upi--2020-03-16--Canada, France, Russia, Sudan shut borders due to coronavirus

March 16 ( UPI ) -- Canada , France , Russia and Sudan closed their borders on Monday in response to the COVID-19 outbreak .
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that foreign nationals from all countries except for the United States will no longer be allowed to enter Canada as the nation will limit international flight arrivals to four major airports .
`` This does not include air crews , travelers heading to a third country , diplomats , immediate family members of Canadian citizens , or permanent residents , '' Trudeau said .
French President Emmanuel Macron said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beginning at noon on March 17 .
Russia said it would close its borders to foreigners with some exceptions until May 1 , while Sudan closed all sea ports , land crossings and airports .
`` All travel between non-European countries and the European Union will be suspended .
French people abroad who want to return will of course be able to join their country , '' he said .
The World Health Organization said in an update Monday there has been a `` rapid escalation '' of coronavirus cases and the European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel into the bloc .
The WHO said the vast majority of new cases in recent days have been recorded outside the original epicenter in China , and that Europe and Iran are now the hardest-hit areas .
`` More cases and deaths have now been reported in the rest of the world than in China , '' said WHO Director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , who added that the global response is improving and lagging in some places .
A Johns Hopkins University tally stood Monday at nearly 175,000 cases worldwide and more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have recovered , the university indicates .
`` We have seen a rapid escalation in social distancing measures , like closing schools and cancelling sporting events and other gatherings , '' Ghebreyesus said .
`` But we have n't seen an urgent enough escalation in testing , isolation and contact tracing , which is the backbone of the COVID-19 response . ''
The WHO chief urged every country to `` test , test , test '' in conjunction with social distancing , saying one is not sufficient without the other .
European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday announced a temporary halt to non-essential travel to the European Union for 30 days .
Under the plan , a `` fast lane '' will be established to give priority to essential transport for goods and commuters .
Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said Italy faces its greatest test since World War II , as the death toll mounted to 1,809 -- nearly one-third of the world total .
`` It 's the time for sacrifices , for responsible choices , '' he told the daily Corriere della Sera .
`` Since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of unity , putting health at the center .
We are facing an emergency that has not been known since the Second World War . ''
The head of the Italian doctors ' union said more than 2,000 Italian health workers , including doctors and nurses , have been infected .
In Spain , in the number of new cases surged by 1,000 Monday , health officials said -- a jump of 13 percent .
The mortality rate has remained at around 3 percent , officials said .
There are about 300 deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Isabel Díaz Ayuso and Begoña Gómez , the wife of the Spanish prime minister , said they have tested positive .
Sunday , the Spanish government said private health providers would be temporarily taken over and put in the service of the national healthcare system for the first time in Spain 's history .
French health officials say there are more than 5,400 cases and 127 deaths .
Jerome Salomon , director general of country 's health service , said the number of new cases has doubled about every three days .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are people who are sick , who are in intensive care and that [ their number ] runs into hundreds , '' he said .
Germany has joined several neighbors in restricting free travel within the European Union 's Schengen network of open internal borders .
German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer announced the new restrictions late Sunday , which will affect frontiers with Switzerland , France , Austria , Denmark and Luxembourg .
`` Travelers without a valid reason to travel can no longer enter , '' he said , adding there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commuters .
More than 5,800 coronavirus cases have been recorded in Germany .
Thirteen patients have died and almost 50 have recovered , health officials said .
Austria was the first to restrict borders when it set up checkpoints along its Alpine border with Italy , which has since emerged as the disease 's epicenter in Europe .
Austria is now demanding that travelers from Italy produce proof they have been cleared by doctors .
Germany has joined Slovenia , Hungary , Poland , Slovakia , the Czech Republic and Cyprus in imposing @ @ @

A notice related to the spread of the coronavirus disease is seen Monday posted at Narita International Airport in Chiba prefecture, Japan. Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI | License Photo
March 16 (UPI) -- Canada, France, Russia and Sudan closed their borders on Monday in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that foreign nationals from all countries except for the United States will no longer be allowed to enter Canada as the nation will limit international flight arrivals to four major airports. Advertisement
"This does not include air crews, travelers heading to a third country, diplomats, immediate family members of Canadian citizens, or permanent residents," Trudeau said.
French President Emmanuel Macron said the country's borders would also close beginning at noon on March 17.
Russia said it would close its borders to foreigners with some exceptions until May 1, while Sudan closed all sea ports, land crossings and airports.
"All travel between non-European countries and the European Union will be suspended. French people abroad who want to return will of course be able to join their country," he said.
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The World Health Organization said in an update Monday there has been a "rapid escalation" of coronavirus cases and the European Union proposed a 30-day ban on non-essential travel into the bloc.
The WHO said the vast majority of new cases in recent days have been recorded outside the original epicenter in China, and that Europe and Iran are now the hardest-hit areas.
"More cases and deaths have now been reported in the rest of the world than in China," said WHO Director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who added that the global response is improving and lagging in some places.
A Johns Hopkins University tally stood Monday at nearly 175,000 cases worldwide and more than 6,700 deaths. More than 77,500 people have recovered, the university indicates.
"We have seen a rapid escalation in social distancing measures, like closing schools and cancelling sporting events and other gatherings," Ghebreyesus said. "But we haven't seen an urgent enough escalation in testing, isolation and contact tracing, which is the backbone of the COVID-19 response."
The WHO chief urged every country to "test, test, test" in conjunction with social distancing, saying one is not sufficient without the other.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday announced a temporary halt to non-essential travel to the European Union for 30 days. Under the plan, a "fast lane" will be established to give priority to essential transport for goods and commuters.
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Italy
Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said Italy faces its greatest test since World War II, as the death toll mounted to 1,809 -- nearly one-third of the world total.
"It's the time for sacrifices, for responsible choices," he told the daily Corriere della Sera. "Since the start I have worked with a spirit of unity, putting health at the center. We are facing an emergency that has not been known since the Second World War."
The head of the Italian doctors' union said more than 2,000 Italian health workers, including doctors and nurses, have been infected.
Spain
In Spain, in the number of new cases surged by 1,000 Monday, health officials said -- a jump of 13 percent.
The mortality rate has remained at around 3 percent, officials said. There are about 300 deaths and 540 recoveries.
Madrid regional premier Isabel Díaz Ayuso and Begoña Gómez, the wife of the Spanish prime minister, said they have tested positive.
Sunday, the Spanish government said private health providers would be temporarily taken over and put in the service of the national healthcare system for the first time in Spain's history.
France
Macron announced a 15-day lockdown to begin at noon Tuesday.
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French health officials say there are more than 5,400 cases and 127 deaths. Jerome Salomon, director general of country's health service, said the number of new cases has doubled about every three days.
"I want our citizens to realize that there are people who are sick, who are in intensive care and that [their number] runs into hundreds," he said.
Germany
Germany has joined several neighbors in restricting free travel within the European Union's Schengen network of open internal borders.
German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer announced the new restrictions late Sunday, which will affect frontiers with Switzerland, France, Austria, Denmark and Luxembourg.
"Travelers without a valid reason to travel can no longer enter," he said, adding there will be exceptions for goods traffic and commuters.
More than 5,800 coronavirus cases have been recorded in Germany. Thirteen patients have died and almost 50 have recovered, health officials said.
Austria was the first to restrict borders when it set up checkpoints along its Alpine border with Italy, which has since emerged as the disease's epicenter in Europe. Austria is now demanding that travelers from Italy produce proof they have been cleared by doctors.
Germany has joined Slovenia, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Cyprus in imposing border restrictions.


upi--2020-03-16--San Francisco 49ers trading DL DeForest Buckner to Indianapolis Colts

March 16 ( UPI ) -- The San Francisco 49ers agreed to trade star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts on Monday .
League sources told ESPN and NFL Media that Indianapolis will send a first-round draft choice , the No .
13 overall pick in this year 's NFL Draft , to the 49ers in exchange for Buckner .
The deal ca n't be processed until the beginning of the new league year Wednesday .
Once the trade is finalized , the Colts will give Buckner a massive contract extension worth $ 21 million per season , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal will make him the second-highest-paid defensive tackle in the league behind only Los Angeles Rams superstar Aaron Donald .
Buckner , who turns 26 on Tuesday , has been a stalwart for the 49ers since the franchise selected him with the No .
7 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft .
He has missed only one game in his four seasons with the team , playing the third-most snaps among defensive linemen in the past four years .
In 63 career games with the 49ers , Buckner has recorded 263 total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defensed .
He tallied 62 combined tackles , 7.5 sacks and two forced fumbles last season .
The agreed-upon trade came on the same day the 49ers signed fellow defensive lineman Arik Armstead to a five-year deal worth up to $ 85 million .
Essentially , San Francisco opted to retain Armstead and acquire a first-rounder for Buckner , who was scheduled to become a free agent next off-season .
Armstead , a first-round selection in the 2015 NFL Draft out of Oregon , set new career highs in total tackles ( 54 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forced fumbles ( two ) and passes defensed ( two ) last season , his fifth in San Francisco .

