams, and then make the trek through the bay to the Pacific Ocean, where they grow to 2 feet long and with weights of 8 to 10 pounds
They make one trip back to their birthplace to spawn and die. Wild coho will not mingle or breed with fishery-raised coho salmon that are stocked in other local river habitats.
Advertisement
Still, the restoration project alone might not be enough to restore the coho population, the salmon group's Steiner said.
"We're taking down a tiny dam, not big at all, but it is one of the only streams left for coho to reach the headlands," Steiner said. "We may not be able to bring them back from brink of local extinction. The science of habitat restoration is new, and we learn every time we do a project. There are no guarantees in this line of work."