upi--2020-03-30--U.S. urges Americans abroad to make plans to return home while they still can

March 30 ( UPI ) -- State Department officials aiding in the repatriation of Americans stranded abroad due to the coronavirus pandemic urged U.S. citizens overseas to make plans to return to the United States while they still can .
Countries the world over have been imposing strict quarantine measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 , which has infected nearly 800,000 people in more than 170 countries since the virus emerged four months ago , making it more and more difficult for Americans to board commercial flights to return home .
The State Department has repatriated more than 25,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials said Monday they are unsure how much longer they 'll be able to arrange these evacuation flights .
`` We do not know how long commercial flights will remain available , nor do we know how long the U.S. government will be able to facilitate additional flights where commercial options no longer exist , '' said Ian Brownlee , principal deputy assistant secretary at the State Department 's Bureau of Consular Affairs .
`` It is therefore imperative that U.S. citizens make plans now to avail themselves of these options . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 additional flights over the next week and has identified 9,000 U.S. citizens who have said they want to board them but there is still space for more passengers , Brownlee said , urging those wanting to return to the United States to contact the department .
`` We are seeing more U.S. citizens decide to stay abroad and ride out this crisis where they are , '' Brownlee told reporters during a telephone briefing .
`` If people decide not to take advantage of these flights now , they will also need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The officials made the warning as more than 350 Americans who have been stranded in Peru departed for the United States on Monday .
According to the U.S. Embassy in Peru , nearly 3,300 Americans have been evacuated from the South American country after it implemented strict quarantine measures , such as closing its main airport to the public earlier this month .
Brownlee said buses have been transporting U.S. citizens from outlying regions so they can return to the United States but some people have been placed under quarantine and will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exceptions are not made for international tourists . ''
`` We are working to ensure that travelers placed under quarantine have access to appropriate food and healthy living conditions , '' he said .
`` In the meantime , we remind all U.S. citizens to adhere to the Peruvian government 's quarantine measures . ''
The State Department is also seeing an increase in demand for repatriation flights from Asia , India , Bangladesh and Indonesia , Brownlee said , adding its first evacuation flight from Bangladesh departed for the United States on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of coordinating flights with India .
The U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh said the flights occurred after the Civil Aviation Authority on Saturday announced that from Tuesday until April 7 scheduled international commercial passenger flights from more than a dozen countries would not be allowed to land and that it was `` not aware '' of any flights departing from the capital Dhaka during that time period .
Brownlee said missions around the world `` are facing reduced staffs '' but that they have n't needed to send additional employees to other countries aside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peru .
The head of the department 's repatriation task force , which was formed March 19 , said he is unsure of the cost of the evacuations but that he has found Congress ready to assist in bring Americans home .
`` So , at this point , I 'm not concerned about the K Fund running dry , '' he said , referring to the coffer used during emergencies by U.S. foreign policy officials .

The first repatriation flight of Americans in Bangladesh departed from Dhaka on Monday. Photo courtesy of U.S. Embassy Dhaka/ Twitter
March 30 (UPI) -- State Department officials aiding in the repatriation of Americans stranded abroad due to the coronavirus pandemic urged U.S. citizens overseas to make plans to return to the United States while they still can. Countries the world over have been imposing strict quarantine measures to stop the spread of COVID-19, which has infected nearly 800,000 people in more than 170 countries since the virus emerged four months ago, making it more and more difficult for Americans to board commercial flights to return home. Advertisement
The State Department has repatriated more than 25,000 Americans from at least 50 countries but officials said Monday they are unsure how much longer they'll be able to arrange these evacuation flights.
"We do not know how long commercial flights will remain available, nor do we know how long the U.S. government will be able to facilitate additional flights where commercial options no longer exist," said Ian Brownlee, principal deputy assistant secretary at the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs. "It is therefore imperative that U.S. citizens make plans now to avail themselves of these options."
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The State Department is tracking more than 100 additional flights over the next week and has identified 9,000 U.S. citizens who have said they want to board them but there is still space for more passengers, Brownlee said, urging those wanting to return to the United States to contact the department.
"We are seeing more U.S. citizens decide to stay abroad and ride out this crisis where they are," Brownlee told reporters during a telephone briefing. "If people decide not to take advantage of these flights now, they will also need to hunker down where they are."
The officials made the warning as more than 350 Americans who have been stranded in Peru departed for the United States on Monday. According to the U.S. Embassy in Peru, nearly 3,300 Americans have been evacuated from the South American country after it implemented strict quarantine measures, such as closing its main airport to the public earlier this month.
Traer a miles de #AmericansHome desde #Peru: un gran esfuerzo en equipo. Desde @USEMBASSYPERU, incluido el Servicio Exterior y el ejército estadounidense asignado allí, hasta @CancilleriaPeru, @MindefPeru y otros colegas peruanos, juntos progresamos cada día más. pic.twitter.com/HcxBzh2XO3— Michael G. Kozak (@WHAAsstSecty) March 29, 2020 Advertisement
Brownlee said buses have been transporting U.S. citizens from outlying regions so they can return to the United States but some people have been placed under quarantine and will not be able to leave as "exceptions are not made for international tourists."
"We are working to ensure that travelers placed under quarantine have access to appropriate food and healthy living conditions," he said. "In the meantime, we remind all U.S. citizens to adhere to the Peruvian government's quarantine measures."
The State Department is also seeing an increase in demand for repatriation flights from Asia, India, Bangladesh and Indonesia, Brownlee said, adding its first evacuation flight from Bangladesh departed for the United States on Monday and it was in the process of coordinating flights with India.
The U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh said the flights occurred after the Civil Aviation Authority on Saturday announced that from Tuesday until April 7 scheduled international commercial passenger flights from more than a dozen countries would not be allowed to land and that it was "not aware" of any flights departing from the capital Dhaka during that time period.
Brownlee said missions around the world "are facing reduced staffs" but that they haven't needed to send additional employees to other countries aside from the seven staff they sent to Peru.
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The head of the department's repatriation task force, which was formed March 19, said he is unsure of the cost of the evacuations but that he has found Congress ready to assist in bring Americans home.
"So, at this point, I'm not concerned about the K Fund running dry," he said, referring to the coffer used during emergencies by U.S. foreign policy officials.


upi--2020-03-30--Los Angeles Rams re-sign CB Dont'e Deayon to one-year deal

March 30 ( UPI ) -- The Los Angeles Rams re-signed cornerback Dont ' e Deayon to a short-term contract Monday , according to the NFL transaction wire .
League sources told NFL Media that Deayon , a restricted free agent who was n't tendered , signed back with the Rams on a one-year deal .
Financial details of the agreement were n't disclosed .
With the re-signing of Deayon , the Rams maintained some of their depth in the secondary and on special teams .
The 26-year-old defensive back spent a majority of last season on the practice squad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recording three total tackles .
Deayon is part of a Rams cornerback group that includes Jalen Ramsey , Troy Hill , Darious Williams and David Long .
Los Angeles is expected to add more depth at the position in the upcoming NFL Draft , which is scheduled to take place April 23-25 .
Deayon signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in May 2016 .
He rotated between the Giants ' practice squad and active roster before ultimately being waived in October 2018 .
The Rams then signed Deayon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In 11 career games between the Giants and Rams , he has notched 19 total tackles and three pass breakups .

March 30 (UPI) -- The Los Angeles Rams re-signed cornerback Dont'e Deayon to a short-term contract Monday, according to the NFL transaction wire.
League sources told NFL Media that Deayon, a restricted free agent who wasn't tendered, signed back with the Rams on a one-year deal. Financial details of the agreement weren't disclosed.
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With the re-signing of Deayon, the Rams maintained some of their depth in the secondary and on special teams. The 26-year-old defensive back spent a majority of last season on the practice squad before he appeared in three games, recording three total tackles.
Deayon is part of a Rams cornerback group that includes Jalen Ramsey, Troy Hill, Darious Williams and David Long. Los Angeles is expected to add more depth at the position in the upcoming NFL Draft, which is scheduled to take place April 23-25.
Deayon signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in May 2016. He rotated between the Giants' practice squad and active roster before ultimately being waived in October 2018.
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The Rams then signed Deayon to their practice squad two months later. In 11 career games between the Giants and Rams, he has notched 19 total tackles and three pass breakups.


upi--2020-03-30--Arizona State star guard Remy Martin declares for 2020 NBA Draft

March 30 ( UPI ) -- Arizona State junior guard Remy Martin has declared for the upcoming NBA Draft , the school confirmed Monday .
`` I would like to thank God for giving me the ability to play the game that I love , '' Martin said in a statement .
`` I am so thankful for the constant support , especially from my family who has always encouraged me to pursue my goals .
I also want to thank my teammates , coach [ Bobby ] Hurley , and the entire coaching staff for trusting me and allowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the court .
`` Starting from a young age , I have worked towards the opportunity to play in the NBA and I have now decided to take another step into making my dream a reality .
I will forever cherish the time I have spent at ASU . ''
Martin averaged a team-best 19.1 points to go with 4.1 assists and 3.1 rebounds in the 2019-20 season .
He helped put the Sun Devils on the cusp of a third consecutive NCAA tournament appearance before the men 's and women 's March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic .
Martin , listed at 6-foot and 170 pounds , averaged 13.8 points , four assists and 3.1 rebounds per game across three seasons at Arizona State .

