upi--2020-03-17--WWE Raw: Edge challenges Randy Orton, Stone Cold returns

March 17 ( UPI ) -- WWE Hall of Famer Edge challenged Randy Orton to a match at WrestleMania 36 on Raw .
Raw on Monday took place at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando with no fans in attendance amid the COVID-19 virus .
This was similar to how SmackDown was presented on Friday and was the first time ever Raw had no fans in attendance .
Edge kicked things off and called Orton an entitled brat who had everything given to him in WWE .
The Rated R Superstar then mentioned how Orton had attacked his wife , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and how that prevented her from announcing that Edge was going to retire for a second time .
Edge said that would no longer be happening and looked into the camera as he challenged Orton to a Last Man Standing match at WrestleMania 36 on April 5 .
A Last Man Standing match ends after an opponent has been kept down for a count of 10 .
Also on Raw , Hall of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin returned to celebrate # 316Day .
The day was created to celebrate all things Stone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ catchphrase of `` Austin 3:16 says I just whipped your ass ! ''
Austin , who brought along plenty of beers , explained what # 316Day is all about including how four-letter words were allowed along with drinking beer in the morning .
Raw announcer Byron Saxton joined in on the segment , rating Austin 's proclamations with giant score cards .
Austin invited Saxton to the ring and in classic Stone Cold fashion , gave the announcer a beer before taking him out with a Stunner .
Raw Women 's Champion Becky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a couple of beers with Austin who eventually delivered a second Stunner to Saxton .
The Undertaker was in attendance to sign a contract to face AJ Styles at WrestleMania 36 .
Styles would not meet The Undertaker in the ring and instead signed the contract backstage while being joined by his O.C .
teammates Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson .
Styles said that The Undertaker is a shell of his former self and he will gladly put an end to The Deadman 's legendary career .
The Phenomenal One then had Gallows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Undertaker so that he could sign it .
The Undertaker easily took out Gallows and Anderson as the lights went out in the performance center and he appeared behind them .
The Undertaker then signed the contract and stuffed it into Anderson 's mouth .
Other moments from Raw included Rey Mysterio defeating United States Champion Andrade in a non-title match as Asuka provided guest commentary ; Kevin Owens challenging Seth Rollins to a match at WrestleMania 36 ; and Lynch promising to defeat Shayna Baszler at WrestleMania 36 .
Raw also presented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its entirety from January which featured WWE Champion Brock Lesnar entering at No .
1 and Drew McIntyre eliminating The Beast before winning the bout .
McIntyre 's victory has guaranteed him a match against Lesnar at WrestleMania for the WWE Championship .

March 17 (UPI) -- WWE Hall of Famer Edge challenged Randy Orton to a match at WrestleMania 36 on Raw.
Raw on Monday took place at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando with no fans in attendance amid the COVID-19 virus. This was similar to how SmackDown was presented on Friday and was the first time ever Raw had no fans in attendance.
Advertisement
Edge kicked things off and called Orton an entitled brat who had everything given to him in WWE. The Rated R Superstar then mentioned how Orton had attacked his wife, fellow Hall of Famer Beth Phoenix, and how that prevented her from announcing that Edge was going to retire for a second time.
Edge said that would no longer be happening and looked into the camera as he challenged Orton to a Last Man Standing match at WrestleMania 36 on April 5. A Last Man Standing match ends after an opponent has been kept down for a count of 10.
Advertisement
Also on Raw, Hall of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin returned to celebrate #316Day. The day was created to celebrate all things Stone Cold as it relates to his signature catchphrase of "Austin 3:16 says I just whipped your ass!"
Austin, who brought along plenty of beers, explained what #316Day is all about including how four-letter words were allowed along with drinking beer in the morning. Raw announcer Byron Saxton joined in on the segment, rating Austin's proclamations with giant score cards.
Austin invited Saxton to the ring and in classic Stone Cold fashion, gave the announcer a beer before taking him out with a Stunner. Raw Women's Champion Becky Lynch arrived onto the scene and shared a couple of beers with Austin who eventually delivered a second Stunner to Saxton.
The Undertaker was in attendance to sign a contract to face AJ Styles at WrestleMania 36. Styles would not meet The Undertaker in the ring and instead signed the contract backstage while being joined by his O.C. teammates Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson.
Advertisement
Styles said that The Undertaker is a shell of his former self and he will gladly put an end to The Deadman's legendary career. The Phenomenal One then had Gallows and Anderson give the contract to The Undertaker so that he could sign it.
The Undertaker easily took out Gallows and Anderson as the lights went out in the performance center and he appeared behind them. The Undertaker then signed the contract and stuffed it into Anderson's mouth.
Other moments from Raw included Rey Mysterio defeating United States Champion Andrade in a non-title match as Asuka provided guest commentary; Kevin Owens challenging Seth Rollins to a match at WrestleMania 36; and Lynch promising to defeat Shayna Baszler at WrestleMania 36.
Raw also presented the Men's Royal Rumble match in its entirety from January which featured WWE Champion Brock Lesnar entering at No. 1 and Drew McIntyre eliminating The Beast before winning the bout. McIntyre's victory has guaranteed him a match against Lesnar at WrestleMania for the WWE Championship.


upi--2020-03-17--Tammy Pescatelli brings you St. Patrick's Day laughs at home

LOS ANGELES , March 17 ( UPI ) -- Tammy Pescatelli was worried that her comedy special , Way Afterschool Special , was premiering on St. Patrick 's Day .
She feared people would be out celebrating instead of watching her act .
But now that cities are shutting down bars and other venues as a coronavirus precaution , she promises to make people laugh when they 're stuck at home .
`` There are upsides to coronavirus , '' Pescatelli joked with UPI in a phone interview .
`` Maybe people will be inside trying to laugh . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the table for comedy -- the coronavirus included .
The one topic she would not make light of is children .
She said two amber alerts went off during the taping of her special , and she just paused and waited for them to end .
`` You can make anything funny except for something that involves children like that , '' Pescatelli said .
`` It 's in the immediacy .
I would n't do that .
It makes you seem like a horrible human being . ''
Comedy Dynamics scheduled Tammy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Women 's History Month .
Their Women of Comedy month also includes specials from Mary Prankster and Nicole Blaine and the film The Social Ones , from Laura and Danielle Kosann .
Pescatelli also had a 10-minute set in Showtime 's More Funny Women of A Certain Age on Saturday and has a film , That 's Amore , opening soon .
Twenty-five years into her standup career , at age 50 , Pescatelli said her generation paved the way for today 's female comics .
`` Those inroads were horrible , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay in condos with two strange men that I had never met before and you did n't complain .
We were sexually harassed so much I did n't know it was sexual harassment , but you grew tough . ''
The hardships Pescatelli endured in the industry , and personally , toughened her on stage , she said .
Hecklers do n't phase her .
`` I would n't change a minute of it because it 's made me exactly who I am , '' she said .
`` Now I can put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way , a heckler ca n't hand it to me .
There 's nothing a heckler can do that has n't been done in my crazy Italian family . ''
Some of those hardships include not disclosing her pregnancy .
In 2008 , Pescatelli became pregnant with her son .
Her agent instructed her to hide her pregnancy .
`` I hid it for five and a half months , '' Pescatelli said .
`` There 's no maternity leave in comedy , so I was on stage the night before I gave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see some of these young girls who are coming out like an Ali Wong .
They come out with these specials , and they 're pregnant , and I 'm like hats off , that 's amazing . ''
Both of Pescatelli 's specials , Way Afterschool Special and her 2013 special Finding the Funny , have a female empowerment theme song , too .
Tony Bambino composed her theme song , She 's a Funny Lady , in the style of a Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin diddy .
`` It feels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I 'm a throwback .
I 'm an old Rat Packy kind of person .
I wish I was around in those times .
I feel like I missed my generation .
I love it . ''
Although she acknowledges some gender-specific hurdles over which she leaped , Pescatelli never let it interfere with her material .
She notes her audience crosses genders and ages .
`` I always wrote my act as if we were all friends and I just had n't seen you in a long time , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ act that was gender exclusive .
I sell 54 percent of my tickets to men because they feel included . ''
Way Afterschool Special was filmed in the auditorium of Pescatelli 's high school , Terry High School in Terry , Ohio .
Her act includes jokes about the differences between her generation and millennials , and the after-school specials she used to watch growing up .
She regrets one mistake , though .
She identified one after-school special as starring Jodie Foster .
Though Foster made three after-school specials as a young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starred Kristy McNichol .
`` I made the mistake , '' Pescatelli said .
`` I did n't realize that until after .
It 's funny .
When you film a special , and then it takes like two years to come out , you find out all these answers . ''
A lot of Way Afterschool Special involves Pescatelli reminiscing about her family and childhood .
She says she was inspired by watching her then 10-year-old son 's personality develop .
`` It took me about three , four years to put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was right as my son was becoming a human , '' Pescatelli said .
`` Babies are babies , but [ when he started ] having interests and observations of his own life , it reminded me of my childhood . ''
The Terry High guidance counselor once told Pescatelli she would never be on TV .
So it was significant to her to bring her act back to her school .
`` Twenty-five years later , I went home , and I put everybody in the town that wanted to be on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I went to tell her off .
She was dead , but either way it still works . ''
The audience included Pescatelli 's former teachers , classmates , their kids and some of their parents .
`` I even went back and spoke at their graduation that year and created a scholarship that every year we put together for the arts , '' she said .
Pescatelli will be back on the road with new material and expects to have another full hour by 2021 .
Way Afterschool Special premieres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Amazon Prime , Dish , DirecTV , Spectrum , Google Play and more .