San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman DeForest Buckner (99) compiled 28.5 sacks in four seasons with the 49ers. File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
March 16 (UPI) -- The San Francisco 49ers agreed to trade star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts on Monday. League sources told ESPN and NFL Media that Indianapolis will send a first-round draft choice, the No. 13 overall pick in this year's NFL Draft, to the 49ers in exchange for Buckner. The deal can't be processed until the beginning of the new league year Wednesday. Advertisement
Once the trade is finalized, the Colts will give Buckner a massive contract extension worth $21 million per season, according to NFL Media. The new deal will make him the second-highest-paid defensive tackle in the league behind only Los Angeles Rams superstar Aaron Donald.
Buckner, who turns 26 on Tuesday, has been a stalwart for the 49ers since the franchise selected him with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. He has missed only one game in his four seasons with the team, playing the third-most snaps among defensive linemen in the past four years.
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In 63 career games with the 49ers, Buckner has recorded 263 total tackles, 28.5 sacks and 11 passes defensed. He tallied 62 combined tackles, 7.5 sacks and two forced fumbles last season.
The agreed-upon trade came on the same day the 49ers signed fellow defensive lineman Arik Armstead to a five-year deal worth up to $85 million. Essentially, San Francisco opted to retain Armstead and acquire a first-rounder for Buckner, who was scheduled to become a free agent next off-season.
Armstead, a first-round selection in the 2015 NFL Draft out of Oregon, set new career highs in total tackles (54), sacks (10), forced fumbles (two) and passes defensed (two) last season, his fifth in San Francisco.


upi--2020-03-16--U.S. Space Force gets first offensive weapon, a satellite jammer

March 16 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. Space Force announced its first offensive weapon , a ground-based communications jammer to block satellite transmissions .
The Space Force announced Friday that Counter Communication System Block 10.2 achieved Initial Operating Capability earlier this month .
It was transferred from the Los Angeles AFB to Peterson AFB , Colo. , after being declared operational by the Air Force Space and Missile Center 's special programs directorate .
The portable CCS temporarily denies satellite communications of adversaries , and was first deployed in 2004 after hostile nations began attempting to disrupt American satellite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Block 10.1 , was developed in 2014 .
L3Harris is the prime contractor for both versions 10.1 and 10.2 .
The newest version of the system was given to the 4th Space Control Squadron at Peterson AFB in a brief handover ceremony .
It followed a certified training program for space control operators and satellite communications maintenance personnel .
The system includes additional frequency bands and other features , with more options to disrupt enemies ' satellite communications , and can be updated with agile software development methods , Col. Stephen Purdy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
`` CCS B10.2 represents the end of the traditional way of development , '' Purdy said .
`` Future upgrades and enhancements will make use of SMC 's Agile DevSecOps [ Development , Security and Operations ] approach adapting to the evolving battlefield while delivering capabilities to the warfighter faster and better than our opponents . ''

Members of the 4th Space Control Squadron at Peterson AFB, Colo., pose with their newest acquisition, the Counter Communication System Block 10.2, meant to disrupt transmissions from enemy satellites. Photo courtesy of A1C Andrew Bertain, U.S. Air Force
March 16 (UPI) -- The U.S. Space Force announced its first offensive weapon, a ground-based communications jammer to block satellite transmissions. The Space Force announced Friday that Counter Communication System Block 10.2 achieved Initial Operating Capability earlier this month. It was transferred from the Los Angeles AFB to Peterson AFB, Colo., after being declared operational by the Air Force Space and Missile Center's special programs directorate. Advertisement
The portable CCS temporarily denies satellite communications of adversaries, and was first deployed in 2004 after hostile nations began attempting to disrupt American satellite transmissions. An upgraded version, CCS Block 10.1, was developed in 2014. L3Harris is the prime contractor for both versions 10.1 and 10.2.
The newest version of the system was given to the 4th Space Control Squadron at Peterson AFB in a brief handover ceremony. It followed a certified training program for space control operators and satellite communications maintenance personnel.
The system includes additional frequency bands and other features, with more options to disrupt enemies' satellite communications, and can be updated with agile software development methods, Col. Stephen Purdy, SMC special programs director, said in a statement.
"CCS B10.2 represents the end of the traditional way of development," Purdy said. "Future upgrades and enhancements will make use of SMC's Agile DevSecOps [Development, Security and Operations] approach adapting to the evolving battlefield while delivering capabilities to the warfighter faster and better than our opponents."


upi--2020-03-16--USS Carney makes port visit in South Africa

March 16 ( UPI ) -- The USS Carney conducted a scheduled port visit in Cape Town , South Africa , while patrolling European and African waters with the U.S. 6th Fleet .
The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer , stationed in Rota , Spain , made the weekend visit on March 15 at the invitation of Lana Marks , U.S. ambassador to South Africa .
Marks attended a brief ceremony aboard the ship .
`` This visit of the USS Carney to Cape Town is a symbol of the United States ' commitment to encouraging commerce with Africa , protecting sea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and promoting trade with South Africa , '' she said , `` and this visit is just the beginning of even stronger and ever more amazing relations between our two militaries and our two countries . ''
The ship traveled to South Africa from the Seychelles , in the Indian Ocean , and will continue westward .
In August 2019 , it fired its five-inch guns on an Islamic State stronghold in Libya , the first time that U.S. naval gunfire was coordinated in support of combat operations during the war on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of operations covers approximately half of the Atlantic Ocean , from the Arctic Ocean to the coast of Antarctica , and nearly the entire continent of Africa .
`` U.S. Africa Command places great importance on maintaining and strengthening partnerships and , therefore , is pleased to work with our Maritime Component and South African partners to bring the USS Carney for a port visit to Cape Town , '' said Brig .
Gen. Steven deMilliano , U.S. Africa Command Deputy Director for Strategy , Engagement , and Programs .

1/3
Cmdr. Christopher Carrol, L, and U.S. Ambassador to South Africa Lana Marks, R, pose aboard the USS Carney as it visited Cape Town, South Africa. Photo courtesy of Lana Marks/Twitter
March 16 (UPI) -- The USS Carney conducted a scheduled port visit in Cape Town, South Africa, while patrolling European and African waters with the U.S. 6th Fleet. The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, stationed in Rota, Spain, made the weekend visit on March 15 at the invitation of Lana Marks, U.S. ambassador to South Africa. Marks attended a brief ceremony aboard the ship. Advertisement
"This visit of the USS Carney to Cape Town is a symbol of the United States' commitment to encouraging commerce with Africa, protecting sea routes for the benefit of all countries, and promoting trade with South Africa," she said, "and this visit is just the beginning of even stronger and ever more amazing relations between our two militaries and our two countries."
The ship traveled to South Africa from the Seychelles, in the Indian Ocean, and will continue westward.
In August 2019, it fired its five-inch guns on an Islamic State stronghold in Libya, the first time that U.S. naval gunfire was coordinated in support of combat operations during the war on terrorism.
The 6th Fleet's area of operations covers approximately half of the Atlantic Ocean, from the Arctic Ocean to the coast of Antarctica, and nearly the entire continent of Africa.
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"U.S. Africa Command places great importance on maintaining and strengthening partnerships and, therefore, is pleased to work with our Maritime Component and South African partners to bring the USS Carney for a port visit to Cape Town," said Brig. Gen. Steven deMilliano, U.S. Africa Command Deputy Director for Strategy, Engagement, and Programs.


upi--2020-03-16--Watch: Tigers block forest officials' vehicle in India

March 16 ( UPI ) -- An Indian Forest Service official shared video of a pair of tigers blocking the @ @ @ @ @ vehicle while on patrol in a wooded area .
Susanta Nanda , an officer with @ @ @ @ @ tweeted the vehicle was patrolling a dirt road at night when the two tigers blocked @ @ @ @ @ night paroling by Forest Officials at times can be thrilling & full of surprises , @ @ @ @ @ video shows the tigers blocking the vehicle 's path , but not acting aggressively .
@ @ @ @ @ the vehicle `` to demonstrate who the owner of the land is . ''

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March 16 (UPI) -- An Indian Forest Service official shared video of a pair of tigers blocking the path of an official's vehicle while on patrol in a wooded area.
Susanta Nanda, an officer with the Indian Forest Service, tweeted the vehicle was patrolling a dirt road at night when the two tigers blocked its path.
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"Strenuous night paroling by Forest Officials at times can be thrilling & full of surprises," Nanda tweeted.
The video shows the tigers blocking the vehicle's path, but not acting aggressively. Nanda said the tigers blocked the vehicle "to demonstrate who the owner of the land is."


upi--2020-03-16--Look: Virginia woman wins $1 million lottery jackpot on her birthday

March 16 ( UPI ) -- A Virginia woman received 1 million extra reasons to celebrate when she scored a @ @ @ @ @ .
Rabin Lawler of Sterling told Virginia Lottery officials she was celebrating her birthday March @ @ @ @ @ buy a Millionaire Matchmaker scratch-off ticket from the Harris Teeter store in Sterling .
Lawler @ @ @ @ @ had won a $ 600 prize when she scratched the ticket off in the store @ @ @ @ @ moments later she realized she had won the $ 1 million top prize .
`` @ @ @ @ @ recalled .
`` I looked at it and said , 'What is this ? '
@ @ @ @ @ her birthday winnings as a lump sum of $ 601,684 , before taxes .

A Virginia woman won a $1 million jackpot from a scratch-off lottery ticket she bought on her birthday. Photo courtesy of the Virginia Lottery
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe March 16 (UPI) -- A Virginia woman received 1 million extra reasons to celebrate when she scored a lottery jackpot on her birthday. Rabin Lawler of Sterling told Virginia Lottery officials she was celebrating her birthday March 5 when she decided to buy a Millionaire Matchmaker scratch-off ticket from the Harris Teeter store in Sterling. Advertisement
Lawler said she initially thought she had won a $600 prize when she scratched the ticket off in the store's parking lot, but moments later she realized she had won the $1 million top prize.
"I blanked," Lawler recalled. "I looked at it and said, 'What is this?'"
Lawler decided to take her birthday winnings as a lump sum of $601,684, before taxes.


upi--2020-03-16--Universal releasing 'Invisible Man,' 'The Hunt, 'Emma' on VOD, 'Trolls' in April

March 16 ( UPI ) -- Universal Studios announced Monday they would make current theatrical releases The Invisible Man , The Hunt and Emma available for video on demand rentals Friday .
Trolls World Tour will still release theatrically on April 10 but also offer VOD rentals the same day .
In a press release , NBC Universal CEO Jeff Shell announced the plan to release its movies in the home the same day as their theatrical releases .
The announcement did not specify coronavirus , but alluded to self-isolation initiatives .
`` Current circumstances have made it more challenging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ press release read .
`` Given the rapidly evolving and unprecedented changes to consumers ' daily lives during this difficult time , the company felt that now was the right time to provide this option in the home as well as in theaters . ''
The Hunt opened on Friday over the same weekend that movie theaters like AMC reduced capacity to 50 % to encourage enough distance between moviegoers to prevent the spread of coronavirus .
Cities like Los Angeles have now ordered movie theaters to close , along with bars and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 19.99 and be viewable for 48 hours .
The studio already delayed the global release of Fast 9 from May 22 to April 2021 .
Paramount delayed A Quiet Place Part II and The Lovebirds and Disney delayed Mulan , New Mutants and Antlers .
The Invisible Man opened Feb. 28 at number one .
Emma is currently in limited release from Universal 's Focus Features Arm .

