upi--2020-04-26--New York hits lowest daily COVID-19 death toll since March, states differ on reopening plans

April 26 ( UPI ) -- New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo announced Sunday that the state recorded its lowest daily COVID-19 death toll since March .
During a Sunday news briefing , Cuomo said 367 people died in New York throughout the past 24 hours , the lowest total during such a period since March 31 .
On Saturday , the increase was 617 .
`` The overall hospitalization rate is down , number of intubations is down .
Even the number of new COVID cases is down .
Still not good .
Still 1,000 new COVID cases yesterday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That would normally be terrible news .
It 's only not terrible news compared to where we were .
This is just terrible news ; 367 deaths , which is horrific , '' he said .
`` There is no relative context to death . ''
The United States has recorded 980,000 cases of COVID-19 and 55,094 deaths including 21,908 in New York , according to figures by Worldometer.info .
Besides New York , no state announced new deaths in triple figures as the toll increase was 838 so far Sunday , compared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a plan to reopen businesses in the state , beginning with construction and manufacturing activities including `` businesses that have a low risk '' followed by a gradual reopening led by a business by business analysis using a matrix to determine how essential a service the business offers and the risk associated with the reopening .
He said the decisions of whether to reopen in the second phase is `` going to be up to businesses . ''
`` Businesses , you develop a plan on how you want to reopen given everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gov .
Phil Murphy of neighboring New Jersey announced Sunday the state recorded 3,730 new coronavirus cases bringing the total to 109,038 and 75 new deaths for a total of 5,938 .
The total deaths and increase are second in the nation .
Murphy also added that the state was `` still a number of weeks away from reopening '' according to his best understanding of the data .
`` I suspect -- while we have n't made a decision on that we 're going to move as one state recognizing you 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you just do n't have in the south , '' he said , referring to higher totals of deaths and cases in the northeast of the state nearest to New York .
States including Alaska , Georgia , Oklahoma , South Carolina and Tennessee have begun opening businesses including hair salons , gyms and bowling alleys while Colorado recently began to phase in some store openings while allowing curbside retail deliveries and elective sugeries .
`` What matters a lot more than the date that the stay-at-home ends is what we do going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sustainable way , psychologically , economically and from the health perspective , to have the social distancing we need , '' Gov .
Jared Polis told CNN 's State of the Union .
`` Otherwise , if we ca n't succeed in doing that on an ongoing basis , the stay-at-home was for nothing . ''
Maryland Gov .
Larry Hogan said the state would not begin to reopen until the number of deaths in the state declined for 14 state days .
The state reported 35 deaths Sunday , compared with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 875 , 13th in the nation .
`` I 'm going to be very cautious , '' Hogan told ABC News ' This Week .
`` We 're going to make decisions on science . ''
White House Coronavirus Task Force coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx said social distancing procedures will likely remain in place through the summer responding to comments by Vice President Mike Pence that the United States `` will largely have this coronavirus epidemic behind us '' by Memorial Day .
`` Social distancing will be with us through the summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another as we move through these phases , '' she said .
Georgia , which has been reopening nonessential businesses , added five deaths after eight the day before for a total of 912 in 11th place .
Louisiana , originally a hotspot , reported 26 more deaths Sunday , down 17 from Saturday , for a total of 1,729 , eighth in the U.S. And Michigan remained in third place at 3,315 .
The 41 deaths Sunday dropped dramatically from 189 Saturday .
Massachusetts , which had released its data for Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 174 Saturday .
Illinois is fifth in the nation with 1,933 deaths , including 59 more fatalities Sunday after 79 the day before .