Arizona State guard Remy Martin averaged a team-best 19.1 points per game this past season. Photo courtesy of Arizona State Athletics/Official Website
March 30 (UPI) -- Arizona State junior guard Remy Martin has declared for the upcoming NBA Draft, the school confirmed Monday. "I would like to thank God for giving me the ability to play the game that I love," Martin said in a statement. "I am so thankful for the constant support, especially from my family who has always encouraged me to pursue my goals. I also want to thank my teammates, coach [Bobby] Hurley, and the entire coaching staff for trusting me and allowing me to be myself on and off the court. Advertisement
"Starting from a young age, I have worked towards the opportunity to play in the NBA and I have now decided to take another step into making my dream a reality. I will forever cherish the time I have spent at ASU."
Martin averaged a team-best 19.1 points to go with 4.1 assists and 3.1 rebounds in the 2019-20 season. He helped put the Sun Devils on the cusp of a third consecutive NCAA tournament appearance before the men's and women's March Madness events were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Advertisement I support Remy as he pursues his dreams! pic.twitter.com/jso9QtaXrA— Bobby Hurley (@BobbyHurley11) March 30, 2020
Martin, listed at 6-foot and 170 pounds, averaged 13.8 points, four assists and 3.1 rebounds per game across three seasons at Arizona State.


upi--2020-03-30--Rhode Island lottery requires winners to claim prizes by mail

March 30 ( UPI ) -- The Rhode Island lottery announced that winners must claim their prizes by mail due to the global COVID-19 outbreak .
After purchasing a winning lottery ticket , winners in Rhode Island must send the ticket and additional documentation to the lottery office , rather than appearing in person to claim the prize as many states are under stay at home orders to prevent the spread of the coronavirus .
To claim the winnings players must send a signed copy of the ticket , a copy of a government-issued photo I.D.
, address and telephone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Security Card or a valid document that includes a Social Security number such as an IRS W-9 form .
The measure comes as many lottery offices throughout the United States have closed due to the virus .
South Carolina 's lottery announced its own procedures for claiming lottery prizes during the outbreak .
The lottery said that prizes of less than $ 500 can be redeemed at any South Carolina Education Lottery retailer but noted that cash availability at some locations may be limited .
It encouraged winners to claim prizes of $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a copy of photo identification and a completed claim form that can be found on the lottery 's website .
Prizes greater than $ 100,000 should be claimed by calling the lottery office and following provided prompts .
Players are encouraged to sign the back of a winning ticket and keep it in a safe location , as winning tickets that expired after March 17 will be accepted and processed for a period that the lottery will determine at a later time .

March 30 (UPI) -- The Rhode Island lottery announced that winners must claim their prizes by mail due to the global COVID-19 outbreak.
After purchasing a winning lottery ticket, winners in Rhode Island must send the ticket and additional documentation to the lottery office, rather than appearing in person to claim the prize as many states are under stay at home orders to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
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To claim the winnings players must send a signed copy of the ticket, a copy of a government-issued photo I.D., address and telephone number, a copy of a Social Security Card or a valid document that includes a Social Security number such as an IRS W-9 form.
The measure comes as many lottery offices throughout the United States have closed due to the virus.
South Carolina's lottery announced its own procedures for claiming lottery prizes during the outbreak.
The lottery said that prizes of less than $500 can be redeemed at any South Carolina Education Lottery retailer but noted that cash availability at some locations may be limited.
It encouraged winners to claim prizes of $100,000 or less by mail by sending in a copy of photo identification and a completed claim form that can be found on the lottery's website.
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Prizes greater than $100,000 should be claimed by calling the lottery office and following provided prompts.
Players are encouraged to sign the back of a winning ticket and keep it in a safe location, as winning tickets that expired after March 17 will be accepted and processed for a period that the lottery will determine at a later time.


upi--2020-03-30--U.S. copes with COVID-19 pandemic

U.S. copes with COVID-19 pandemic

The novel coronavirus , COVID-19 , pandemic is spreading across the United States .
People are discouraged ( even banned @ @ @ @ @ large gatherings , public spaces are closing , store shelves are empty , with long @ @ @ @ @ and travel is limited .
Here are some scenes from across America .

Bass Pro Shops marketing manager David Smith (R) carries a box of donated face masks into Mercy Health in Chesterfield, Mo., on May 13. The company is donating 1 million FDA-approved ASTM Level 1 Procedure Face Masks to healthcare workers and first responders working on the front lines of the pandemic. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI


upi--2020-03-30--Wings' Imani McGee-Stafford stepping away from WNBA to attend law school

March 30 ( UPI ) -- Dallas Wings center Imani McGee-Stafford announced Monday that she will forego the next two WNBA seasons to pursue a law degree from Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles .
McGee-Stafford , who grew up in Los Angeles , was placed on the team 's suspended list .
`` We wish Imani well as she pursues a law degree , '' Wings president and CEO Greg Bibb said in a statement Monday .
`` We thank her for her hard work and contribution to the Wings organization and support her decision to step away from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long-time goal . ''
McGee-Stafford , listed at 6-foot-7 , played at Texas from 2012-16 and averaged 10.8 points , 8.2 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game at the school .
The Chicago Sky selected McGee-Stafford with the No .
10 overall pick in the 2016 WNBA Draft .
She spent that season and part of the 2017 campaign with the Sky before being traded to the Atlanta Dream .
Atlanta eventually traded McGee-Stafford to the Wings before last season .
She averaged 3.9 points and 3.8 rebounds in 29 games ( six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I am very thankful to Wings Nation for embracing me , '' McGee-Stafford .
`` I was accepted to Southwestern Law 's accelerated J.D .
program and thus will be taking a two-year hiatus from basketball .
`` While I am saddened to step away from such a big part of my life , I 'm also excited for this next chapter .
I am thankful to Coach [ Brian ] Angler and Greg Bibb for being so understanding and supportive . ''

March 30 (UPI) -- Dallas Wings center Imani McGee-Stafford announced Monday that she will forego the next two WNBA seasons to pursue a law degree from Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles.
McGee-Stafford, who grew up in Los Angeles, was placed on the team's suspended list.
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"We wish Imani well as she pursues a law degree," Wings president and CEO Greg Bibb said in a statement Monday. "We thank her for her hard work and contribution to the Wings organization and support her decision to step away from the WNBA in order to achieve a long-time goal."
McGee-Stafford, listed at 6-foot-7, played at Texas from 2012-16 and averaged 10.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game at the school.
The Chicago Sky selected McGee-Stafford with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2016 WNBA Draft. She spent that season and part of the 2017 campaign with the Sky before being traded to the Atlanta Dream.
Atlanta eventually traded McGee-Stafford to the Wings before last season. She averaged 3.9 points and 3.8 rebounds in 29 games (six starts) for Dallas in 2019.
"I am very thankful to Wings Nation for embracing me. While I am saddened to step away from such a big part of my life, I'm also excited for this next chapter. I am thankful to @brian_agler and @greg_bibb for being so understanding and supportive." Advertisement Congrats, @imanitrishawn_! pic.twitter.com/Z1fxJXnN19— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) March 30, 2020
"I am very thankful to Wings Nation for embracing me," McGee-Stafford. "I was accepted to Southwestern Law's accelerated J.D. program and thus will be taking a two-year hiatus from basketball.
"While I am saddened to step away from such a big part of my life, I'm also excited for this next chapter. I am thankful to Coach [Brian] Angler and Greg Bibb for being so understanding and supportive."


upi--2020-03-31--White House experts project up to 200,000 U.S. COVID-19 deaths

March 31 ( UPI ) -- White House experts on Tuesday shared projections that up to 200,000 Americans may die as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak .
During a briefing by the White House Coronavirus Task Force , Dr. Deborah Birx shared figures projecting that the virus had the potential to kill between 1.5 million and 2.2 million Americans without mitigation and could still lead to 100,000 to 200,000 deaths even if mitigation efforts including `` stay-at-home '' orders issued in many states continue .
The task force based its projections on data from the outbreak in Italy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Metrics and Evaluation Director Chris Murray .
`` We think that that is the range .
We really believe and hope every day that we can do much better than that because that is not assuming 100 percent of every American does everything that they 're supposed to be doing , '' Birx said .
Vice President Mike Pence said 1.1 million Americans have been tested for the coronavirus .
Data gathered by Johns Hopkins University showed there were 181,183 confirmed cases in the United States and 3,721 deaths as of Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to peak during the next two weeks and will decline at a slower pace than they rose .
President Donald Trump warned Americans to brace for a difficult period .
`` I want every American to be prepared for the hard days that lie ahead .
We 're going to go through a very tough two weeks , '' he said .
Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Dr. Anthony Fauci added that deaths from the virus will continue to occur even after the number of reported cases throughout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase in new cases begin to level off , the secondary effect is less hospitalizations , the next effect is less intensive care and the next effect is less deaths , '' he said .
New York has become an epicenter for the virus in the United States , surpassing 75,000 cases and 1,550 deaths on Tuesday .
Fauci said the task force 's goal is for Americans to closely practice social distancing and other mitigation guidelines to prevent other large cities from experiencing a similar spread .
`` Our goal ... is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Yorks , the New Jersey and help them to get around that curve but as importantly to prevent those clusters of areas that have not gone to that spike , to prevent them from getting to that spike , '' he said .
The projections were presented to Trump before he moved on Sunday to extend federal social distancing guidelines -- originally scheduled to end Tuesday -- through April 30 .
Trump on Monday said a national stay-at-home order , like those that have called for Americans to remain in their homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is unlikely .
On Tuesday , Trump and Pence reasserted that they would allow states to issue their own orders with Trump adding the White House would only intervene in cases in which they observe actions that are `` obviously wrong '' by state and local leaders .
`` At the president 's direction , the White House Coronavirus Task Force will continue to take the posture that we will defer to state and local health authorities on any measures that they deem appropriate , '' Pence said .