"The Hunt" and other Universal movies will be available for VOD rentals during self-isolation due to COVID-19 concerns. Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures
March 16 (UPI) -- Universal Studios announced Monday they would make current theatrical releases The Invisible Man, The Hunt and Emma available for video on demand rentals Friday. Trolls World Tour will still release theatrically on April 10 but also offer VOD rentals the same day. In a press release, NBC Universal CEO Jeff Shell announced the plan to release its movies in the home the same day as their theatrical releases. The announcement did not specify coronavirus, but alluded to self-isolation initiatives. Advertisement
"Current circumstances have made it more challenging to view our films," the press release read. "Given the rapidly evolving and unprecedented changes to consumers' daily lives during this difficult time, the company felt that now was the right time to provide this option in the home as well as in theaters."
The Hunt opened on Friday over the same weekend that movie theaters like AMC reduced capacity to 50% to encourage enough distance between moviegoers to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Cities like Los Angeles have now ordered movie theaters to close, along with bars and gyms. VOD rentals will cost $19.99 and be viewable for 48 hours.
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The studio already delayed the global release of Fast 9 from May 22 to April 2021. Paramount delayed A Quiet Place Part II and The Lovebirds and Disney delayed Mulan, New Mutants and Antlers.
The Invisible Man opened Feb. 28 at number one. Emma is currently in limited release from Universal's Focus Features Arm.


upi--2020-03-16--Transgender adults question gender identity before age 7, study finds

March 16 ( UPI ) -- Transgender adults who undergo gender-affirming surgery may first begin questioning their biological sex as early as age 7 , a new study has found .
In research published Monday by JAMA Network Open , the authors found that , among 210 transgender men and women , most first experienced gender dysphoria -- feeling their emotional and psychological identity to be opposite of their biological sex -- after their sixth birthday .
The study may be the first to provide insight into the age of initial experience of gender dysphoria among trans Americans , researchers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ findings should provide some reassurance that what they 're seeing in their children is natural , that it 's not a 'phase , ' as some have described it , '' study co-author Maurice Garcia , a urologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles , told UPI .
`` And , if we as parents and society respond negatively or irresponsibly to what these children are going through , it can have lasting consequences . ''
To get their findings , Garcia and his colleagues interviewed 155 trans women with a mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a mean age of 35 , about half of whom were white and non-Hispanic .
Nearly half of the participants , 48 percent , had an active or recent history of anxiety or depression and , among trans women , 7 percent were HIV positive .
For trans men , they found that the mean age of `` earliest general memory '' and age at first experience of gender dysphoria were 4.7 and 6.2 years , respectively .
Among trans women , these ages were 4.5 and 6.7 years .
In all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 78 percent of the trans men in the study first experienced gender dysphoria by seven years of age .
Each lived for a mean of 22.9 and 27.1 years , respectively , with untreated gender dysphoria before beginning non-surgical gender transition .
`` To be clear , we 're not suggesting that all children who have feelings of gender dysphoria should undergo hormone therapy or surgery to affirm their gender , '' Garcia said .
`` However , what our findings show is that gender dysphoria is as natural as being cisgender @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young people who are going through this , '' he said .
`` That some of the adults in our study waited years before having gender affirmation procedures means that they were suffering unnecessarily . ''

A new study may be the first to provide insight into the age of initial experience of gender dysphoria among transgender Americans, researchers say. Photo by Skitterphoto /Pixabay
March 16 (UPI) -- Transgender adults who undergo gender-affirming surgery may first begin questioning their biological sex as early as age 7, a new study has found. In research published Monday by JAMA Network Open, the authors found that, among 210 transgender men and women, most first experienced gender dysphoria -- feeling their emotional and psychological identity to be opposite of their biological sex -- after their sixth birthday. Advertisement
The study may be the first to provide insight into the age of initial experience of gender dysphoria among trans Americans, researchers said.
"For parents, these findings should provide some reassurance that what they're seeing in their children is natural, that it's not a 'phase,' as some have described it," study co-author Maurice Garcia, a urologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, told UPI. "And, if we as parents and society respond negatively or irresponsibly to what these children are going through, it can have lasting consequences."
To get their findings, Garcia and his colleagues interviewed 155 trans women with a mean age of 41 and 55 trans men with a mean age of 35, about half of whom were white and non-Hispanic. Nearly half of the participants, 48 percent, had an active or recent history of anxiety or depression and, among trans women, 7 percent were HIV positive.
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For trans men, they found that the mean age of "earliest general memory" and age at first experience of gender dysphoria were 4.7 and 6.2 years, respectively. Among trans women, these ages were 4.5 and 6.7 years.
In all, 73 percent of the trans women and 78 percent of the trans men in the study first experienced gender dysphoria by seven years of age. Each lived for a mean of 22.9 and 27.1 years, respectively, with untreated gender dysphoria before beginning non-surgical gender transition.
"To be clear, we're not suggesting that all children who have feelings of gender dysphoria should undergo hormone therapy or surgery to affirm their gender," Garcia said.
"However, what our findings show is that gender dysphoria is as natural as being cisgender, and that we need to support young people who are going through this," he said. "That some of the adults in our study waited years before having gender affirmation procedures means that they were suffering unnecessarily."


upi--2020-03-16--Alcohol levels below legal limit involved in many car crash deaths

About 15 percent of alcohol-related road deaths in the United States involve drivers with blood alcohol concentrations below the legal limit , a new study finds .
Researchers analyzed 16 years ( 2000 to 2015 ) of U.S. motor vehicle crash data .
They found that 37 percent of the more than 600,000 motor vehicle deaths during that time involved at least one driver with alcohol in their blood .
But of those cases , 15 percent involved drivers with below the legal blood alcohol concentration ( BAC ) limit of 0.08 percent , and 55 percent of the deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the drinking driver .
`` Our study challenges the popular misconception that alcohol-involved crashes primarily affect drinking drivers , or that BACs below the legal limit do n't matter , '' said study lead investigator Dr. Timothy Naimi , of Boston Medical Center .
His team published the findings March 15 in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine .
There was another tragic finding : Crashes involving blood alcohol levels below the 0.08 percent legal limit were more likely to result in deaths to young people , compared to crashes involving blood alcohol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also found that more restrictive alcohol policies were associated with a 9 percent decrease in the likelihood that a crash involved alcohol at levels below the legal limit .
This relationship was consistent across a wide range of subgroups and at a blood alcohol cutoff of 0.05 percent .
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and the U.S. National Academies of Sciences , Engineering , and Medicine have already recommended reducing the legal BAC limit from 0.08 percent to 0.05 percent .
In 2018 , Utah became the first state to do so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 0.05 percent limit have had declines in traffic crashes , Naimi 's team pointed out .
`` Lower-alcohol crashes have been underestimated as a public health problem , '' Naimi said in a journal news release .
`` Our research suggests that stringent alcohol policies reduce the likelihood of fatal accidents involving drivers with all levels of alcohol blood concentration . ''
Dr. Robert Glatter , an emergency physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City , has seen the tragic consequences of drunk driving firsthand .
He was n't involved in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` provides ample evidence that impairment occurs well below the legal limit , putting other drivers and pedestrians also at high risk for serious injury and death .
It further argues for the need to lower the limit to .05 [ percent ] or even .03 to reduce injuries and death . ''
Drinking and driving remains one of the leading causes of injury-related death in the United States , the Boston researchers said .
However , most research on the topic focuses on alcohol above the legal limit of 0.08 percent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as low as 0.03 percent , they said .
`` The bottom line is that if you drink any amount of alcohol , you should not be behind the wheel , '' he said .
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on drinking and driving .

Crashes involving blood alcohol levels below the 0.08 percent legal limit were more likely to result in deaths to young people, a new study found. Photo by James Palinsad /Flickr
About 15 percent of alcohol-related road deaths in the United States involve drivers with blood alcohol concentrations below the legal limit, a new study finds. Researchers analyzed 16 years (2000 to 2015) of U.S. motor vehicle crash data. They found that 37 percent of the more than 600,000 motor vehicle deaths during that time involved at least one driver with alcohol in their blood. Advertisement
But of those cases, 15 percent involved drivers with below the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08 percent, and 55 percent of the deaths in such cases involved people other than the drinking driver.
"Our study challenges the popular misconception that alcohol-involved crashes primarily affect drinking drivers, or that BACs below the legal limit don't matter," said study lead investigator Dr. Timothy Naimi, of Boston Medical Center. His team published the findings March 15 in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
There was another tragic finding: Crashes involving blood alcohol levels below the 0.08 percent legal limit were more likely to result in deaths to young people, compared to crashes involving blood alcohol levels above that cutoff.
The study also found that more restrictive alcohol policies were associated with a 9 percent decrease in the likelihood that a crash involved alcohol at levels below the legal limit. This relationship was consistent across a wide range of subgroups and at a blood alcohol cutoff of 0.05 percent.
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The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine have already recommended reducing the legal BAC limit from 0.08 percent to 0.05 percent. In 2018, Utah became the first state to do so.
Other countries that have adopted the 0.05 percent limit have had declines in traffic crashes, Naimi's team pointed out.
"Lower-alcohol crashes have been underestimated as a public health problem," Naimi said in a journal news release. "Our research suggests that stringent alcohol policies reduce the likelihood of fatal accidents involving drivers with all levels of alcohol blood concentration." Dr. Robert Glatter, an emergency physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, has seen the tragic consequences of drunk driving firsthand.
He wasn't involved in the new research, but said it "provides ample evidence that impairment occurs well below the legal limit, putting other drivers and pedestrians also at high risk for serious injury and death. It further argues for the need to lower the limit to .05 [percent] or even .03 to reduce injuries and death."
Drinking and driving remains one of the leading causes of injury-related death in the United States, the Boston researchers said. However, most research on the topic focuses on alcohol above the legal limit of 0.08 percent, but impairment can begin at a BAC as low as 0.03 percent, they said.
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Glatter agreed.
"The bottom line is that if you drink any amount of alcohol, you should not be behind the wheel," he said.
More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on drinking and driving.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-03-16--GAO: F-35 central logistics system 'does not work properly,' needs redesign

March 16 ( UPI ) -- The central logistics system of the F-35 fighter plane needs a complete redesign , the General Accounting Office said on Monday after an investigation .
In a report made public on Monday , GAO advised the Defense Department to develop a performance measurement process of the plane 's Autonomic Logistics Information System .
`` After years of development and testing , the system does not work properly -- with inaccurate or missing data sometimes leading ALIS to ground flight-ready aircraft , among other problems , '' GAO said in a summary of the report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manufacturer , refers to ALIS as `` the fleet management backbone for the F-35 .
Pilots plan and debrief missions , and sustainment professionals maintain the F-35 using ALIS .
Delivering an integrated interface to maintenance , supply chain and sustainment information , ALIS is the single management tool supporting all F-35 operations . ''
The recommendations came in a 58-page GAO report , published March 6 and made available to the public today .
It noted that key risks associated with the system have been reported in the past five years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ineffective personnel training .
The report calls for a Defense Department review of efforts to improve the system , noting that its investigation included interviews with Defense Department and contractor officials , and visits to five F-35 air bases .
Regarded as the best fighter plane in the world , the three variants of F-35 are in use , or on order , by 14 nations .
With U.S. sustainment costs estimated at about $ 1.2 trillion over an expected 66-year life cycle , the GAO called it the `` most ambitious and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The program has also had numerous development delays , parts shortages and replacement part failures , to the point that the U.S. Congress has been reluctant to approve multi-year contracts to suppliers .