Tammy Pescatelli's stand-up comedy special premieres Tuesday on Comedy Dynamics. Photo courtesy of Comedy Dynamics
LOS ANGELES, March 17 (UPI) -- Tammy Pescatelli was worried that her comedy special, Way Afterschool Special, was premiering on St. Patrick's Day. She feared people would be out celebrating instead of watching her act. But now that cities are shutting down bars and other venues as a coronavirus precaution, she promises to make people laugh when they're stuck at home. Advertisement
"There are upsides to coronavirus," Pescatelli joked with UPI in a phone interview. "Maybe people will be inside trying to laugh."
Pescatelli said almost no subject is off the table for comedy -- the coronavirus included. The one topic she would not make light of is children. She said two Amber alerts went off during the taping of her special, and she just paused and waited for them to end.
"You can make anything funny except for something that involves children like that," Pescatelli said. "It's in the immediacy. I wouldn't do that. It makes you seem like a horrible human being."
Advertisement
Comedy Dynamics scheduled Tammy Pescatelli: Way Afterschool Special in March for Women's History Month. Its Women of Comedy month also includes specials from Mary Prankster and Nicole Blaine and the film The Social Ones, from Laura and Danielle Kosann.
Pescatelli also had a 10-minute set in Showtime's More Funny Women of A Certain Age on Saturday and has a film, That's Amore, opening soon. Twenty-five years into her standup career, at age 50, Pescatelli said her generation paved the way for today's female comics.
"Those inroads were horrible," she said. "We'd stay in condos with two strange men that I had never met before, and you didn't complain. We were sexually harassed so much I didn't know it was sexual harassment, but you grew tough."
The hardships Pescatelli endured in the industry, and personally, toughened her on stage, she said. Hecklers don't phase her.
"I wouldn't change a minute of it because it's made me exactly who I am," she said. "Now I can put up with anything, and by the way, a heckler can't hand it to me. There's nothing a heckler can do that hasn't been done in my crazy Italian family."
Some of those hardships include not disclosing her pregnancy. In 2008, Pescatelli became pregnant with her son. Her agent instructed her to hide her pregnancy.
Advertisement
"I hid it for five and a half months," Pescatelli said. "There's no maternity leave in comedy, so I was on stage the night before I gave birth. Now it's wonderful to see some of these young girls who are coming out like an Ali Wong. They come out with these specials, and they're pregnant, and I'm like hats off, that's amazing."
Both of Pescatelli's specials, Way Afterschool Special and her 2013 special Finding the Funny, have a female empowerment theme song, too. Tony Bambino composed her theme song, She's a Funny Lady, in the style of a Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin diddy.
"It feels like me," Pescatelli said. "I'm a throwback. I'm an old Rat Packy kind of person. I wish I was around in those times. I feel like I missed my generation. I love it."
Although she acknowledges some gender-specific hurdles over which she leaped, Pescatelli never let it interfere with her material. She notes her audience crosses genders and ages.
"I always wrote my act as if we were all friends, and I just hadn't seen you in a long time," she said. "I never wrote my act that was gender exclusive. I sell 54 percent of my tickets to men because they feel included."
Advertisement
Way Afterschool Special was filmed in the auditorium of Pescatelli's high school, Terry High School in Terry, Ohio. Her act includes jokes about the differences between her generation and millennials, and the after-school specials she watched growing up.
She regrets one mistake, though. She identified one after-school special as starring Jodie Foster. Though Foster made three after-school specials as a young actor, the special she described actually starred Kristy McNichol.
"I made the mistake," Pescatelli said. "I didn't realize that until after. It's funny. When you film a special, and then it takes like two years to come out, you find out all these answers."
A lot of Way Afterschool Special involves Pescatelli reminiscing about her family and childhood. She says she was inspired by watching her then 10-year-old son's personality develop.
"It took me about three, four years to put that [material] together, and that was right as my son was becoming a human," Pescatelli said. "Babies are babies, but [when he started] having interests and observations of his own life, it reminded me of my childhood."
The Terry High guidance counselor once told Pescatelli she would never be on TV. So it was significant to her to bring her act back to her school.
Advertisement
"Twenty-five years later, I went home, and I put everybody in the town that wanted to be on TV on TV," Pescatelli said. "I went to tell her off. She was dead, but either way it still works."
The audience included Pescatelli's former teachers, classmates, their kids and some of their parents.
"I even went back and spoke at their graduation that year and created a scholarship that every year we put together for the arts," she said.
Pescatelli will be back on the road with new material and expects to have another full hour by 2021.
Way Afterschool Special premieres Tuesday on Comedy Dynamics via Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Dish, DirecTV, Spectrum, Google Play and more.


upi--2020-03-17--From Nordstrom to Microsoft, stores close across U.S. amid COVID-19 outbreak

March 17 ( UPI ) -- From high-end retailers to fast-food franchises , stores across the nation announced they would be temporally shutting their doors on Tuesday after U.S. President Donald Trump advised the public to limit non-essential gatherings to fewer than 10 people amid the coronavirus outbreak .
Nordstrom , the luxury department chain , said it would be closing all of its U.S. and Canadian stores on Tuesday for the next two weeks to aid in slowing the spread of COVID-19 , a virus that has caused more than 7,000 deaths and infected more than 180,000 people worldwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December .
The high-end retailer operates some 380 stores , including 117 full-line locations , according to its website .
Sephora , the makeup company , said it would be doing likewise until April 3 `` to support the collective fight against COVID-19 . ''
Both companies said they will continue to provide pay and benefits to their employees during the shutdown .
Meanwhile , the City of Beverly Hills in California said City Council voted Monday night to close all non-essential retail stores , including those on the iconic shopping street of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ luxury boutiques and designer shops , among others .
`` This is an opportunity for Beverly Hills to do what we do best , care for one another , '' Beverly Hills Mayor John Mirisch said in a statement .
The stores on the street shall be closed except for pick up , delivery `` and certain transactions by appointment , '' the city 's Office of Emergency Management said in the statement .
Vans , the California-based sports footwear brand , announced via Twitter on Monday that its Canada and U.S. stores @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tech front , Microsoft said it would be closing all of its stores worldwide , effective immediately .
The announcement was made days after the store said it would be operating at reduced capacity .
The move came after Apple announced Friday it would be closing all of its stores outside mainland China until March 27 .
It said that its offices were also encouraging workers to work remotely .
`` All of our hourly workers will continue to receive pay in alignment with business as usual operations , '' Apple said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Tuesday that it would be closing 80 percent of its stores until March 31 , while the locations across the country that will remain open will operate at reduced hours to `` further support social distancing recommendations , limit gatherings of people and ensure the well-being of its customer . ''
Meanwhile , McDonald 's said it would be closing its seating areas at its U.S. franchises and focusing on its drive-through and walk-in take-our services .
The closures came as California Gov .
Gavin Newsom directed all restaurants in the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York , New Jersey and Connecticut announced Monday that many non-essential businesses across their states would close .
On Monday , Trump laid out new guidelines that included limiting non-essential gatherings to fewer than 10 people and for the public to avoid visiting bars , restaurants and public food courts .
The guidelines were issued as the country deals with a deepening outbreak that has grown in the past few weeks to 68 deaths caused by the virus and 3,487 confirmed cases , according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention @

A woman walks past a giant American Flag wearing a face mask in Times Square in New York City on Thursday. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
March 17 (UPI) -- From high-end retailers to fast-food franchises, stores across the nation announced they would be temporally shutting their doors on Tuesday after U.S. President Donald Trump advised the public to limit non-essential gatherings to fewer than 10 people amid the coronavirus outbreak. Nordstrom, the luxury department chain, said it would be closing all of its U.S. and Canadian stores on Tuesday for the next two weeks to aid in slowing the spread of COVID-19, a virus that has caused more than 7,000 deaths and infected more than 180,000 people worldwide since the outbreak began in China in December. Advertisement
The high-end retailer operates some 380 stores, including 117 full-line locations, according to its website.
Sephora, the makeup company, said it would be doing likewise until April 3 "to support the collective fight against COVID-19."
Advertisement
Both companies said they will continue to provide pay and benefits to their employees during the shutdown.
Meanwhile, the City of Beverly Hills in California said City Council voted Monday night to close all non-essential retail stores, including those on the iconic shopping street of Rodeo Drive, a two-mile strip of luxury boutiques and designer shops, among others.
"This is an opportunity for Beverly Hills to do what we do best, care for one another," Beverly Hills Mayor John Mirisch said in a statement.
The stores on the street shall be closed except for pick up, delivery "and certain transactions by appointment," the city's Office of Emergency Management said in the statement.
Vans, the California-based sports footwear brand, announced via Twitter on Monday that its Canada and U.S. stores would also be closing.
On the tech front, Microsoft said it would be closing all of its stores worldwide, effective immediately. The announcement was made days after the store said it would be operating at reduced capacity.
For the safety of our customers and employees, we are closing all global Microsoft Store locations, effective immediately. For help, please visit https://t.co/tzwDaQSY0k. pic.twitter.com/KjMr8TQh3y— Microsoft Store (@MicrosoftStore) March 17, 2020 Advertisement
The move came after Apple announced Friday it would be closing all of its stores outside mainland China until March 27. It said that its offices were also encouraging workers to work remotely.
"All of our hourly workers will continue to receive pay in alignment with business as usual operations," Apple said in a statement.
T-Mobile also announced that from Tuesday that it would be closing 80 percent of its stores until March 31, while the locations across the country that will remain open will operate at reduced hours to "further support social distancing recommendations, limit gatherings of people and ensure the well-being of its customer."
Meanwhile, McDonald's said it would be closing its seating areas at its U.S. franchises and focusing on its drive-through and walk-in take-our services.
The closures came as California Gov. Gavin Newsom directed all restaurants in the state to close and after governors in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut announced Monday that many non-essential businesses across their states would close.
On Monday, Trump laid out new guidelines that included limiting non-essential gatherings to fewer than 10 people and for the public to avoid visiting bars, restaurants and public food courts.
Advertisement
The guidelines were issued as the country deals with a deepening outbreak that has grown in the past few weeks to 68 deaths caused by the virus and 3,487 confirmed cases, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
U.S. copes with COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-03-17--South Korea focuses on church outbreaks as new coronavirus infections decline