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Sunday that the state hit it's lowest daily COVID-19 death toll since March 31 as states throughout the country devise plans for lifting social distancing restrictions. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
April 26 (UPI) -- New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Sunday that the state recorded its lowest daily COVID-19 death toll since March as other states reported significantly lower new fatalities from the day before. During a Sunday news briefing, Cuomo said 367 people died in New York throughout the past 24 hours, the lowest total during such a period since March 31. On Saturday, the increase was 617. Advertisement
"The overall hospitalization rate is down, number of intubations is down. Even the number of new COVID cases is down. Still not good. Still 1,000 new COVID cases yesterday, to put it in focus. That would normally be terrible news. It's only not terrible news compared to where we were. This is just terrible news; 367 deaths, which is horrific," he said. "There is no relative context to death."
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The United States has recorded 987,160 cases of COVID-19 and 55,413 deaths including 21,908 in New York, according to figures by Worldometer.info. Besides New York, the only other state announcing triple-digit increases was Massachusetts with 169 after 174 Saturday to remain in fourth place with 2,730. In all, 1,157 deaths were announced, almost half as many as the 2,065 Saturday. It was the lowest total since 1,085 on March 31, the same day as New York's lowest figure.
Cuomo also outlined a plan to reopen businesses in the state, beginning with construction and manufacturing activities including "businesses that have a low risk" followed by a gradual reopening led by a business by business analysis using a matrix to determine how essential a service the business offers and the risk associated with the reopening.
He said the decisions of whether to reopen in the second phase is "going to be up to businesses."
"Businesses, you develop a plan on how you want to reopen given everything we know," said Cuomo.
Gov. Phil Murphy of neighboring New Jersey announced Sunday the state recorded 3,730 new coronavirus cases bringing the total to 109,038 and 75 new deaths for a total of 5,938. The total deaths are second in the nation after 246 Saturday.
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Murphy also added that the state was "still a number of weeks away from reopening" according to his best understanding of the data.
"I suspect -- while we haven't made a decision on that we're going to move as one state recognizing you've got density issues in the north that you just don't have in the south," he said, referring to higher totals of deaths and cases in the northeast of the state nearest to New York.
States including Alaska, Georgia, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Tennessee have begun opening businesses including hair salons, gyms and bowling alleys while Colorado recently began to phase in some store openings while allowing curbside retail deliveries and elective surgeries.
"What matters a lot more than the date that the stay-at-home ends is what we do going forward and how we have an ongoing, sustainable way, psychologically, economically and from the health perspective, to have the social distancing we need," Gov. Jared Polis told CNN's State of the Union. "Otherwise, if we can't succeed in doing that on an ongoing basis, the stay-at-home was for nothing."
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said the state would not begin to reopen until the number of deaths in the state declined for 14 state days. The state reported 35 deaths Sunday, compared with 77 Saturday, for a total of 875, 13th in the nation.
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"I'm going to be very cautious," Hogan told ABC News' This Week. "We're going to make decisions on science."
White House Coronavirus Task Force coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx said social distancing procedures will likely remain in place through the summer responding to comments by Vice President Mike Pence that the United States "will largely have this coronavirus epidemic behind us" by Memorial Day.
"Social distancing will be with us through the summer to really ensure that we protect one another as we move through these phases," she said.
Georgia, which has been reopening nonessential businesses, added five deaths after eight the day before for a total of 912 in 11th place.
Louisiana, originally a hotspot, reported 26 more deaths Sunday, down 17 from Saturday, for a total of 1,729, eighth in the U.S.
And Michigan remained in third place at 3,315. The 41 deaths Sunday dropped dramatically from 189 Saturday.
Illinois is fifth in the nation with 1,933 deaths, including 59 more fatalities Sunday after 79 the day before.
Elsewhere, No. 6 Connecticut added 62 deaths, No. 7 Pennsylvania an additional 19 as well as 32 more by No. 9 Connecticut, and 19 by No. 10 Florida.


upi--2020-04-26--Pelosi: Coronavirus funding for state and local governments coming in new relief bill

April 26 ( UPI ) -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Sunday said that Congress will provide coronavirus funding for state and local governments in a forthcoming stimulus bill .
Pelosi , appearing on CNN 's State of the Union , responded to criticism from state and local leaders including New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo who called on such funding to be included in previous legislation , including the fourth COVID-19 relief bill signed on Friday .
`` Just calm down , '' she said .
`` We will have state and local and we will have it in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also encouraged state and local to continue being vocal about their need for federal aid .
`` The governors are impatient .
I 'm a big fan of Gov .
Cuomo , my own governor , Gavin Newsom , has been so spectacular , my mayor ... State and local have done their jobs magnificently .
They should be impatient , their impatience will help us get an even bigger number , '' said Pelosi .
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell on Wednesday opposed providing funding for state and local government , instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told Fox News Sunday he was prepared to provide funding to local governments if Congress can reach an agreement .
`` If we need to spend more money we will and we 'll only do it with bipartisan support , '' he said .
Mnuchin also commented on how long he expects the new tranch of $ 310 billion added to the paycheck protection in the package signed Friday will last .
`` I actually hope we run out of money quickly so we get the money into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The first round of funding was exhausted quickly and several large companies including Ruth 's Chris Steak House and Shake Shack were awarded the loans meant for small businesses before returining the loans .
Mnuchin said that the administration would work to ensure that this round of funding would be `` distributed fairly . ''
`` I think you 're going to see this move in the right direction and I think you 're also going to see the average loan size go down significantly , '' he said .

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Sunday said that Congress will provide coronavirus funding for state and local governments in a "very significant way" as part of a forthcoming stimulus bill after facing criticism from state leaders including New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo that funding should have been included in prior bills. Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI | License Photo
April 26 (UPI) -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Sunday said that Congress will provide coronavirus funding for state and local governments in a forthcoming stimulus bill. Pelosi, appearing on CNN's State of the Union, responded to criticism from state and local leaders including New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo who called on such funding to be included in previous legislation, including the fourth COVID-19 relief bill signed on Friday. Advertisement
"Just calm down," she said. "We will have state and local and we will have it in a very significant way."
She also encouraged state and local to continue being vocal about their need for federal aid.
"The governors are impatient. I'm a big fan of Gov. Cuomo, my own governor, Gavin Newsom, has been so spectacular, my mayor ... State and local have done their jobs magnificently. They should be impatient, their impatience will help us get an even bigger number," said Pelosi.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell on Wednesday opposed providing funding for state and local government, instead suggesting that they apply for bankruptcy.
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Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told Fox News Sunday he was prepared to provide funding to local governments if Congress can reach an agreement.
"If we need to spend more money we will and we'll only do it with bipartisan support," he said.
Mnuchin also commented on how long he expects the new tranch of $310 billion added to the paycheck protection in the package signed Friday will last.
"I actually hope we run out of money quickly so we get the money into the workers' pockets," he said.
The first round of funding was exhausted quickly and several large companies including Ruth's Chris Steak House and Shake Shack were awarded the loans meant for small businesses before returining the loans.
Mnuchin said that the administration would work to ensure that this round of funding would be "distributed fairly."
"I think you're going to see this move in the right direction and I think you're also going to see the average loan size go down significantly," he said.