An F-35 fighter plane of the U.S. Air Force departs Edelson AFB, Alaska. Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin
March 16 (UPI) -- The central logistics system of the F-35 fighter plane needs a complete redesign, the General Accountability Office said on Monday after an investigation. In a report made public on Monday, GAO advised the Defense Department to develop a performance measurement process of the plane's Autonomic Logistics Information System. Advertisement
"After years of development and testing, the system does not work properly -- with inaccurate or missing data sometimes leading ALIS to ground flight-ready aircraft, among other problems," GAO said in a summary of the report.
Lockheed Martin, the plane's manufacturer, refers to ALIS as "the fleet management backbone for the F-35. Pilots plan and debrief missions, and sustainment professionals maintain the F-35 using ALIS. Delivering an integrated interface to maintenance, supply chain and sustainment information, ALIS is the single management tool supporting all F-35 operations."
The recommendations came in a 58-page GAO report, published March 6 and made available to the public today. It noted that key risks associated with the system have been reported in the past five years, including inaccurate data within the system and ineffective personnel training.
The report calls for a Defense Department review of efforts to improve the system, noting that its investigation included interviews with Defense Department and contractor officials, and visits to five F-35 air bases.
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Regarded as the best fighter plane in the world, the three variants of F-35 are in use, or on order, by 14 nations.
With U.S. sustainment costs estimated at about $1.2 trillion over an expected 66-year life cycle, the GAO called it the "most ambitious and costly weapon system in history."
The program has also had numerous development delays, parts shortages and replacement part failures, to the point that the U.S. Congress has been reluctant to approve multi-year contracts to suppliers.


upi--2020-03-16--Young people don't know how much nicotine is in their vaping products

Many U.S. teens and young adults have no idea much nicotine is in the vaping products they use , a new study says .
Researchers asked 445 17- to 24-year-olds in California about their tobacco and nicotine use , especially the use of pod-based e-cigarettes , such as Juul .
The devices , which resemble computer thumb drives , consist of a plastic pod of nicotine-infused fluid that snaps into a vaporizer .
About 26 percent of participants had used Juul ; 24 percent had smoked traditional cigarettes ; 23 percent had used non-pod-based e-cigarettes ; and smaller percentages had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't know how much nicotine was in the products .
When the surveys were done , Juul 's packaging just said `` 5 percent '' on the label .
That 's since been changed to say `` 5 percent nicotine . ''
But participants could n't calculate what this meant in terms of nicotine quantity , or compare it accurately with the amount of nicotine in combustible cigarettes , according to the study published online March 16 in the Journal of Adolescent Health .
`` These young people had no idea how much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senior author Bonnie Halpern-Felsher , a professor of pediatrics at Stanford University .
`` If we asked how many milligrams of nicotine are in a Juul pod , for example , we found the answers were all over the place , '' she said in a university news release .
`` The Juul and other pod-based e-cigarette packaging is so confusing and misleading .
The packaging should be regulated . ''
Pod-based e-cigarette users said they chose those products mainly because they 're easy to hide ( 58 percent ) and the smell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ types of e-cigarettes ( 55.6 percent ) .
`` Teens are not using these pod-based products more than other e-cigarettes because of health or the flavors offered , '' Halpern-Felsher said .
`` They tell us , 'It 's because we can hide these , and the smell produced is less obvious . '
This ability to 'stealth use ' is concerning . ''
The U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse has more about e-cigarettes .

Young people couldn't tell how much nicotine was in vaping products they used, or compare it accurately with the amount of nicotine in combustible cigarettes, according to a new study. Photo by SharonMcCutcheon /Pixabay
Many U.S. teens and young adults have no idea much nicotine is in the vaping products they use, a new study says. Researchers asked 445 17- to 24-year-olds in California about their tobacco and nicotine use, especially the use of pod-based e-cigarettes, such as Juul. The devices, which resemble computer thumb drives, consist of a plastic pod of nicotine-infused fluid that snaps into a vaporizer. Advertisement
About 26 percent of participants had used Juul; 24 percent had smoked traditional cigarettes; 23 percent had used non-pod-based e-cigarettes; and smaller percentages had used other pod-based e-cigarettes.
They didn't know how much nicotine was in the products.
When the surveys were done, Juul's packaging just said "5 percent" on the label. That's since been changed to say "5 percent nicotine."
But participants couldn't calculate what this meant in terms of nicotine quantity, or compare it accurately with the amount of nicotine in combustible cigarettes, according to the study published online March 16 in the Journal of Adolescent Health.
"These young people had no idea how much nicotine they were consuming," said senior author Bonnie Halpern-Felsher, a professor of pediatrics at Stanford University.
"If we asked how many milligrams of nicotine are in a Juul pod, for example, we found the answers were all over the place," she said in a university news release. "The Juul and other pod-based e-cigarette packaging is so confusing and misleading. The packaging should be regulated."
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Pod-based e-cigarette users said they chose those products mainly because they're easy to hide (58 percent) and the smell they emit is less noticeable than other types of e-cigarettes (55.6 percent).
"Teens are not using these pod-based products more than other e-cigarettes because of health or the flavors offered," Halpern-Felsher said. "They tell us, 'It's because we can hide these, and the smell produced is less obvious.' This ability to 'stealth use' is concerning."
More information
The U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse has more about e-cigarettes.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-03-16--Hulu: What's coming and going in April 2020

March 16 ( UPI ) -- Hulu members can watch Parasite , the 2020 Oscar Best Picture winner , Mrs. America , a new series starring Cate Blanchett , and new seasons of Fargo and What We Do in the Shadows in April .
The streaming service released a list of the movies , TV shows , documentaries and specials coming and going next month .
Here 's a the full list of what 's being added to Hulu in April : Fixer Upper ( How We Got to Here : Looking Back on Fixer Upper ) Love It or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Jewel of the Nile Who Let the Dogs Out The X-Files : I Want to Believe Your Pretty Face is Going to Hell Season 4 Who Wants to Be a Millionaire ?
Series Premiere My Little Pony : Friendship is Magic Season 9B My Little Pony : Friendship is Magic en Español Season 9B The Bachelor : Listen to Your Heart Series Premiere The Baker and the Beauty Series Premiere What We Do in the Shadows Season 2 Premiere Available in April with Starz premium add-on : Night at the Museum II @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 ) Available in April with the HBO premium add-on : Night of Too Many Stars ( April 18 ) I Know This Much is True Series Premiere ( April 27 ) Available in April with the Showtime premium add-on : Here 's the full list of what 's leaving Hulu in April : The Man Who Could Cheat Death