SEOUL , March 17 ( UPI ) -- South Korea reported fewer than 100 new COVID-19 cases for a third day on a row on Tuesday as health authorities are focusing on the threat of new clusters , with churches emerging as a point of concern .
`` The [ Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ] is witnessing a decrease in confirmed cases , '' said Vice Health Minister Kim Gang-lip at a briefing on Tuesday .
`` However , we believe this is a critical time as we are seeing sporadic outbreaks at religious facilities , nursing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fifty-one coronavirus cases connected to the River of Grace Church in Seongnam , Gyeonggi Province , have been confirmed , the KCDC announced on Tuesday .
More than two dozen other cases have been tied to a separate pair of churches in the province , which neighbors Seoul .
One factor in the spread of infections at the River of Grace Church was a misguided belief that a saltwater spray would help protect against the coronavirus .
`` This outbreak at the church in Seongnam happened because there was a mass gathering inside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had the misinformation of spraying saltwater in their mouths in order to be sanitized , '' Kim said .
The vice health minister added that officials were concluding an investigation of all members who attended Sunday services at the church on March 1 and 8 and warned that the number of confirmed cases could rise .
Kim urged groups to refrain from gathering indoors in closed spaces and also cautioned against the spread of false information .
`` Through the internet and [ social networking services ] we are seeing a spread of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kim said .
`` Please do not rely on them but trust the information that [ health authorities ] disclose . ''
Gyeonggi Province on Tuesday issued an executive order restricting religious services until March 29 .
Churchgoers must wear masks , be screened for high temperatures and stay at least six feet apart during services , Governor Kim Hee-gyeom announced at a press briefing .
`` We have asked the religious community to voluntarily refrain from services to prevent infections , but infectious diseases continue to spread through religious gatherings , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are issuing an executive order to limit the rallies by non-compliant churches . ''
Kim said that 137 churches on Sunday did not follow recommended coronavirus safety regulations .
Churches that fail to follow the new executive order can be closed and fined more than $ 2,400 , Kim said .
Confirmed cases connected to a call center in Seoul rose to 134 on Monday , the KCDC announced , in another cluster that is keeping authorities concerned .
The total number of COVID-19 cases stands at 8,320 in South Korea .
Over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the southeastern city of Daegu and neighboring North Gyeongsang Province , with around 60 percent connected to a single religious sect , the Shincheonji Church of Jesus , according to the KCDC .
There were 84 new cases reported on Tuesday , with 44 occurring in the Seoul metropolitan area and 37 in Daegu and North Gyeongsang .
It was the first time since South Korea 's widespread coronavirus outbreak began a month ago that the daily cases from the Seoul area exceeded those from Daegu .
On Tuesday , South Korean President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to combat the economic impact of the coronavirus , calling the situation `` even more serious than the 2008 global financial crisis . ''
`` It is a complex crisis , where daily social activities as well as production and consumption are paralyzed , supply and demand are rapidly contracting and both the real economy and the financial markets are being hit simultaneously , '' Moon said at a cabinet meeting South Korean shares have been plunging over the last month , with the KOSPI composite index hitting its lowest point in nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ falling by 2.47 percent despite an unexpected rate cut from the Bank of Korea on Monday .
Moon announced that the government will be forming an emergency economic council , saying the group will `` promptly and boldly come up with special economic measures . ''
The government has already unveiled a nearly $ 10 billion special budget to fight the coronavirus , and on Tuesday Moon said that additional stimulus would be considered .
In another measure to slow the spread of the highly infectious respiratory disease , South Korea announced on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain closed until April 6 , pushing opening dates back by an additional two weeks .
Health officials also announced increased screening procedures for international arrivals at airports .
South Korea 's fatality rate for COVID-19 cases remains relatively low , with a total of 81 deaths confirmed on Tuesday after six new cases were reported .
The number of recovered patients rose by 264 to 1,401 , the KCDC announced .

While South Korea's rate of new coronavirus infections continues to slow, authorities are worried about new clusters of cases developing. Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI | License Photo
SEOUL, March 17 (UPI) -- South Korea reported fewer than 100 new COVID-19 cases for a third day in a row Tuesday as health authorities are focusing on the threat of new clusters, with churches emerging as a point of concern. "The [Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] is witnessing a decrease in confirmed cases," Vice Health Minister Kim Gang-lip said at a briefing Tuesday. "However, we believe this is a critical time as we are seeing sporadic outbreaks at religious facilities, nursing homes and other small facilities." Advertisement
Fifty-one coronavirus cases connected to the River of Grace Church in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, have been confirmed, the KCDC announced Tuesday. More than two dozen other cases have been tied to a separate pair of churches in the province, which neighbors Seoul.
One factor in the spread of infections at the River of Grace Church was a misguided belief that a saltwater spray would help protect against the coronavirus.
Advertisement
"This outbreak at the church in Seongnam happened because there was a mass gathering inside a very limited place, and they also had the misinformation of spraying saltwater in their mouths in order to be sanitized," Kim said.
The vice health minister added that officials were concluding an investigation of all members who attended Sunday services at the church on March 1 and 8 and warned that the number of confirmed cases could rise.
Kim urged groups to refrain from gathering indoors in closed spaces and also cautioned against the spread of false information.
"Through the internet and [social networking services] we are seeing a spread of fake information and fake news," Kim said. "Please do not rely on them but trust the information that [health authorities] disclose."
Gyeonggi Province on Tuesday issued an executive order restricting religious services until March 29. Churchgoers must wear masks, be screened for high temperatures and stay at least six feet apart during services, Gov. Kim Hee-gyeom announced at a press briefing.
"We have asked the religious community to voluntarily refrain from services to prevent infections, but infectious diseases continue to spread through religious gatherings," Kim said. "Therefore, we are issuing an executive order to limit the rallies by non-compliant churches."
Advertisement
Kim said that 137 churches on Sunday did not follow recommended coronavirus safety regulations.
Churches that fail to follow the new executive order can be closed and fined more than $2,400, Kim said.
Confirmed cases connected to a call center in Seoul rose to 134 on Monday, the KCDC announced, in another cluster that is keeping authorities concerned.
The total number of COVID-19 cases stands at 8,320 in South Korea. Over 87 percent of cases are concentrated in the southeastern city of Daegu and neighboring North Gyeongsang Province, with around 60 percent connected to a single religious sect, the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, according to the KCDC.
There were 84 new cases reported on Tuesday, with 44 occurring in the Seoul metropolitan area and 37 in Daegu and North Gyeongsang. It was the first time since South Korea's widespread coronavirus outbreak began a month ago that the daily cases from the Seoul area exceeded those from Daegu.
On Tuesday, South Korean President Moon Jae-in vowed to take stronger measures to combat the economic impact of the coronavirus, calling the situation "even more serious than the 2008 global financial crisis."
"It is a complex crisis, where daily social activities, as well as production and consumption, are paralyzed, supply and demand are rapidly contracting, and both the real economy and the financial markets are being hit simultaneously," Moon said at a cabinet meeting
Advertisement
South Korean shares have been plunging over the last month, with the KOSPI composite index hitting its lowest point in nearly a decade in Tuesday's trading, falling by 2.47 percent despite an unexpected rate cut from the Bank of Korea on Monday.
Moon announced that the government will be forming an emergency economic council, saying the group will "promptly and boldly come up with special economic measures." The government has unveiled a nearly $10 billion special budget to fight the coronavirus, and on Tuesday Moon said that additional stimulus would be considered.
In another measure to slow the spread of the highly infectious respiratory disease, South Korea announced on Tuesday that schools and day care centers would remain closed until April 6, pushing opening dates back by an additional two weeks. Health officials also announced increased screening procedures for international arrivals at airports.
South Korea's fatality rate for COVID-19 cases remains relatively low, with a total of 81 deaths confirmed on Tuesday after six new cases were reported. The number of recovered patients rose by 264 to 1,401, the KCDC announced.
Scenes from a pandemic: World copes with COVID-19


upi--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Hong Kong to quarantine all arrivals for 14 days