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White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Ambassador Dr. Deborah Birx on Tuesday presented projections that as many as 200,000 Americans may die as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI | License Photo
March 31 (UPI) -- White House experts on Tuesday shared projections that up to 200,000 Americans may die as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. During a briefing by the White House Coronavirus Task Force, Dr. Deborah Birx shared figures projecting that the virus had the potential to kill between 1.5 million and 2.2 million Americans without mitigation and could still lead to 100,000 to 200,000 deaths even if mitigation efforts including "stay-at-home" orders issued in many states continue. Advertisement
The task force based its projections on data from the outbreak in Italy and various models including information from Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation Director Chris Murray.
"We think that that is the range. We really believe and hope every day that we can do much better than that because that is not assuming 100 percent of every American does everything that they're supposed to be doing," Birx said.
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Vice President Mike Pence said 1.1 million Americans have been tested for the coronavirus. Data gathered by Johns Hopkins University showed there were 181,183 confirmed cases in the United States and 3,721 deaths as of Tuesday evening,
Birx said deaths are projected to peak during the next two weeks and will decline at a slower pace than they rose. President Donald Trump warned Americans to brace for a difficult period.
"I want every American to be prepared for the hard days that lie ahead. We're going to go through a very tough two weeks," he said.
Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Dr. Anthony Fauci added that deaths from the virus will continue to occur even after the number of reported cases throughout the nation decreases.
"When the increase in new cases begin to level off, the secondary effect is less hospitalizations, the next effect is less intensive care and the next effect is less deaths," he said.
U.S. copes with COVID-19 pandemic
Bass Pro Shops marketing manager David Smith (R) carries a box of donated face masks into Mercy Health in Chesterfield, Mo., on May 13. The company is donating 1 million FDA-approved ASTM Level 1 Procedure Face Masks to healthcare workers and first responders working on the front lines of the pandemic. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
New York has become an epicenter for the virus in the United States, surpassing 75,000 cases and 1,550 deaths on Tuesday.
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Fauci said the task force's goal is for Americans to closely practice social distancing and other mitigation guidelines to prevent other large cities from experiencing a similar spread.
"Our goal ... is to get the hotspot places, the New Yorks, the New Jersey and help them to get around that curve but as importantly to prevent those clusters of areas that have not gone to that spike, to prevent them from getting to that spike," he said.
The projections were presented to Trump before he moved on Sunday to extend federal social distancing guidelines -- originally scheduled to end Tuesday -- through April 30.
Trump on Monday said a national stay-at-home order, like those that have called for Americans to remain in their homes and for non-essential businesses to shut down, is unlikely.
On Tuesday, Trump and Pence reasserted that they would allow states to issue their own orders with Trump adding the White House would only intervene in cases in which they observe actions that are "obviously wrong" by state and local leaders.
"At the president's direction, the White House Coronavirus Task Force will continue to take the posture that we will defer to state and local health authorities on any measures that they deem appropriate," Pence said.
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Maine Gov. Janet Mills on Tuesday issued a directive requiring residents to stay at home at all times unless for "an essential job or an essential personal reason" including obtaining food, medicine or healthcare, limiting the number of people in essential stores, prohibiting the use of public transportation and ending in-person instruction at schools until at least May 1.
Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott also issued a similar order requiring Texans to only leave their homes for essential work or to access essential services including groceries until April 30 and closing schools until May 4.
As of Tuesday, North Carolina, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Louisiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, California, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Washington, Hawaii, Alaska and Washington, D.C., have implemented orders urging people to remain in their homes and closing non-essential businesses. Alabama, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Kentucky and Nevada have issued orders closing non-essential businesses due to the virus.


upi--2020-03-31--CDC: 30% of Americans hospitalized with COVID-19 have underlying conditions

March 31 ( UPI ) -- Americans with diabetes , chronic lung disease and heart disease appear to be at higher risk for severe COVID-19 compared to those who are otherwise healthy , a new analysis from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed .
Figures released Tuesday by the agency show nearly 30 percent of patients with underlying conditions who have acquired the virus required hospitalization and 94 percent of those who have died of the virus had at least one underlying health condition .
The findings are similar those seen in Wuhan , China , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say .
`` Today 's preliminary U.S. data show that people with select underlying health conditions , such as diabetes , cardiovascular disease , and chronic lung disease , and known risk factors for respiratory infections -- for example , smoking -- appear to be at higher risk for severe disease , '' a CDC spokeswoman told UPI .
`` And these results are consistent with findings from China and Italy , which suggest people with underlying health conditions and risk factors might be at higher risk for severe disease or death from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these health conditions in the United States , the fact that COVID-19 seems to attack these populations more aggressively here as well is hardly good news .
Nearly 80 million people nationwide are living with high blood pressure , for example , according to the American Heart Association , while the CDC estimates that more than 30 million have some form of diabetes and 20 million suffer from heart disease .
Many people suffer from more than one of these conditions , as diabetes , heart disease and high blood pressure are often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UPI reported earlier this month , a small study of COVID-19 patients in Wuhan found that , among those who died from the infection , roughly half had underlying chronic conditions , the most common being high blood pressure and diabetes .
The new CDC analysis of nearly 75,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States echoed these findings .
Among adults 19 and older , as many as 30 percent with underlying health conditions have required hospitalization to treat the infection , compared to 7 percent of those who were otherwise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with underlying health conditions have required admission to the ICU to treat the virus , while just over 2 percent without underlying conditions have needed treatment in the ICU .
Of those with underlying conditions , the most common were diabetes , heart disease and lung ailments like asthma , COPD and emphysema .
Among the 184 patients included in the CDC analysis who died from COVID-19 , 94 percent had at least one underlying condition .
`` Persons with underlying health conditions who have symptoms of COVID-19 , including fever , cough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediately contact their health care provider , '' the agency wrote in the report .

People wearing protective face masks wait on line to be tested for Coronavirus at Elmhurst Hospital Center on Tuesday. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
March 31 (UPI) -- Americans with diabetes, chronic lung disease and heart disease appear to be at higher risk for severe COVID-19 compared to those who are otherwise healthy, a new analysis from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed. Figures released Tuesday by the agency show nearly 30 percent of patients with underlying conditions who have acquired the virus required hospitalization and 94 percent of those who have died of the virus had at least one underlying health condition. Advertisement
The findings are similar those seen in Wuhan, China, where the global pandemic started, researchers say.
"Today's preliminary U.S. data show that people with select underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic lung disease, and known risk factors for respiratory infections -- for example, smoking -- appear to be at higher risk for severe disease," a CDC spokeswoman told UPI. "And these results are consistent with findings from China and Italy, which suggest people with underlying health conditions and risk factors might be at higher risk for severe disease or death from COVID-19."
Given the prevalence of these health conditions in the United States, the fact that COVID-19 seems to attack these populations more aggressively here as well is hardly good news. Nearly 80 million people nationwide are living with high blood pressure, for example, according to the American Heart Association, while the CDC estimates that more than 30 million have some form of diabetes and 20 million suffer from heart disease.
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Many people suffer from more than one of these conditions, as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure are often linked, researchers also note.
As UPI reported earlier this month, a small study of COVID-19 patients in Wuhan found that, among those who died from the infection, roughly half had underlying chronic conditions, the most common being high blood pressure and diabetes.
The new CDC analysis of nearly 75,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States echoed these findings. Among adults 19 and older, as many as 30 percent with underlying health conditions have required hospitalization to treat the infection, compared to 7 percent of those who were otherwise healthy.
Nearly 15 percent of those with underlying health conditions have required admission to the ICU to treat the virus, while just over 2 percent without underlying conditions have needed treatment in the ICU. Of those with underlying conditions, the most common were diabetes, heart disease and lung ailments like asthma, COPD and emphysema.
Among the 184 patients included in the CDC analysis who died from COVID-19, 94 percent had at least one underlying condition.
"Persons with underlying health conditions who have symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, cough, or shortness of breath, should immediately contact their health care provider," the agency wrote in the report.


upi--2020-03-31--Redskins Pro Bowl guard Brandon Scherff signing franchise tender

League sources told ESPN and the Washington Times on Tuesday that Scherff will earn about $ 15 million this season after signing the tender .
According to ESPN , the money in the one-year agreement is fully guaranteed .
The move was expected after the Redskins placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Scherff before the start of free agency earlier this month .
The Redskins ' previous front office negotiated with Scherff during the regular season in 2019 , but he rejected the team 's offer , according to ESPN .
Washington and Scherff can still negotiate a long-term contract @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a three-time Pro Bowl selection , has earned praise for his play since joining the Redskins as the No .
5 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft out of Iowa .
But the standout offensive guard has struggled to stay healthy in the last two seasons , missing a combined 13 games .
Scherff , 28 , has appeared in 65 games , all starts , with the Redskins since entering the league .
He has failed to play 16 games in a single season since his rookie and sophomore campaigns @

Washington Redskins offensive guard Brandon Scherff (75) will earn $15.03 million this season after signing the franchise tender. File Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI | License Photo
March 31 (UPI) -- Washington Redskins star offensive lineman Brandon Scherff is signing his franchise tender. League sources told ESPN and the Washington Times on Tuesday that Scherff will earn about $15 million this season after signing the tender. According to ESPN, the money in the one-year agreement is fully guaranteed. Advertisement
The move was expected after the Redskins placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Scherff before the start of free agency earlier this month.
The Redskins' previous front office negotiated with Scherff during the regular season in 2019, but he rejected the team's offer, according to ESPN. Washington and Scherff can still negotiate a long-term contract until the July 15 deadline.
Scherff, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, has earned praise for his play since joining the Redskins as the No. 5 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft out of Iowa. But the standout offensive guard has struggled to stay healthy in the last two seasons, missing a combined 13 games.
Scherff, 28, has appeared in 65 games, all starts, with the Redskins since entering the league. He has failed to play 16 games in a single season since his rookie and sophomore campaigns.
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upi--2020-03-31--U.S. copes with COVID-19 pandemic