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"Parasite," a South Korean film directed by Bong Joon-ho (back center) that won Best Picture at the 2020 Academy Awards, is coming to Hulu in April. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
March 16 (UPI) -- Hulu members can watch Parasite, the 2020 Oscar Best Picture winner, Mrs. America, a new series starring Cate Blanchett, and a new season of What We Do in the Shadows in April. The streaming service released a list of the movies, TV shows, documentaries and specials coming and going next month. Advertisement
Here's a the full list of what's being added to Hulu in April:
April 1
Kabukicho Sherlock Season 1
60 Days In: Narcoland Season 1
90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After? Season 4
Alone Season 6
Breaking Amish Seasons 2-3
Bring It! Season 5
Chopped Season 36
Cutthroat Kitchen Season 12
Dance Moms Seasons 2 & 6
Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives Seasons 27-29
Dr. Pimple Popper Season 3
Fast N' Loud Season 13
Fixer Upper (How We Got to Here: Looking Back on Fixer Upper)
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Forged in Fire Season 6
Gold Medal Families Season 1
Hidden Potential Season 1
House Hunters Season 120
Kids Behind Bars: Life or Parole Season 1
Little Women: Atlanta Season 5
Little Women: LA Seasons 7-8
Love It or List It Season 14
Married at First Sight Season 9
Marrying Millions Season 1
Property Brothers Seasons 10-11
Taken at Birth Season 1
The Family Chantel Season 1
The Food That Built America Season 1
The Kitchen Seasons 16-18
Til Death Do Us Part Season 1
TRANsitioning Season 1
The Ant Bully
Bangkok Dangerous
Bend It Like Beckham
Blazing Saddles
The Book of Eli
The Boost
The Chumscrubber
Diary of a Hitman
Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who
Dr. T and the Women
The Eternal
Free Birds
The Full Monty
Fun in Acapulco
Gator
Get Smart
Gods and Monsters
Gorky Park
Hud
Kill Bill: Volume 1
Kill Bill: Volume 2
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
Let Me In
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
The Mexican
Misery
Moll Flanders
Phone Booth
Repentance
Risky Business
Romancing the Stone
The Jewel of the Nile
The Sender
Shirley Valentine
Spider-Man
Trapped: The Alex Cooper Story
Victoria Gotti: My Father's Daughter
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Who Let the Dogs Out
The X-Files: I Want to Believe
Zombieland
April 3
Future Man Season 3 (Hulu Original)
Your Pretty Face is Going to Hell Season 4
Siren Season 3 Premiere
April 6
Too Cautious Hero Season 1
April 7
No Guns Life Season 1
April 8
Parasite
April 9
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Series Premiere
Kono Oto Tomare!: Sounds of Life Season 2A
Little Joe
April 10
Real Housewives of Potomac Season 4
April 12
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Season 9B
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic en Español Season 9B
April 14
The Bachelor: Listen to Your Heart Series Premiere
The Baker and the Beauty Series Premiere
Songland Season 2 Premiere
Vault
Unlocked
April 15
Mrs. America Series Premiere
The Masked Singer: Sing-Along Spectacular
A Teacher
The Messenger
April 16
What We Do in the Shadows Season 2 Premiere
Harry Benson: Shoot First
April 20
Paranormal Activity 3
A Kind of Murder
April 22
Special-7 Season 1
April 23
Cunningham
April 24
Abominable
April 29
Footloose
April 30
2020 Billboard Music Awards
Available in April with Starz premium add-on:
The Accused
Cadillac Man
Diana
Dude, Where's My Car?
Finding Steve McQueen
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The Forgotten
My Bloody Valentine
Nanny McPhee Returns (April 1)
Nutty Professor II: The Klumps (April 1)
Original Sin (April 1)
Paranormal Activity (April 1)
Showtime (April 1)
Snatch (April 1)
Spider-Man (April 1)
Spider-Man 2 (April 1)
Superstar (April 1)
Surf's Up (April 1)
Undercover Brother (April 1)
WarGames (April 1)
Zombieland: Double Tap (April 3)
The Comedian (April 4)
Irrational Man (April 4)
Lady in the Van (April 4)
Where's My Roy Cohn? (April 6)
Garden State (April 10)
Hellboy (April 10)
Napoleon Dynamite (April 10)
Night at the Museum II: Battle of the Smithsonian (April 10)
Rent Due (April 10)
The Sandlot (April 10)
The Sandlot 2 (April 10)
Funny People (April 16)
Overcomer (April 17)
The Animal (April 17)
Bachelor Party (April 17)
Bulworth (April 17)
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (April 17)
First Sunday (April 17)
The French Connection (April 17)
The Haunting (April 17)
Ithaca (April 17)
Sense and Sensibility (April 17)
Small Soldiers (April 17)
Big Fat Liar (April 18)
Bigger Fatter Liar (April 18)
Generation Columbine (April 20)
Beethoven (April 24)
Toxic Beauty (April 27)
The Bravest (April 29)
Available in April with the HBO premium add-on:
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Run Series Premiere (April 12)
Insecure Season 4 Premiere (April 12)
Night of Too Many Stars (April 18)
We're Here Series Premiere (April 23)
I Know This Much is True Series Premiere (April 27)
Available in April with the Showtime premium add-on:
Outcry
S
eries Premiere (April 3)
Penny Dreadful: City of Angels (April 26)
Here's the full list of what's leaving Hulu in April:
April 30
My Best Friend's Wedding
American Buffalo
Cinderfella
Girls! Girls! Girls!
Golden Gate
The Bellboy
The Patsy
The Tenant
Unforgettable
Buffalo 66
Captain Kronos: Vampire Hunter
Still Smokin'
Earth Girls Are Easy
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Judgment Day
Lord of War
National Lampoon's Dirty Movie
National Lampoon's Dorm Daze 2: College @ SeaSouthie
The Last Stand
The Last Warrior
The Man Who Could Cheat Death
The Spy Next Door
28 Days Later
Robin Hood
Say Anything
Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason
Bridget Jones's Baby
Bridget Jones's Diary
For Colored Girls
John Q
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
National Lampoon's European Vacation
National Lampoon's Vacation
Vegas Vacation
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa


upi--2020-03-16--Airlines ask for help as coronavirus slows business

March 16 ( UPI ) -- Airlines for America , the trade group for U.S. airlines , made a plea for government help Monday , amid slowing business from the coronavirus pandemic .
The trade group 's total request for $ 60 billion in direct assistance and loan guarantees dwarfs the $ 15 billion requested after the Sept. 1 , 2001 , terrorist attacks .
The request includes calling for $ 29 billion in direct assistance and another $ 25 billion in loans or loan guarantees , along with tax relief , according to an Airlines for America statement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not a tomorrow problem , '' A4A President Nicholas Calio said in a statement .
`` It requires urgent action . ''
Airports Council International-North America estimates $ 8.7 billion in losses for U.S. commercial airports this year as the number of airline passengers decreases due to the pandemic .
Also on Monday , three global alliances , Oneworld , SkyTeam and Star Alliance , representing nearly 60 airlines around the world , pleaded for help from governments and stakeholders .
The plea comes amid International Air Transport Association estimating up to $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passenger airlines .
`` The human and financial impact that the COVID-19 outbreak is having on the aviation industry is unprecedented , '' SkyTeam CEO and Managing Director Kristin Colvile said in a statement .
`` SkyTeam , with its alliance partners , and on behalf of member airlines , is urging all involved institutions and industry stakeholders to face these extraordinary times with exceptional measures .
This includes action such as slot relief , airport and overflight fees reduction . ''
Separately , CAPA-Center for Aviation , which does market analysis of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world airlines will be bankrupt by the end of May , calling for `` coordinated government and industry action . ''
`` The government response has been fragmented -- and is being resolved along national lines , with limited consultation , '' CAPA said in a statement .
`` As things stand , the likely tepid response to the airline crisis will equally be fragmented and nationally based .
It will consist mostly of bailing out selected national airlines .
If that is the default position , emerging from the crisis will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with casualties . ''

U.S. and world airlines representatives have asked the government for urgent help as traffic slows at airports amid the coronavirus. Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI | License Photo
March 16 (UPI) -- Airlines for America, the trade group for U.S. airlines, made a plea for government help Monday, amid slowing business from the coronavirus pandemic. The trade group's total request for $60 billion in direct assistance and loan guarantees dwarfs the $15 billion requested after the Sept. 1, 2001, terrorist attacks. Advertisement
The request includes calling for $29 billion in direct assistance and another $25 billion in loans or loan guarantees, along with tax relief, according to an Airlines for America statement.
"This is a today problem, not a tomorrow problem," A4A President Nicholas Calio said in a statement. "It requires urgent action."
Airports Council International-North America estimates $8.7 billion in losses for U.S. commercial airports this year as the number of airline passengers decreases due to the pandemic.
Also on Monday, three global alliances, Oneworld, SkyTeam and Star Alliance, representing nearly 60 airlines around the world, pleaded for help from governments and stakeholders. The plea comes amid International Air Transport Association estimating up to $113 billion in revenue losses for global passenger airlines.
"The human and financial impact that the COVID-19 outbreak is having on the aviation industry is unprecedented," SkyTeam CEO and Managing Director Kristin Colvile said in a statement. "SkyTeam, with its alliance partners, and on behalf of member airlines, is urging all involved institutions and industry stakeholders to face these extraordinary times with exceptional measures. This includes action such as slot relief, airport and overflight fees reduction."
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Separately, CAPA-Center for Aviation, which does market analysis of the industry, said most of the world airlines will be bankrupt by the end of May, calling for "coordinated government and industry action."
"The government response has been fragmented -- and is being resolved along national lines, with limited consultation," CAPA said in a statement. "As things stand, the likely tepid response to the airline crisis will equally be fragmented and nationally based. It will consist mostly of bailing out selected national airlines. If that is the default position, emerging from the crisis will be like entering a brutal battlefield, littered with casualties."


upi--2020-03-16--COVID-19 vaccine trial starts in Seattle

March 16 ( UPI ) -- Initial trials of a vaccine to protect against COVID-19 started on Monday , officials with the U.S. National Institutes of Health announced .
The Phase I clinical trial evaluating the vaccine is being conducted at Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute in Seattle , with funding support from the NIH 's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases .
The first patient was given the vaccine on Monday , NIH said , and the trial is expected to enroll 45 healthy adult volunteers over the next six weeks .
`` Finding a safe and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is an urgent public health priority , '' NIAID Director Anthony S. Fauci said in a statement .
`` This Phase I study , launched in record speed , is an important first step toward achieving that goal . ''
The vaccine , called mRNA-1273 , was developed by NIAID scientists and their collaborators at Moderna , Inc. , a biotech firm based in Cambridge , Massachusetts , with support from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations .
The newly launched study will evaluate different doses of the experimental vaccine for safety and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in participants .
The trial is the first of multiple steps in the clinical trial process to evaluate the vaccine 's potential benefit against COVID-19 , the coronavirus that has sickened more than 170,000 people in 127 countries .
More than 6,000 have died from the disease since it was first identified in Wuhan , China , in late December .
In the United States , the Seattle area has been hit hardest so far by the global pandemic .
Currently , no approved vaccines exist to prevent infection with COVID-19 , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
Scientists at NIAID 's Vaccine Research Center and Moderna were able to develop mRNA-1273 because of prior studies of related coronaviruses that cause severe acute respiratory syndrome and Middle East respiratory syndrome .
In fact , NIAID and Moderna scientists already were already working on an investigational MERS vaccine , and these efforts gave them a head start for developing a vaccine candidate to protect against COVID-19 .
Once the genetic information for the virus became available in January , the scientists selected a sequence to express the stabilized protein of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cells , in the existing mRNA platform .
To date , the mRNA-1273 vaccine has already shown promise in animal models , but this is the first trial to examine it in humans .
In the study , being led Dr. Lisa A. Jackson , senior investigator at Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute , participants will receive two doses of the vaccine via intramuscular injection in the upper arm about 28 days apart .
Each participant will be assigned to receive a 25 microgram , 100 microgram or 250 microgram dose at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each dose cohort .
Investigators will review safety data before vaccinating the remaining participants in the 25 and 100 microgram dose groups and before participants receive their second vaccinations .
Another safety review will be done before participants are enrolled in the 250 microgram cohort .
`` This work is critical to national efforts to respond to the threat of this emerging virus , '' Jackson said in a statement .
`` We are prepared to conduct this important trial because of our experience as an NIH clinical trials center since 2007 .
@

