upi--2020-12-16--United Airlines works with CDC to start COVID-19 contact tracing on all flights

Dec. 16 ( UPI ) -- United Airlines said Wednesday it has started a COVID-19 contact tracing program that will collect key health information from passengers on all domestic and international flights .
The carrier said the effort , which is being supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , will allow travelers to opt-in and provide contact information like email addresses , phone numbers and addresses when they check in for a flight .
The contact information is an important part of tracking the coronavirus disease and controlling its spread worldwide , United and the CDC said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the airline industry 's most comprehensive public health contact information collection program to date .
`` Contact tracing is a fundamental component of the nation 's public health response strategy for controlling the spread of communicable diseases of public health concern , '' CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield said in a statement Wednesday .
`` Collection of contact information from air travelers will greatly improve the timeliness and completeness of information for COVID-19 public health follow-up and contact tracing . ''
United said the program will be rolled out in multiple phases over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing and contact tracing will play a significant role in slowing the spread of COVID-19 until a vaccine is widely available , '' United Chief Customer Officer Toby Enqvist said in a statement .
`` United continues to take a leadership role in both areas and is proud to support the CDC by doing our part to help them safeguard public health and safety . ''
A study published recently in The Lancet found that tracing 80 % of people who have come into contact with a carrier of COVID-19 can significantly help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The airline said travelers can opt into the program by using the United mobile app , in person at the airport or at United.com .
United was the first U.S. carrier to offer coronavirus testing for passengers in September and it is now offering tests at no cost for travelers flying between the New York City area and London .

A United Airlines agent wears a face mask at a ticket counter at St. Louis-Lambert International Airport in St. Louis, Mo., on March 28. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 16 (UPI) -- United Airlines said Wednesday it has started a COVID-19 contact tracing program that will collect key health information from passengers on all domestic and international flights. The carrier said the effort, which is being supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will allow travelers to opt-in and provide contact information like email addresses, phone numbers and addresses when they check in for a flight. Advertisement
The contact information is an important part of tracking the coronavirus disease and controlling its spread worldwide, United and the CDC said.
The initiative is believed to be the airline industry's most comprehensive public health contact information collection program to date.
"Contact tracing is a fundamental component of the nation's public health response strategy for controlling the spread of communicable diseases of public health concern," CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield said in a statement Wednesday.
"Collection of contact information from air travelers will greatly improve the timeliness and completeness of information for COVID-19 public health follow-up and contact tracing."
United said the program will be rolled out in multiple phases over the coming weeks.
"Initiatives like testing and contact tracing will play a significant role in slowing the spread of COVID-19 until a vaccine is widely available," United Chief Customer Officer Toby Enqvist said in a statement.
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"United continues to take a leadership role in both areas and is proud to support the CDC by doing our part to help them safeguard public health and safety."
A study published recently in The Lancet found that tracing 80% of people who have come into contact with a carrier of COVID-19 can significantly help communities reduce onward transmission of the virus.
The airline said travelers can opt into the program by using the United mobile app, in person at the airport or at United.com.
United was the first U.S. carrier to offer coronavirus testing for passengers in September and it is now offering tests at no cost for travelers flying between the New York City area and London.
Also Wednesday, Southwest Airlines announced new service to California to begin next year. The carrier will fly to Santa Barbara and Fresno, likely starting sometime between April and July.
Southwest already serves 11 locations in the state, including several airports in Southern California and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Like all other airlines, Southwest has seen severe disruption this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and this month began giving furlough notices to almost 7,000 pilots, flight attendants and other employees.
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In a filing with regulators Wednesday, Southwest said revenues slowed in November due to a spike in cases and renewed restrictions.


upi--2020-12-16--Manny Ramirez to make Australian baseball debut Thursday

Dec. 16 ( UPI ) -- Major League Baseball legend Manny Ramirez will make his Australian Baseball League debut Thursday with the Sydney Blue Sox .
The 48-year-old ex-Boston Red Sox slugger signed a one-year deal with the team in October .
The Blue Sox start the 2020-21 ABL season with a game against the Melbourne Aces on Thursday at Blacktown International Sportspark in Sydney .
Fans can stream the game at 3:30 a.m. EST Thursday at Sportsflickglobal.com .
Ramirez 's decorated MLB career featured 12 All-Star selection , nine Silver Slugger awards , a batting title , two World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ award .
He spent eight seasons with the Cleveland Indians , eight with the Boston Red Sox , three with the Los Angeles Dodgers , one with the Tampa Bay Rays and one with the Chicago White Sox .
Ramirez 's MLB playing career ended in 2014 .
He has also played in the Japanese Shikoku Island League Plus and Chinese Professional Baseball League .
The Blue Sox went 16-23-1 last season and finished in last place in the ABL 's Northeast Division .
`` The big difference between this year and last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is absolutely focused , '' Blue Sox manager Shane Barclay told the ABL website on Monday .
`` They 're putting in and playing for each other .
The culture that has been created this year is five steps up . ''
The Blue Sox roster also features New York Mets prospects Carlos Cortes , Andrew Mitchell , Adam Oller and Manny Rodriguez .
Detroit Tigers prospects Cam Gibson and Jacob Robson and Minnesota Twins prospect Lachlan Wells also are on the roster .
Ramirez hit .312 and had 555 home runs during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his retirement in 2011 after he tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance , but later returned after the ban was rescinded .
Ramirez also served a 50-game suspension in 2009 after he tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance .

Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Major League Baseball legend Manny Ramirez will make his Australian Baseball League debut Thursday with the Sydney Blue Sox.
The 48-year-old ex-Boston Red Sox slugger signed a one-year deal with the team in October. The Blue Sox start the 2020-21 ABL season with a game against the Melbourne Aces on Thursday at Blacktown International Sportspark in Sydney.
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Fans can stream the game at 3:30 a.m. EST Thursday at Sportsflickglobal.com.
Ramirez's decorated MLB career featured 12 All-Star selection, nine Silver Slugger awards, a batting title, two World Series wins and a World Series MVP award.
He spent eight seasons with the Cleveland Indians, eight with the Boston Red Sox, three with the Los Angeles Dodgers, one with the Tampa Bay Rays and one with the Chicago White Sox.
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Ramirez's MLB playing career ended in 2014. He has also played in the Japanese Shikoku Island League Plus and Chinese Professional Baseball League.
The Blue Sox went 16-23-1 last season and finished in last place in the ABL's Northeast Division.
"The big difference between this year and last year is the roster we do have is absolutely focused," Blue Sox manager Shane Barclay told the ABL website on Monday.
"They're putting in and playing for each other. The culture that has been created this year is five steps up."
The Blue Sox roster also features New York Mets prospects Carlos Cortes, Andrew Mitchell, Adam Oller and Manny Rodriguez. Detroit Tigers prospects Cam Gibson and Jacob Robson and Minnesota Twins prospect Lachlan Wells also are on the roster.
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Ramirez hit .312 and had 555 home runs during his 19-year MLB career. He announced his retirement in 2011 after he tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance, but later returned after the ban was rescinded.
Ramirez also served a 50-game suspension in 2009 after he tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance.


upi--2020-12-16--'Unprecedented' chosen by Dictionary.com users as Word of the Year

Dec. 16 ( UPI ) -- `` Unprecedented '' has been chosen by users of Dictionary.com as the People 's Choice Word of the Year for 2020 .
The word received the most votes from users as one that best describes the circumstances and feelings of 2020 .
`` What 's particularly fascinating about 'unprecedented ' from a language perspective is the life cycle the word has had this year , '' John Kelly , senior research editor at Dictionary.com , said in a statement .
`` The pandemic , the protests , the presidential election , the extreme climate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a word that could do justice to the scale and pace of all this upheaval . ''
Merriam-Webster last month chose `` pandemic '' as 2020 's Word of the Year , as did Dictionary.com .
Wednesday 's result came after the site put the question to users .
`` Unprecedented '' has been the subject of a high number of searches on Dictionary.com and saw frequent use in emails , advertisements and headlines , the site said .
Kelly said the word has been a bit overused and `` now the joke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent into retirement . ''
`` But in 2020 , 'unprecedented ' is the word that just wo n't go away , '' the site said .
The first runner-up for the People 's Choice Word of the Year was `` pandemic , '' followed by `` lockdown , '' `` chaos/chaotic '' and `` quarantine . ''
Editors said all the candidate words reflect the `` prominence of public health measures in 2020 . ''
`` Quarantine '' was Dictionary.com 's Word of the Month for March , not long after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Other words that received an honorable mention for the People 's Choice Word of the Year were `` isolation , '' `` corona , '' `` tumultuous , '' `` pandemonium '' and `` upheaval . ''

The iconic New Years Eve ball is seen on the rooftop of One Times Square in New York City on October 21. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 16 (UPI) -- "Unprecedented" has been chosen by users of Dictionary.com as the People's Choice Word of the Year for 2020. The word received the most votes from users as one that best describes the circumstances and feelings of 2020. Advertisement
"What's particularly fascinating about 'unprecedented' from a language perspective is the life cycle the word has had this year," John Kelly, senior research editor at Dictionary.com, said in a statement.
"The pandemic, the protests, the presidential election, the extreme climate episodes -- 2020 sent us searching for a word that could do justice to the scale and pace of all this upheaval."
Merriam-Webster last month chose "pandemic" as 2020's Word of the Year, as did Dictionary.com. Wednesday's result came after the site put the question to users.
"Unprecedented" has been the subject of a high number of searches on Dictionary.com and saw frequent use in emails, advertisements and headlines, the site said.
Kelly said the word has been a bit overused and "now the joke is that 'unprecedented' needs to be sent into retirement."
"But in 2020, 'unprecedented' is the word that just won't go away," the site said.
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The first runner-up for the People's Choice Word of the Year was "pandemic," followed by "lockdown," "chaos/chaotic" and "quarantine."
Editors said all the candidate words reflect the "prominence of public health measures in 2020."
"Quarantine" was Dictionary.com's Word of the Month for March, not long after the coronavirus arrived in the United States.
Other words that received an honorable mention for the People's Choice Word of the Year were "isolation," "corona," "tumultuous," "pandemonium" and "upheaval."


upi--2020-12-16--M. Night Shyamalan's 'Servant' gets third season on Apple TV+

Dec. 16 ( UPI ) -- Apple TV+ announced it has ordered a third season of M. Night Shyamalan 's psychological thriller Servant .
Season 2 is set to premiere Jan. 15 .
It will include 10 episodes .
`` I feel so lucky to announce @ AppleTV is renewing # Servant for a season 3 before S2 even airs !
Apple has been such a good partner & has always supported this show .
I 've dreamed of telling this story in 40 parts .
I know that 's not guaranteed by any means so this is wonderful news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 cast members Lauren Ambrose , Toby Kebbell , Nell Tiger Free and Rupert Grint return to reprise their characters .
`` The second season takes a supernatural turn with a darker future for all lying ahead as Leanne returns to the brownstone and her true nature is revealed , '' the streaming service said in a press release on Tuesday .
The first season followed wealthy Philadelphia couple Dorothy and Sean , who hire mysterious nanny Leanne to care for a life-like doll that Dorothy believes is their infant son , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ baby appears in their home , Dorothy does n't seem to notice anything is amiss while Sean tries to figure out what is going on .