U.S. copes with COVID-19 pandemic

Nurses at the University of California Los Angeles hold a candlelight vigil practicing social distancing to show solidarity and support @ @ @ @ @ and to demand stronger leadership from the federal government in protecting the health and safety @ @ @ @ @ patients at the Ronald Reagan Medical Center on March 30 .
Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI


upi--2020-03-31--Appeals court sides with Texas, allows temporary ban on abortions

March 31 ( UPI ) -- A federal appeals court on Tuesday said Texas ' temporary ban on abortions during the coronavirus pandemic can continue .
The 5th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a lower judge 's ruling Monday that lifted the ban .
The appeals court 's decision sides with Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott 's ban on abortions while the case works its way through the courts .
Abbott banned all non-medically necessary abortions in the state in a March 22 executive order forcing all healthcare professionals to postpone elective surgeries and other medical procedures .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeals panel dissented .
`` A federal judge has already concluded that irreparable harm would flow from allowing the executive order to prohibit abortions during this critical time , '' Judge James Dennis wrote .
The Center for Reproductive Rights -- which , along with the Lawyering Project and Planned Parenthood , represented abortion providers in the court case -- said the appeals court ruling puts Texas `` in a perilous position . ''
`` How heartless do you have to be to , in a time of crisis , take extraordinary measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ? ''
said Alexis McGill Johnson , acting CEO of Planned Parenthood .
`` Abortion is essential healthcare , and it is urgent and time-sensitive .
While people everywhere are trying to survive the COVID-19 pandemic , politicians like Gov .
Abbott continue this perverse obsession with banning abortion . ''
`` I thank the court for their immediate and careful attention to the health and safety needs of Texans suffering from the spread of COVID-19 .
The temporary stay ordered this afternoon justly prioritizes supplies and personal protective equipment for the medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The governor 's order temporarily halting unnecessary medical procedures , including abortion , applies to all health care facilities and professionals equally as Texans come together to combat this medical crisis . ''

A federal appeals court says the temporary abortion ban in Texas will stay in place while a case challenging it plays out in the courts. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
March 31 (UPI) -- A federal appeals court on Tuesday said Texas' temporary ban on abortions during the coronavirus pandemic can continue. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a lower judge's ruling Monday that lifted the ban. The appeals court's decision sides with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's ban on abortions while the case works its way through the courts. Advertisement
Abbott banned all non-medically necessary abortions in the state in a March 22 executive order forcing all healthcare professionals to postpone elective surgeries and other medical procedures.
One of the three judges on the appeals panel dissented.
"A federal judge has already concluded that irreparable harm would flow from allowing the executive order to prohibit abortions during this critical time," Judge James Dennis wrote.
The Center for Reproductive Rights -- which, along with the Lawyering Project and Planned Parenthood, represented abortion providers in the court case -- said the appeals court ruling puts Texas "in a perilous position."
"How heartless do you have to be to, in a time of crisis, take extraordinary measures to take away people's health care?" said Alexis McGill Johnson, acting CEO of Planned Parenthood. "Abortion is essential healthcare, and it is urgent and time-sensitive. While people everywhere are trying to survive the COVID-19 pandemic, politicians like Gov. Abbott continue this perverse obsession with banning abortion."
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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton welcomed the 5th Circuit's ruling Tuesday.
"I thank the court for their immediate and careful attention to the health and safety needs of Texans suffering from the spread of COVID-19. The temporary stay ordered this afternoon justly prioritizes supplies and personal protective equipment for the medical professionals in need," he said. "The governor's order temporarily halting unnecessary medical procedures, including abortion, applies to all health care facilities and professionals equally as Texans come together to combat this medical crisis."


upi--2020-03-31--NFL owners agree to expand playoff field to 14 teams

March 31 ( UPI ) -- NFL team owners voted to approve the expansion of the playoff field from 12 to 14 teams , starting with the 2020 season .
League officials confirmed the change during a conference call with NFL Media on Tuesday , which took place in lieu of the league 's annual meeting .
The vote was initially scheduled to happen at the meeting , which was canceled earlier this month because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The changing of the playoff format required approval from three-fourths of the 32 owners in the league .
Under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NFC Wild Card rounds will feature the No .
2 seed hosting a seventh-seeded team , the third-seed hosting the No .
6 seed and the fourth-seed hosting the No .
5 seed .
The No .
1 seeds in each conference will be the only teams to receive a first-round bye .
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell started considering the postseason expansion idea almost 10 years ago , and the league was close to adopting a similar concept in 2014 .
The plan was stalled until after league owners and players ratified a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The NFL 's wild-card weekend will feature three games Jan. 9 and another three matchups Jan. 10 , according to the league .
NBC and CBS will broadcast the additional wild-card contests .
In addition to CBS ' extra NFL broadcast on Jan. 9 , the network will live-stream the game on CBS All Access .
That game also will be aired on Nickelodeon in a telecast tailored for a younger audience .
Sunday 's NBC games also will be aired on the network 's streaming service , Peacock , as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expanded its postseason in 1990 .
The league 's playoff field went from 10 to 12 teams that year .

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell started considering the idea of an expanded playoff field almost 10 years ago. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
March 31 (UPI) -- NFL team owners voted to approve the expansion of the playoff field from 12 to 14 teams, starting with the 2020 season. League officials confirmed the change during a conference call with NFL Media on Tuesday, which took place in lieu of the league's annual meeting. The vote was initially scheduled to happen at the meeting, which was canceled earlier this month because of the coronavirus pandemic. Advertisement
The changing of the playoff format required approval from three-fourths of the 32 owners in the league.
Under the new postseason format, the AFC and NFC Wild Card rounds will feature the No. 2 seed hosting a seventh-seeded team, the third-seed hosting the No. 6 seed and the fourth-seed hosting the No. 5 seed. The No. 1 seeds in each conference will be the only teams to receive a first-round bye.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell started considering the postseason expansion idea almost 10 years ago, and the league was close to adopting a similar concept in 2014. The plan was stalled until after league owners and players ratified a new collective bargaining agreement earlier this month.
Advertisement NFL clubs approve expansion of postseason beginning in 2020 season: - Number of playoff teams increased from 12 to 14 (one additional Wild Card team per conference) - No. 1 seeds in each conference receive a bye - Wild Card Round expands from four to six games pic.twitter.com/sFiamvSi1C— NFL (@NFL) March 31, 2020
The NFL's wild-card weekend will feature three games Jan. 9 and another three matchups Jan. 10, according to the league. NBC and CBS will broadcast the additional wild-card contests.
In addition to CBS' extra NFL broadcast on Jan. 9, the network will live-stream the game on CBS All Access. That game also will be aired on Nickelodeon in a telecast tailored for a younger audience. Sunday's NBC games also will be aired on the network's streaming service, Peacock, as well as Spanish-language Telemundo.
The NFL last expanded its postseason in 1990. The league's playoff field went from 10 to 12 teams that year.


upi--2020-03-31--U.S.: Bi-state sage grouse not eligible for 'threatened' status

March 31 ( UPI ) -- A genetically distinct type of greater sage grouse found on the border between Nevada and California is not eligible for protection under the Endangered Species Act , the U.S .
Fish and Wildlife Service said Tuesday .
The agency report , published in the Federal Register , said the bi-state sage grouse does not meet qualifications to be listed as a threatened species because existing area conservation groups and wildlife agencies have created plans to protect the bird 's high-altitude sagebrush habitat .
About 3,300 birds remain on 4.5 million acres of high-desert range @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the diagonal border between Nevada and California .
Sage grouse are large , ground-dwelling prairie chickens distinctive for their strutting mating rituals in which males fan their plumage and inflate orange air sacs on their chests .
The bird 's habitat is threatened by disruption of the sagebrush environment , wildfires and livestock grazing .
A parallel battle over endangered species listing is raging over the greater sage grouse , where the bird 's population has dropped in the U.S. West from 16 million fowl 200 years ago to fewer than 300,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would impose strict federal restrictions on cattle and sheep grazing and other land uses , possibly causing local livestock producers to lose access to federal grazing privileges or blocking future real estate development .
`` [ State wildlife ] agencies and industry are more fearful than anyone about an Endangered Species Act listing and foresee difficulties , '' said Brian Rutledge , Rocky Mountain vice president of the National Audubon Society .
`` That 's why they have cooperated so fully to help develop a policy they could live with . ''
Since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and state land management agencies , as well as tribal members and private ranchers and landowners has been collaborating on a $ 45 million plan to improve sagebrush habitat and sage grouse numbers .
The Fish and Wildlife report said conservation stakeholders have worked to protect 50,000 acres of habitat .
`` This partnership shows that conservation for at-risk species can be successful when we work together and leverage our resources , '' Paul Souza , the Fish and Wildlife director for the California-Great Basin Region , said in a statement .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ science and works to have the biggest impact and they hope for the best , '' said Amy Sturgill , data and communications coordinator for the Bi-State Sage Grouse Local Area Working Group , which developed the conservation plan .
But members of conservation groups criticized the efforts of the voluntary conservation collaborative as unsuccessful .
`` These stakeholder handshake conservation actions are not working because the sage grouse population is crashing , '' said Laura Cunningham , California director of Western Watersheds Project , a conservation group .
`` These birds need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's predators , ravens and coyotes , are attracted by landfill sites in the area , Cunningham said .
Cattle grazing , expanded by removing pinyon forests , limits the height of native prairie grasses in which birds and their chicks could hide , she added .
`` The Fish and Wildlife Service seems to be completely catering to the ranching industry , to chop down trees and make more forage for cows , '' Cunningham said .
The federal wildlife agency had been blocked from delisting the species as threatened by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Northern California , which directed the agency to restudy the bird 's situation .
The Fish and Wildlife agency 's analysis said even if the bird did n't qualify for endangered species status , the species still was at risk .
`` Small population size and a discontinuous population structure occur throughout the Bi-State [ distinct population segment ] 's range , which could make the Bi-State more vulnerable to impacts of threats , '' the report said .