NIH has announced it started a clinical trial for a coronavirus vaccine. File Photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew Lotz/U.S. Air Force
March 16 (UPI) -- Initial trials of a vaccine to protect against COVID-19 started on Monday, officials with the U.S. National Institutes of Health announced. The Phase I clinical trial evaluating the vaccine is being conducted at Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute in Seattle, with funding support from the NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Advertisement
The first patient was given the vaccine on Monday, NIH said, and the trial is expected to enroll 45 healthy adult volunteers over the next six weeks.
"Finding a safe and effective vaccine to prevent infection with SARS-CoV-2 is an urgent public health priority," NIAID Director Anthony S. Fauci said in a statement. "This Phase I study, launched in record speed, is an important first step toward achieving that goal."
The vaccine, called mRNA-1273, was developed by NIAID scientists and their collaborators at Moderna, Inc., a biotech firm based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with support from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations. The newly launched study will evaluate different doses of the experimental vaccine for safety and its ability to induce an immune response in participants.
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The trial is the first of multiple steps in the clinical trial process to evaluate the vaccine's potential benefit against COVID-19, the coronavirus that has sickened more than 170,000 people in 127 countries. More than 6,000 have died from the disease since it was first identified in Wuhan, China, in late December.
In the United States, the Seattle area has been hit hardest so far by the global pandemic. Currently, no approved vaccines exist to prevent infection with COVID-19, and there are no proven antivirals to treat it.
Scientists at NIAID's Vaccine Research Center and Moderna were able to develop mRNA-1273 because of prior studies of related coronaviruses that cause severe acute respiratory syndrome and Middle East respiratory syndrome. In fact, NIAID and Moderna scientists already were already working on an investigational MERS vaccine, and these efforts gave them a head start for developing a vaccine candidate to protect against COVID-19.
Once the genetic information for the virus became available in January, the scientists selected a sequence to express the stabilized protein of the virus, which binds to human cells, in the existing mRNA platform. To date, the mRNA-1273 vaccine has already shown promise in animal models, but this is the first trial to examine it in humans.
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In the study, being led Dr. Lisa A. Jackson, senior investigator at Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, participants will receive two doses of the vaccine via intramuscular injection in the upper arm about 28 days apart. Each participant will be assigned to receive a 25 microgram, 100 microgram or 250 microgram dose at both vaccinations, with 15 people in each dose cohort.
Investigators will review safety data before vaccinating the remaining participants in the 25 and 100 microgram dose groups and before participants receive their second vaccinations. Another safety review will be done before participants are enrolled in the 250 microgram cohort.
"This work is critical to national efforts to respond to the threat of this emerging virus," Jackson said in a statement. "We are prepared to conduct this important trial because of our experience as an NIH clinical trials center since 2007."


upi--2020-03-16--Tropical Cyclone Herold drenches northeastern Madagascar

After meandering near the northeastern corner of Madagascar as a tropical storm , a tropical cyclone developed on Sunday and was given the name Herold .
On Saturday , Herold produced 206 mm of rain in Sambava and 104 mm of rain in Antalaha , both located along the northeastern coast of Madagascar .
As of late Monday local time , Tropical Cyclone Herold is equivalent in strength to a Category 2 hurricane in the Atlantic and East Pacific basins .
The storm is forecast to follow a southeasterly path through the middle of the week and pass to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Periods of rain , thunderstorms and gusty winds are in the forecast into Tuesday as the storm 's outer rainbands sweep over the island .
However , if Herold drifts farther south , heavier rain and damaging wind gusts could reach the island and the outer rainbands could brush the island of La Reunion to the southwest .
By the second half of the week , Herold will move into a harsher environment and will eventually weaken and transition into a nontropical storm .
The storm will continue to move away to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no impact to land .

This satellite image from Monday afternoon shows Tropical Cyclone Herold to the east of Madagascar in the South Indian Ocean. Photo by CIRA RAMMB
After meandering near the northeastern corner of Madagascar as a tropical storm, a tropical cyclone developed on Sunday and was given the name Herold. On Saturday, Herold produced 206 mm of rain in Sambava and 104 mm of rain in Antalaha, both located along the northeastern coast of Madagascar. Advertisement
As of late Monday local time, Tropical Cyclone Herold is equivalent in strength to a Category 2 hurricane in the Atlantic and East Pacific basins.
The storm is forecast to follow a southeasterly path through the middle of the week and pass to the northeast of the island of Maurice.
Periods of rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds are in the forecast into Tuesday as the storm's outer rainbands sweep over the island.
However, if Herold drifts farther south, heavier rain and damaging wind gusts could reach the island and the outer rainbands could brush the island of La Reunion to the southwest.
By the second half of the week, Herold will move into a harsher environment and will eventually weaken and transition into a nontropical storm.
The storm will continue to move away to the southeast over the southern Indian Ocean with no impact to land.


upi--2020-03-16--Idris Elba, Olga Kurylenko test positive for COVID-19

March 16 ( UPI ) -- Actors Idris Elba and Olga Kurylenko announced on social media Monday that they have tested positive for COVID-19 .
Elba shared a video where he spoke , with wife Sabrina Dhowre in the background .
He said he self-quarantined on Friday when he found out he 'd come into contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 .
Elba got tested and the results showed he was positive too .
He said he feels fine , and Dhowre is asymptomatic and has not been tested yet .
He encouraged viewers to take isolation seriously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are n't showing symptoms and that can easily spread it , '' Elba said .
`` So now is a real time to be really vigilant about washing your hands and keeping your distance . ''
`` Locked up at home after having tested positive for coronavirus .
I 've actually been ill for almost a week now , '' Kurylenko said on Sunday alongside a photo of a balcony .
`` Fever and fatigue are my main symptoms .
Take care of yourself and do take this seriously ! ''
she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ star to contract the virus following Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson who recently announced they tested positive for COVID-19 while in Australia .
Kurylenko is best known for starring in James Bond film Quantum of Solace , sci-fi epic Oblivion opposite Tom Cruise , The Man Who Killed Don Quixote , Seven Psychopaths , Hitman and more .
COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic on Wednesday by the World Health Organization .
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended on Sunday that events and gatherings of over 50 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ canceled .

This morning I tested positive for Covid 19. I feel ok, I have no symptoms so far but have been isolated since I found out about my possible exposure to the virus. Stay home people and be pragmatic. I will keep you updated on how I'm doing No panic. pic.twitter.com/Lg7HVMZglZ— Idris Elba (@idriselba) March 16, 2020
March 16 (UPI) -- Actors Idris Elba and Olga Kurylenko announced on social media Monday that they have tested positive for COVID-19.
Elba shared a video where he spoke, with wife Sabrina Dhowre in the background. He said he self-quarantined on Friday when he found out he'd come into contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
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Elba got tested and the results showed he was positive too. He said he feels fine, and Dhowre is asymptomatic and has not been tested yet. He encouraged viewers to take isolation seriously.
"There are people out there who aren't showing symptoms and that can easily spread it," Elba said. "So now is a real time to be really vigilant about washing your hands and keeping your distance."
Olga Kurylenko shared her announcement on Instagram.
Advertisement View this post on Instagram Locked up at home after having tested positive for Coronavirus. I've actually been ill for almost a week now. Fever and fatigue are my main symptoms. Take care of yourself and do take this seriously! Сижу в изоляции дома с диагнозом Коронавирус. Уже почти неделю болею. Температура и слабость - мои основные симптомы. Будьте осторожны и принимайте это во всерьёз! #coronavirus #коронавирус Advertisement A post shared by Olga Kurylenko (@olgakurylenkoofficial) on Mar 15, 2020 at 10:42am PDT
"Locked up at home after having tested positive for coronavirus. I've actually been ill for almost a week now," Kurylenko said on Sunday alongside a photo of a balcony.
"Fever and fatigue are my main symptoms. Take care of yourself and do take this seriously!" she continued.
Kurylenko is the latest Hollywood star to contract the virus following Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson who recently announced they tested positive for COVID-19 while in Australia.
Kurylenko is best known for starring in James Bond film Quantum of Solace, sci-fi epic Oblivion opposite Tom Cruise, The Man Who Killed Don Quixote, Seven Psychopaths, Hitman and more.
COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic on Wednesday by the World Health Organization. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended on Sunday that events and gatherings of over 50 people scheduled for the next eight weeks be canceled.


upi--2020-03-16--Watch: Baby elephant rescued from ditch in forest area

March 16 ( UPI ) -- Wildlife rescuers in India said it took about five hours to rescue a baby @ @ @ @ @ ditch in a forest area .
Parveen Kaswan , an officer with the Indian Forest @ @ @ @ @ to the forested area when the elephant calf was found trapped in a naturally-occurring ditch @ @ @ @ @ about five hours to get the baby out of the ditch using ropes .
He @ @ @ @ @ stood nearby during the rescue and the baby ran off to join the others as @ @ @ @ @ ropes .

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March 16 (UPI) -- Wildlife rescuers in India said it took about five hours to rescue a baby elephant that fell into a ditch in a forest area.
Parveen Kaswan, an officer with the Indian Forest Service, said crews responded to the forested area when the elephant calf was found trapped in a naturally-occurring ditch.
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Kaswan said it took about five hours to get the baby out of the ditch using ropes.
He said the calf's family stood nearby during the rescue and the baby ran off to join the others as soon as rescuers removed the ropes.


upi--2020-03-17--Cassie Randolph gets stung by a stingray, lands in ER

March 17 ( UPI ) -- Cassie Randolph of Bachelor fame announced on Instagram that she was stung by a stingray which landed her in the hospital .
Randolph uploaded a video on Monday of herself putting her foot in a bucket of water while her boyfriend Colton Underwood attempted to comfort and distract her with a game of Uno .
Underwood also offered to suck the venom out of Randolph 's foot .
`` After 2 days in the house , we decided to go play in the waves ( do n't worry the beach is pretty empty ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
SO PAINFUL , '' the reality star said .
Randolph said that she had an allergic reaction to the venom and spent five hours in excruciating pain .
`` Ended up in the ER after getting hives and my entire leg was swelling .
I 'm fine now , got medication and my swelling is slowly subsiding .
The most ironic part of all this : the hospital floor had STINGRAY artwork everywhere , '' she continued alongside photos of the hospital .
`` Oh , and to the lifeguard that was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swimmers there are many stingrays out there , you WILL get stung , you WILL be in pain , and your day WILL be ruined ' ...
I will heed your warning next time , '' Randolph said .
Underwood chose Randolph on the season finale of The Bachelor Season 23 , but the pair did not get engaged .