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From left to right, Toby Kebbell, Lauren Ambrose, Nell Tiger Free and Rupert Grint arrive at the world premiere of Apple TV+'s "Servant" in 2019 in New York City. The show has been renewed for a third season. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Apple TV+ announced it has ordered a third season of M. Night Shyamalan's psychological thriller Servant. Season 2 is set to premiere Jan. 15. It will include 10 episodes. Advertisement
"I feel so lucky to announce @AppleTV is renewing #Servant for a season 3 before S2 even airs! Apple has been such a good partner & has always supported this show. I've dreamed of telling this story in 40 parts. I know that's not guaranteed by any means so this is wonderful news," Shyamalan tweeted Tuesday.
Season 1 cast members Lauren Ambrose, Toby Kebbell, Nell Tiger Free and Rupert Grint return to reprise their characters.
"The second season takes a supernatural turn with a darker future for all lying ahead as Leanne returns to the brownstone and her true nature is revealed," the streaming service said in a press release on Tuesday.
The first season followed wealthy Philadelphia couple Dorothy and Sean, who hire mysterious nanny Leanne to care for a life-like doll that Dorothy believes is their infant son, who in reality died.
When a real baby appears in their home, Dorothy doesn't seem to notice anything is amiss while Sean tries to figure out what is going on.


upi--2020-12-16--Spotify to stream NPR podcasts around the world

Dec. 16 ( UPI ) -- Spotify announced Wednesday it has signed a deal to distribute NPR podcasts to its 320 million subscribers around the world .
The deal expands a 2018 agreement that distributed NPR content to Spotify users in the United States .
These shows will now be available Spotify worldwide : Wow in the World , 1A , Ask Me Another , Believed , The Best of Car Talk , Code Switch , Consider This from NPR , Embedded , Here and Now , How I Built This with Guy Raz , Invisibilia , Life Kit , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , NPR News Now , The NPR Politics Podcast , Planet Money , Radio Ambulante , Rough Translation , Short Wave , StoryCorps , TED Radio Hour , Throughline , Up First , Wait Wait ... Do n't Tell Me !
and White Lies .
Spotify said NPR News Now , TED Radio Hour , Up First , Short Wave and Planet Money are the five most popular NPR podcasts on the streaming service .
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have signed a multiyear deal with Spotify to produce and host new audio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Archewell Audio .

Spotify has signed a distribution deal to distribute NPR podcasts worldwide. File Photo by Monika Graff/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Spotify announced Wednesday it has signed a deal to distribute NPR podcasts to its 320 million subscribers around the world. The deal expands a 2018 agreement that distributed NPR content to Spotify users in the United States. Advertisement
These shows will now be available Spotify worldwide: Wow in the World, 1A, Ask Me Another, Believed, The Best of Car Talk, Code Switch, Consider This from NPR, Embedded, Here and Now, How I Built This with Guy Raz, Invisibilia, Life Kit, Louder Than A Riot, No Compromise, NPR News Now, The NPR Politics Podcast, Planet Money, Radio Ambulante, Rough Translation, Short Wave, StoryCorps, TED Radio Hour, Throughline, Up First, Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! and White Lies.
Spotify said NPR News Now, TED Radio Hour, Up First, Short Wave and Planet Money are the five most popular NPR podcasts on the streaming service.
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have signed a multiyear deal with Spotify to produce and host new audio programs through their newly formed production company, Archewell Audio.


upi--2020-12-16--NFL says there will be no mandatory COVID-19 'bubbles' during playoffs

Dec. 16 ( UPI ) -- The NFL has said teams will not be allowed to have mandatory local `` bubbles '' or require players and staffers to stay at hotels during the playoffs , except for the nights before games .
The league and players union informed all 32 teams of the decision in a memo Tuesday after it received recommendations from medical experts .
`` This decision is based upon an analysis of the frequency of positive cases in the league compared to the risk of significant spread among players and staff gathered for an extensive period of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ memo said .
Teams will still be allowed to provide hotel rooms for players who ask for one .
The NBA used a `` bubble '' atmosphere in Florida when it resumed its season in July , as a measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus from sources outside the league .
The NFL also made updates to its COVID-19 protocol Tuesday and announced the results for the latest round of testing .
Going forward , any person who tests positive but is cleared to return to games and team activities will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , though , will not be permitted to travel or interact with teammates until their isolation period ends .
The update also says asymptomatic players who test positive wo n't be allowed to return until at least 10 days after their most recent positive test and have been given clearance from NFL chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills .
The latest test results show 14 new positives for players and 31 for other personnel between Dec. 6 and Dec. 12 .
About 42,000 tests were given to players and staffers over that period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players and 328 personnel test positive since the start of August .

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said earlier this week that the league does not plan to vaccinate players for COVID-19 before the Super Bowl, while the league said Tuesday it will not require "bubbles" for the playoffs. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 16 (UPI) -- The NFL has said teams will not be allowed to have mandatory local "bubbles" or require players and staffers to stay at hotels during the playoffs, except for the nights before games. The league and players union informed all 32 teams of the decision in a memo Tuesday after it received recommendations from medical experts. Advertisement
"This decision is based upon an analysis of the frequency of positive cases in the league compared to the risk of significant spread among players and staff gathered for an extensive period of time at one hotel," the memo said.
Teams will still be allowed to provide hotel rooms for players who ask for one.
The NBA used a "bubble" atmosphere in Florida when it resumed its season in July, as a measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus from sources outside the league.
The NFL also made updates to its COVID-19 protocol Tuesday and announced the results for the latest round of testing.
Going forward, any person who tests positive but is cleared to return to games and team activities will be allowed to play. Those players, though, will not be permitted to travel or interact with teammates until their isolation period ends.
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The update also says asymptomatic players who test positive won't be allowed to return until at least 10 days after their most recent positive test and have been given clearance from NFL chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills.
The latest test results show 14 new positives for players and 31 for other personnel between Dec. 6 and Dec. 12. About 42,000 tests were given to players and staffers over that period.
The league has now had 187 players and 328 personnel test positive since the start of August.
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-12-16--Buccaneers RB Ronald Jones has finger surgery

Dec. 16 ( UPI ) -- Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Ronald Jones had finger surgery on Tuesday after he @ @ @ @ @ Week 14 game against the Minnesota Vikings .
Sources told the Tampa Bay Times , @ @ @ @ @ Jones had to have a pin inserted into his left pinkie finger .
He sustained @ @ @ @ @ 's game , but continued to play after a brief absence .
The Buccaneers have @ @ @ @ @ impacts Jones ' availability for Week 15 .
Tampa Bay battles the Atlanta Falcons on @ @ @ @ @ Fournette would likely start for the Buccaneers on Sunday if Jones is unavailable .
Jones @ @ @ @ @ and six scores on 180 carries in 13 games this season .
Fournette has 69 @ @ @ @ @ three scores in 10 games for Tampa Bay .
The Falcons host the Buccaneers in @ @ @ @ @ 1 p.m. EST on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium .

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Ronald Jones II, the No. 4 rusher in the NFL, has his status in doubt for Week 15 after he had finger surgery. File Photo by Steve Nesius/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Ronald Jones had finger surgery on Tuesday after he broke the digit during a Week 14 game against the Minnesota Vikings. Sources told the Tampa Bay Times, The Athletic and ESPN that Jones had to have a pin inserted into his left pinkie finger. He sustained the injury early in Sunday's game, but continued to play after a brief absence. Advertisement
The Buccaneers have not said how the surgery impacts Jones' availability for Week 15. Tampa Bay battles the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday in Atlanta.
Leonard Fournette would likely start for the Buccaneers on Sunday if Jones is unavailable. Jones has a career-high 900 yards and six scores on 180 carries in 13 games this season. Fournette has 69 carries for 271 yards and three scores in 10 games for Tampa Bay.
The Falcons host the Buccaneers in the NFC South matchup at 1 p.m. EST on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-12-16--EU leader Ursula von der Leyen says there's still 'narrow path' to Brexit deal before deadline