upi--2020-04-26--Chris Pratt, Katherine Schwarzenegger expecting first baby together

April 26 ( UPI ) -- Film star Chris Pratt and his wife , author Katherine Schwarzenegger , are expecting @ @ @ @ @ The happy news was reported this weekend by People.com , E !
and ETOnline .
@ @ @ @ @ 's sex or anticipated due date were immediately known .
The couple will celebrate their @ @ @ @ @ 8 .
Pratt , 40 , is known for his roles in the sitcom Parks @ @ @ @ @ the Marvel 's Avengers blockbusters .
He also starred in Jurassic World and its sequel @ @ @ @ @ the animated films , Onward and The Lego Movie .
He has a 7-year-old son @ @ @ @ @ actress Anna Faris .
Schwarzenegger , 30 , is the daughter of screen icon Arnold @ @ @ @ @ Shriver .
She recently wrote the book , The Gift of Forgiveness .

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Katherine Schwarzenegger (R) and Chris Pratt are expecting their first child together. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
April 26 (UPI) -- Film star Chris Pratt and his wife, author Katherine Schwarzenegger, are expecting their first child together. The happy news was reported this weekend by People.com, E! and ETOnline. Advertisement
No details on the child's sex or anticipated due date were immediately known.
The couple will celebrate their first wedding anniversary on June 8.
Pratt, 40, is known for his roles in the sitcom Parks and Recreation, and in the Marvel's Avengers blockbusters. He also starred in Jurassic World and its sequel, and was heard in the animated films, Onward and The Lego Movie.
He has a 7-year-old son Jack with his ex-wife, actress Anna Faris.
Schwarzenegger, 30, is the daughter of screen icon Arnold Schwarzenegger and broadcast journalist Maria Shriver. She recently wrote the book, The Gift of Forgiveness.


upi--2020-04-26--Brad Pitt, Miley Cyrus appear on 'SNL At Home'

April 26 ( UPI ) -- Oscar winner Brad Pitt and pop music star Miley Cyrus appeared remotely from their houses on this weekend 's edition of Saturday Night Live At Home .
Pitt played Dr. Anthony Fauci , leader of the White House 's coronavirus task force , in the show 's 3-minute cold open .
He began his appearance by thanking his female admirers for their `` supportive , inspiring and sometimes graphic emails . ''
`` There 's been a lot of misinformation out there about the virus and , yes , the president has taken some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tonight , I would like to explain what the president was trying to say , '' Pitt as Fauci said .
Several clips of U.S. President Donald Trump speaking about tests and treatments for the virus were then shown , with Pitt as Fauci clarifying the statements .
When footage screened of Trump wondering aloud if ultraviolet light or disinfectant could be used directly on sick people , Fauci appears shocked and speechless , hiding his face in his hand .
`` I know I 'm not supposed to touch my face , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next was a clip of Trump denying he wants to fire Fauci and calling him a `` wonderful guy . ''
`` So , yeah , I 'm getting fired , '' Fauci said .
`` But , until then , I 'm going to be there , putting out the facts for whoever is listening and if I hear that everyone can be cured if they take the Tide Pod challenge , I 'll be there to say , 'Please do n't . '
'' Pitt then removed his Fauci wig and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real Dr. Fauci : Thank you for your calm and your clarity in this unnerving time .
And thank you to the medical workers , first responders and their families for being on the front line . ''
Cyrus provided the evening 's musical entertainment , singing `` Wish You Were Here '' from her backyard .
Current and former SNL cast members Pete Davidson and Adam Sandler also collaborated together on a music video for their comedic , social-distancing song , `` Stuck in the House . ''
SNL -- and many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at celebrities ' homes due to social-distancing practices enacted to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic , which has killed more than 200,000 people worldwide .