March 17 (UPI) -- Cassie Randolph of Bachelor fame announced on Instagram that she was stung by a stingray which landed her in the hospital.
Randolph uploaded a video on Monday of herself putting her foot in a bucket of water while her boyfriend Colton Underwood attempted to comfort and distract her with a game of Uno.
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Underwood also offered to suck the venom out of Randolph's foot.
"After 2 days in the house, we decided to go play in the waves (don't worry the beach is pretty empty) and I got stung by a stingray. SO PAINFUL," the reality star said.
Randolph said that she had an allergic reaction to the venom and spent five hours in excruciating pain.
"Ended up in the ER after getting hives and my entire leg was swelling. I'm fine now, got medication and my swelling is slowly subsiding. The most ironic part of all this: the hospital floor had STINGRAY artwork everywhere," she continued alongside photos of the hospital.
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"Oh, and to the lifeguard that was announcing (exact words) 'surfers and swimmers there are many stingrays out there, you WILL get stung, you WILL be in pain, and your day WILL be ruined' ...I will heed your warning next time," Randolph said.
Underwood chose Randolph on the season finale of The Bachelor Season 23, but the pair did not get engaged.


upi--2020-03-17--Giants agree to $30M contract with LB Blake Martinez

March 17 ( UPI ) -- The New York Giants have agreed to a three-year contract with free agent linebacker @ @ @ @ @ NFL Network and ESPN of the $ 30 million pact Tuesday .
Martinez , 26 @ @ @ @ @ seasons with the Green Bay Packers .
He entered the league as a fourth-round pick @ @ @ @ @ .
Martinez had at least 144 total tackles in each of his last three seasons @ @ @ @ @ 155 total tackles , five tackles for a loss , three sacks , three quarterback @ @ @ @ @ , an interception and a forced fumble in 16 starts last season for the Packers @ @ @ @ @ half of the 2019 season with a broken hand .
Martinez has 512 total tackles @ @ @ @ @ loss , 17 passes defensed , 12 quarterback hits , 10 sacks , three interceptions @ @ @ @ @ two fumble recoveries in 61 career appearances .
His 144 tackles in 2017 led the @ @ @ @ @ career starts .
He has appeared in 51 consecutive regular-season games .

Linebacker Blake Martinez (50) led the NFL with 144 total tackles in 2017. File Photo by Kamil Krzaczynski/UPI | License Photo
March 17 (UPI) -- The New York Giants have agreed to a three-year contract with free agent linebacker Blake Martinez. Sources informed NFL Network and ESPN of the $30 million pact Tuesday. Martinez, 26, spent his first four seasons with the Green Bay Packers. He entered the league as a fourth-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Advertisement
Martinez had at least 144 total tackles in each of his last three seasons. He had a career-high 155 total tackles, five tackles for a loss, three sacks, three quarterback hits, two passes defensed, an interception and a forced fumble in 16 starts last season for the Packers.
He played the second half of the 2019 season with a broken hand. Martinez has 512 total tackles, 29 tackles for a loss, 17 passes defensed, 12 quarterback hits, 10 sacks, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 61 career appearances. His 144 tackles in 2017 led the NFL.
Martinez has 57 career starts. He has appeared in 51 consecutive regular-season games.


upi--2020-03-17--Florida, Illinois, Arizona to stage primaries Tuesday; Ohio will not

March 17 ( UPI ) -- Three states will stage key primary contests on Tuesday but one , Ohio , will not -- despite a judge 's ruling that said it must open its polls .
Polls will open in Florida , Illinois and Arizona for primary contests worth 441 Democratic Party delegates .
Former Vice President Joe Biden is expected to win handily in all three states and add to his delegate lead over Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders .
The complications over the primaries due to the coronavirus outbreak have cut the number of poll workers and may hamper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meantime , pulled the plug on its primary early Tuesday following several wild hours of maneuvering .
In legal wrangling that went into Tuesday morning , the Ohio Supreme Court stepped in to postpone its primary , denying a legal challenge from a candidate in Wood County , near Toledo , who argued the state 's effort to delay the vote violated state election law .
Gov .
Mike DeWine tried Monday to postpone the election but a Franklin County judge denied his request , saying it 's too late since the polls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After failing to appeal the move , Amy Acton , director of the Ohio Health Department , issued her own order to close the polls .
Acton 's order said the delay is necessary `` to avoid the imminent threat with a high probability of widespread exposure to COVID-19 with a significant risk of substantial harm to a large number of the people in the general population , including the elderly and people with weakened immune systems and chronic medical conditions . ''
The state 's Supreme Court agreed .
The Ohio Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has not yet been set for a future date .
Arizona 's most populous county , Maricopa , has also closed most of its polling places for safety reasons because of the virus .
The state said it will operate 150 `` vote centers , '' where ballots can be cast regardless of where voters live .
Voters also had an opportunity to vote by mail as well .
Sixty-one delegates are awarded in Arizona .
Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis ordered election authorities to close all polling places in nursing homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ places will open normally .
The state has 219 delegates .
In Illinois , polling places in schools and other locations were closed due to the coronavirus .
The state , which has 155 delegates , faces a poll worker shortage and state officials expect a low voter turnout .
`` We are in an untenable position at this point , and we understand and refuse to punish the [ election ] judges whose age or health condition might prevent them from going out , '' said Marisel Hernandez , chair of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ We are ] bracing for the most difficult election , under the most trying of times . ''

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Former Vice President Joe Biden swept Tuesday's three-state primary, widening his delegate lead over Sen. Bernie Sanders. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
March 17 (UPI) -- Former Vice President Joe Biden swept Tuesday's three-state primary, news outlets projected. Biden was projected to win Florida, Illinois and Arizona according to CNN and NBC News, widening his delegate lead over. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., in the Democratic presidential primary. Advertisement
"Our campaign has had a very good night," Biden said in a message broadcast from his home in Delaware instead of before a crowd of supporters to adhere to guidelines against gatherings of more than 10 people due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
"We move closer to securing the Democratic Party's nomination for president and we're doing it by building a broad coalition that we need to win in November," he said.
A total of 441 delegates were available on Tuesday as Florida carries 219 pledged delegates, making it one of the most coveted primary states, while Illinois holds 155, and Arizona carries 67.
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GOP President Donald Trump was also projected to have gathered enough delegates to win the Republican nomination with a win in Illinois.
Biden made an appeal to Sanders' supporters, saying he and the senator share a common vision and praising his supporters for bringing "a remarkable passion and tenacity" to the issues at hand in the election.
"So let me say, especially to the young voters who have been inspired by Sen. Sanders: I hear you. I know what's at stake. I know what we have to do."
He also called for unity as the country deals with the COVID-19 pandemic.
"You know, it's in moments like these we realize we need to put politics aside and work together as Americans," Biden said. "The coronavirus doesn't care if you're a Democrat or Republican."
The complications over the primaries due to the coronavirus outbreak have cut the number of poll workers and may hamper voter turnout.
Ohio pulled the plug on its primary early Tuesday following several wild hours of maneuvering.
In legal wrangling that went into Tuesday morning, the Ohio Supreme Court stepped in to postpone its primary, denying a legal challenge from a candidate in Wood County, near Toledo, who argued the state's effort to delay the vote violated state election law.
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Gov. Mike DeWine tried Monday to postpone the election but a Franklin County judge denied his request, saying it was too late since the polls were set to open within hours. After failing to appeal the move, Amy Acton, director of the Ohio Health Department, issued her own order to close the polls.
Acton's order said the delay is necessary "to avoid the imminent threat with a high probability of widespread exposure to COVID-19 with a significant risk of substantial harm to a large number of the people in the general population, including the elderly and people with weakened immune systems and chronic medical conditions."
The state's Supreme Court agreed. The Ohio Democratic primary, which will award 136 delegates, has not yet been set for a future date.
Arizona's most populous county, Maricopa, also closed most of its polling places for safety reasons because of the virus. The state said it would operate 150 "vote centers," where ballots could be cast regardless of where voters live. Voters also had an opportunity to vote by mail.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered election authorities to close all polling places in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities, but polling places elsewhere were open normally.
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In Illinois, polling places in schools and other locations were closed due to the coronavirus. The state faces a poll worker shortage and state officials expected a low voter turnout.
"We are in an untenable position at this point, and we understand and refuse to punish the [election] judges whose age or health condition might prevent them from going out," said Marisel Hernandez, chair of the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners. "[We are] bracing for the most difficult election, under the most trying of times."


upi--2020-03-17--Jimmie Ward, 49ers agree to 3-year, $28.5 million contract

March 17 ( UPI ) -- The San Francisco 49ers have agreed to a three-year contract with safety Jimmie Ward .
Sources told NFL Network and ESPN that the deal is worth $ 28.5 million .
Ward , 28 , has played for the 49ers since being selected with the No .
30 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft .
The 5-foot-11 , 193-pound safety had a career-high 65 total tackles , eight passes defensed , two tackles for a loss and a sack in 13 starts last season .
Ward had appeared in 64 games and has 44 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Francisco .
Ward 's contract agreement was one of several financial moves the 49ers made for defenders Monday .
San Francisco also agreed to a five-year deal with defensive lineman Arik Armstead .
That pact has a maximum value of $ 85 million .
The 49ers also traded defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts on Monday in exchange for the No .
13 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft .
Ward has 251 tackles , 29 passes defensed , three sacks , two interceptions , two forced fumbles , two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NFL tenure .