Dec. 16 ( UPI ) -- The head of the European Commission said Wednesday there 's a `` narrow '' path to a trade deal between the European Union and Britain before the Brexit transition period expires in two weeks .
EC President Ursula von der Leyen told European Parliament that negotiations are still going between the two sides for a broad trade agreement to define the terms of British trade with member states of the bloc after the transition period ends on Jan. 1 .
Britain left the EU in January but the two sides have until the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on terms of full trade protocols for the post-Brexit period .
Negotiators have been in talks for months , particularly in recent weeks , to try and reach a deal .
Earlier this month , prospects for a deal improved when Britain agreed to drop a controversial portion of its proposal that experts say could have been a violation of international law .
Agreement on other aspects of a deal , particularly as they relate to British trade with Northern Ireland , has proven difficult to achieve .
Von der Leyen on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ optimistic about disputes over fishing rights in the waters around Britain for the post-Brexit future .
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said Britain must have control over its waters for fishing .
`` We do not question [ Britain 's ] sovereignty on its own waters , but we ask for predictability and stability for our fishermen and our fisherwomen , '' von der Leyen said .
`` In all honesty , it sometimes feels that we will not be able to resolve this question .
But we must continue to try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the only responsible and right course of action . ''
Von der Leyen said it 's important that any deal does n't undercut the European Union on issues of labor , social and environmental standards .
`` I can not tell you whether there will be a deal or not , but I can tell you that there is a path to an agreement now , '' she said .
`` The path may be very narrow but it is there and it is , therefore , our responsibility to continue trying .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ found a way forward on most issues , but this is now a case of as being so close and yet being so far away from each other . ''
Johnson tweeted Sunday that the two sides `` are still very far apart on key issues , '' but also agreed that `` there 's still a deal to be done '' before the end of the transition period .
Von der Leyen on Wednesday reminded parliament members that another obstacle to remember is getting any deal approved by EU leaders once negotiators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The clock puts us all in a very difficult situation , not least this Parliament and its right to exercise democratic scrutiny and ratification , '' she said .
`` I know that if we do get there , I can count on you to ensure a good outcome .
As in the past , we must all walk these last miles in the same shoes . ''

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaks to reporters on Sunday after speaking by phone with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, at the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium. Photo by Olivier Hoslet/EPA-EFE
Dec. 16 (UPI) -- The head of the European Commission said Wednesday there's a "narrow" path to a trade deal between the European Union and Britain before the Brexit transition period expires in two weeks. EC President Ursula von der Leyen told European Parliament that negotiations are still going between the two sides for a broad trade agreement to define the terms of British trade with member states of the bloc after the transition period ends on Jan. 1. Advertisement
Britain left the EU in January but the two sides have until the end of this month to reach an agreement on terms of full trade protocols for the post-Brexit period.
Negotiators have been in talks for months, particularly in recent weeks, to try and reach a deal. Earlier this month, prospects for a deal improved when Britain agreed to drop a controversial portion of its proposal that experts say could have been a violation of international law.
Agreement on other aspects of a deal, particularly as they relate to British trade with Northern Ireland, has proven difficult to achieve.
Von der Leyen on Wednesday, for example, did not sound optimistic about disputes over fishing rights in the waters around Britain for the post-Brexit future. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said Britain must have control over its waters for fishing.
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"We do not question [Britain's] sovereignty on its own waters, but we ask for predictability and stability for our fishermen and our fisherwomen," von der Leyen said.
"In all honesty, it sometimes feels that we will not be able to resolve this question. But we must continue to try finding a solution. And it is the only responsible and right course of action."
Von der Leyen said it's important that any deal doesn't undercut the European Union on issues of labor, social and environmental standards.
"I cannot tell you whether there will be a deal or not, but I can tell you that there is a path to an agreement now," she said.
"The path may be very narrow but it is there and it is, therefore, our responsibility to continue trying. The good news is that we have found a way forward on most issues, but this is now a case of as being so close and yet being so far away from each other."
Johnson tweeted Sunday that the two sides "are still very far apart on key issues," but also agreed that "there's still a deal to be done" before the end of the transition period.
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Von der Leyen on Wednesday reminded parliament members that another obstacle to remember is getting any deal approved by EU leaders once negotiators fully agree to all terms.
"The clock puts us all in a very difficult situation, not least this Parliament and its right to exercise democratic scrutiny and ratification," she said.
"I know that if we do get there, I can count on you to ensure a good outcome. As in the past, we must all walk these last miles in the same shoes."


upi--2020-12-16--Kacey Musgraves, Dan Stevens to lead 'Earwig and the Witch' voice cast

Dec. 16 ( UPI ) -- Kacey Musgraves , Dan Stevens and Richard E. Grant are set to star in @ @ @ @ @ Ghibli 's animated feature Earwig and the Witch .
`` I can die happy now @ @ @ @ @ early childhood .
Ca n't wait for this to come out , '' Musgraves tweeted @ @ @ @ @ computer-animated film was directed by Goro Miyazaki , whose credits include From Up on Poppy @ @ @ @ @ .
GKIDS said it will release the Japanese film in North America in early 2021 @ @ @ @ @ will also include Pandora Colin , Alex Cartañá , Taylor Paige Henderson , J.B. Blanc @ @ @ @ @ Jenkins , Vivienne Rutherford , Tom Bromhead , Eva Kaminsky and Vanessa Marshall .
The @ @ @ @ @ book by Diana Wynne Jones , author of Howl 's Moving Castle .

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Kacey Musgraves is to lead the English-language voice cast of the animated movie "Earwig and the Witch." File Photo by Gregg DeGuire/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Kacey Musgraves, Dan Stevens and Richard E. Grant are set to star in the English-language dub of Studio Ghibli's animated feature Earwig and the Witch. "I can die happy now. Studio Ghibli fan from early childhood. Can't wait for this to come out," Musgraves tweeted Tuesday. Advertisement
The 3D, computer-animated film was directed by Goro Miyazaki, whose credits include From Up on Poppy Hill and Tales from Earthsea.
GKIDS said it will release the Japanese film in North America in early 2021.
The English-language voice cast will also include Pandora Colin, Alex Cartañá, Taylor Paige Henderson, J.B. Blanc, Logan Hannan, Summer Jenkins, Vivienne Rutherford, Tom Bromhead, Eva Kaminsky and Vanessa Marshall.
The film is based on the book by Diana Wynne Jones, author of Howl's Moving Castle.
Presenting the English voice cast for Studio Ghibli & Goro Miyazaki's new film, EARWIG AND THE WITCH! Richard E. Grant (@RichardEGrant) - The Mandrake Kacey Musgraves (@KaceyMusgraves) - #Earwig's Mother Dan Stevens (@thatdanstevens) - Thomas https://t.co/mv7Ksk1d1q pic.twitter.com/Ul08oJSgY4— GKIDS Films (@GKIDSfilms) December 15, 2020


upi--2020-12-16--FDA approves 'breakthrough' home COVID-19 test that's over 90% effective

Dec. 16 ( UPI ) -- Federal regulators have given emergency approval for a breakthrough over-the-counter , at-home diagnostic test for COVID-19 .
The Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorization for the COVID-19 Home Test from Australian digital diagnostics company Ellume on Tuesday .
The agency found that the test correctly identified 91 % of positive samples and 96 % of negative samples in people without COVID-19 symptoms .
Ellume 's is the first COVID-19 home test that does not require a laboratory or a prescription .
Its FDA approval marks a `` major breakthrough for Americans ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said in a statement .
The nasal swab antigen test was developed with a $ 30 million grant from the National Institute of Health 's RADx program , a component of the Trump administration 's Operation Warp Speed initiative to develop a coronavirus vaccine .
`` Today 's authorization is a major milestone in diagnostic testing for COVID-19 , '' FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn said .
`` By authorizing a test for over-the-counter use , the FDA allows it to be sold in places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can buy it , swab their nose , run the test and find out their results in as little as 20 minutes . ''
The Ellume test is a rapid , lateral flow antigen test -- a type of test that runs a liquid sample along a surface with reactive molecules .
The test detects fragments of proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus from a nasal swab sample from anyone at least 2 years of age .
In addition to its high accuracy for detecting asymptomatic carriers , trials showed the test also correctly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 % of negative samples in those exhibiting symptoms .
The $ 30 test kit includes a sterile nasal swab , a dropper , processing fluid and a Bluetooth-connected analyzer for use with a mobile phone app .
In the app , the user follows video instructions to perform the test , including a self-collected mid-turbinate nasal swab .
The sample is analyzed and results are automatically transmitted to the user 's smartphone within 20 minutes .
Results can be shared with healthcare professionals or transmitted to local health authorities , employers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it plans to deliver 20 million tests in the United States during the first half of 2021 .
In August , Abbott Laboratories rolled out its BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card , which it says gives test results in 15 minutes , can produce results on a small card and costs $ 5 .
That test , though , is recommended to be administered by a physician or health provider .

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The FDA said it found an at-home test developed by an Australian company correctly identified more than 90% of positive samples and 96% of negative samples in people without COVID-19 symptoms. File Photo courtesy of FDA
Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Federal regulators have given emergency approval for a breakthrough over-the-counter, at-home diagnostic test for COVID-19. The Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorization for the COVID-19 Home Test from Australian digital diagnostics company Ellume on Tuesday. Advertisement
The agency found that the test correctly identified 91% of positive samples and 96% of negative samples in people without COVID-19 symptoms.
Ellume's is the first COVID-19 home test that does not require a laboratory or a prescription. Its FDA approval marks a "major breakthrough for Americans' ever-expanding access to convenient COVID-19 testing options," Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said in a statement.
The nasal swab antigen test was developed with a $30 million grant from the National Institute of Health's RADx program, a component of the Trump administration's Operation Warp Speed initiative to develop a coronavirus vaccine.
"Today's authorization is a major milestone in diagnostic testing for COVID-19," FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn said.
"By authorizing a test for over-the-counter use, the FDA allows it to be sold in places like drug stores, where a patient can buy it, swab their nose, run the test and find out their results in as little as 20 minutes."
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The Ellume test is a rapid, lateral flow antigen test -- a type of test that runs a liquid sample along a surface with reactive molecules. The test detects fragments of proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus from a nasal swab sample from anyone at least 2 years of age.
In addition to its high accuracy for detecting asymptomatic carriers, trials showed the test also correctly identified 96% of positive samples and 100% of negative samples in those exhibiting symptoms.
The $30 test kit includes a sterile nasal swab, a dropper, processing fluid and a Bluetooth-connected analyzer for use with a mobile phone app.
In the app, the user follows video instructions to perform the test, including a self-collected mid-turbinate nasal swab. The sample is analyzed and results are automatically transmitted to the user's smartphone within 20 minutes.
Results can be shared with healthcare professionals or transmitted to local health authorities, employers and educators, the company said.
Ellume said it plans to deliver 20 million tests in the United States during the first half of 2021.
In August, Abbott Laboratories rolled out its BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card, which it says gives test results in 15 minutes, can produce results on a small card and costs $5. That test, though, is recommended to be administered by a physician or health provider.