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Brad Pitt played Dr. Anthony Fauci on "SNL At Home" this weekend. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
April 26 (UPI) -- Oscar winner Brad Pitt and pop music star Miley Cyrus appeared remotely from their houses on this weekend's edition of Saturday Night Live At Home. Pitt played Dr. Anthony Fauci, leader of the White House's coronavirus task force, in the show's 3-minute cold open. Advertisement
He began his appearance by thanking his female admirers for their "supportive, inspiring and sometimes graphic emails."
"There's been a lot of misinformation out there about the virus and, yes, the president has taken some liberties with our guidelines, so, tonight, I would like to explain what the president was trying to say," Pitt as Fauci said.
Several clips of U.S. President Donald Trump speaking about tests and treatments for the virus were then shown, with Pitt as Fauci clarifying the statements.
When footage screened of Trump wondering aloud if ultraviolet light or disinfectant could be used directly on sick people, Fauci appears shocked and speechless, hiding his face in his hand.
"I know I'm not supposed to touch my face, but..." he said.
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Up next was a clip of Trump denying he wants to fire Fauci and calling him a "wonderful guy."
"So, yeah, I'm getting fired," Fauci said. "But, until then, I'm going to be there, putting out the facts for whoever is listening and if I hear that everyone can be cured if they take the Tide Pod challenge, I'll be there to say, 'Please don't.'"
Pitt then removed his Fauci wig and glasses and said: "To the real Dr. Fauci: Thank you for your calm and your clarity in this unnerving time. And thank you to the medical workers, first responders and their families for being on the front line."
Cyrus provided the evening's musical entertainment, singing "Wish You Were Here" from her backyard.
Current and former SNL cast members Pete Davidson and Adam Sandler also collaborated together on a music video for their comedic, social-distancing song, "Stuck in the House."
SNL -- and many other talk/variety shows -- have been filmed at celebrities' homes due to social-distancing practices enacted to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 200,000 people worldwide.


upi--2020-04-26--Global coronavirus death toll passes 200,000 but rate declines

April 26 ( UPI ) -- The death toll from coronavirus passed 200,000 and cases neared 3 million worldwide Sunday though the rate of new cases and deaths have been declining , and nations are easing restrictions .
So far Sunday , an additional 3,178 deaths were reported , which is roughly half the 6,609 announced Saturday , according to tracking by Worldometers.info .
Sunday 's increase was 1.6 percent compared with a 3.1 percent Saturday -- much lower than when the outbreak was skyrocketing several weeks ago .
The number of new cases was 63,243 , compared with 90,722 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death rate had been doubling every seven days from CIVID-19 .
One week ago , the toll was 160,364 and two weeks ago the count was 112,265 .
Last Sunday , there were 2.3 million cases compared with 1.8 million the previous week .
The United States heads the list with 55,000 deaths , roughly one-quarter of the world total , and 980,000 cases , which is one-third of the global number .
The decline has been especially evident in Europe with 121,822 deaths .
Most nations ' increases the past few days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with near double digits a few weeks ago .
Behind the United States , the next seven spots on the list are occupied by European nations -- No .
2 Italy , No .
3 Spain , No .
4 France , No .
5 Britain , No .
6 Belgium and No .
7 Germany .
Rounding out the top 10 are Iran , followed by China and another European nation , the Netherlands .
The seven nations in Europe range from 66 to 413 new deaths .
In Italy , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only 260 deaths were reported Sunday , a 1 percent increase , for a total of 26,664 , and lower than 4215 Saturday .
The high was 919 deaths on March 27 .
On Sunday , Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte told La Repubblica that manufacturing plants will reopen on May 4 but schools will remain closed until September .
He said `` strategic '' businesses will require the approval of local authorities and will have to introduce strict safety measures .
The county went into a lockdown in March , including starting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nation .
Spain , with 23,190 deaths , also is easing restrictions amid declining numbers -- a 1.3 percent increase with 288 deaths reported Sunday , which is the lowest since March 20 .
The high was 961 on April 2 .
For the first time since a state of emergency six weeks ago , children were allowed outdoors if they are accompanied by their parents .
`` The data shows a clear descending trend , it is true that because it is the weekend we need to analyze it carefully but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Fernando Simon , who is Spain 's director of Emergencies , told journalists .
France 's increase also has been declining .
On Sunday 242 deaths were reported after 369 Saturday , for a 1.1 percent increase , to 22,614 .
The high was 1,438 on April 15 .
President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday issued an ultimatum to European Union embers in Northern Europe to spend more to help southern states .
Otherwise , the single market will be no longer there . ''
He specifically named Germany and the Netherlands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million , has had more success mitigating the spread of the virus , including heavy testing .
On Sunday , the nation reported 36 deaths after 117 deaths Saturday for a total of 5,913 .
Its high was 333 on April 8 .
However , Prime Minister Angela Merkel has said the coronavirus pandemic is `` still at the beginning '' and warned residents to continue social distancing despite good numbers .
`` It is precisely because the figures give rise to hope that I feel obliged to say that this interim result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We are still far from out of the woods .
We are not in the final phase of the pandemic , but still at the beginning . ''
Britain 's new deaths declined significantly from the day before : 413 Sunday vs. 813 Saturday , with the latter the second highest in the world behind the United States .
The record was 980 on April 10 and the lowest number subsequently was 449 until Sunday 's figure .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson plans to return to work Monday after being sidelined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including a stay in intensive care at a hospital .
He was discharged on April 12 .
Foreign Minister Dominic Raab said Johnson 's return will be a `` boost for the country . ''
Britain has reported 20,732 deaths but the figures are only from hospitals .
Trailing far behind the top five is Belgium with 7,094 including 177 more fatalities Sunday after 238 Saturday .
Iran is close behind Germany with 5,710 , including 60 more deaths reported Sunday .
In all , 17,230 have died in Asia .
China , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no deaths for 11 days in a row to stand at 4,632 .
The nation reported 11 cases and six were attributed to travelers coming from overseas .
On Sunday , China 's National Health Commission said that there are no hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Wuhan .
The total number of infected people who were treated in the city and discharged numbered around 46,552 .
Elsewhere in the Far East , Korea reported 2 deaths for a total of 242 and 10 cases on Sunday .
Japan announced 15 more deaths for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases .
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declared a state of emergency on April 7 as the number of infections rose .
Large churches in South Korea reopened Sunday though attendance was limited .
India reported only one more death Sunday for a total of 826 .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended the lockdown to May 3 , but allowed allowed select activities from April 20 in some areas that are least affected by the outbreak .
Russia 's death toll is listed as 747 with 66 more reported Sunday , but its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more for a total of 80,949 in sixth place compared to 20th place in deaths .
Nearby Turkey reported 2,805 more cases and 99 more deaths .
Brazil has about two thirds of the 6,036 deaths in South America , announcing 72 after 275 more Saturday for a total of 4,117 .
Residents have called for the impeachment of President Jair Bolsonaro .
On Friday , he disputed claims from his former justice minister Sérgio Moro , who resigned , that he had sought to appoint a new federal police chief to gain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has 1,419 deaths , led by Algeria with 425 .
In Oceania , there are only 101 fatalities -- 83 in Australia and 18 in New Zealand .
Queensland and Western Australia announced they will ease social distancing restrictions , allowing some outdoor recreational activities .
In North America , all but 4,000 of the deaths so far were outside the United States .
That includes 2,560 in Canada , including 95 more Sunday and Mexico announced 84 fataliti3s for a total of 1,305 .
Provinces that include New Brunswick and Saskatchewan in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses .
Bloomberg reported that the Mexican government 's reported cases of 12,872 may be undercounted because severe acute respiratory infections have skyrocketed 50 percent .