Free safety Jimmie Ward (20) joined the San Francisco 49ers as the No. 30 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. File Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI | License Photo
March 17 (UPI) -- The San Francisco 49ers have agreed to a three-year contract with safety Jimmie Ward. Sources told NFL Network and ESPN that the deal is worth $28.5 million. Ward, 28, has played for the 49ers since being selected with the No. 30 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. Advertisement
The 5-foot-11, 193-pound safety had a career-high 65 total tackles, eight passes defensed, two tackles for a loss and a sack in 13 starts last season. Ward had appeared in 64 games and has 44 starts in his six seasons in San Francisco.
Ward's contract agreement was one of several financial moves the 49ers made for defenders Monday. San Francisco also agreed to a five-year deal with defensive lineman Arik Armstead. That pact has a maximum value of $85 million.
The 49ers also traded defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts on Monday in exchange for the No. 13 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Ward has 251 tackles, 29 passes defensed, three sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and a touchdown during his NFL tenure.


upi--2020-03-17--Las Vegas Raiders agree to sign QB Marcus Mariota

March 17 ( UPI ) -- The Las Vegas Raiders have agreed to a contract with former Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota .
Sources informed NFL Network , ESPN and the Las Vegas Review-Journal of the agreement Monday .
The financial terms and length of Mariota 's contract were not disclosed .
Mariota , 26 , leaves the Titans after losing his job to Ryan Tannehill in 2019 .
The Titans traded for Tannehill last off-season and agreed to a four-year , $ 62 million contract with the veteran quarterback Monday .
Mariota , 26 , completed 59.4 percent of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touchdowns and two interceptions in seven games last season before being benched .
He completed 62.9 percent of his throws for 13,207 yards , 76 touchdowns and 44 interceptions in his five seasons with the Titans .
Mariota entered the league as the No .
2 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft .
Mariota will likely enter the 2020 season as the Raiders ' No .
2 quarterback but he could push incumbent starter Derek Carr for more playing time .
Carr , 28 , made the Pro Bowl in three of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Raiders have posted losing records in the last three seasons .
Carr completed a career-high 70.4 percent of his throws for 4,054 yards , 21 scores and eight interceptions in 16 starts in 2019 .
The six-year veteran signed a five-year , $ 125 million contract extension with the Raiders before the 2017 season .
Carr entered the league as a second-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft .

Marcus Mariota had a 29-32 record in five seasons as starting quarterback for the Tennessee Titans. File Photo by Joe Marino/UPI | License Photo
March 17 (UPI) -- The Las Vegas Raiders have agreed to a contract with former Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota. Sources informed NFL Network, ESPN and the Las Vegas Review-Journal of the agreement Monday. The financial terms and length of Mariota's contract were not disclosed. Mariota, 26, leaves the Titans after losing his job to Ryan Tannehill in 2019. The Titans traded for Tannehill last off-season and agreed to a four-year, $62 million contract with the veteran quarterback Monday. Advertisement
Mariota, 26, completed 59.4 percent of his passes for 1,203 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions in seven games last season before being benched. He completed 62.9 percent of his throws for 13,207 yards, 76 touchdowns and 44 interceptions in his five seasons with the Titans. Mariota entered the league as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Mariota will likely enter the 2020 season as the Raiders' No. 2 quarterback but he could push incumbent starter Derek Carr for more playing time.
Carr, 28, made the Pro Bowl in three of his first four seasons, but the Raiders have posted losing records in the last three seasons.
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Carr completed a career-high 70.4 percent of his throws for 4,054 yards, 21 scores and eight interceptions in 16 starts in 2019. The six-year veteran signed a five-year, $125 million contract extension with the Raiders before the 2017 season. Carr entered the league as a second-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.


upi--2020-03-17--Kristofer Hivju announces he tested positive for COVID-19

March 17 ( UPI ) -- Game of Thrones alum Kristofer Hivju announced on Instagram he has tested positive for @ @ @ @ @ and I are self-isolating at home for as long as it takes .
We are @ @ @ @ @ only have mild symptoms of a cold , '' the actor said on Monday alongside @ @ @ @ @ his wife Gry Molvær Hivju from their home in Norway .
Hivju urged fans to @ @ @ @ @ hands and to go into quarantine .
`` Just do everything you can to stop @ @ @ @ @ Together we can fight this virus and avert a crisis at our hospitals .
Please @ @ @ @ @ , keep your distance and stay healthy ! ''
he continued .
Hivju is best @ @ @ @ @ Game of Thrones .
He was recently cast in Season 2 of Netflix 's The @ @ @ @ @ production halted amid COVID-19 concerns .
Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson , Olga @ @ @ @ @ other Hollywood stars who have also tested positive for COVID-19 .

March 17 (UPI) -- Game of Thrones alum Kristofer Hivju announced on Instagram he has tested positive for COVID-19.
"My family and I are self-isolating at home for as long as it takes. We are in good health - I only have mild symptoms of a cold," the actor said on Monday alongside a selfie of himself and his wife Gry Molvær Hivju from their home in Norway.
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Hivju urged fans to be careful, wash their hands and to go into quarantine.
"Just do everything you can to stop the virus from spreading. Together we can fight this virus and avert a crisis at our hospitals. Please take care of each other, keep your distance and stay healthy!" he continued.
Hivju is best known for portraying Tormund in Game of Thrones. He was recently cast in Season 2 of Netflix's The Witcher which has had its production halted amid COVID-19 concerns.
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Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, were released from Queensland hospital Monday and are self-quarantined in their home in Australia.
Olga Kurylenko and Idris Elba are other Hollywood stars who have also tested positive for COVID-19.


upi--2020-03-17--Cowboys lock down WR Amari Cooper with $100M contract

March 17 ( UPI ) -- The Dallas Cowboys are keeping Amari Cooper for the foreseeable future after agreeing to a five-year contract with their star wide receiver .
Sources told NFL Network , the Dallas Morning News and ESPN that the two parties agreed to the $ 100 million pact Monday .
The contract includes $ 60 million in guarantees .
Cooper , 25 , was set to hit free agency on Wednesday .
The four-time Pro Bowl selection had a career-high 1,189 yards and eight touchdowns on 79 catches in 16 starts last season for the Cowboys .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 NFL Draft to the Oakland Raiders to acquire Cooper in 2018. Cooper had 725 yards and six touchdowns on 53 catches in his first nine games for the Cowboys in 2018. Cooper 's signing followed the news that the Cowboys placed the exclusive franchise tag on quarterback Dak Prescott , meaning no other team can sign Prescott .
Dallas can still sign Prescott to a long-term contract .
Prescott will play for $ 31.6 million in 2020 if the two parties can not agree to a longer deal .
Cooper will return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 .
The Cowboys lost Randall Cobb to the Houston Texans Monday in free agency .
Michael Gallup was the Cowboys ' second-best wide receiver in 2019 .
Gallup will return in 2020 after catching 66 passes for 1,107 yards and six scores in 14 games in 2019 .

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper (19) had a career-high 1,189 yards and eight touchdowns in 16 starts last season. File Photo by Ian Halperin/UPI | License Photo
March 17 (UPI) -- The Dallas Cowboys are keeping Amari Cooper for the foreseeable future after agreeing to a five-year contract with their star wide receiver. Sources told NFL Network, the Dallas Morning News and ESPN that the two parties agreed to the $100 million pact Monday. The contract includes $60 million in guarantees. Cooper, 25, was set to hit free agency on Wednesday. Advertisement
The four-time Pro Bowl selection had a career-high 1,189 yards and eight touchdowns on 79 catches in 16 starts last season for the Cowboys. Dallas traded a first-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft to the Oakland Raiders to acquire Cooper in 2018. Cooper had 725 yards and six touchdowns on 53 catches in his first nine games for the Cowboys in 2018.
Cooper's signing followed the news that the Cowboys placed the exclusive franchise tag on quarterback Dak Prescott, meaning no other team can sign Prescott. Dallas can still sign Prescott to a long-term contract. Prescott will play for $31.6 million in 2020 if the two parties cannot agree to a longer deal.
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Cooper will return as Dallas' top wide receiver in 2020. The Cowboys lost Randall Cobb to the Houston Texans Monday in free agency. Michael Gallup was the Cowboys' second-best wide receiver in 2019. Gallup will return in 2020 after catching 66 passes for 1,107 yards and six scores in 14 games in 2019.


upi--2020-03-17--Texans sign Randall Cobb after DeAndre Hopkins trade

March 17 ( UPI ) -- The Houston Texans have signed veteran wide receiver Randall Cobb after trading All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals .
Sources told NFL Network , ESPN and the Houston Chronicle that the Texans and Cobb agreed to a three-year , $ 27 million contract Monday .
The signing came hours after the Texans traded Hopkins and a fourth-round pick to the Cardinals for running back David Johnson and a second- and fourth-round pick .
The Texans now have Cobb , Will Fuller and Kenny Stills as their top wide receivers .
Cobb , 29 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on 55 catches last season in Dallas after signing a one-year , $ 5 million contract last off-season .
The nine-year veteran entered the league as a second-round pick by the Green Bay Packers in the 2011 NFL Draft .
Cobb had his best season in 2014 , when he had 91 catches for 1,287 yards and 12 touchdowns , while catching passes from Aaron Rodgers .
He has n't eclipsed 1,000 yards or eight touchdowns in any other season .
Hopkins led the Texans in receiving every year from 2014 through 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 8,602 yards , trailing only Andre Johnson .
Hopkins trailed Johnson by 10 touchdowns on the Texans ' all-time list , despite playing in 59 fewer games than Johnson .

Randall Cobb (18) had 828 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games last season for the Dallas Cowboys. File Photo by Ian Halperin/UPI | License Photo
March 17 (UPI) -- The Houston Texans have signed veteran wide receiver Randall Cobb after trading All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals. Sources told NFL Network, ESPN and the Houston Chronicle that the Texans and Cobb agreed to a three-year, $27 million contract Monday. The signing came hours after the Texans traded Hopkins and a fourth-round pick to the Cardinals for running back David Johnson and a second- and fourth-round pick. Advertisement
The Texans now have Cobb, Will Fuller and Kenny Stills as their top wide receivers.
Cobb, 29, had 828 yards and three touchdowns on 55 catches last season in Dallas after signing a one-year, $5 million contract last off-season. The nine-year veteran entered the league as a second-round pick by the Green Bay Packers in the 2011 NFL Draft.
Cobb had his best season in 2014, when he had 91 catches for 1,287 yards and 12 touchdowns, while catching passes from Aaron Rodgers. He hasn't eclipsed 1,000 yards or eight touchdowns in any other season.
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Hopkins led the Texans in receiving every year from 2014 through 2019. He ranked season in Texans history with 8,602 yards, trailing only Andre Johnson. Hopkins trailed Johnson by 10 touchdowns on the Texans' all-time list, despite playing in 59 fewer games than Johnson.