upi--2020-12-16--Netflix to adapt Pope Francis' 'Sharing the Wisdom of Time'

Dec. 16 ( UPI ) -- Netflix has ordered an original documentary series based on Pope Francis ' award-winning book @ @ @ @ @ Time .
The series will follow men and woman over the age of 70 from @ @ @ @ @ share their experiences with young filmmakers under the age of 30 , who are from @ @ @ @ @ Francis will appear for an exclusive interview , giving insight into the common thread found @ @ @ @ @ Simona Ercolani is directing with studio Stand By Me producing , a partner of Asacha @ @ @ @ @ release the series globally in 2021 .
Sharing the Wisdom of Time , which was @ @ @ @ @ , was published in 2018 by Loyola Press in the U.S. Pope Francis , in @ @ @ @ @ film Francisco where he voiced support for same-sex unions .
The film examined the pope @ @ @ @ @ on addressing the church 's clerical sexual abuse scandal and the role of women in @ @

1/3
Netflix is developing a new docuseries based on Pope Francis' 2018 book, "Sharing the Wisdom of Time." File Photo by Andreas Solaro/EPA
Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Netflix has ordered an original documentary series based on Pope Francis' award-winning book, Sharing the Wisdom of Time. The series will follow men and woman over the age of 70 from all over the world who share their experiences with young filmmakers under the age of 30, who are from the same country. Advertisement
Pope Francis will appear for an exclusive interview, giving insight into the common thread found within the four-part series.
Simona Ercolani is directing with studio Stand By Me producing, a partner of Asacha Media Group.
Netflix will release the series globally in 2021.
Sharing the Wisdom of Time, which was edited by Father Antonio Spadaro, was published in 2018 by Loyola Press in the U.S.
Pope Francis, in October, appeared in documentary film Francisco where he voiced support for same-sex unions. The film examined the pope's advocacy, his work on addressing the church's clerical sexual abuse scandal and the role of women in society.


upi--2020-12-16--Prehistoric comedy 'Dinosaurs' coming to Disney+

Dec. 16 ( UPI ) -- Disney+ announced it will begin streaming reruns of the beloved prehistoric comedy Dinosaurs on @ @ @ @ @ ta love this news !
Earl , Baby , and the rest of the Sinclair @ @ @ @ @ DisneyPlus , '' the streaming service tweeted Tuesday .
The Jim Henson Productions puppet show @ @ @ @ @ 1991 to 1994 .
It featured the voice talents of Stuart Pankin , Jessica Walter @ @ @ @ @ Struthers , Kevin Clash , Sherman Hemsley and Christopher Meloni .

Gotta love this news! Earl, Baby, and the rest of the Sinclair fam are coming to #DisneyPlus. Start streaming Dinosaurs on January 29. pic.twitter.com/Xaz08svFPb— Disney+ (@disneyplus) December 15, 2020
Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Disney+ announced it will begin streaming reruns of the beloved prehistoric comedy Dinosaurs on Jan. 29.
"Gotta love this news! Earl, Baby, and the rest of the Sinclair fam are coming to #DisneyPlus," the streaming service tweeted Tuesday.
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The Jim Henson Productions puppet show initially ran on ABC from 1991 to 1994.
It featured the voice talents of Stuart Pankin, Jessica Walter, Jason Willinger, Sally Struthers, Kevin Clash, Sherman Hemsley and Christopher Meloni.


upi--2020-12-16--'Kelly Clarkson Show' renewed for two more seasons

Dec. 16 ( UPI ) -- The Kelly Clarkson Show has been renewed for two more seasons , bringing it to Season 4 .
The news was announced Tuesday on the syndicated , daytime chat show 's Twitter account .
`` An early holiday present for y'all ... TWO MORE SEASONS of the # KellyClarksonShow !
Best gift ever ?
! ''
the post said .
The show debuted in 2019 and won three Daytime Emmys , including Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host for Clarkson , in 2020 .
It will now stay on the air through 2023 .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unpredictable year is that we get to continue to deliver to stations and fans a show that brings people together , '' Tracie Wilson , executive vice president of NBCUniversal Syndication Studios , said in a press release .
`` This would n't be possible without the heart and humor of the talented and dedicated Kelly Clarkson and our production team , led by the incomparable Alex Duda , both of whom are masters of storytelling .
It 's easy to see why Emmy voters , critics and viewers have become such loyal @ @ @ @ @ @

1/3
Kelly Clarkson's daytime talk show has been renewed for two more seasons, keeping it on the air through 2023. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 16 (UPI) -- The Kelly Clarkson Show has been renewed for two more seasons, bringing it to Season 4. The news was announced Tuesday on the syndicated, daytime chat show's Twitter account. Advertisement
"An early holiday present for y'all...TWO MORE SEASONS of the #KellyClarksonShow! Best gift ever?!" the post said.
The show debuted in 2019 and won three Daytime Emmys, including Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host for Clarkson, in 2020.
It will now stay on the air through 2023.
"One ray of sunshine in this wildly unpredictable year is that we get to continue to deliver to stations and fans a show that brings people together," Tracie Wilson, executive vice president of NBCUniversal Syndication Studios, said in a press release.
"This wouldn't be possible without the heart and humor of the talented and dedicated Kelly Clarkson and our production team, led by the incomparable Alex Duda, both of whom are masters of storytelling. It's easy to see why Emmy voters, critics and viewers have become such loyal fans of the show."
An early holiday present for y'all...TWO MORE SEASONS of the #KellyClarksonShow! Best gift ever?! pic.twitter.com/rAfrA6IZJA— The Kelly Clarkson Show (@KellyClarksonTV) December 15, 2020
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upi--2020-12-16--Carter Rubin wins Season 19 of 'The Voice'

Dec. 16 ( UPI ) -- Aspiring pop star Carter Rubin , a 15-year-old New Yorker , has won Season @ @ @ @ @ competition , The Voice .
Rubin , a member of Gwen Stefani 's team , @ @ @ @ @ in The Voice history , the network said .
He beat out fellow finalists Jim @ @ @ @ @ Desz and John Holiday for the crown .
`` Words will come later .
but @ @ @ @ @ thank you , '' Rubin tweeted after Tuesday 's finale .
Rubin performed `` The @ @ @ @ @ and his new single , `` Up From Here , '' on Monday night .
@ @ @ @ @ duet of `` You Make It Feel Like Christmas '' on Tuesday .
He also @ @ @ @ @ performance of `` Rockin ' Around the Christmas Tree . ''

Carter Rubin (L) -- seen here with Coach Gwen Stefani -- won Season 19 of "The Voice" on Tuesday night. Photo courtesy of NBC
Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Aspiring pop star Carter Rubin, a 15-year-old New Yorker, has won Season 19 of the NBC singing competition, The Voice. Rubin, a member of Gwen Stefani's team, is the youngest male winner in The Voice history, the network said. Advertisement
He beat out fellow finalists Jim Ranger, Ian Flanigan, Desz and John Holiday for the crown.
"Words will come later. but all i can say is thank you," Rubin tweeted after Tuesday's finale.
Rubin performed "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus and his new single, "Up From Here," on Monday night.
He and Stefani sang a duet of "You Make It Feel Like Christmas" on Tuesday. He also took part in a group performance of "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree."


upi--2020-12-16--Pentagon needs the 'right stuff' on budgets, strategy, organization

President-elect Joe Biden 's pick for his secretary of defense , retired Army Gen. Lloyd Austin , has created quite a bit of controversy .
By all accounts , the general has served with distinction and heroism .
His Silver Star is the nation 's third-highest award for valor in combat .
That Austin would be the first Black secretary of defense should have no place in his suitability for that assignment or in the confirmation and waiver processes needed , given he has not been retired for seven or more years as required by the law .
The key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Department of Defense needs most in a leader must define the qualifications for the next secretary and not other less-relevant matters .
So far , that criterion has not been addressed .
To be blunt , the next secretary will be confronted with three crises over strategy , budgets and organization .
Strategy is based on a great power competition with China and Russia , China being the `` pacing threat '' whose military capabilities must be matched or exceeded by our own .
The strategy calls for the Pentagon to `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ war comes , defeat '' China or Russia or North Korea or Iran and deal with violent extremism .
But nowhere have the criteria of `` compete , deter and defeat '' been specifically defined , nor have operational concepts about how each is to be achieved been developed .
And , more concerning , is that no obvious off-ramp exists to prevent a crisis or conflict from arising in this competition .
Perhaps the great power rivalries of the last century that led to World War I have been forgotten .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 750 billion .
Given the massive debt that has accumulated because of COVID-19 , both for vital emergency relief spending and economic loss due to the pandemic , maintaining even level spending for the Pentagon will be fiscally difficult .
The sordid little secret is that merely to keep the current force , let alone a larger one , at present levels of readiness , modernization and capability requires about 5 % to 7 % annual real increases to account for inbuilt and uncontrolled cost growth .
At 7 % , principal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2031 , a $ 1.5 trillion budget would be needed .
Absent a crisis , that is not going to happen .
The organization of the Pentagon and the chain of command is still based on a mid-20th century structure and the National Security Act first passed in 1949 .
The organizations both in Washington and in the field are bloated to excess .
And the department is still largely organized on an analog and not digital foundation , also of the last century .
The next secretary will have to move the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ force to a 21st century information and advanced technology military .
Given that the nation 's largest defense contractors excel at producing relatively few numbers of very expensive weapons systems and platforms , this will be no easy task .
And while the services are reducing traditional reliance on platforms in designing future forces , this is very much a work in progress .
The outgoing Trump administration has directed shifting resources away from the land and air forces to building a larger navy to counter China 's .
However , what that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the strategy to guide it likewise is vague .
And the other services will not easily acquiesce to budget cuts .
In the hearings over granting a waiver and then confirming the general as secretary , the issue of civilian control of the military will be central .
That , unfortunately , is the wrong issue .
The president , a civilian , is commander in chief .
And Congress , also all civilians , has the sole authority to fund , confirm promotions and set the rules and regulations for the military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control is whether anyone after serving in a military institution for 40 years with its unique culture , discipline , leadership and professional standards can adjust to an entirely different set of largely political and far more multi-dimensional considerations than general officers confront .
Doubtless , some but not all retired flag and general officers can .
The two defining issues that should determine Austin 's fitness to serve as secretary of defense are : First , is he in this category of officers who can make this transition ?
And , second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stuff '' to deal with the crises in strategy , budgets and organization ?
Let us hope those questions and not less important ones are answered in this process .
Harlan Ullman is UPI 's Arnaud de Borchgrave Distinguished Columnist and author of the upcoming book , `` The Fifth Horseman and the New MAD : The Tragic History of How Massive Attacks of Disruption Are Endangering , Infecting , Engulfing and Disuniting a 51 % Nation . ''