1/2
The bi-state sage grouse, a cousin of the greater sage grouse, is not eligible for protection under the Endangered Species Act, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said. Photo by Jeannie Stafford, courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
March 31 (UPI) -- A genetically distinct type of greater sage grouse found on the border between Nevada and California is not eligible for protection under the Endangered Species Act, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said Tuesday. The agency report, published in the Federal Register, said the bi-state sage grouse does not meet qualifications to be listed as a threatened species because existing area conservation groups and wildlife agencies have created plans to protect the bird's high-altitude sagebrush habitat. Advertisement
About 3,300 birds remain on 4.5 million acres of high-desert range between the Sierra Nevada and White Mountains on the diagonal border between Nevada and California.
Sage grouse are large, ground-dwelling prairie chickens distinctive for their strutting mating rituals in which males fan their plumage and inflate orange air sacs on their chests.
The bird's habitat is threatened by disruption of the sagebrush environment, wildfires and livestock grazing.
Advertisement
A parallel battle over endangered species listing is raging over the greater sage grouse, where the bird's population has dropped in the U.S. West from 16 million fowl 200 years ago to fewer than 300,000 today.
A "threatened" listing would impose strict federal restrictions on cattle and sheep grazing and other land uses, possibly causing local livestock producers to lose access to federal grazing privileges or blocking future real estate development.
"[State wildlife] agencies and industry are more fearful than anyone about an Endangered Species Act listing and foresee difficulties," said Brian Rutledge, Rocky Mountain vice president of the National Audubon Society. "That's why they have cooperated so fully to help develop a policy they could live with."
Since 2002, a working group of federal and state land management agencies, as well as tribal members and private ranchers and landowners has been collaborating on a $45 million plan to improve sagebrush habitat and sage grouse numbers.
The Fish and Wildlife report said conservation stakeholders have worked to protect 50,000 acres of habitat.
"This partnership shows that conservation for at-risk species can be successful when we work together and leverage our resources," Paul Souza, the Fish and Wildlife director for the California-Great Basin Region, said in a statement.
Advertisement
"Everyone moves forward with the best available science and works to have the biggest impact and they hope for the best," said Amy Sturgill, data and communications coordinator for the Bi-State Sage Grouse Local Area Working Group, which developed the conservation plan.
But members of conservation groups criticized the efforts of the voluntary conservation collaborative as unsuccessful.
"These stakeholder handshake conservation actions are not working because the sage grouse population is crashing," said Laura Cunningham, California director of Western Watersheds Project, a conservation group. "These birds need stronger legal protections."
The bird's predators, ravens and coyotes, are attracted by landfill sites in the area, Cunningham said. Cattle grazing, expanded by removing pinyon forests, limits the height of native prairie grasses in which birds and their chicks could hide, she added.
"The Fish and Wildlife Service seems to be completely catering to the ranching industry, to chop down trees and make more forage for cows," Cunningham said.
The federal wildlife agency had been blocked from delisting the species as threatened by a 2018 ruling from the U.S. District Court of Northern California, which directed the agency to restudy the bird's situation.
The Fish and Wildlife agency's analysis said even if the bird didn't qualify for endangered species status, the species still was at risk.
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"Small population size and a discontinuous population structure occur throughout the Bi-State [distinct population segment]'s range, which could make the Bi-State more vulnerable to impacts of threats," the report said.


upi--2020-03-31--FDA approves malaria drugs for COVID-19 with little proof they work

With little evidence that the malaria drugs hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine can prevent or treat COVID-19 , the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given emergency approval to distribute millions of doses of the medicines to hospitals across the country .
`` These drugs will be distributed from the Strategic National Stockpile to states for doctors to prescribe to adolescent and adult patients hospitalized with COVID-19 as appropriate , when a clinical trial is not available or feasible , '' the FDA said in a statement released March 28 .
Use of the two drugs is controversial , however , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effects .
Under the FDA 's plan , fact sheets outlining `` the known risks and drug interactions '' of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine will be made available to clinicians , the agency said .
As the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths continues to surge in the United States , doctors are left without either a vaccine or proven medication to curb severe illness .
Chloroquine 's potential use as a COVID-19 therapy got a big boost last week when President Donald Trump extolled its supposed efficacy during a White House news briefing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statements from the nation 's top infectious disease expert , Dr. Anthony Fauci , who downplayed chloroquine 's effectiveness , citing a dearth of evidence .
Indeed , the primary support for the malaria drug 's efficacy comes from a French study of just 20 patients with COVID-19 who were given hydroxychloroquine plus the antibiotic azithromycin .
Six of the patients who received the combination recovered , as did seven of 14 patients who received hydroxychloroquine alone , according to the study published online March 20 in the International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , our survey shows that hydroxychloroquine treatment is significantly associated with viral load reduction/disappearance in COVID-19 patients and its effect is reinforced by azithromycin , '' the French team wrote .
But another study cast doubt on the French findings .
According to Bloomberg News , that study involved 30 Chinese COVID-19 patients and found no difference in viral clearance between the 15 patients who got hydroxychloroquine and 15 who did not take the drug .
Still , in a March 28 letter leading to the FDA 's authorization of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hinton noted that , `` based upon limited in-vitro and anecdotal clinical data in case series , chloroquine phosphate and hydroxychloroquine sulfate are currently recommended for treatment of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in several countries . ''
Given the lack of viable treatment alternatives , `` it is reasonable to believe that chloroquine phosphate and hydroxychloroquine sulfate may be effective in treating COVID-19 , '' Hinton added .
But other experts worry that the known and sometimes dangerous side effects of the two drugs could emerge in thousands of patients .
One of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heart 's rhythm , said Dr. Michael Ackerman , a pediatric cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester , Minn .
The malaria drugs are tied to a prolongation in the QTc -- a measurement of the heart 's electrical recharging system .
Prolonged QTc can trigger sudden cardiac death .
`` Correctly identifying which patients are most susceptible to this unwanted , tragic side effect and knowing how to safely use these medications is important in neutralizing this threat , '' Ackerman said in a Mayo Clinic news release .
His team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and offering guidance to doctors who might be caring for COVID-19 patients who receive hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine .
`` Right now , it is the Wild West out there , ranging from doing no QTc surveillance whatsoever and just accepting this potential tragic side effect as part of 'friendly fire , ' to having ECG technicians going into the room of a patient with COVID-19 daily , exposing them to coronavirus and consuming personal protective equipment , '' Ackerman said .
His team said that sensors could help doctors monitor patient 's heart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health care workers .
Such monitoring would help pinpoint the small minority of patients who would be at higher odds for the arrhythmia , Ackerman said .
`` Importantly , the vast majority of patients -- about 90 percent -- are going to be QTc cleared with a 'green light go ' and can proceed , being at extremely low risk for this side effect , '' he said .
According to the Washington Post , another known side effect of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine use is the vision-robbing condition known as retinopathy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ develops over the long-term .
For now , the FDA is advising the use of the malaria drugs only for short-term treatment of COVID-19 .
The answer to whether or not the malaria medicines can prevent COVID-19 could be on the way .
Researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine and New York University Grossman School of Medicine are launching a two-month clinical trial they hope will include over 2,000 participants .
All of the participants will be close contacts of people who have or are thought to have COVID-19 -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developing the illness .
`` We currently do n't know if hydroxychloroquine works , but we will learn in as short a timeframe as possible what the outcome is , '' principal investigator Ruanne Barnabas said in a UW news release .
She 's associate professor of global health in the university 's schools of Medicine and Public Health .
The results are expected by this summer .
For now , drug giants Novartis and Bayer are each contributing millions of doses of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine to the National Stockpile , the Post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approved the distribution of hundreds of thousands of doses to hospitals in New York , the current epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic .
All of the experts urged against members of the public `` self-medicating '' with the malaria drugs or chemicals that might contain them .
Real tragedies could result : In one much publicized case , a couple living in Phoenix mixed fish-tank cleanser -- with hydroxychloroquine as one of its ingredients -- with soda and drank the mixture , hoping it would ward off COVID-19 .
The `` medicine '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ landing the woman in the hospital , the Post reported .
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on the new coronavirus .