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People walk with their children on Diagonal Avenue amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic in Barcelona, Spain, on Sunday. It was the first day that minors have been allowed for an hour a day outside their homes following a nationwide lockdown ordered 44 days ago in Spain. Photo by Alberto Estevez/EPA-EFE
April 26 (UPI) -- The death toll from coronavirus passed 200,000 and cases neared 3 million worldwide Sunday though the rate of new cases and deaths have been declining, and nations are easing restrictions. An additional 3,751 deaths were reported, which significantly less than the 6,609 announced Saturday, according to tracking by Worldometers.info. Advertisement
Sunday's increase was 1.8 percent compared with a 3.1 percent Saturday -- much lower than when the outbreak was skyrocketing several weeks ago. The number of new cases was 73,858, compared with 90,722 Saturday.
In past weeks, the death rate had been doubling every seven days from CIVID-19.
One week ago, the toll was 160,364 and two weeks ago the count was 112,265. Last Sunday, there were 2.3 million cases compared with 1.8 million the previous week.
The United States heads the list with 55,413 deaths, roughly one-quarter of the world total, and 987,160 cases, which is about one-third of the global number.
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The decline has been especially evident in Europe with 121,885 deaths. Most nations' increases the past few days have been under 2 percent compared compared with near double digits a few weeks ago.
Behind the United States, the next seven spots on the list are occupied by European nations -- No. 2 Italy, No. 3 Spain, No. 4 France, No. 5 Britain, No. 6 Belgium and No. 7 Germany. Rounding out the top 10 are Iran, followed by China and another European nation, the Netherlands.
The seven nations in Europe range from 66 to 413 new deaths.
In Italy, which at one time was an epicenter, only 260 deaths were reported Sunday, a 1 percent increase, for a total of 26,664, and lower than 4215 Saturday. The high was 919 deaths on March 27.
On Sunday, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte told La Repubblica that manufacturing plants will reopen on May 4 but schools will remain closed until September. He said "strategic" businesses will require the approval of local authorities and will have to introduce strict safety measures.
The county went into a lockdown in March, including starting out in the hard-hit northern portion of the nation.
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Spain, with 23,190 deaths, also is easing restrictions amid declining numbers -- a 1.3 percent increase with 288 deaths reported Sunday, which is the lowest since March 20. The high was 961 on April 2.
For the first time since a state of emergency six weeks ago, children were allowed outdoors if they are accompanied by their parents.
"The data shows a clear descending trend, it is true that because it is the weekend we need to analyze it carefully but the scale of the descent is important," Fernando Simon, who is Spain's director of Emergencies, told journalists.
France's increase also has been declining. On Sunday 242 deaths were reported after 369 Saturday, for a 1.1 percent increase, to 22,614. The high was 1,438 on April 15.
President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday issued an ultimatum to European Union embers in Northern Europe to spend more to help southern states. Otherwise, the single market will be no longer there." He specifically named Germany and the Netherlands.
Germany, a nation of 83 million, has had more success mitigating the spread of the virus, including heavy testing. On Sunday, the nation reported 36 deaths after 117 deaths Saturday for a total of 5,913. Its high was 333 on April 8.
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However, Prime Minister Angela Merkel has said the coronavirus pandemic is "still at the beginning" and warned residents to continue social distancing despite good numbers.
"It is precisely because the figures give rise to hope that I feel obliged to say that this interim result is fragile," Merkel told parliament. "We are still far from out of the woods. We are not in the final phase of the pandemic, but still at the beginning."
Britain's new deaths declined significantly from the day before: 413 Sunday vs. 813 Saturday, with the latter the second highest in the world behind the United States. The record was 980 on April 10 and the lowest number subsequently was 449 until Sunday's figure.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson plans to return to work Monday after being sidelined for three weeks from the virus, including a stay in intensive care at a hospital. He was discharged on April 12.
Foreign Minister Dominic Raab said Johnson's return will be a "boost for the country."
Britain has reported 20,732 deaths but the figures are only from hospitals.
Trailing far behind the top five is Belgium with 7,094 including 177 more fatalities Sunday after 238 Saturday.
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Iran is close behind Germany with 5,710, including 60 more deaths reported Sunday.
In all, 17,243 have died in Asia.
China, where the virus emerged, has reported no deaths for 11 days in a row to stand at 4,632. The nation reported 11 cases and six were attributed to travelers coming from overseas.
On Sunday, China's National Health Commission said that there are no hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Wuhan. The total number of infected people who were treated in the city and discharged numbered around 46,552.
Elsewhere in the Far East, Korea reported 2 deaths for a total of 242 and 10 cases on Sunday. Japan announced 15 more deaths for a total of 360, and 519 more cases.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declared a state of emergency on April 7 as the number of infections rose. Large churches in South Korea reopened Sunday though attendance was limited.
India reported only one more death Sunday for a total of 826. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended the lockdown to May 3, but allowed allowed select activities from April 20 in some areas that are least affected by the outbreak.
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Russia's death toll is listed as 747 with 66 more reported Sunday, but its cases have been surging, including 6,361 more for a total of 80,949 in sixth place compared to 20th place in deaths. Nearby Turkey reported 2,805 more cases and 99 more deaths.
Brazil has about two thirds of the 6,289 deaths in South America, announcing 226 after 275 more Saturday for a total of 4,271. Residents have called for the impeachment of President Jair Bolsonaro. On Friday, he disputed claims from his former justice minister Sérgio Moro, who resigned, that he had sought to appoint a new federal police chief to gain access to secret intelligence reports.
Africa has 1,427 deaths, led by Algeria with 425.
In Oceania, there are only 101 fatalities -- 83 in Australia and 18 in New Zealand. Queensland and Western Australia announced they will ease social distancing restrictions, allowing some outdoor recreational activities.
In North America, all but 3,000 were outside the United States. That includes 2,560 in Canada, including 95 more Sunday and Mexico announced 84 fatalities for a total of 1,305.
Provinces that include New Brunswick and Saskatchewan in Canada are planning to cautiously begin reopening businesses.
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Bloomberg reported that the Mexican government's reported cases of 13,005 may be undercounted because severe acute respiratory infections have skyrocketed 50 percent.