March 17 ( UPI ) -- Hong Kong announced mandatory quarantines for anyone entering from abroad and Iran released thousands of prisoners Tuesday to halt the spread of coronavirus .
Worldwide , there were 183,804 cases in 155 countries and 7,166 deaths as of Tuesday morning , according to a live tally by Johns Hopkins University .
Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said that anyone entering the semi-autonomous region from abroad will be quarantined for 14 days starting Thursday .
Lam announced the measure during a briefing while wearing a protective face mask , adding that Hong Kong is shifting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entering the region from foreign countries .
The outbreak has slowed in mainland China several weeks after it emerged in Wuhan .
`` With the continuous spread of the disease , the [ Hong Kong Special Administrative Region ] government has now moved our focus from preventing import cases from mainland to import cases to overseas , '' she said .
Hong Kong has recorded 158 cases since the first case in early January .
Taiwan on Tuesday also ordered a 14-day quarantine for travelers from 20 countries and three U.S. states , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starting Thursday at midnight .
China 's National Health Commission reported 21 new cases , all but one of which were imported .
Hubei province , home to Wuhan , reported just one new case .
A sharp rise in cases was reported in Indonesia Tuesday , health officials said .
Jakarta also announced it was suspending its visa exemption policies for short stays , socking its already hard-hit tourism sector .
Malaysia on Tuesday reported its first coronavirus death , a 60-year-old pastor .
The country has reported more than 550 cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Iran , where health officials said cases reached nearly 15,000 Monday , some 85,000 prisoners were temporarily released as a means to combat the virus .
Iranian judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili said half of those released were `` security-related prisoners . ''
Health officials in Jordan said four new cases were reported , and its stock exchange suspended operations until further notice .
New Zealand announced a $ 7.3 billion stimulus package Tuesday to boost healthcare , offer businesses subsidies and support the most vulnerable .
The package represents 4 percent of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grant Robertson said in a statement .
`` Our first priority is the health and well-being of our people , '' he said .
`` The global spread of the virus has also disrupted economies across the world , costing the jobs and livelihoods of countless families . ''
The full impact on New Zealand , which has 11 confirmed cases , is not yet known but it will cost jobs and negatively impact businesses , he said .
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade urged Australians traveling abroad who wish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as possible via commercial flights , warning they may not be able to later .
The agency also warned that Australians abroad may not be able to access help at consular offices due to travel restrictions .

A traveler takes photos of a departure board showing canceled flights at Tokyo International Airport in Tokyo, Japan, on Sunday. Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI | License Photo
March 17 (UPI) -- Hong Kong announced mandatory quarantines Tuesday for anyone entering from abroad, and Iran released thousands of prisoners Tuesday to halt the spread of coronavirus. The World Health Organization in its daily update called on European nations to follow China's example of taking tough measures to halt the spread of the disease as much as possible. Advertisement
A live tally by Johns Hopkins University showed Tuesday morning a total of 185,000 cases worldwide and 7,300 deaths. The total number of recovered patients, it said, has surpassed 80,200. China has recorded the most number of cases, 81,000, followed by Italy (28,000) and Iran (nearly 15,000).
Asia
Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said that anyone entering the semi-autonomous region from abroad will be quarantined for 14 days starting Thursday.
Lam announced the measure during a briefing while wearing a protective face mask, and added that Hong Kong is shifting its focus to prevent imported cases of the virus. The outbreak has significantly slowed in mainland China several weeks after it first emerged in Wuhan.
Advertisement
"With the continuous spread of the disease, the [Hong Kong Special Administrative Region] government has now moved our focus from preventing import cases from mainland to import cases to overseas," Lam said.
Hong Kong has recorded more than 150 cases since the first patient in early January.
Taiwan on Tuesday also ordered a 14-day quarantine for travelers from 20 countries and three U.S. states, Washington, New York and California, starting Thursday at midnight.
China's National Health Commission reported 21 new cases, all but one of which were imported. Hubei province, which houses Wuhan, reported just one new case.
Chinese officials, meanwhile, are criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump for repeatedly calling COVID-19 a "Chinese virus."
Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Beijing is "strongly indignant" over Trump's term, which he said smacked of "stigmatization."
A sharp rise in cases was reported in Indonesia Tuesday, health officials said, and Jakarta announced it will suspend its visa exemption policies for short stays -- and Malaysia reported its first coronavirus death, a 60-year-old pastor. Malaysia so far has reported more than 550 cases -- the most in Southeast Asia.
Advertisement
Europe
Hans Kluge, regional director of the WHO's European office, said Tuesday the outbreak there -- which has now surpassed China in the total number of reported cases -- has produced "a new reality" in the lives of millions on the continent.
"Europe is the epicenter of the first pandemic of coronavirus, and every country, with no exceptions, need to take their boldest actions to stop or slow the virus spread," he said. "Boldest action should include community action."
Kluge praised lockdowns imposed in Italy, Spain, France and other European nations this week.
"The experience of China and others shows that testing and contact tracing, combined with social distancing and community mobilization, when put in place quickly and effectively, can prevent infections and save lives," he said.
Middle East
In Iran, where health officials said cases reached nearly 15,000 Monday, some 85,000 prisoners were temporarily released as a means to spread out the population and slow the virus.
Iranian judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili said half of those released were "security-related" inmates and others were political prisoners. Officials had been calling for a release of prisoners from Iran's overcrowded and disease-prone jails.
In Jordan, health officials reported four new cases and authorities suspended operations on the nation's stock exchange until further notice.
Advertisement
Australia and New Zealand
New Zealand announced a $7.3 billion stimulus package Tuesday to boost healthcare, offer businesses subsidies and support the most vulnerable. The package represents 4 percent of New Zealand's GDP, Finance Minister Grant Robertson said in a statement.
"Our first priority is the health and well-being of our people," he said. "The global spread of the virus has also disrupted economies across the world, costing the jobs and livelihoods of countless families."
The full impact on New Zealand, which has 11 confirmed cases, is not yet known but Robertson said it will likely cost some jobs and negatively impact businesses.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade urged Australians traveling abroad who wish to return home do so as soon as possible via commercial flights, warning they may not be able to later.
The agency also warned that Australians abroad may not be able to access help at consular offices due to travel restrictions
Middle East
Saudi Arabia announced Tuesday it was suspending all prayer services at mosques across the religious nation except for at locations in Makkah and Madinah, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Advertisement
The measure was announced to encourage citizens to remain home amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Middle Eastern country reported 38 new cases of the virus on Tuesday, increasing its total to 171.
Scenes from a pandemic: World copes with COVID-19


upi--2020-03-17--Gavin Newsom directs California's restaurants to close, public against gatherings

March 17 ( UPI ) -- California Gov .
Gavin Newsom has expanded the state 's response to the coronavirus , directing all restaurants to shutter their doors and residents against gathering .
Newsom announced the new measures Monday via a Facebook live broadcast from the California Office of Emergency Services , stating the new guidelines were issued to `` codify '' directives throughout the state as several cities and counties have issued similar guidelines if not bans .
He said the state is asking restaurants to close their in-dining services and provide take-out .
The move comes a day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , wineries and breweries to close and restaurants to focus on takeout for those in self-isolation .
Los Angeles also issued a ban Sunday on restaurants , fitness clubs and entertainment venues until March 31 .
Earlier Monday , six counties in the Bay Area were ordered to shelter in place , meaning all gatherings are barred , which Newsom said given the situation `` makes sense to me . ''
`` We think it 's very rational under these circumstances -- disruptive , I know , for some , but rational , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
The guideline against public gatherings increases the restrictions on the previous ban he issued last week barring congregations of more than 250 people until at least April .
Gavin also signed an executive order to halt evictions , slow foreclosures and protect against utility shutoffs .
`` People should n't lose or be forced out of their home because of the spread of COVID-19 , '' he said in a statement .
`` Over the next few weeks , everyone will have to make sacrifices -- but a place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them .
I strongly encourage cities and counties take up this authority to protect Californians . ''
Residents are obliged to pay their rent but the measure is to offer those who have been negatively affected by the coronavirus some relief , he said in the broadcast .
The protections will be in place until May 31 unless extended .
It also asks banks and other financial institutions to halt foreclosures during the period and the California Public Utilities Commission to monitor public and private utility providers to implement protections for critical services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed 57 new cases of COVID-19 and two deaths to the virus in the past 24 hours , lifting its totals to 392 cases and six deaths .

March 17 (UPI) -- California Gov. Gavin Newsom has expanded the state's response to the coronavirus, directing all restaurants to shutter their doors and residents against gathering.
Newsom announced the new measures Monday via a Facebook live broadcast from the California Office of Emergency Services, stating the new guidelines were issued to "codify" directives throughout the state as several cities and counties have issued similar guidelines if not bans.
Advertisement
He said the state is asking restaurants to close their in-dining services and provide take-out. The move comes a day after he asked bars, night clubs, wineries and breweries to close and restaurants to focus on takeout for those in self-isolation.
Los Angeles also issued a ban Sunday on restaurants, fitness clubs and entertainment venues until March 31.
Earlier Monday, six counties in the Bay Area were ordered to shelter in place, meaning all gatherings are barred, which Newsom said given the situation "makes sense to me."
"We think it's very rational under these circumstances -- disruptive, I know, for some, but rational, we believe, in this moment," he said.
The guideline against public gatherings increases the restrictions on the previous ban he issued last week barring congregations of more than 250 people until at least April.
Advertisement
Gavin also signed an executive order to halt evictions, slow foreclosures and protect against utility shutoffs.
"People shouldn't lose or be forced out of their home because of the spread of COVID-19," he said in a statement. "Over the next few weeks, everyone will have to make sacrifices -- but a place to live shouldn't be one of them. I strongly encourage cities and counties take up this authority to protect Californians."
Residents are obliged to pay their rent but the measure is to offer those who have been negatively affected by the coronavirus some relief, he said in the broadcast.
The protections will be in place until May 31 unless extended. It also asks banks and other financial institutions to halt foreclosures during the period and the California Public Utilities Commission to monitor public and private utility providers to implement protections for critical services.
The directives came as the state confirmed 57 new cases of COVID-19 and two deaths to the virus in the past 24 hours, lifting its totals to 392 cases and six deaths.