A medical professional wearing a protective face mask pushes a patient ton a stretcher hrough the emergency room entrance at Elmhurst Hospital Center on Tuesday in New York City. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
With little evidence that the malaria drugs hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine can prevent or treat COVID-19, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given emergency approval to distribute millions of doses of the medicines to hospitals across the country. "These drugs will be distributed from the Strategic National Stockpile to states for doctors to prescribe to adolescent and adult patients hospitalized with COVID-19 as appropriate, when a clinical trial is not available or feasible," the FDA said in a statement released March 28. Advertisement
Use of the two drugs is controversial, however, because of widely recognized and potentially serious side effects. Under the FDA's plan, fact sheets outlining "the known risks and drug interactions" of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine will be made available to clinicians, the agency said.
As the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths continues to surge in the United States, doctors are left without either a vaccine or proven medication to curb severe illness.
Advertisement
Chloroquine's potential use as a COVID-19 therapy got a big boost last week when President Donald Trump extolled its supposed efficacy during a White House news briefing. But that was quickly followed by statements from the nation's top infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, who downplayed chloroquine's effectiveness, citing a dearth of evidence.
Indeed, the primary support for the malaria drug's efficacy comes from a French study of just 20 patients with COVID-19 who were given hydroxychloroquine plus the antibiotic azithromycin. Six of the patients who received the combination recovered, as did seven of 14 patients who received hydroxychloroquine alone, according to the study published online March 20 in the International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents.
"Despite its small sample size, our survey shows that hydroxychloroquine treatment is significantly associated with viral load reduction/disappearance in COVID-19 patients and its effect is reinforced by azithromycin," the French team wrote.
Conflicting results
But another study cast doubt on the French findings. According to Bloomberg News, that study involved 30 Chinese COVID-19 patients and found no difference in viral clearance between the 15 patients who got hydroxychloroquine and 15 who did not take the drug.
Still, in a March 28 letter leading to the FDA's authorization of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine for COVID-19, agency chief scientist Denise Hinton noted that, "based upon limited in-vitro and anecdotal clinical data in case series, chloroquine phosphate and hydroxychloroquine sulfate are currently recommended for treatment of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in several countries."
Advertisement
Given the lack of viable treatment alternatives, "it is reasonable to believe that chloroquine phosphate and hydroxychloroquine sulfate may be effective in treating COVID-19," Hinton added.
But other experts worry that the known and sometimes dangerous side effects of the two drugs could emerge in thousands of patients.
Heart issues
One of the biggest side effects involves alterations in the heart's rhythm, said Dr. Michael Ackerman, a pediatric cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. The malaria drugs are tied to a prolongation in the QTc -- a measurement of the heart's electrical recharging system. Prolonged QTc can trigger sudden cardiac death.
"Correctly identifying which patients are most susceptible to this unwanted, tragic side effect and knowing how to safely use these medications is important in neutralizing this threat," Ackerman said in a Mayo Clinic news release.
His team conducted a study outlining the danger, and offering guidance to doctors who might be caring for COVID-19 patients who receive hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine.
"Right now, it is the Wild West out there, ranging from doing no QTc surveillance whatsoever and just accepting this potential tragic side effect as part of 'friendly fire,' to having ECG technicians going into the room of a patient with COVID-19 daily, exposing them to coronavirus and consuming personal protective equipment," Ackerman said.
Advertisement
His team said that sensors could help doctors monitor patient's heart rhythms remotely, lessening the danger to health care workers.
Such monitoring would help pinpoint the small minority of patients who would be at higher odds for the arrhythmia, Ackerman said.
"Importantly, the vast majority of patients -- about 90 percent -- are going to be QTc cleared with a 'green light go' and can proceed, being at extremely low risk for this side effect," he said.
Clinical trial to come
According to the Washington Post, another known side effect of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine use is the vision-robbing condition known as retinopathy, but that's typically something that only develops over the long-term. For now, the FDA is advising the use of the malaria drugs only for short-term treatment of COVID-19.
The answer to whether or not the malaria medicines can prevent COVID-19 could be on the way. Researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine and New York University Grossman School of Medicine are launching a two-month clinical trial they hope will include over 2,000 participants. All of the participants will be close contacts of people who have or are thought to have COVID-19 -- meaning they are at high risk of developing the illness.
Advertisement
"We currently don't know if hydroxychloroquine works, but we will learn in as short a timeframe as possible what the outcome is," principal investigator Ruanne Barnabas said in a UW news release. She's associate professor of global health in the university's schools of Medicine and Public Health. The results are expected by this summer.
For now, drug giants Novartis and Bayer are each contributing millions of doses of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine to the National Stockpile, the Post reported, and the FDA has already approved the distribution of hundreds of thousands of doses to hospitals in New York, the current epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic.
All of the experts urged against members of the public "self-medicating" with the malaria drugs or chemicals that might contain them.
Real tragedies could result: In one much publicized case, a couple living in Phoenix mixed fish-tank cleanser -- with hydroxychloroquine as one of its ingredients -- with soda and drank the mixture, hoping it would ward off COVID-19. The "medicine" proved poisonous, killing the man and landing the woman in the hospital, the Post reported.
More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on the new coronavirus.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-03-31--Amazon, Whole Foods workers walk out over coronavirus disputes

1/4
An independent contractor places Amazon Prime groceries into a cart as she organizes customer deliveries Tuesday inside a Whole Foods Market in Silver Spring, Md. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
March 31 (UPI) -- Workers at Amazon and Whole Foods Market have turned to walkouts to draw attention to complaints over how their companies' are handling the coronavirus outbreak. Whole Foods employees called for a "sick-out" worldwide Tuesday to protest conditions and pay, while there is a surge in demand for grocery services. Advertisement
In a petition, they demand that Amazon, which owns Whole Foods, do more to protect their workers.
"Whole Foods has temporarily relaxed its strict attendance policy, which means that team members can participate in this act of protest without fear of reprisal," states a web page dedicated to the sick-out. "We encourage all retail workers at other companies to join us in this act of solidarity."
Organizers call for guaranteed pay for workers in isolation or quarantine, healthcare for part-time employees, coverage for coronavirus testing and treatment costs. They also ask for policy on social distancing and closing locations where a worker has tested positive for the disease.
The effort follows a move by workers for grocery delivery company Instacart, who organized a strike Monday over similar concerns. Shoppers who work for the smartphone app demanded hazard pay, safety gear and cleaning supplies. They also called for sick leave to include workers with pre-existing conditions who are not able to work.
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Monday, Amazon fired an employee who led a walkout at its Staten Island, N.Y., facility, where one at least worker tested positive for the coronavirus.
New York Attorney General Letitia James called the firing "disgraceful" and said she's considering calling the National Labor Relations Board to investigate.
Amazon, though, said the employee repeatedly violated its social distancing guidelines and put other employees at risk. The company said he was told to stay home for 14 days because of close contact with an infected person.
"Despite that instruction to stay home with pay, he came onsite [Monday], further putting the teams at risk," an Amazon representative said told UPI. This is unacceptable and we have terminated his employment as a result of these multiple safety issues."
Last week, the attorneys general of 14 states and the District of Columbia asked both Amazon and Whole Foods to broaden their sick leave policies due to the ongoing threat of the pandemic.
U.S. copes with COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-03-31--Look: Horse hoisted upside-down from cesspit

March 31 ( UPI ) -- Firefighters in England said they had to enlist the help of a local company @ @ @ @ @ for the rescue of a horse that fell into a dry cesspit .
Nottinghamshire Fire @ @ @ @ @ responded Friday when a horse fell into a dry cesspit and was trapped upside down @ @ @ @ @ and rescue 's district manager for Newark , Collingham and Southwell , said local company @ @ @ @ @ to allow the rescuers to safely hoist the horse out of the hole by its @ @ @ @ @ horse was able to stand up once it was safely back on solid ground and @ @ @ @ @ .

1/2
A horse that fell into a dry cesspit in England was hoisted out by the legs. Photo courtesy of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe March 31 (UPI) -- Firefighters in England said they had to enlist the help of a local company to bring in heavy machinery for the rescue of a horse that fell into a dry cesspit. Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue said multiple crews responded Friday when a horse fell into a dry cesspit and was trapped upside down. Advertisement
Leigh Holmes, fire and rescue's district manager for Newark, Collingham and Southwell, said local company Agriscope brought in heavy machinery to allow the rescuers to safely hoist the horse out of the hole by its legs.
Rescuers said the horse was able to stand up once it was safely back on solid ground and was returned to its owner.


upi--2020-03-31--Dow slides 410 points on final day of quarter

March 31 ( UPI ) -- U.S. stocks dropped at the end of trading Tuesday on the final day of the worst first quarter in American history .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 410.32 points , or 1.84 percent , while the S & P 500 fell 1.6 percent and the Nasdaq Composite slid 0.95 percent ending a quarter marked by market volatility due in large part to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Bank stocks fell on Tuesday as JPMorgan Chase slid 2.6 , Citigroup dropped 3 percent and Bank of America lost 1.7 percent .
The decline followed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reserve , which said Tuesday it will begin lending money to foreign central banking systems .
The temporary move is intended to keep rates down and stabilize markets under threat from the coronavirus pandemic .
The Fed said the measure should enable the `` smooth functioning of financial markets ... and thus maintain the supply of credit to U.S. households and businesses . ''
The U.S. central bank said the temporary measure , called the FIMA Repo Facility , should aid the U.S. Treasury market by providing an `` alternative temporary source of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the open market . ''
Tuesday 's is the Fed 's latest intervention to support the U.S. economy during the health crisis .
Earlier this month , it allowed unlimited purchases for treasury bonds and lowered interest rates to near zero .
The first quarter of 2020 , which , due largely to the global coronavirus emergency , is set to conclude on Tuesday as the worst-performing first quarter in American history .
For weeks at the end of the quarter , Wall Street saw wild swings -- 1,000-point losses followed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Last week the Dow gained more than 10 percent in value in its greatest weekly performance since 1938 .
The bellwether index soared more than 2,100 points on March 24 , its largest single-day percentage climb in nearly 90 years .
A week earlier , the Dow lost more than 17 percent of its value -- its worst weekly performance since the financial crisis in 2008 .
The index plummeted more than 3,000 points on March 16 , and later closed below the 20,000 mark for the first time since early 2017 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ some type of bottom , '' Tom Lee , an analyst at Fundstrat Global Advisors , told CNBC .
`` I do n't know if this is October '08 here ; we still have some wood to chop . ''
The quarter also saw a completely empty New York Stock Exchange begin on March 23 , as traders moved to all-electronic transactions to comply with recommended social distancing guidelines .
Goldman Sachs on Tuesday predicted the U.S. unemployment rate will peak at around 15 percent later this year , up from its original @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also forecast gross domestic product will fall 9 percent in the first quarter of this year and then 34 percent into the second quarter , the worst period since World War II .
In quarter three , Goldman projected that the GDP would turn around , surging 19 percent .
`` This not only means deeper negatives in the very near term but also raises the specter of more adverse second-round effects on income and spending a bit further down the road , '' the firm said .
`` On the other hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easing dramatically further , which will tend to contain these second-round effects and add to growth down the road . ''