upi--2020-04-26--Three killed in small plane crash in northern Nevada

April 26 ( UPI ) -- Two adults and a child from Arizona were killed in a plane crash in @ @ @ @ @ A Beechcraft BE35 Bonanza crashed near Goshute Peak , east of Elko , which is @ @ @ @ @ Reno and 229 miles west of Salt Lake City , late Friday night .
On @ @ @ @ @ identified as Thomas A. Kvanvig , 48 , Stacie M. Kvanvig , 49 ; and @ @ @ @ @ of Chandler .
The Air Force notified the Elko County Sheriff 's Office about a @ @ @ @ @ to chief deputy coroner Nick Czegledi .
A REACH aircraft spotted the wreckage about 20 @ @ @ @ @ Utah border after midnight Saturday .
The Beechcraft was trying to land for unknown reasons @ @ @ @ @ nose down , Czegledi said .
The sheriff 's office is assisting the FAA and @ @ @ @ @ in the investigation .
Approximately 10,400 Model 35 Bonanzas of all variants were built between @ @ @ @ @ to Airliners.net .
Models seat four to six passengers .

April 26 (UPI) -- Two adults and a child from Arizona were killed in a plane crash in northern Nevada near Utah. A Beechcraft BE35 Bonanza crashed near Goshute Peak, east of Elko, which is about 290 miles east of Reno and 229 miles west of Salt Lake City, late Friday night. Advertisement
On Saturday, the occupants were identified as Thomas A. Kvanvig, 48, Stacie M. Kvanvig, 49; and Daniel Kvanvig, 8, of Chandler.
The Air Force notified the Elko County Sheriff's Office about a possible plane down, according to chief deputy coroner Nick Czegledi. A REACH aircraft spotted the wreckage about 20 to 25 miles from the Utah border after midnight Saturday.
The Beechcraft was trying to land for unknown reasons and came down hard, nose down, Czegledi said.
The sheriff's office is assisting the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board in the investigation.
Approximately 10,400 Model 35 Bonanzas of all variants were built between 1945 and 1982, according to Airliners.net. Models seat four to six passengers.