upi--2020-03-17--Conflicts of interest common in CBD research, study says

Cannabidiol -- commonly known as CBD -- might not be all it is touted to be , new research suggests .
Instead , existing evidence on the potential benefits of the compound found in marijuana and hemp has often been backed by industry , scientists said .
The researchers found that of 99 human CBD studies done since 2014 , about 62 percent had some conflict of interest -- including industry funding , or a study author employed by a company that markets CBD products .
And those studies were more likely to reach positive conclusions , versus research with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not surprising , experts said .
It 's known from drug studies that industry funding is linked to a greater likelihood of positive results .
But at a time when CBD is showing up in everything from oils and lotions to coffee and cookies -- and consumers tend to see it as `` natural '' -- the findings may serve as a reminder to remain savvy .
`` This gives consumers an idea of where the research is coming from , '' said study author Joshua Wallach , an assistant professor of epidemiology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in New Haven , Conn .
So when you hear or read that a study supports CBD for a particular use , he said , you might want to `` think critically '' about the source of that research .
Wallach also suggested keeping the `` bigger picture '' in mind .
At this point , CBD is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for only one indication : certain rare forms of epilepsy .
In 2018 , Epidiolex -- a purified , pharmaceutical-grade CBD -- got the nod for treating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ syndrome .
As for the array of other CBD health claims -- easing conditions like chronic pain , anxiety and insomnia -- the jury is still out .
The CBD products being sold in capsules , food and cosmetics have not been evaluated by the FDA .
CBD is one of hundreds of chemicals found in marijuana .
It differs from THC , the source of the famous marijuana `` high . ''
CBD is present in marijuana but is more abundant in hemp -- cannabis plants that have little THC .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not the result of research evidence , but of a change in federal law .
In 2018 , Congress lifted a decades-old ban on growing hemp .
Licensed farmers can now grow the plant , provided it contains less than 0.3 percent THC .
For the new study , published online March 17 in the Annals of Internal Medicine , Wallach 's team found 417 CBD-related articles published in medical journals between 2014 and 2019 .
Most -- 318 -- were either based on lab studies or were commentaries or reviews on existing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ human studies .
Of those , most focused on neurological conditions ( 52.5 percent ) or mental health ( 17 percent ) .
Wallach and his colleagues did not break them down by specific indication .
And the majority -- nearly two-thirds -- had some kind of industry involvement , Wallach said .
Industry links , in turn , were related to the likelihood of `` supportive '' conclusions -- where authors either reported that CBD treatment was effective , or made recommendations on using the compound .
Overall , 74 percent of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ versus about 65 percent of those without industry involvement , and 55 percent of articles that made no disclosures about conflicts of interest .
According to Wallach , it all suggests there `` could be some spin going on , '' with some CBD research essentially being used as a marketing tool .
It is also possible that industry-backed research is better done and more likely to yield positive results , according to Dr. Peter Lurie , president of the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest .
It 's also unclear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ related to Epidiolex , he noted .
That said , Lurie agreed that consumers should be aware of who is funding CBD research .
`` You want research to be conducted , '' he said .
`` But whether you want it to be supported by industry is another thing . ''
Like Wallach , Lurie pointed to the broader issue .
`` There are health claims about CBD that are completely unfounded , '' he said .
`` Outside of its use for epilepsy , I would see everything else as speculative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Administration has more on CBD .

Researchers say limited research, and conflicts of interest on a lot of research that has been done, means the jury is still out on CBD easing conditions like chronic pain, anxiety and insomnia. Photo by 7raysmarketing/Pixabay
Cannabidiol -- commonly known as CBD -- might not be all it is touted to be, new research suggests. Instead, existing evidence on the potential benefits of the compound found in marijuana and hemp has often been backed by industry, scientists said. Advertisement
The researchers found that of 99 human CBD studies done since 2014, about 62 percent had some conflict of interest -- including industry funding, or a study author employed by a company that markets CBD products.
And those studies were more likely to reach positive conclusions, versus research with no industry ties.
The findings are not surprising, experts said. It's known from drug studies that industry funding is linked to a greater likelihood of positive results.
But at a time when CBD is showing up in everything from oils and lotions to coffee and cookies -- and consumers tend to see it as "natural" -- the findings may serve as a reminder to remain savvy.
Advertisement
"This gives consumers an idea of where the research is coming from," said study author Joshua Wallach, an assistant professor of epidemiology at Yale School of Public Health, in New Haven, Conn.
So when you hear or read that a study supports CBD for a particular use, he said, you might want to "think critically" about the source of that research.
Wallach also suggested keeping the "bigger picture" in mind. At this point, CBD is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for only one indication: certain rare forms of epilepsy. In 2018, Epidiolex -- a purified, pharmaceutical-grade CBD -- got the nod for treating the seizure disorders Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
As for the array of other CBD health claims -- easing conditions like chronic pain, anxiety and insomnia -- the jury is still out. The CBD products being sold in capsules, food and cosmetics have not been evaluated by the FDA.
CBD is one of hundreds of chemicals found in marijuana. It differs from THC, the source of the famous marijuana "high." CBD is present in marijuana but is more abundant in hemp -- cannabis plants that have little THC.
The recent explosion in consumer CBD products is not the result of research evidence, but of a change in federal law. In 2018, Congress lifted a decades-old ban on growing hemp. Licensed farmers can now grow the plant, provided it contains less than 0.3 percent THC.
Advertisement
For the new study, published online March 17 in the Annals of Internal Medicine, Wallach's team found 417 CBD-related articles published in medical journals between 2014 and 2019.
Most -- 318 -- were either based on lab studies or were commentaries or reviews on existing research. The remaining 99 articles described human studies.
Of those, most focused on neurological conditions (52.5 percent) or mental health (17 percent). Wallach and his colleagues did not break them down by specific indication. And the majority -- nearly two-thirds -- had some kind of industry involvement, Wallach said.
Industry links, in turn, were related to the likelihood of "supportive" conclusions -- where authors either reported that CBD treatment was effective, or made recommendations on using the compound.
Overall, 74 percent of those publications came to supportive conclusions, versus about 65 percent of those without industry involvement, and 55 percent of articles that made no disclosures about conflicts of interest.
According to Wallach, it all suggests there "could be some spin going on," with some CBD research essentially being used as a marketing tool.
It is also possible that industry-backed research is better done and more likely to yield positive results, according to Dr. Peter Lurie, president of the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest.
Advertisement
It's also unclear how much of the research was specifically related to Epidiolex, he noted.
That said, Lurie agreed that consumers should be aware of who is funding CBD research. "You want research to be conducted," he said. "But whether you want it to be supported by industry is another thing."
Like Wallach, Lurie pointed to the broader issue. "There are health claims about CBD that are completely unfounded," he said. "Outside of its use for epilepsy, I would see everything else as speculative."
More information
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has more on CBD.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-03-17--FDA inches closer to CBD rules for dietary supplements

DENVER , March 17 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration moved closer this month toward evaluating CBD for human foods , topicals and pet products , but consumers and regulators still have unanswered questions about its safety .
The FDA is looking at safe daily doses , the different forms of CBD products and any health threats that the substance might present .
These include potential liver toxicity and male reproductive problems , as well as side effects such as drowsiness , the agency said in a report submitted to appropriations committees in the U.S. House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ progress , but there are still areas where timely attention is needed , '' the agency said .
The FDA said it will produce a followup document for Congress within 180 days with the results of a sampling study of the current CBD marketplace `` to determine the extent to which products are mislabeled or adulterated . ''
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , and others , have urged the FDA to approve CBD for dietary uses .
The appropriations committees had requested a CBD overview report within 60 days in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerned that some people wrongly think that the myriad CBD products on the market have been evaluated by the FDA and determined to be safe , or that using CBD 'ca n't hurt , ' '' Dr. Stephen Hahn , the FDA 's new commissioner , said in a statement .
The FDA 's approval process for a new dietary ingredient can take three years or more .
The popularity of CBD and internet commerce has raced ahead of the FDA 's ability to prove its safety .
`` We know one thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using CBD products , '' Hahn said in February .
`` We 're not going to be able to say you ca n't use these products .
It 's a fool 's game to try to even approach that . ''
Federal laws that forbid research on cannabis-derived products have delayed for years scientists who want to know more about how CBD works .
The FDA is trying to catch up by issuing a call for private research on the effects of CBD products .
`` Where it becomes a public health issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who-knows-how-much and who-knows-what quality , '' said Edgar Asebey , a Fort Lauderdale , Fla. , -based FDA regulatory life-sciences lawyer .
Even though CBD food-safety research might take several years , the FDA is very likely to issue stopgap guidance documents soon , attorney Asebey predicted .
The FDA might also look to other countries ' health agencies for guidance , he said .
The United Kingdom 's Food Standards Agency proposed a safe daily dose of 70 milligrams in January .
The agency set up a regulatory path to reintroduce CBD @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some non-compliant products from the market by 2021 .
`` If you 're selling CBD all over the country , there are minimal standards you 'll need to follow for dietary supplements or foods .
It 's a special industry , but it 's not that special , '' Asebey said .
`` There are federal guidelines for what you ask people to eat . ''
CBD , or cannabidiol , is marketed in a confusing number of products including kombucha , gummies , chocolate , hand cream , tinctures , oils , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still has n't been fully approved by the FDA , even though several states have passed laws allowing the substance to be used products for people and pets .
Until hard-and-fast FDA rules are issued , consumers could remain confused about the bewildering number of non-regulated products available , those in the industry said .
Sticking with long-standing dietary supplement brands certified as food-safe under Good Manufacturing Practices guidelines , is a good bet , said Alan Lewis , director of special projects at Natural Grocers of Lakewood , Colo. '' You should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gas station , not at a convenience store and not on Amazon , '' Lewis said .
`` Those bottles could contain anything -- or nothing . ''
FDA clarity will allow many more natural herbal supplement companies to produce CBD or hemp-based products , giving consumers more choices , said Michael McGuffin , president of the Silver Spring , Md.
, -based American Herbal Products Association .
`` We want FDA to regulate CBD and hemp products as dietary supplements with all the rules that apply , '' McGuffin said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there quickly , but the regulatory framework is significantly robust to regulate these products.
``