Streets are seen nearly empty in front of the the New York Stock Exchange on March 16. Tuesday's trading session closes out the first quarter of 2020, which will go down as the worst-performing first quarter in U.S. history. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
March 31 (UPI) -- U.S. stocks dropped at the end of trading Tuesday on the final day of the worst first quarter in American history. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 410.32 points, or 1.84 percent, while the S&P 500 fell 1.6 percent and the Nasdaq Composite slid 0.95 percent ending a quarter marked by market volatility due in large part to the COVID-19 pandemic. Advertisement
Bank stocks fell on Tuesday as JPMorgan Chase slid 2.6, Citigroup dropped 3 percent and Bank of America lost 1.7 percent.
The decline followed another emergency measure by the U.S. Federal Reserve, which said Tuesday it will begin lending money to foreign central banking systems. The temporary move is intended to keep rates down and stabilize markets under threat from the coronavirus pandemic.
The Fed said the measure should enable the "smooth functioning of financial markets ... and thus maintain the supply of credit to U.S. households and businesses."
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The U.S. central bank said the temporary measure, called the FIMA Repo Facility, should aid the U.S. Treasury market by providing an "alternative temporary source of U.S. dollars other than sales of securities in the open market."
Tuesday's is the Fed's latest intervention to support the U.S. economy during the health crisis. Earlier this month, it allowed unlimited purchases for treasury bonds and lowered interest rates to near zero.
The first quarter of 2020, which, due largely to the global coronavirus emergency, is set to conclude on Tuesday as the worst-performing first quarter in American history.
For weeks at the end of the quarter, Wall Street saw wild swings -- 1,000-point losses followed by 1,000-point gains -- and historic marks. Last week the Dow gained more than 10 percent in value in its greatest weekly performance since 1938. The bellwether index soared more than 2,100 points on March 24, its largest single-day percentage climb in nearly 90 years.
A week earlier, the Dow lost more than 17 percent of its value -- its worst weekly performance since the financial crisis in 2008. The index plummeted more than 3,000 points on March 16, and later closed below the 20,000 mark for the first time since early 2017.
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"I think the market has established some type of bottom," Tom Lee, an analyst at Fundstrat Global Advisors, told CNBC. "I don't know if this is October '08 here; we still have some wood to chop."
The quarter also saw a completely empty New York Stock Exchange begin on March 23, as traders moved to all-electronic transactions to comply with recommended social distancing guidelines.
Goldman Sachs on Tuesday predicted the U.S. unemployment rate will peak at around 15 percent later this year, up from its original projections of 9 percent.
The firm also forecast gross domestic product will fall 9 percent in the first quarter of this year and then 34 percent into the second quarter, the worst period since World War II. In quarter three, Goldman projected that the GDP would turn around, surging 19 percent.
"This not only means deeper negatives in the very near term but also raises the specter of more adverse second-round effects on income and spending a bit further down the road," the firm said. "On the other hand, both monetary and fiscal policy are easing dramatically further, which will tend to contain these second-round effects and add to growth down the road."
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Pandemic empties streets, public spaces around the world


upi--2020-03-31--Oregon man wins $6.3 million from free lottery ticket

March 31 ( UPI ) -- An Oregon man 's $ 6.3 million lottery jackpot was made all the more lucky by the fact that his ticket was free -- and he almost left it at the store .
Robert McCauley of Mount Vernon told Oregon Lottery officials he took his Megabucks ticket to the Blue Mountain Mini Mart , where manager Jolene Moulton told him he had won a free ticket .
`` I checked Bob 's ticket and actually gave him the voucher slip that came with his free ticket , '' Moulton said .
`` As he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free play ticket sitting on the counter and realized Bob had the wrong ticket .
I called him back to the window gave him the free ticket . ''
Moulton said she had only sold three tickets for the March 23 Megabucks drawing , so when she found out she had sold the $ 6.3 million winner , she sent a mutual friend to McCauley 's house to tell him to check his ticket .
McCauley said his daughter , Pam , checked the numbers online and confirmed he had the big winner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up and down , '' McCauley said .
`` I was cool as a cucumber . ''
McCauley said his plans for his winnings include buying a new refrigerator for his wife and buying a new truck for himself .

An Oregon man won $6.3 million from a lottery ticket he received as a free prize -- and nearly left behind at the store. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe March 31 (UPI) -- An Oregon man's $6.3 million lottery jackpot was made all the more lucky by the fact that his ticket was free -- and he almost left it at the store. Robert McCauley of Mount Vernon told Oregon Lottery officials he took his Megabucks ticket to the Blue Mountain Mini Mart, where manager Jolene Moulton told him he had won a free ticket. Advertisement
"I checked Bob's ticket and actually gave him the voucher slip that came with his free ticket," Moulton said. "As he was walking away, I saw the free play ticket sitting on the counter and realized Bob had the wrong ticket. I called him back to the window gave him the free ticket."
Moulton said she had only sold three tickets for the March 23 Megabucks drawing, so when she found out she had sold the $6.3 million winner, she sent a mutual friend to McCauley's house to tell him to check his ticket.
McCauley said his daughter, Pam, checked the numbers online and confirmed he had the big winner.
"Pam was screaming and jumping up and down," McCauley said. "I was cool as a cucumber."
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McCauley said his plans for his winnings include buying a new refrigerator for his wife and buying a new truck for himself.


upi--2020-03-31--Spread of COVID-19 on USS Roosevelt is 'ongoing and accelerating,' captain says

March 31 ( UPI ) -- The captain of the USS Theodore Roosevelt is pleading with the U.S. Navy for more resources to help contain a coronavirus outbreak aboard the ship and avoid possible deaths .
The aircraft carrier docked in Guam last week so its crew of 5,000 sailors could be tested for the novel coronavirus .
At the time 23 members of its crew had tested positive for the virus .
Now more than 100 sailors are infected , and according to Capt .
Brett Crozier , in a four-page letter first reported by the San Francisco Chronicle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to Crozier , only a small contingent of soldiers have been off-boarded , and most remain aboard the ship , where it 's impossible to follow recommendations for 14-day quarantines and social distancing .
`` Due to a warship 's inherent limitations of space , we are not doing this , '' Crozier wrote .
`` The spread of the disease is ongoing and accelerating . ''
He asked the Navy for `` compliant quarantine rooms '' for his entire crew in Guam `` as soon as possible . ''
`` This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the right thing to do , '' Crozier wrote .
`` We are not at war .
Sailors do not need to die .
If we do not act now , we are failing to properly take care of our most trusted asset -- our Sailors . ''
According to military.com , the first positive cases aboard the Roosevelt emerged after the ship made a port call in Vietnam in early March , despite warnings that the virus was likely to sweep through the Asia-Pacific region .
Crozier 's letter comes as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personnel climbs -- with more than 1,000 total cases as of Monday -- and recruiters have called for the closure of boot camps amid the pandemic .
Defense Secretary Mark Esper urged commanders this week to keep quiet about the number of infections among military personnel , saying adversaries could exploit information regarding high numbers of cases at specific bases or facilities .
A Monday statement from Pentagon press secretary Alyssa Farah said the Pentagon would `` assiduously continue to make the public aware of the presence of any potential new COVID-19 outbreaks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not report the aggregate number `` individual service member cases at individual unit , base or Combatant Commands . ''