upi--2020-04-26--Winter to strike back at northeastern US with another dose of snow

April 26 ( UPI ) -- Old Man Winter will take yet another parting swipe at the northeastern United States , meteorologists say , with more accumulating snow forecast for some of the higher elevations .
The region sat between storms on Saturday , following wet weather on Friday night and ahead of another storm heading in for the latter part of the weekend .
The same storm that produced severe weather across the South this weekend will spread rain from southwest to northeast throughout the Northeast and into New England during the day on Sunday .
`` Much of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colder air just as the storm pivots up from the South during the second half of the weekend , '' AccuWeather Meteorologist Dean DeVore said .
`` The entire storm will be in the form of rain , drizzle and unwanted chill in the corridor from Washington , D.C. , to Philadelphia , New York City and Boston , '' DeVore said .
AccuWeather RealFeel Temperatures can dip into the 30s at times , even in the larger cities , factoring in wind , rain and other conditions on Sunday and Sunday night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the region not only to make it chilly , but also to allow snow to fall and accumulate over the higher elevations from northern Pennsylvania to Maine .
The cold air will allow some wet snow to mix in at intermediate elevations and perhaps the valley floors in the same swath from Sunday night to Monday .
`` Most of the accumulating snow will fall at elevations near and above 2,000 feet in the region , '' AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson said .
There are not many well-traveled roads that go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the ridges in the region over the central and northern Appalachians could encounter some slush .
`` A general 1-3 inches of snow is forecast above 2,000 feet with an AccuWeather Local StormMax of 8 inches over the highest elevations in New York state and northern New England , '' Anderson said .
Some trees and power lines that extend over the higher elevations , and especially the ridges , can be weighed down to the point of causing sporadic power outages .
The ongoing and reoccurring chill in the region is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the jet stream .
While the polar vortex set up shop for a time near Hudson Bay a couple of weeks ago , it has since departed .
However , pockets of cold air remain and can continue to develop in place as long as the overall jet stream remains suppressed to the south .
`` It appears as though the jet stream will tend to flatten out more and take on a nearly straight west to east configuration during May , but there will still be some reoccurring or persistent southward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lead Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok said .
As long as that continues to happen , warmups can occur , but they will be brief with more setbacks of cool or chilly air to come , especially farther toward the northeastern corner of the nation , such as New England .
Farther to the west and south , over the Plains and Midwest , warmups will be more frequent and longer lasting .
Although quite rare , snow has fallen and accumulated into late May in the northern tier of the Northeast over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and accumulated in parts of the central Appalachians into early May .
Around New York City , the last reported inch of snow or greater was on April 25 , 1875 , when 3 inches fell on Central Park .
The latest snowflakes , or frozen precipitation , of the season were observed was on May 9 , 1977 .
Snowflakes or some sort of frozen precipitation have been observed on the last day of May at both Burlington , Vermont , in 1945 , and Caribou , Maine , in 1961 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ year on Mt .
Washington , New Hampshire , which is at an elevation of approximately 6,300 feet above sea level .

April 26 (UPI) -- Old Man Winter will take yet another parting swipe at the northeastern United States, meteorologists say, with more accumulating snow forecast for some of the higher elevations. The region sat between storms on Saturday, following wet weather on Friday night and ahead of another storm heading in for the latter part of the weekend. Advertisement
The same storm that produced severe weather across the South this weekend will spread rain from southwest to northeast throughout the Northeast and into New England during the day on Sunday.
"Much of the Northeast will suffer another setback of colder air just as the storm pivots up from the South during the second half of the weekend," AccuWeather Meteorologist Dean DeVore said.
"The entire storm will be in the form of rain, drizzle and unwanted chill in the corridor from Washington, D.C., to Philadelphia, New York City and Boston," DeVore said.
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AccuWeather RealFeel Temperatures can dip into the 30s at times, even in the larger cities, factoring in wind, rain and other conditions on Sunday and Sunday night.
Enough cold air will be injected into the region not only to make it chilly, but also to allow snow to fall and accumulate over the higher elevations from northern Pennsylvania to Maine. The cold air will allow some wet snow to mix in at intermediate elevations and perhaps the valley floors in the same swath from Sunday night to Monday.
"Most of the accumulating snow will fall at elevations near and above 2,000 feet in the region," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson said.
There are not many well-traveled roads that go that high up, but motorists venturing over the ridges in the region over the central and northern Appalachians could encounter some slush.
"A general 1-3 inches of snow is forecast above 2,000 feet with an AccuWeather Local StormMax of 8 inches over the highest elevations in New York state and northern New England," Anderson said.
Some trees and power lines that extend over the higher elevations, and especially the ridges, can be weighed down to the point of causing sporadic power outages.
Advertisement
The ongoing and reoccurring chill in the region is being caused by a persistent southward dip in the jet stream.
While the polar vortex set up shop for a time near Hudson Bay a couple of weeks ago, it has since departed. However, pockets of cold air remain and can continue to develop in place as long as the overall jet stream remains suppressed to the south.
"It appears as though the jet stream will tend to flatten out more and take on a nearly straight west to east configuration during May, but there will still be some reoccurring or persistent southward dip in the Northeast," AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok said.
As long as that continues to happen, warmups can occur, but they will be brief with more setbacks of cool or chilly air to come, especially farther toward the northeastern corner of the nation, such as New England.
Farther to the west and south, over the Plains and Midwest, warmups will be more frequent and longer lasting.
Although quite rare, snow has fallen and accumulated into late May in the northern tier of the Northeast over the higher elevations. It has also snowed and accumulated in parts of the central Appalachians into early May.
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Around New York City, the last reported inch of snow or greater was on April 25, 1875, when 3 inches fell on Central Park. The latest snowflakes, or frozen precipitation, of the season were observed was on May 9, 1977.
Snowflakes or some sort of frozen precipitation have been observed on the last day of May at both Burlington, Vermont, in 1945, and Caribou, Maine, in 1961.
It has snowed every month of the year on Mt. Washington, New Hampshire, which is at an elevation of approximately 6,300 feet above sea level.