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is moving forward toward evaluating CBD for use in dietary supplements, the agency said. Photo by CBD-Infos-com/Pixabay
DENVER, March 17 (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration moved closer this month toward evaluating CBD for human foods, topicals and pet products, but consumers and regulators still have unanswered questions about its safety. The FDA is looking at safe daily doses, the different forms of CBD products and any health threats that the substance might present. These include potential liver toxicity and male reproductive problems, as well as side effects such as drowsiness, the agency said in a report submitted to appropriations committees in the U.S. House and Senate. Advertisement
"We have made progress, but there are still areas where timely attention is needed," the agency said.
The FDA said it will produce a followup document for Congress within 180 days with the results of a sampling study of the current CBD marketplace "to determine the extent to which products are mislabeled or adulterated."
Advertisement
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and others, have urged the FDA to approve CBD for dietary uses. The appropriations committees had requested a CBD overview report within 60 days in late December 2019.
"We are concerned that some people wrongly think that the myriad CBD products on the market have been evaluated by the FDA and determined to be safe, or that using CBD 'can't hurt,'" Dr. Stephen Hahn, the FDA's new commissioner, said in a statement.
The FDA's approval process for a new dietary ingredient can take three years or more. The popularity of CBD and internet commerce has raced ahead of the FDA's ability to prove its safety.
"We know one thing from the American people -- they're using CBD products," Hahn said in February. "We're not going to be able to say you can't use these products. It's a fool's game to try to even approach that."
Federal laws that forbid research on cannabis-derived products have delayed for years scientists who want to know more about how CBD works. The FDA is trying to catch up by issuing a call for private research on the effects of CBD products.
"Where it becomes a public health issue is when tons of people are self-dosing who-knows-how-much and who-knows-what quality," said Edgar Asebey, a Fort Lauderdale, Fla.,-based FDA regulatory life-sciences lawyer.
Advertisement
Even though CBD food-safety research might take several years, the FDA is very likely to issue stopgap guidance documents soon, attorney Asebey predicted.
The FDA might also look to other countries' health agencies for guidance, he said.
The United Kingdom's Food Standards Agency proposed a safe daily dose of 70 milligrams in January. The agency set up a regulatory path to reintroduce CBD over the next year, including removing some non-compliant products from the market by 2021.
"If you're selling CBD all over the country, there are minimal standards you'll need to follow for dietary supplements or foods. It's a special industry, but it's not that special," Asebey said. "There are federal guidelines for what you ask people to eat."
CBD, or cannabidiol, is marketed in a confusing number of products including kombucha, gummies, chocolate, hand cream, tinctures, oils, cosmetics and pet foods. But it still hasn't been fully approved by the FDA, even though several states have passed laws allowing the substance to be used products for people and pets.
Until hard-and-fast FDA rules are issued, consumers could remain confused about the bewildering number of non-regulated products available, those in the industry said.
Sticking with long-standing dietary supplement brands certified as food-safe under Good Manufacturing Practices guidelines, is a good bet, said Alan Lewis, director of special projects at Natural Grocers of Lakewood, Colo.
Advertisement
"You should not be buying CBD products at a gas station, not at a convenience store and not on Amazon," Lewis said. "Those bottles could contain anything -- or nothing."
FDA clarity will allow many more natural herbal supplement companies to produce CBD or hemp-based products, giving consumers more choices, said Michael McGuffin, president of the Silver Spring, Md.,-based American Herbal Products Association.
"We want FDA to regulate CBD and hemp products as dietary supplements with all the rules that apply," McGuffin said. "I know it's difficult to get there quickly, but the regulatory framework is significantly robust to regulate these products. "


upi--2020-03-17--On This Day, March 17: Lithuania rejects Soviet ultimatum on independence

March 17 ( UPI ) -- On this date in history : In 1762 , New York City staged its first parade honoring the Roman Catholic feast day of St. Patrick , the patron saint of Ireland .
It was led by Irish soldiers serving in the British army .
In 1776 , the Continental Army under Gen. George Washington forced British troops to evacuate Boston .
In 1901 , 71 paintings by the late Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh were shown at the Bernheim-Jeune gallery in Paris and caused a sensation across the art world .
In 1917 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of the 300-year-old rule of the Romanoff family .
In 1958 , the U.S. Navy launched the satellite Vanguard 1 into orbit around Earth .
In 1959 , the Dalai Lama fled Tibet for India .
In 1969 , Golda Meir , a 70-year-old former Milwaukee schoolteacher , was elected first female prime minister of Israel .
In 1974 , the oil-producing Arab countries agreed to lift a five-month embargo on petroleum sales to the United States .
The embargo , during which gasoline prices soared 300 percent , was in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the October 1973 Middle East War .
In 1990 , Lithuania rejected the Soviet Union 's ultimatum to renounce its declaration of independence a week prior .
The Soviets implemented sanctions against Lithuania and conducted a military operation in 1991 before other Soviet republics eventually declared their independence .
In 1992 , South African whites , by a margin of 68.7 percent to 31.2 percent , voted to end minority rule .
In 2003 , as war with Iraq seemed a certainty , U.S. President George W. Bush gave Iraqi President Saddam Hussein @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country .
The ultimatum was rejected .
In 2019 , Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand , D-N.Y. , announced her candidacy for president in the 2020 presidential election .
She dropped out of the race five months later .

1/6
Proponents of a free Lithuania gather on Capitol Hill on June 2, 1990, to urge freedom for the Baltic state. On March 17, 1990, Lithuania rejected the Soviet Union's ultimatum to renounce its declaration of independence a week prior. File Photo by Richard Tomkins/UPI | License Photo
March 17 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1762, New York City staged its first parade honoring the Roman Catholic feast day of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It was led by Irish soldiers serving in the British army. Advertisement
In 1776, the Continental Army under Gen. George Washington forced British troops to evacuate Boston.
In 1901, 71 paintings by the late Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh were shown at the Bernheim-Jeune gallery in Paris and caused a sensation across the art world.
File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI
In 1917, Russia appeared headed toward a republic following the end of the 300-year-old rule of the Romanoff family.
In 1958, the U.S. Navy launched the satellite Vanguard 1 into orbit around Earth.
In 1959, the Dalai Lama fled Tibet for India.
In 1969, Golda Meir, a 70-year-old former Milwaukee schoolteacher, was elected first female prime minister of Israel.
UPI File Photo
Advertisement
In 1974, the oil-producing Arab countries agreed to lift a five-month embargo on petroleum sales to the United States. The embargo, during which gasoline prices soared 300 percent, was in retaliation for U.S. support of Israel during the October 1973 Middle East War.
In 1990, Lithuania rejected the Soviet Union's ultimatum to renounce its declaration of independence a week prior. The Soviets implemented sanctions against Lithuania and conducted a military operation in 1991 before other Soviet republics eventually declared their independence.
In 1992, South African whites, by a margin of 68.7 percent to 31.2 percent, voted to end minority rule.
In 2003, as war with Iraq seemed a certainty, U.S. President George W. Bush gave Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and his sons 48 hours to leave the country. The ultimatum was rejected.
In 2019, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., announced her candidacy for president in the 2020 presidential election. She dropped out of the race five months later.


upi--2020-03-17--Famous birthdays for March 17: Hozier, Kurt Russell

March 17 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Pisces .
-- German @ @ @ @ @ of the gasoline-burning internal combustion engine , in 1834

1/2
Hozier performs at the 3rd annual God's Love We Deliver Love Rocks NYC! Benefit Concert at the Beacon Theatre in New York City on March 7, 2019. The musician turns 30 on March 17. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
March 17 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Pisces. They include: Advertisement
-- German engineer Gottlieb Daimler, inventor of the gasoline-burning internal combustion engine, in 1834
-- Children's author/illustrator Kate Greenaway in 1846
-- Golf legend Bobby Jones in 1902
-- Singer/pianist Nat King Cole in 1919
-- Ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev in 1938
-- Serial killer John Wayne Gacy in 1942
-- Writer William Gibson in 1948 (age 72)
-- Actor Patrick Duffy in 1949 (age 71)
-- Actor Kurt Russell in 1951 (age 69)
File Photo by Rune Hellestad/UPI
-- Actor Lesley-Anne Down in 1954 (age 66)
-- Actor Gary Sinise in 1955 (age 65)
-- Actor Vicki Lewis in 1960 (age 60)
-- Actor Rob Lowe in 1964 (age 56)
-- Singer/songwriter Billy Corgan in 1967 (age 53)
-- Fashion designer Alexander McQueen in 1969
-- Soccer star Mia Hamm in 1972 (age 48)
-- Musician Caroline Corr in 1973 (age 47)
-- Singer Tamar Braxton in 1977 (age 43)
File Photo by Christine Chew/UPI
Advertisement
-- Model Coco Austin in 1979 (age 41)
-- Wrestler Samoa Joe, born Nuufolau Joel Seanoa, in 1979 (age 41)
-- TV personality Rob Kardashian in 1987 (age 33)
-- Singer Grimes, born Claire Elise Boucher, in 1988 (age 32)
-- Musician Hozier, born Andrew John Hozier-Byrne, in 1990 (age 30)
-- Actor John Boyega in 1992 (age 28)
-- U.S. Olympic gold swimmer Katie Ledecky in 1997 (age 23)


upi--2020-03-17--Exercise beneficial during hormone treatment for prostate cancer