The captain of USS Theodore Roosevelt, shown here during a scheduled deployment to the Indo-Pacific earlier in March, sent a letter this week pleading for more resources to help contain an outbreak of coronavirus among its sailors. Photo by Nicholas V. Huynh/U.S. Navy
March 31 (UPI) -- The captain of the USS Theodore Roosevelt is pleading with the U.S. Navy for more resources to help contain a coronavirus outbreak aboard the ship and avoid possible deaths. The aircraft carrier docked in Guam last week so its crew of 5,000 sailors could be tested for the novel coronavirus. Advertisement
At the time, 23 members of its crew had tested positive for the virus.
On Wednesday, Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly told reporters that three crew had tested positive for the virus.
Now more than 100 sailors are infected, and according to Capt. Brett Crozier, in a four-page letter first reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, the situation is rapidly deteriorating.
According to Crozier, only a small contingent of soldiers have been off-boarded, and most remain aboard the ship, where it's impossible to follow recommendations for 14-day quarantines and social distancing.
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"Due to a warship's inherent limitations of space, we are not doing this," Crozier wrote. "The spread of the disease is ongoing and accelerating."
He asked the Navy for "compliant quarantine rooms" for his entire crew in Guam "as soon as possible."
"This will require a political solution but it is the right thing to do," Crozier wrote. "We are not at war. Sailors do not need to die. If we do not act now, we are failing to properly take care of our most trusted asset -- our Sailors."
Crozier requested the majority of the crew be removed from the ship and isolated for two weeks while 10 percent of the servicemen stay aboard to run the reactor plan, sanitize the ship, ensure security and provide for contingency response to emergencies.
"This is a necessary risk," Crozier wrote. "It will enable the carrier and air wing to get back underway as quickly as possible while ensuring the health and safety of our sailors."
However, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper told CBS News' Norah O'Donnell that mass disembarkment won't be necessary.
"I don't think we're are that point," he said. "We are moving a lot of supplies and assistance, medical assistance, out to the carrier in Guam."
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Late Tuesday, Pacific Fleet Commander Adm. John Aquilino and Fleet Master Chief James Honea published a video message on Facebook to tell their sailors that they doing all they can to ensure their safety.
"During this specific difficult time, I am a hundred percent confident that the Pacific Fleet sailors are the right team to fight our way through this problem," Aquilino said, without mentioning the USS Theodore Roosevelt.
According to military.com, the first positive cases aboard the Roosevelt emerged after the ship made a port call in Vietnam in early March, despite warnings that the virus was likely to sweep through the Asia-Pacific region.
Crozier's letter comes as the number of reported cases among military personnel climbs -- with more than 1,000 total cases as of Monday -- and recruiters have called for the closure of boot camps amid the pandemic.
Esper urged commanders this week to keep quiet about the number of infections among military personnel, saying adversaries could exploit information regarding high numbers of cases at specific bases or facilities.
A Monday statement from Pentagon press secretary Alyssa Farah said the Pentagon would "assiduously continue to make the public aware of the presence of any potential new COVID-19 outbreaks within our base communities" but would not report the aggregate number "individual service member cases at individual unit, base or Combatant Commands."


upi--2020-03-31--Astronomers reveal source of 'red sign' in ancient Japanese literature

March 31 ( UPI ) -- In the early 7th century Japan , a fan of bright red feathers flamed across the night sky .
Onlookers likened the cosmic phenomenon to the tail of a pheasant .
In written accounts , witnesses speculated about the cosmic origins of the `` red sign , '' but until now , the phenomenon 's true identity was a mystery .
In a new study , published this week in journal Sokendai Review of Culture and Social Studies , astronomers claim a powerful aurora best explains the red light that flashed above Japan in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Japanese astronomical record of a 'red sign , ' '' Ryuho Kataoka , an expert on space weather and an associate professor at Japan 's National Institute of Polar Research , said in a news release .
`` It could be a red aurora produced during magnetic storms .
However , convincing reasons have not been provided , although the description has been very famous among Japanese people for a long time . ''
Scientists have previously speculated that the red sign was produced by an aurora , or magnetic storm .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pheasant tails .
The usually appear in wave-like patterns .
Other researchers have suggested the red sign was caused by a comet skimming across Earth 's atmosphere , but comets are rarely red in color .
Researchers determined that Japan 's skies would have been more likely to host an aurora some 1,500 years ago .
The island nation 's magnetic latitude would have been 33 degrees in 620 A.D. Today , Japan 's magnetic latitude is 25 degrees .
Modern studies have shown that especially powerful magnetic storms can produce auroras featuring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Recent findings have shown that auroras can be 'pheasant tail ' shaped specifically during great magnetic storms , '' Kataoka said .
`` This means that the 620 A.D. phenomenon was likely an aurora . ''
The mystery of the red sign would have been much harder to solve were it not for the imagination and specificity of the written accounts .
`` This is an interesting and successful example that modern science can benefit from the ancient Japanese emotion evoked when the surprising appearance of heaven reminded them of a familiar @ @ @ @ @ @

Witnesses of an unusual cosmic phenomena in 7th century Japan likened what scientists now believe was a powerful aurora to a red pheasant tail. Photo by pxhere /CC
March 31 (UPI) -- In the early 7th century Japan, a fan of bright red feathers flamed across the night sky. Onlookers likened the cosmic phenomenon to the tail of a pheasant. In written accounts, witnesses speculated about the cosmic origins of the "red sign," but until now, the phenomenon's true identity was a mystery. Advertisement
In a new study, published this week in journal Sokendai Review of Culture and Social Studies, astronomers claim a powerful aurora best explains the red light that flashed above Japan in 620 A.D.
"It is the oldest Japanese astronomical record of a 'red sign,'" Ryuho Kataoka, an expert on space weather and an associate professor at Japan's National Institute of Polar Research, said in a news release. "It could be a red aurora produced during magnetic storms. However, convincing reasons have not been provided, although the description has been very famous among Japanese people for a long time."
Scientists have previously speculated that the red sign was produced by an aurora, or magnetic storm. However, auroras don't typically look like pheasant tails. The usually appear in wave-like patterns.
Other researchers have suggested the red sign was caused by a comet skimming across Earth's atmosphere, but comets are rarely red in color.
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Researchers determined that Japan's skies would have been more likely to host an aurora some 1,500 years ago. The island nation's magnetic latitude would have been 33 degrees in 620 A.D. Today, Japan's magnetic latitude is 25 degrees.
Modern studies have shown that especially powerful magnetic storms can produce auroras featuring shapes other than ribbons and waves.
"Recent findings have shown that auroras can be 'pheasant tail' shaped specifically during great magnetic storms," Kataoka said. "This means that the 620 A.D. phenomenon was likely an aurora."
The mystery of the red sign would have been much harder to solve were it not for the imagination and specificity of the written accounts.
"This is an interesting and successful example that modern science can benefit from the ancient Japanese emotion evoked when the surprising appearance of heaven reminded them of a familiar bird," Kataoka said.


upi--2020-03-31--Agents seize $30M in drugs from U.S.-Mexico border tunnel

March 31 ( UPI ) -- U.S. border officials seized over 4,000 pounds of illicit drugs from the U.S. exit of a tunnel spanning more than 2,000 feet from a warehouse in Mexico to one in California , U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Tuesday .
The tunnel originates from a warehouse in in Tijuana , Mexico , and extends under the U.S.-Mexico border to a warehouse in the Otay Mesa area of California .
Federal agents on the San Diego Tunnel Task Force discovered the tunnel on March 19 following an investigation that also included ICE 's Homeland Security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Attorney 's Office , an ICE statement said .
The San Diego Tunnel Task Force was investigating a transnational criminal organization suspected of smuggling drugs into the United States .
The agents worked with the attorney general of Mexico and the Mexican secretary of national defense to locate the tunnel entrance .
They presented evidence to a U.S. federal judge and obtained a federal search warrant , which allowed them to uncover the the tunnel 's exit .
The drugs seized included approximately 1,300 pounds of cocaine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pounds of heroin , 3,000 pounds of marijuana and more than 2 pounds of fentanyl .
U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer said in a statement they amount to an estimated total street value of $ 30 million .
`` If cartels keep spending millions of dollars building tunnels , we will keep finding and filling them , '' Brewer said .
`` This is the most valuable single-day tunnel seizure in recent memory , and it is the largest seizure of multiple drugs in a single tunnel .
This take down is even more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , where stopping the movement of unauthorized people and packages across international borders is of utmost importance . ''
The tunnel spans more than 2,000 feet with an average depth of 31 feet , and it 's 3 feet wide through most of the passageway , the statement said .
Agents estimate it 's been around for several months because of its `` advanced construction '' in the passageway , including `` reinforced walls , ventilation , lighting and underground rail system . ''
Earlier this year , Border Patrol agents and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smuggling tunnel , stretching 4,309 feet from Tijuana airport to Greater San Diego .

Drugs seized in tunnel discovered under U.S.-Mexico border earlier this month were worth an estimated $30 million. Photo courtesy of ICE
March 31 (UPI) -- U.S. border officials seized over 4,000 pounds of illicit drugs from the U.S. exit of a tunnel spanning more than 2,000 feet from a warehouse in Mexico to one in California, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Tuesday. The tunnel originates from a warehouse in in Tijuana, Mexico, and extends under the U.S.-Mexico border to a warehouse in the Otay Mesa area of California. Advertisement
Federal agents on the San Diego Tunnel Task Force discovered the tunnel on March 19 following an investigation that also included ICE's Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Attorney's Office, an ICE statement said.
The San Diego Tunnel Task Force was investigating a transnational criminal organization suspected of smuggling drugs into the United States. The agents worked with the attorney general of Mexico and the Mexican secretary of national defense to locate the tunnel entrance.
They presented evidence to a U.S. federal judge and obtained a federal search warrant, which allowed them to uncover the the tunnel's exit.
The drugs seized included approximately 1,300 pounds of cocaine, 86 pounds of methamphetamine, 17 pounds of heroin, 3,000 pounds of marijuana and more than 2 pounds of fentanyl.
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U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer said in a statement they amount to an estimated total street value of $30 million.
"If cartels keep spending millions of dollars building tunnels, we will keep finding and filling them," Brewer said. "This is the most valuable single-day tunnel seizure in recent memory, and it is the largest seizure of multiple drugs in a single tunnel. This take down is even more significant in the face of a global pandemic, where stopping the movement of unauthorized people and packages across international borders is of utmost importance."
The tunnel spans more than 2,000 feet with an average depth of 31 feet, and it's 3 feet wide through most of the passageway, the statement said. Agents estimate it's been around for several months because of its "advanced construction" in the passageway, including "reinforced walls, ventilation, lighting and underground rail system."
Earlier this year, Border Patrol agents and other authorities discovered the longest underground cross-border smuggling tunnel, stretching 4,309 feet from Tijuana airport to Greater San Diego.