Gen. Lloyd James Austin III is President-elect Joe Biden's pick for secretary of defense. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
President-elect Joe Biden's pick for his secretary of defense, retired Army Gen. Lloyd Austin, has created quite a bit of controversy. By all accounts, the general has served with distinction and heroism. His Silver Star is the nation's third-highest award for valor in combat. That Austin would be the first Black secretary of defense should have no place in his suitability for that assignment or in the confirmation and waiver processes needed, given he has not been retired for seven or more years as required by the law. The key criterion for Congress is this: What the Department of Defense needs most in a leader must define the qualifications for the next secretary and not other less-relevant matters. So far, that criterion has not been addressed. Advertisement
To be blunt, the next secretary will be confronted with three crises over strategy, budgets and organization. Strategy is based on a great power competition with China and Russia, China being the "pacing threat" whose military capabilities must be matched or exceeded by our own. The strategy calls for the Pentagon to "compete, deter, or, if war comes, defeat" China or Russia or North Korea or Iran and deal with violent extremism.
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But nowhere have the criteria of "compete, deter and defeat" been specifically defined, nor have operational concepts about how each is to be achieved been developed. And, more concerning, is that no obvious off-ramp exists to prevent a crisis or conflict from arising in this competition. Perhaps the great power rivalries of the last century that led to World War I have been forgotten.
This year's defense budget will be around $750 billion. Given the massive debt that has accumulated because of COVID-19, both for vital emergency relief spending and economic loss due to the pandemic, maintaining even level spending for the Pentagon will be fiscally difficult. The sordid little secret is that merely to keep the current force, let alone a larger one, at present levels of readiness, modernization and capability requires about 5% to 7% annual real increases to account for inbuilt and uncontrolled cost growth. At 7%, principal doubles every 10 years, meaning in 2031, a $1.5 trillion budget would be needed.
Absent a crisis, that is not going to happen.
The organization of the Pentagon and the chain of command is still based on a mid-20th century structure and the National Security Act first passed in 1949. The organizations both in Washington and in the field are bloated to excess. And the department is still largely organized on an analog and not digital foundation, also of the last century.
Advertisement
The next secretary will have to move the department from a 20th century industrial-based legacy force to a 21st century information and advanced technology military. Given that the nation's largest defense contractors excel at producing relatively few numbers of very expensive weapons systems and platforms, this will be no easy task. And while the services are reducing traditional reliance on platforms in designing future forces, this is very much a work in progress.
The outgoing Trump administration has directed shifting resources away from the land and air forces to building a larger navy to counter China's. However, what that larger navy is meant to achieve or the strategy to guide it likewise is vague. And the other services will not easily acquiesce to budget cuts.
In the hearings over granting a waiver and then confirming the general as secretary, the issue of civilian control of the military will be central. That, unfortunately, is the wrong issue. The president, a civilian, is commander in chief. And Congress, also all civilians, has the sole authority to fund, confirm promotions and set the rules and regulations for the military.
The real issue hidden in civilian control is whether anyone after serving in a military institution for 40 years with its unique culture, discipline, leadership and professional standards can adjust to an entirely different set of largely political and far more multi-dimensional considerations than general officers confront. Doubtless, some but not all retired flag and general officers can.
Advertisement
The two defining issues that should determine Austin's fitness to serve as secretary of defense are: First, is he in this category of officers who can make this transition? And, second, does he have the "right stuff" to deal with the crises in strategy, budgets and organization?
Let us hope those questions and not less important ones are answered in this process.
Harlan Ullman is UPI's Arnaud de Borchgrave Distinguished Columnist and author of the upcoming book, "The Fifth Horseman and the New MAD: The Tragic History of How Massive Attacks of Disruption Are Endangering, Infecting, Engulfing and Disuniting a 51% Nation."
Meet President Joe Biden's top adviser picks


upi--2020-12-16--California orders 5,000 body bags amid COVID-19 surge

Dec. 16 ( UPI ) -- As California beings its COVID-19 vaccine rollout , California Gov .
Gavin Newsom said he has ordered an additional 5,000 body bags amid a surge in coronavirus deaths .
The Democratic governor said Tuesday during a press conference there is `` light at the end of the tunnel '' as frontline healthcare workers and residents of long-term care facilities are being inoculated against the virus , but cautioned that the end is still far away as California experiences its `` most intense surge '' in infections amid the pandemic .
`` We 're still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through perhaps the most intense and urgent moment since the beginning of the pandemic , '' he said .
On Monday , the state registered more than 32,300 cases and a seven-day average positivity rate above 10 % , which has not been seen since the first few weeks of the pandemic , he said .
The additional body bags have been distributed to Los Angeles , San Diego and Inyo Counties while 60 53-foot refrigerator storage units are on standby , he said , adding that those numbers `` should be sobering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to scare folks but this is a deadly disease and we need to be mindful of where we are in this current journey together to the vaccine , '' he said .
`` We are not at the finish line yet . ''
The state has lost an average of 163 people per day over the past week , compared to 41 daily deaths a month ago , he said .
`` We have to mindful of how deadly this disease , this pandemic is , '' he said .
`` We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The news came a day after Gavin announced his `` Vaccinate All 58 '' inoculation plan that will see initial doses going to California 's essential healthcare workers and those most vulnerable in long-term care facilities .
More than 33,000 doses arrived Monday at four locations with 24 additional locations expecting to have received doses on Tuesday , he said , adding California is anticipating nearly 400,000 more doses from Pfizer this week and nearly 700,000 from Moderna if approved by the end of the month .
California , with more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the sickest state in the country with the highest COVID-19 caseload in the world .
According to a live tracker of the virus by Johns Hopkins University , the United States has reported more than 16.7 million infections and nearly 304,000 deaths .

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Tuesday the state is experiencing its most intense surge of the coronavirus to date. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 16 (UPI) -- As California beings its COVID-19 vaccine rollout, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said he has ordered an additional 5,000 body bags amid a surge in coronavirus deaths. The Democratic governor said Tuesday during a press conference there is "light at the end of the tunnel" as frontline healthcare workers and residents of long-term care facilities are being inoculated against the virus, but cautioned that the end is still far away as California experiences its "most intense surge" in infections amid the pandemic. Advertisement
"We're still in the tunnel and we're going through perhaps the most intense and urgent moment since the beginning of the pandemic," he said.
On Monday, the state registered more than 32,300 cases and a seven-day average positivity rate above 10%, which has not been seen since the first few weeks of the pandemic, he said.
The additional body bags have been distributed to Los Angeles, San Diego and Inyo Counties while 60 53-foot refrigerator storage units are on standby, he said, adding that those numbers "should be sobering."
"I don't want to scare folks but this is a deadly disease and we need to be mindful of where we are in this current journey together to the vaccine," he said. "We are not at the finish line yet."
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The state has lost an average of 163 people per day over the past week, compared to 41 daily deaths a month ago, he said.
"We have to mindful of how deadly this disease, this pandemic is," he said. "We are not at the finish line yet."
The news came a day after Gavin announced his "Vaccinate All 58" inoculation plan that will see initial doses going to California's essential healthcare workers and those most vulnerable in long-term care facilities.
More than 33,000 doses arrived Monday at four locations with 24 additional locations expecting to have received doses on Tuesday, he said, adding California is anticipating nearly 400,000 more doses from Pfizer this week and nearly 700,000 from Moderna if approved by the end of the month.
California, with more than 1.6 million cases and 21,000 deaths, is the sickest state in the country with the highest COVID-19 caseload in the world.
According to a live tracker of the virus by Johns Hopkins University, the United States has reported more than 16.7 million infections and nearly 304,000 deaths.


upi--2020-12-16--South Korea hits new COVID-19 record, faces hospital bed shortage

SEOUL , Dec. 16 ( UPI ) -- South Korea saw its daily total of COVID-19 cases hit a record high on Wednesday , as health officials weigh raising distancing measures and scramble to secure more hospital beds amid an outbreak that shows no sign of slowing down .
Wednesday saw 1,078 new infections , the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said , topping the previous high of 1,030 set on Sunday .
The country also reported 12 fatalities , one day after reaching a record 13 deaths , while the number of seriously ill patients jumped by 21 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday that they were strongly considering raising social distancing guidelines from the current Level 2.5 in the Seoul metropolitan area to Level 3 , the highest on its five-tier system .
`` Level 3 is the last resort that we can take , '' senior health ministry official Yoon Tae-ho said at a press briefing , urging people to abide by the current regulations in an effort to slow the spread of the virus before new restrictions are imposed .
Moving to the more severe Level 3 guidelines `` will incur great losses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business owners , '' Yoon cautioned .
He added that South Korea has been working to secure an additional 10,000 hospital beds for patients in the Seoul metropolitan region , where the majority of cases have been located , with 300 beds targeted for the critically ill. ICU beds are almost gone in Seoul , acting Mayor Seo Jeong-hyup said on Wednesday , with 77 of the city 's 78 beds occupied .
Officials have been trying to stem the spread of new infections through expanded testing and tracing , opening 150 makeshift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week .
Around 1,000 additional soldiers were dispatched Wednesday to assist at the centers , the Army said .
Under Level 2.5 guidelines , gatherings of more than 50 people are prohibited and most businesses must close by 9 p.m. Cafes are restricted to take-out and delivery service only , while high-risk facilities such as indoor gyms and nightclubs have been forced to suspend operations .
A move to Level 3 restrictions would shut down schools , ban all gatherings of more than 10 people and allow only essential workers into in offices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Korea 's total caseload to 45,442 , the KDCA said , while the death toll reached 612 .