The treatment -- called androgen suppression therapy or androgen deprivation therapy -- uses drugs or surgery to reduce the level of androgen hormones , which prostate cancer cells typically require to multiply .
`` The problem is ADT has several side effects , including increased body fat , decreased cardiopulmonary fitness and increased fatigue .
These can increase the risk of a cardiovascular event and reduce health-related quality of life , '' said study leader Anthony Leicht , an associate professor of health care sciences at James Cook University in Australia .
The international study assessed whether a supervised exercise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 50 men and how long any benefits lasted .
`` The exercise group completed three months of supervised aerobic and resistance exercise training involving two sessions a week for 60 minutes , followed by three months of self-directed exercise , '' Leicht said in a university news release .
The program led to sustained improvements in patients ' risk for heart and lung disease and in their quality of life , but improvements in cardiopulmonary fitness and fatigue did n't continue after the supervised exercise ended .
`` What was important , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was that the patients started the exercise program before the ADT treatment began .
Other studies have examined patients already undergoing treatment , '' Leicht said .
`` Secondly , we followed up during the period of self-directed exercise and found some of the benefits were ongoing , '' he added .
Sustaining an exercise program is important because ADT side effects continue to develop after the first three months of treatment .
`` In older people we often see reductions in strength and physical function just three months after halting supervised exercise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost or other reasons , '' Leicht said .
He said home-based exercise or a shorter period of supervision followed by remote support could help get around these limitations and provide measurable benefits to men with prostate cancer .
The study was recently published in the British Journal of Urology .
The American Cancer Society has more on hormone therapy for prostate cancer .

Exercise benefits prostate cancer patients who undergo hormone-reducing therapy, a small study suggests.
The treatment -- called androgen suppression therapy or androgen deprivation therapy -- uses drugs or surgery to reduce the level of androgen hormones, which prostate cancer cells typically require to multiply.
Advertisement
"The problem is ADT has several side effects, including increased body fat, decreased cardiopulmonary fitness and increased fatigue. These can increase the risk of a cardiovascular event and reduce health-related quality of life," said study leader Anthony Leicht, an associate professor of health care sciences at James Cook University in Australia.
The international study assessed whether a supervised exercise program could help reduce ADT side effects in 50 men and how long any benefits lasted.
"The exercise group completed three months of supervised aerobic and resistance exercise training involving two sessions a week for 60 minutes, followed by three months of self-directed exercise," Leicht said in a university news release.
The program led to sustained improvements in patients' risk for heart and lung disease and in their quality of life, but improvements in cardiopulmonary fitness and fatigue didn't continue after the supervised exercise ended.
"What was important, and different from most other studies, was that the patients started the exercise program before the ADT treatment began. Other studies have examined patients already undergoing treatment," Leicht said.
Advertisement
"Secondly, we followed up during the period of self-directed exercise and found some of the benefits were ongoing," he added.
Sustaining an exercise program is important because ADT side effects continue to develop after the first three months of treatment.
"In older people we often see reductions in strength and physical function just three months after halting supervised exercise. They may stop exercising because of cost or other reasons," Leicht said.
He said home-based exercise or a shorter period of supervision followed by remote support could help get around these limitations and provide measurable benefits to men with prostate cancer. The study was recently published in the British Journal of Urology.
More information
The American Cancer Society has more on hormone therapy for prostate cancer.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-03-16--San Francisco-area counties to shelter in place, more states close non-essential businesses

March 16 ( UPI ) -- Several counties in the San Francisco Bay Area on Monday ordered residents to `` shelter in place '' to fight the spread of the coronavirus disease , as states throughout the country ordered businesses to close .
San Francisco Mayor London Breed said about 7 million people are ordered to stay home except for `` essential needs '' until April 7 .
The orders were based on recommendations from health experts .
The order applies to residents in San Francisco , Marin , Santa Clara , Santa Cruz , San Mateo , Contra Costa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to leave their homes only to buy food , medicine and other necessary items and directs businesses that sell those items to remain open -- while ordering all non-essential businesses closed .
`` This is going to be a defining moment for our city and we all have a responsibility to do our part to protect our neighbors and slow the spread of this virus by staying at home unless it is absolutely essential to go outside , '' said Breed .
There are 4,661 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 85 deaths in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University figures as of Monday evening .
Earlier Monday , the governors of New York , New Jersey and Connecticut also announced that many non-essential businesses across the states will close until further notice to help stem the spread of the coronavirus .
Govs .
Andrew Cuomo of New York , Ned Lamont of Connecticut and Phil Murphy of New Jersey announced the measure at a news conference late Monday morning .
Under the order , all gyms , movie theaters and casinos will also close beginning at 8 p.m. EDT Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , will remain open and restaurants and bars will remain open for takeout only .
Also , they said gatherings of more than 50 people are not permitted .
`` The coronavirus does n't care about state borders , so this agreement with Gov .
Ned Lamont and [ Phil ] Murphy will help protect the entire Tri-State Area , '' Cuomo tweeted .
`` These temporary closures will last as long as is necessary to protect the public health . ''
Cuomo said the states decided to take action because they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government .
`` I have called on the federal gov't to implement nationwide protocols , but in their absence we are taking this on ourselves , '' he noted .
De Blasio said he will sign an executive order forcing all nightclubs , movie theaters and concert venues to close , while limiting restaurants , bars and cafes to food take-out and delivery services .
`` This is not a decision I make lightly , '' de Blasio said .
`` These places are part of the heart and soul of our city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means to be a New Yorker .
But our city is facing an unprecedented threat , and we must respond with a wartime mentality . ''
Garcetti announced his order in a message broadcast Sunday on Facebook , in which he said the order goes into effect at midnight and runs until March 31 , unless further extended .
`` This will be a tough time , but it is not forever , '' he said .
`` Angelenos have always risen to meet difficult moments , and we will get through this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blasio said all schools in New York City will close until at least April 20 but the closure could last until the end of the school year , affecting some 1.1 million students .
Last week , de Blasio declared a state of emergency but said Sunday more drastic measures were needed .
`` This is a decision I have taken with no joy whatsoever with a lot of pain , '' he said , adding that he never imagined `` in a million years '' of canceling school .
Officials will attempt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but there are `` a lot of unknowns and a lot of challenges '' that may keep them shuttered for the remainder of the school year , he said .
New York City will begin remote learning on March 23 and students who need the technology to participate can pick up devices on Thursday and Friday , the mayor 's office said .
Apple and T-Mobile `` will ensure that in the coming weeks , 300,000 New York City public school students who do n't currently have an Internet-connected device will have one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Friday , the Los Angeles Unified School District voted to close its schools for at least two weeks .
Several other states and cities have adopted drastic measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 , including Illinois and Ohio , who said Sunday they would also close all bars and restaurants .
California has also ordered residents over 65 years of age to isolate themselves at home .
Maryland , Ohio , Michigan , New Mexico , Oregon and the District of Columbia last week also ordered their schools closed .
Gov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of four states scheduled to hold primary elections on Tuesday along with Arizona , Illinois and Florida , said the state 's Department of Health would order the polls closed on Monday night after a judge denied his request to delay the election until June .
`` During this time when we face an unprecedented public health crisis , to conduct an election tomorrow would force poll workers to place themselves at an unacceptable health risk of contracting coronavirus , '' he wrote on Twitter .
Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from May to June .
McDonald 's also announced that effective Tuesday , all company-owned restaurants will close seating areas , self-service beverage bars and kiosks while shifting its focus to drive-through , walk-in take-out and delivery services .

Coronavirus testing is preformed by appointment at the Kaiser Permanente French Campus in San Francisco, Calif., on March 12. Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
March 16 (UPI) -- Several counties in the San Francisco Bay Area on Monday ordered residents to "shelter in place" to fight the spread of the coronavirus disease, as states throughout the country ordered businesses to close. San Francisco Mayor London Breed said about 7 million people are ordered to stay home except for "essential needs" until April 7. The orders were based on recommendations from health experts. Advertisement
The order applies to residents in San Francisco, Marin, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Mateo, Contra Costa and Alameda counties. It allows residents to leave their homes only to buy food, medicine and other necessary items and directs businesses that sell those items to remain open -- while ordering all non-essential businesses closed.
"This is going to be a defining moment for our city and we all have a responsibility to do our part to protect our neighbors and slow the spread of this virus by staying at home unless it is absolutely essential to go outside," said Breed.
Advertisement
There are 4,661 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 85 deaths in the United States according to Johns Hopkins University figures as of Monday evening.
Earlier Monday, the governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut also announced that many non-essential businesses across the states will close until further notice to help stem the spread of the coronavirus.
Govs. Andrew Cuomo of New York, Ned Lamont of Connecticut and Phil Murphy of New Jersey announced the measure at a news conference late Monday morning.
Under the order, all gyms, movie theaters and casinos will also close beginning at 8 p.m. EDT Monday.
They stressed that grocery stores, however, will remain open and restaurants and bars will remain open for takeout only. Also, they said gatherings of more than 50 people are not permitted.
"The coronavirus doesn't care about state borders, so this agreement with Gov. Ned Lamont and [Phil] Murphy will help protect the entire Tri-State Area," Cuomo tweeted. "These temporary closures will last as long as is necessary to protect the public health."
Cuomo said the states decided to take action because they have yet to receive leadership from the federal government.
Advertisement
"I have called on the federal gov't to implement nationwide protocols, but in their absence we are taking this on ourselves," he noted.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced similar measures Sunday night.
De Blasio said he will sign an executive order forcing all nightclubs, movie theaters and concert venues to close, while limiting restaurants, bars and cafes to food take-out and delivery services.
"This is not a decision I make lightly," de Blasio said. "These places are part of the heart and soul of our city. They are part of what it means to be a New Yorker. But our city is facing an unprecedented threat, and we must respond with a wartime mentality."
Garcetti announced his order in a message broadcast Sunday on Facebook, in which he said the order goes into effect at midnight and runs until March 31, unless further extended.
"This will be a tough time, but it is not forever," he said. "Angelenos have always risen to meet difficult moments, and we will get through this together."
Earlier Sunday, De Blasio said all schools in New York City will close until at least April 20 but the closure could last until the end of the school year, affecting some 1.1 million students. Last week, de Blasio declared a state of emergency but said Sunday more drastic measures were needed.
Advertisement
"This is a decision I have taken with no joy whatsoever with a lot of pain," he said, adding that he never imagined "in a million years" of canceling school.
Officials will attempt to open the 1,800 schools mid-April, but there are "a lot of unknowns and a lot of challenges" that may keep them shuttered for the remainder of the school year, he said.
New York City will begin remote learning on March 23 and students who need the technology to participate can pick up devices on Thursday and Friday, the mayor's office said. Apple and T-Mobile "will ensure that in the coming weeks, 300,000 New York City public school students who don't currently have an Internet-connected device will have one for their schoolwork," it said.
Friday, the Los Angeles Unified School District voted to close its schools for at least two weeks.
Several other states and cities have adopted drastic measures to combat the spread of COVID-19, including Illinois and Ohio, who said Sunday they would also close all bars and restaurants. California has also ordered residents over 65 years of age to isolate themselves at home.
Maryland, Ohio, Michigan, New Mexico, Oregon and the District of Columbia last week also ordered their schools closed.
Advertisement
Gov. Mike DeWine of Ohio, one of four states scheduled to hold primary elections on Tuesday along with Arizona, Illinois and Florida, said the state's Department of Health would order the polls closed on Monday night after a judge denied his request to delay the election until June.
"During this time when we face an unprecedented public health crisis, to conduct an election tomorrow would force poll workers to place themselves at an unacceptable health risk of contracting coronavirus," he wrote on Twitter.
Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams also announced the state would postpone its elections from May to June.
McDonald's also announced that effective Tuesday, all company-owned restaurants will close seating areas, self-service beverage bars and kiosks while shifting its focus to drive-through, walk-in take-out and delivery services.
U.S. copes with COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-03-16--House sends revised coronavirus response bill to Senate

March 16 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. House of Representatives passed a revised coronavirus relief bill on Monday night with unanimous consent as Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer introduced a third multi-billion-dollar COVID-19 package .
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act package initially passed 363 to 40 on Saturday following intense negotiations with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin .
Monday , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. ; House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy and Mnuchin hashed out technical changes to the bill before passing it on to the Senate , which could vote as soon as Tuesday .
Rep. Louie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the package , had threatened to hold it up on Monday , stating he would not give consent without reading the changes , but later rescinded his objection .
`` There 's no question in my mind what are being called technical corrections make the bill better than it was when it got passed in the wee hours of Saturday morning.
, '' he said from the House floor on Monday .
`` So because of that , speaker , I withdraw my objection . ''
The package was introduced last Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for anyone in need , paid sick leave and enhanced unemployment insurance .
It also contains protections for frontline workers , increased federal funds for Medicaid and more than $ 1 billion to strengthen food security initiatives .
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said lawmakers on both sides of the aisle `` are eager to act quickly '' to help the American people during the health crisis , suggesting it could easily pass there and onto President Donald Trump 's desk .
`` Senate Republicans are absolutely convinced that the house 's hill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the beginning of Congress ' efforts to secure our economy and support American families , '' McConnell said .
Trump said Monday that Republican senators `` may make it even better '' when it arrives there .
`` They 're working together very well with the House , '' Trump told reporters during a press briefing with the Coronavirus Task Force .
`` They 're working to only enhance it and make it better , and make it fair for everybody .
And that 's what we 're looking to do .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the House a little bit , but both will be in a very positive fashion . ''
Schumer announced Monday that Senate Democrats will present a third coronavirus response package of $ 750 billion to wage war against the disease and the `` economic crisis it is now causing . ''
He said the funding will address hospital and treatment capacity issues , expand unemployment insurance and increase Medicaid funding as well as fund emergency child care , help schools administer remote education and ensure senior citizen medicine and food delivery , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump signed the first coronavirus response bill earlier this month -- A $ 8.3 billion package that included funding for local officials on the frontlines and $ 3 billion in vaccine research .
As of Monday afternoon , there were 3,487 confirmed cases of the virus and 68 deaths in the United States , according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

The House sent a revised version of a coronavirus relief bill to the Senate on Monday as President Donald Trump said that Republican senators "may make it even better" when it arrives there. Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI | License Photo
March 16 (UPI) -- The U.S. House of Representatives passed a revised coronavirus relief bill on Monday night with unanimous consent as Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer introduced a third multi-billion-dollar COVID-19 package. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act package initially passed 363 to 40 on Saturday following intense negotiations with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. Monday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.; House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy and Mnuchin hashed out technical changes to the bill before passing it on to the Senate, which could vote as soon as Tuesday. Advertisement
Rep. Louie Gohmert, R-Texas, who initially voted against the package, had threatened to hold it up on Monday, stating he would not give consent without reading the changes, but later rescinded his objection.
Advertisement
"There's no question in my mind what are being called technical corrections make the bill better than it was when it got passed in the wee hours of Saturday morning.," he said from the House floor on Monday. "So because of that, speaker, I withdraw my objection."
The package was introduced last Wednesday with aims to include free COVID-19 testing for anyone in need, paid sick leave and enhanced unemployment insurance. It also contains protections for frontline workers, increased federal funds for Medicaid and more than $1 billion to strengthen food security initiatives.
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said lawmakers on both sides of the aisle "are eager to act quickly" to help the American people during the health crisis, suggesting it could easily pass there and onto President Donald Trump's desk.
"Senate Republicans are absolutely convinced that the house's hill can only be the beginning, just the beginning of Congress' efforts to secure our economy and support American families," McConnell said.
Trump said Monday that Republican senators "may make it even better" when it arrives there.
"They're working together very well with the House," Trump told reporters during a press briefing with the Coronavirus Task Force. "They're working to only enhance it and make it better, and make it fair for everybody. And that's what we're looking to do. So, we may go back and forth with the House a little bit, but both will be in a very positive fashion."
Advertisement
Schumer announced Monday that Senate Democrats will present a third coronavirus response package of $750 billion to wage war against the disease and the "economic crisis it is now causing."
He said the funding will address hospital and treatment capacity issues, expand unemployment insurance and increase Medicaid funding as well as fund emergency child care, help schools administer remote education and ensure senior citizen medicine and food delivery, among a slew of other measures.
Trump signed the first coronavirus response bill earlier this month -- A $8.3 billion package that included funding for local officials on the frontlines and $3 billion in vaccine research.
As of Monday afternoon, there were 3,487 confirmed cases of the virus and 68 deaths in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
U.S. copes with COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-03-16--Minnesota Vikings to trade WR Stefon Diggs to Buffalo Bills

March 16 ( UPI ) -- The Minnesota Vikings agreed Monday night to trade star wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills for multiple draft picks .
League sources told ESPN and FOX Sports that Buffalo will send four picks to the Vikings in exchange for Diggs and a 2020 seventh-round choice .
According to ESPN , Minnesota will receive a first , fifth and sixth in this year 's NFL Draft and a fourth-round pick in 2021 .
Diggs , a fifth-round pick in the 2015 draft out of Maryland , tallied 63 receptions for 1,130 yards and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ career-best 102 catches in 2018 .
Diggs , 26 , is in the second year of a five-year , $ 72 million contract that he signed with the Vikings in July 2018 , according to Spotrac .
The wideout , who previously stirred speculation about his unrest with the Vikings organization , alluded to a possible trade earlier Monday on Twitter , saying , `` It 's time for a new beginning . ''
In 70 career games with the Vikings , Diggs has 365 receptions for 4,623 yards and 30 touchdowns .

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs recorded 63 catches for 1,130 yards and six touchdowns last season. File Photo by Kamil Krzaczynski/UPI | License Photo
March 16 (UPI) -- The Minnesota Vikings agreed Monday night to trade star wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills for multiple draft picks. League sources told ESPN and FOX Sports that Buffalo will send four picks to the Vikings in exchange for Diggs and a 2020 seventh-round choice. According to ESPN, Minnesota will receive a first, fifth and sixth in this year's NFL Draft and a fourth-round pick in 2021. Advertisement
Diggs, a fifth-round pick in the 2015 draft out of Maryland, tallied 63 receptions for 1,130 yards and six touchdowns last season after recording a career-best 102 catches in 2018.
Diggs, 26, is in the second year of a five-year, $72 million contract that he signed with the Vikings in July 2018, according to Spotrac.
The wideout, who previously stirred speculation about his unrest with the Vikings organization, alluded to a possible trade earlier Monday on Twitter, saying, "It's time for a new beginning."
In 70 career games with the Vikings, Diggs has 365 receptions for 4,623 yards and 30 touchdowns.