South Korea reached a new daily high in COVID-19 cases on Wednesday as it scrambles to secure hospital beds amid the growing outbreak. Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI | License Photo
SEOUL, Dec. 16 (UPI) -- South Korea saw its daily total of COVID-19 cases hit a record high on Wednesday, as health officials weigh raising distancing measures and scramble to secure more hospital beds amid an outbreak that shows no sign of slowing down. Wednesday saw 1,078 new infections, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said, topping the previous high of 1,030 set on Sunday. The country also reported 12 fatalities, one day after reaching a record 13 deaths, while the number of seriously ill patients jumped by 21 to 226 overall. Advertisement
Health officials said Wednesday that they were strongly considering raising social distancing guidelines from the current Level 2.5 in the Seoul metropolitan area to Level 3, the highest on its five-tier system.
"Level 3 is the last resort that we can take," senior health ministry official Yoon Tae-ho said at a press briefing, urging people to abide by the current regulations in an effort to slow the spread of the virus before new restrictions are imposed.
Moving to the more severe Level 3 guidelines "will incur great losses for the self-employed as well as small business owners," Yoon cautioned.
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He added that South Korea has been working to secure an additional 10,000 hospital beds for patients in the Seoul metropolitan region, where the majority of cases have been located, with 300 beds targeted for the critically ill.
ICU beds are almost gone in Seoul, acting Mayor Seo Jeong-hyup said on Wednesday, with 77 of the city's 78 beds occupied.
Officials have been trying to stem the spread of new infections through expanded testing and tracing, opening 150 makeshift testing centers in the Seoul area this week. Around 1,000 additional soldiers were dispatched Wednesday to assist at the centers, the Army said.
Under Level 2.5 guidelines, gatherings of more than 50 people are prohibited and most businesses must close by 9 p.m. Cafes are restricted to take-out and delivery service only, while high-risk facilities such as indoor gyms and nightclubs have been forced to suspend operations.
A move to Level 3 restrictions would shut down schools, ban all gatherings of more than 10 people and allow only essential workers into in offices.
Wednesday's new infections brought South Korea's total caseload to 45,442, the KDCA said, while the death toll reached 612.


upi--2020-12-16--Report: Iran's probe of Ukrainian plane shootdown 'does not inspire trust, confidence'

Dec. 16 ( UPI ) -- Canada 's special advisor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the shootdown of a Ukrainian airliner in Iran early this year has raised concerns over the Middle Eastern nation 's investigation into the disaster .
In a report submitted to Trudeau on Tuesday , former cabinet minister Ralph Goodale said much is still unknown about the incident and Iran should not be investigating it .
Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 was shot down by two surface-to-air missiles launched by the Iranian military minutes after taking off from Tehran on Jan. 8 , killing all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since Iran 's military and civilian authorities cleared the plane for take off and it was its military that shot it down , Tehran 's investigation into the incident `` raises obvious concerns about credibility , conflicts of interests and a lack of transparency and accountability . ''
`` The party responsible for the situation is investigating itself , largely in secret .
That does not inspire confidence or trust , '' Goodale said in the 74-page report .
Goodale , who was appointed to lead the independent investigation in March , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and credible investigation into both technical safety matters and criminal responsibilities into the disaster , but the probes are compromised as Iran is leading both investigations , as prescribed by international rules and domestic laws .
Iran controls the crash site , most of the evidence and witnesses , has the practical ability to identify and interview suspects and is in full control of any first-hand criminal investigation , leaving much left unanswered , he said .
`` The wold has been informed that as many as six Iranian individuals have been charged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destruction of PS752 and its 176 fatalities , but no information has been made available about who these people are , what they are alleged to have done , their degree or level of responsibility , the evidence being used against them , the substance of their defense and the exact judicial process by which their guilt or innocence is being or will be determined , '' he said .
The report adds that further issues are raised over Iran 's investigation due to its quick `` disruption and contamination '' of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flight information from the plane 's black boxes and instances of harassment and intimidation of some of the victims ' families , including at funerals , as well as the withholding of the deceaseds ' effects .
Iran has blamed the shootdown on human error amid its air defense system being placed on high alert due to rapidly escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington .
Tehran has said a mobile missile unit moved to a temporary position at the airport was misaligned by its operator , who then decided alone to fire two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be an enemy aircraft following a communication failure with their commander .
Goodale said in the report that given the `` extraordinary nature '' of the events , it 's understandable that the victims ' families find it difficult to accept Iran 's explanation .
`` To remove doubt and relieve anxiety , Iran bears a heavy burden of responsibility to be completely comprehensive and transparent in substantiating its explanations with credible , compelling evidence , which has not yet been forthcoming , '' he said .
The report continues that there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community , stating if Iran does not fully reveal the information it has concerning the event , `` there will be lingering worry about air safety in the region and ongoing doubts about those in charge . ''
`` In the circumstances of this case , as known thus far , there are indications of incompetence , recklessness and wanton disregard for innocent life , '' he said .
`` It is incumbent upon Iran to respond to these concerns in candid and compelling terms , or risk the loss of international confidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airspace . ''
Among the victims of the flight , 138 had ties to Canada , 55 of of whom were citizens and 30 were permanent residents though citizens of Afghanistan , Britain , Ukraine and Sweden were also on board .
Trudeau said in a statement that he has accepted the report .
`` Canadians must remain steadfast in our search for transparency , accountability and justice the families need and deserve , '' he said .

An independent Canadian report into the shootdown of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 published Tuesday said Iran's investigation into the event "does not inspire confidence or trust." Photo by Morteza Nikoubazi/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Canada's special advisor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the shootdown of a Ukrainian airliner in Iran early this year has raised concerns over the Middle Eastern nation's investigation into the disaster. In a report submitted to Trudeau on Tuesday, former cabinet minister Ralph Goodale said much is still unknown about the incident and Iran should not be investigating it. Advertisement
Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 was shot down by two surface-to-air missiles launched by the Iranian military minutes after taking off from Tehran on Jan. 8, killing all 176 people on board.
Goodale said since Iran's military and civilian authorities cleared the plane for take off and it was its military that shot it down, Tehran's investigation into the incident "raises obvious concerns about credibility, conflicts of interests and a lack of transparency and accountability."
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"The party responsible for the situation is investigating itself, largely in secret. That does not inspire confidence or trust," Goodale said in the 74-page report.
Goodale, who was appointed to lead the independent investigation in March, said Canada has consistently called for the complete and credible investigation into both technical safety matters and criminal responsibilities into the disaster, but the probes are compromised as Iran is leading both investigations, as prescribed by international rules and domestic laws.
Iran controls the crash site, most of the evidence and witnesses, has the practical ability to identify and interview suspects and is in full control of any first-hand criminal investigation, leaving much left unanswered, he said.
"The wold has been informed that as many as six Iranian individuals have been charged with certain offenses in connection with the destruction of PS752 and its 176 fatalities, but no information has been made available about who these people are, what they are alleged to have done, their degree or level of responsibility, the evidence being used against them, the substance of their defense and the exact judicial process by which their guilt or innocence is being or will be determined," he said.
The report adds that further issues are raised over Iran's investigation due to its quick "disruption and contamination" of the crash site, the delay in downloading flight information from the plane's black boxes and instances of harassment and intimidation of some of the victims' families, including at funerals, as well as the withholding of the deceaseds' effects.
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Iran has blamed the shootdown on human error amid its air defense system being placed on high alert due to rapidly escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington.
Tehran has said a mobile missile unit moved to a temporary position at the airport was misaligned by its operator, who then decided alone to fire two surface-to-air missiles at the plane believing it to be an enemy aircraft following a communication failure with their commander.
Goodale said in the report that given the "extraordinary nature" of the events, it's understandable that the victims' families find it difficult to accept Iran's explanation.
"To remove doubt and relieve anxiety, Iran bears a heavy burden of responsibility to be completely comprehensive and transparent in substantiating its explanations with credible, compelling evidence, which has not yet been forthcoming," he said.
The report continues that there are similar concerns among the civil aviation community, stating if Iran does not fully reveal the information it has concerning the event, "there will be lingering worry about air safety in the region and ongoing doubts about those in charge."
"In the circumstances of this case, as known thus far, there are indications of incompetence, recklessness and wanton disregard for innocent life," he said. "It is incumbent upon Iran to respond to these concerns in candid and compelling terms, or risk the loss of international confidence in its ability to maintain a safe airspace."
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Among the victims of the flight, 138 had ties to Canada, 55 of of whom were citizens and 30 were permanent residents though citizens of Afghanistan, Britain, Ukraine and Sweden were also on board.
Trudeau said in a statement that he has accepted the report.
"Canadians must remain steadfast in our search for transparency, accountability and justice the families need and deserve," he said.


upi--2020-12-16--Tampa Bay Rays re-sign veteran catcher Mike Zunino

Dec. 16 ( UPI ) -- Veteran catcher Mike Zunino has re-signed with the Tampa Bay Rays on a one-year deal , the team announced Wednesday .
League sources told MLB Media and the Tampa Bay Times that Zunino will earn $ 2 million in salary for the 2021 season and receive a $ 1 million buyout if the Rays decline their club option for 2022 .
According to the outlets , the 2022 club option is worth up to $ 7 million based on playing time .
The 29-year-old Zunino had a .147 batting average with four home runs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season , his second in Tampa .
The veteran catcher is known more for his defensive prowess .
Zunino did , however , record a .279 batting average with two home runs and four RBIs in the Rays ' American League Championship Series win over the Houston Astros .
Tampa Bay went on to lose the World Series in six games to the Los Angeles Dodgers .
The Rays declined Zunino 's $ 4.5 million option for 2021 following their loss to the Dodgers in the Fall Classic .
Also Wednesday , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right-handed pitchers David Hess and Andrew Kittredge and catcher Joe Odom .
The three players received invites to major league spring training .

Tampa Bay Rays catcher Mike Zunino had four home runs and 28 RBIs in 28 games last season. File Photo by Steve Nesius/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Veteran catcher Mike Zunino has re-signed with the Tampa Bay Rays on a one-year deal, the team announced Wednesday. League sources told MLB Media and the Tampa Bay Times that Zunino will earn $2 million in salary for the 2021 season and receive a $1 million buyout if the Rays decline their club option for 2022. According to the outlets, the 2022 club option is worth up to $7 million based on playing time. Advertisement
The 29-year-old Zunino had a .147 batting average with four home runs and 28 RBIs in 28 games last season, his second in Tampa. The veteran catcher is known more for his defensive prowess.
Zunino did, however, record a .279 batting average with two home runs and four RBIs in the Rays' American League Championship Series win over the Houston Astros. Tampa Bay went on to lose the World Series in six games to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Rays declined Zunino's $4.5 million option for 2021 following their loss to the Dodgers in the Fall Classic.
Advertisement Florida man re-ups with Major League Baseball team pic.twitter.com/bHsFtb8apQ— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) December 16, 2020
Also Wednesday, the Rays agreed to minor league contracts with right-handed pitchers David Hess and Andrew Kittredge and catcher Joe Odom. The three players received invites to major league spring training.


upi--2020-12-16--LeAnn Rimes, dressed as the sun, wins 'Masked Singer' Season 4

Dec. 16 ( UPI ) -- Country singer LeAnn Rimes -- dressed as the sun -- was crowned the winner @ @ @ @ @ 4 on FOX Wednesday night .
Rimes beat out her fellow finalists -- Aloe Blacc @ @ @ @ @ a mushroom , and Nick Carter , who was costumed as a crocodile -- for @ @ @ @ @ never thought I would do anything like this and I do n't think I 'll @ @ @ @ @ again , '' Rimes told Variety .
`` It 's such a unique show .
@ @ @ @ @ I was getting myself into and I 'm so glad I did . ''
Ken @ @ @ @ @ Nicole Scherzinger and Robin Thicke are the program 's judges , and Nick Cannon is @ @ @ @ @ world really does revolve around you # SunMask , you warmed our hearts and good @ @ @ @ @ !
Congrats @ leannrimes !
# TheMaskedSinger , '' Thicke tweeted .

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LeAnn Rimes won Season 4 of "The Masked Singer" on Wednesday night. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Country singer LeAnn Rimes -- dressed as the sun -- was crowned the winner of The Masked Singer Season 4 on FOX Wednesday night. Rimes beat out her fellow finalists -- Aloe Blacc, who was disguised as a mushroom, and Nick Carter, who was costumed as a crocodile -- for the honor. Advertisement
"I never thought I would do anything like this and I don't think I'll ever do anything like it again," Rimes told Variety. "It's such a unique show. I had no idea what I was getting myself into and I'm so glad I did."
Ken Jeong, Jenny McCarthy, Nicole Scherzinger and Robin Thicke are the program's judges, and Nick Cannon is the host.
"The world really does revolve around you #SunMask, you warmed our hearts and good lord I saw the light! Congrats @leannrimes! #TheMaskedSinger," Thicke tweeted.
The world really does revolve around you #SunMask, you warmed our hearts and good lord I saw the light! Congrats @leannrimes! #TheMaskedSinger pic.twitter.com/2KIoEsBdeD— Robin Thicke (@robinthicke) December 17, 2020


upi--2020-12-16--College football: Virginia Tech opts out of bowl game, ending 27-year streak

Dec. 16 ( UPI ) -- The Virginia Tech football program has opted out of a bowl game this postseason , ending the Hokies ' nation-best run of bowl appearances at 27 years .
Virginia Tech head coach Justin Fuente told reporters Wednesday that he met with the team , and the players decided against competing in any postseason game .
`` We had a team meeting and our players have decided to not play , and I 'm going to support them 100 % .
It speaks to the difficulty of the season they 've been through , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who wanted to play , but we were going to do this all together or not , and it became evident that it was a very difficult situation .
`` There 's kids that would like to go home for Christmas .
This is ultimately about our kids .
I think they 've sacrificed enough .
They 've been at this for some time and given up freedoms and plenty of opportunities , so we 're going to turn the page and get ready to go . ''
The Hokies endured COVID-19 issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ athletic director Whit Babcock estimated about three-quarters of the football team contracted the coronavirus since March .
Virginia Tech finishes the season with a 5-6 record .
The Hokies joined ACC members Boston College , Pittsburgh , Virginia and Georgia Tech in opting out of a possible bowl game during the pandemic .

Virginia Tech Hokies head coach Justin Fuente said Wednesday that he met with the team, and the players decided against competing in any postseason game this year due to the pandemic. File Photo by Matt Durisko/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 16 (UPI) -- The Virginia Tech football program has opted out of a bowl game this postseason, ending the Hokies' nation-best run of bowl appearances at 27 years. Virginia Tech head coach Justin Fuente told reporters Wednesday that he met with the team, and the players decided against competing in any postseason game. Advertisement
"We had a team meeting and our players have decided to not play, and I'm going to support them 100%. It speaks to the difficulty of the season they've been through," Fuente said. "There were players who wanted to play, but we were going to do this all together or not, and it became evident that it was a very difficult situation.
"There's kids that would like to go home for Christmas. This is ultimately about our kids. I think they've sacrificed enough. They've been at this for some time and given up freedoms and plenty of opportunities, so we're going to turn the page and get ready to go."
The Hokies endured COVID-19 issues throughout the 2020 season. Virginia Tech athletic director Whit Babcock estimated about three-quarters of the football team contracted the coronavirus since March.
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Virginia Tech finishes the season with a 5-6 record. The Hokies joined ACC members Boston College, Pittsburgh, Virginia and Georgia Tech in opting out of a possible bowl game during the pandemic.


upi--2020-12-16--Boston, N.J., Pennsylvania declare emergencies as winter storm targets Northeast

Dec. 16 ( UPI ) -- A large nor'easter is expected to bring snow to states along the Mid-Atlantic and East Coast , prompting emergency declarations in Boston , New Jersey and Pennsylvania on Wednesday .
As of early evening , snow was falling over the vast majority of Pennsylvania and stretched north to Toronto , south to parts of West Virginia and east to Washington , D.C. , and parts of New York .
The storm also dumped rain farther south , reaching all the way to Florida .
Forecasters expected the storm to continue moving toward the northeast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
AccuWeather predicted the storm could dump between 10 inches and 15 inches of snow on the city .
Mayor Marty Walsh declared a snow emergency and implemented a parking ban in the city .
The city also shut down in-person schools and city-sponsored mobile COVID-19 testing sites .
`` Boston has n't seen a sizable snowstorm since March of 2019 -- over 21 months ago .
I am urging everyone to be ready and prepared , '' Walsh said .
`` I ask all our residents and workers to be alert and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Massachusetts Gov .
Charlie Baker told residents during a press conference that they are likely to see a foot of snow by Thursday morning .
Traffic is down due to COVID-19 restrictions , but he asked residents to stay off the roads .
`` Especially tomorrow , if you can stay home , that would be the preferred option and if you need to travel you should really try to get whatever you need to get done early tonight or put it off until sometime late tomorrow afternoon , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for your safety but it 's also for the safety of the road crews and all the other folks who are going to be out dealing with the storm . ''
New Jersey Gov .
Phil Murphy also declared a state of emergency ahead of the winter storm .
He called for residents to stay off the roads to allow city services to clear the snow .
AccuWeather predicted whiteout conditions in parts of northern New Jersey , while southern portions of the state will receive rain and wind .
In Pennsylvania , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency proclamation ahead of the storm .
`` Currently , models predict that the first significant winter storm in nearly a year will hit Pennsylvania tomorrow , '' he said during a virtual press conference .
The state 's emergency preparedness teams have been preoccupied for months with supporting COVID-19 mitigation efforts and the declaration , he said , `` makes it easier for all of those involved in vaccine delivery and keeping people safe to do their jobs . ''
Parts of the commonwealth received several inches of snow Wednesday , leading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Highway officials have banned commercial vehicles from some roadways and reduced speeds .
State police said at least two people were killed Wednesday afternoon in a crash involving upwards of 60 vehicles on the I-80 Westbound in Clinton County .
`` Reminder : Please Stay Home and Do Not Travel unless it is absolutely necessary , '' the Pennsylvania Police Department said on Twitter .
Philadelphia is expecting up to 6 inches of snow , while New York City could get 2 feet .
Snow began falling Wednesday afternoon in Washington , D.C. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the blizzard conditions , with less than 2 inches of snow expected .
Farther south , CNN meteorologists expect North Carolina , West Virginia , Virginia and Maryland to receive about a quarter inch of ice , which could impact travel and cause widespread power outages .
Police in Virginia reported snow and ice have resulted in approximately 200 crashes and 125 disabled vehicles on the I-81 .
A spokeswoman for Virginia State Police to The New York Times that a 19-year-old man had died in the crash .
In Maryland , police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to nearly 500 calls for service , including 161 for crashes and another 61 for disabled or unattended vehicles .
Some 43,554 Virginia homes and some 10,225 in New Jersey were without power at 9 p.m. on Wednesday , according to Poweroutage.us .
There 's a risk , however , of widespread power outages in the coastal regions of New Jersey , New York , Connecticut and Rhode Island .
More localized power outages can be expected slightly further inland in areas including Pennsylvania , Maryland , Virginia , New Jersey , New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hampshire and Maine .

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A dog is walked across 7th Avenue while heavy snow continues to fall in Times Square in New York City on Wednesday. A winter storm nor'easter is set to possibly dump more than a foot of snow in parts of New York State and the Northeast. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 16 (UPI) -- A large nor'easter is expected to bring snow to states along the Mid-Atlantic and East Coast, prompting emergency declarations in Boston, New Jersey and Pennsylvania on Wednesday. As of early evening, snow was falling over the vast majority of Pennsylvania and stretched north to Toronto, south to parts of West Virginia and east to Washington, D.C., and parts of New York. The storm also dumped rain farther south, reaching all the way to Florida. Advertisement
Forecasters expected the storm to continue moving toward the northeast, reaching Boston later in the evening.
AccuWeather predicted the storm could dump between 10 inches and 15 inches of snow on the city. Mayor Marty Walsh declared a snow emergency and implemented a parking ban in the city.
The city also shut down in-person schools and city-sponsored mobile COVID-19 testing sites.
"Boston hasn't seen a sizable snowstorm since March of 2019 -- over 21 months ago. I am urging everyone to be ready and prepared," Walsh said. "I ask all our residents and workers to be alert and remain cautious on our roads and sidewalks."
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Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker told residents during a press conference that they are likely to see a foot of snow by Thursday morning.
Traffic is down due to COVID-19 restrictions, but he asked residents to stay off the roads.
"Especially tomorrow, if you can stay home, that would be the preferred option and if you need to travel you should really try to get whatever you need to get done early tonight or put it off until sometime late tomorrow afternoon," he said. "This isn't only for your safety but it's also for the safety of the road crews and all the other folks who are going to be out dealing with the storm."
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy also declared a state of emergency ahead of the winter storm. He called for residents to stay off the roads to allow city services to clear the snow.
AccuWeather predicted whiteout conditions in parts of northern New Jersey, while southern portions of the state will receive rain and wind.
In Pennsylvania, Gov. Tom Wolf signed a disaster emergency proclamation ahead of the storm.
"Currently, models predict that the first significant winter storm in nearly a year will hit Pennsylvania tomorrow," he said during a virtual press conference.
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The state's emergency preparedness teams have been preoccupied for months with supporting COVID-19 mitigation efforts and the declaration, he said, "makes it easier for all of those involved in vaccine delivery and keeping people safe to do their jobs."
Parts of the commonwealth received several inches of snow Wednesday, leading to a rash of vehicle crashes. Highway officials have banned commercial vehicles from some roadways and reduced speeds.
State police said at least two people were killed Wednesday afternoon in a crash involving upwards of 60 vehicles on the I-80 Westbound in Clinton County.
"Reminder: Please Stay Home and Do Not Travel unless it is absolutely necessary," the Pennsylvania Police Department said on Twitter.
Philadelphia is expecting up to 6 inches of snow, while New York City could get 2 feet. Snow began falling Wednesday afternoon in Washington, D.C., which should be spared most of the blizzard conditions, with less than 2 inches of snow expected.
New York City also suspended in-person learning Thursday.
Farther south, CNN meteorologists expect North Carolina, West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland to receive about a quarter inch of ice, which could impact travel and cause widespread power outages.
Police in Virginia reported snow and ice have resulted in approximately 200 crashes and 125 disabled vehicles on the I-81. A spokeswoman for Virginia State Police to The New York Times that a 19-year-old man had died in the crash.
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In Maryland, police said officers had responded by 3 p.m. to nearly 500 calls for service, including 161 for crashes and another 61 for disabled or unattended vehicles.
Some 43,554 Virginia homes and some 10,225 in New Jersey were without power at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, according to Poweroutage.us. There's a risk, however, of widespread power outages in the coastal regions of New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island. More localized power outages can be expected slightly further inland in areas including Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Maine.


upi--2020-12-16--FDA says pharmacists can draw extra doses from Pfizer vaccine vials

Dec. 16 ( UPI ) -- The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday said that pharmacists can draw additional doses from vials of Pfizer 's COVID-19 vaccine , potentially expanding the U.S vaccine supply .
Pharmacists discovered that the Pfizer vials , which are supposed to contain five doses , may have enough of the vaccine to administer six or seven .
The FDA has advised that those extra doses may be used .
`` At this time , given the public health emergency , FDA is advising that it is acceptable to use every full dose obtainable ( the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) from each vial , pending resolution of the issue , '' a representative for the agency told The Washington Post .
Politico was the first to report the news .
Pharmacists nationwide noted the extra supply of vaccines and reached out to Pfizer for guidance , but many threw away hundreds of extra doses since vaccinations began on Monday , as FDA guidelines dictated there were five doses .
The FDA did not immediately publicly announce the guidance and Pfizer learned of the change on Wednesday afternoon , according to Politico .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of remaining vaccines by up to 40 % .
`` The amount of vaccine remaining in the multidose vial after removal of five doses can vary , depending on the type of needles and syringes used , '' Pfizer spokeswoman Sharon Castillo said .
`` At this time , we can not provide a recommendation on the use of the remaining amount of vaccine from each vial .
Vaccinators need to consult their institution 's policies for the use of multidose vials . ''
Both the FDA and Pfizer said that leftover vaccines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to risk of contamination .
The news of the additional doses came as the federal government has been engaged in negotiations with Pfizer to ramp up production for the second quarter of 2021 .
`` We are working with them to provide them whatever assistance , now that they have identified some of the production challenges , '' Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said Wednesday , adding he was `` very optimistic '' about the talks .

The Food and Drug Administration Wednesday said pharmacists can draw up to two extra doses from Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, potentially expanding U.S. supply by about 40%. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 16 (UPI) -- The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday said that pharmacists can draw additional doses from vials of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, potentially expanding the U.S vaccine supply. Pharmacists discovered that the Pfizer vials, which are supposed to contain five doses, may have enough of the vaccine to administer six or seven. The FDA has advised that those extra doses may be used. Advertisement
"At this time, given the public health emergency, FDA is advising that it is acceptable to use every full dose obtainable (the sixth, or possibly even a seventh) from each vial, pending resolution of the issue," a representative for the agency told The Washington Post.
Politico was the first to report the news.
Pharmacists nationwide noted the extra supply of vaccines and reached out to Pfizer for guidance, but many threw away hundreds of extra doses since vaccinations began on Monday, as FDA guidelines dictated there were five doses.
The FDA did not immediately publicly announce the guidance and Pfizer learned of the change on Wednesday afternoon, according to Politico.
The extra doses may increase the supply of remaining vaccines by up to 40%.
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"The amount of vaccine remaining in the multidose vial after removal of five doses can vary, depending on the type of needles and syringes used," Pfizer spokeswoman Sharon Castillo said. "At this time, we cannot provide a recommendation on the use of the remaining amount of vaccine from each vial. Vaccinators need to consult their institution's policies for the use of multidose vials."
Both the FDA and Pfizer said that leftover vaccines from multiple vials should not be mixed due to risk of contamination.
The news of the additional doses came as the federal government has been engaged in negotiations with Pfizer to ramp up production for the second quarter of 2021.
"We are working with them to provide them whatever assistance, now that they have identified some of the production challenges," Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said Wednesday, adding he was "very optimistic" about the talks.


upi--2020-12-16--Charlotte Hornets' Gordon Hayward dealing with fractured finger

Dec. 16 ( UPI ) -- Charlotte Hornets forward Gordon Hayward suffered a fractured finger on his right hand , the team announced Wednesday .
Hayward , who signed a four-year , $ 120 million contract with the Hornets last month after spending the last three seasons with the Boston Celtics , sustained an avulsion fracture of the fifth metacarpal on his shooting hand , the team said .
He injured the finger during Charlotte 's 112-109 preseason loss to the Toronto Raptors on Monday .
In a statement , the Hornets said Hayward 's return will be based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will miss Thursday 's preseason game against the Orlando Magic and is listed as day-to-day moving forward .
Hayward suffered a gruesome foot and ankle injury in his first game with the Celtics during the 2017-18 campaign , forcing him to miss the rest of the season .
He returned and played in 72 games in the 2018-19 season , but the All-Star forward often struggled .
The 30-year-old Hayward took a step forward and averaged 17.5 points , 6.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game last season , but he played in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games due to a variety of injuries .
Hayward sustained a broken bone in his left hand in November 2019 , then experienced nerve issues in his previously injured left foot the next month .
He missed 12 of Boston 's 17 playoff games inside the NBA bubble because of a right ankle sprain .
Hayward started both of the Hornets ' preseason games against the Raptors , averaging 12.5 points .
Charlotte is scheduled to open its regular season Dec. 23 against the Cleveland Cavaliers .

Gordon Hayward signed a four-year, $120 million contract with the Charlotte Hornets last month after spending the last three seasons with the Boston Celtics. File Photo by CJ Gunther/EPA-EFE
Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Charlotte Hornets forward Gordon Hayward suffered a fractured finger on his right hand, the team announced Wednesday. Hayward, who signed a four-year, $120 million contract with the Hornets last month after spending the last three seasons with the Boston Celtics, sustained an avulsion fracture of the fifth metacarpal on his shooting hand, the team said. He injured the finger during Charlotte's 112-109 preseason loss to the Toronto Raptors on Monday. Advertisement
In a statement, the Hornets said Hayward's return will be based on pain tolerance and comfort level. He will miss Thursday's preseason game against the Orlando Magic and is listed as day-to-day moving forward.
Hayward suffered a gruesome foot and ankle injury in his first game with the Celtics during the 2017-18 campaign, forcing him to miss the rest of the season. He returned and played in 72 games in the 2018-19 season, but the All-Star forward often struggled.
The 30-year-old Hayward took a step forward and averaged 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game last season, but he played in only 52 of the Celtics' 72 games due to a variety of injuries.
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Hayward sustained a broken bone in his left hand in November 2019, then experienced nerve issues in his previously injured left foot the next month. He missed 12 of Boston's 17 playoff games inside the NBA bubble because of a right ankle sprain.
Hayward started both of the Hornets' preseason games against the Raptors, averaging 12.5 points. Charlotte is scheduled to open its regular season Dec. 23 against the Cleveland Cavaliers.