upi--2020-04-27--Seahawks cut veteran OT D.J. Fluker

Seahawks cut veteran OT D.J. Fluker

Fluker announced his release Sunday on social media .
The seven-year veteran started 14 games last season for Seattle .
Fluker , 29 , signed a two-year , $ 6 million contract with the Seahawks last off-season .
`` I was released by the Seahawks today , '' Fluker wrote Sunday on social media .
`` Couple of things : I am not upset , or hurt .
This is a business and one that I 've been in for a while .
`` I want to thank John [ Seahawks general manager John Schneider ] and Pete [ coach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calls .
Stay safe , be kind and I love y'all .
Thank you , Seattle . ''
The 6-foot-5 , 342-pound offensive lineman was the No .
11 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft .
Fluker played his first four seasons for the Los Angeles Chargers .
He signed with the New York Giants before the 2017 season but spent most of that campaign on injured reserve .
Fluker signed with the Seahawks before the 2018 season .
The veteran tackle has appeared in 92 games and has 88 career starts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3.5 million off the salary cap when they released Fluker .
Sources told The Athletic and ESPN that the Seahawks also plan to release center Justin Britt .
That move would clear an additional $ 8.5 million off the salary cap , for a total cap savings of more than $ 12 million .
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson commented on both moves with social media posts .
`` In life , we all meet people who we get to spend time with and talk life and compete to be the best in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Well J.B. [ Britt ] , thanks for all the focus and hard work and love you brought to the game .
`` You laid it on the line for many years together and I will be forever grateful for your work ethic , passion and love for the game , but most importantly others .
Although I wish we could keep celebrating in the end zone together and I wish it could be longer , the reality is your best days are ahead of you .
Go be who you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ God put you in my life and I ca n't wait to watch the rest of your journey . ''
The Seahawks will have a revamped offensive line in 2020 .
Tackles Germain Ifedi and George Fant left the team in free agency .
The Seahawks also picked right guard Damien Lewis out of LSU in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft .
The Seahawks signed center B.J .
Finney , guard Chance Warmack , tackles Cedric Ogbuehi and Brandon Shell in free agency .

April 27 (UPI) -- The Seattle Seahawks have released veteran offensive tackle D.J. Fluker.
Fluker announced his release Sunday on social media. The seven-year veteran started 14 games last season for Seattle. Fluker, 29, signed a two-year, $6 million contract with the Seahawks last off-season.
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"I was released by the Seahawks today," Fluker wrote Sunday on social media. "Couple of things: I am not upset, or hurt. This is a business and one that I've been in for a while.
"I want to thank John [Seahawks general manager John Schneider] and Pete [coach Pete Carroll] for their very thoughtful calls. Stay safe, be kind and I love y'all. Thank you, Seattle."
The 6-foot-5, 342-pound offensive lineman was the No. 11 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. Fluker played his first four seasons for the Los Angeles Chargers. He signed with the New York Giants before the 2017 season but spent most of that campaign on injured reserve. Fluker signed with the Seahawks before the 2018 season.
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The veteran tackle has appeared in 92 games and has 88 career starts.
The Seahawks cleared more than $3.5 million off the salary cap when they released Fluker. Sources told The Athletic and ESPN that the Seahawks also plan to release center Justin Britt. That move would clear an additional $8.5 million off the salary cap, for a total cap savings of more than $12 million.
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson commented on both moves with social media posts.
"In life, we all meet people who we get to spend time with and talk life and compete to be the best in the world with," Wilson wrote. "Well J.B. [Britt], thanks for all the focus and hard work and love you brought to the game.
"You laid it on the line for many years together and I will be forever grateful for your work ethic, passion and love for the game, but most importantly others. Although I wish we could keep celebrating in the end zone together and I wish it could be longer, the reality is your best days are ahead of you. Go be who you are destined to be. I'm grateful God put you in my life and I can't wait to watch the rest of your journey."
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The Seahawks will have a revamped offensive line in 2020. Tackles Germain Ifedi and George Fant left the team in free agency. The Seahawks also picked right guard Damien Lewis out of LSU in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. The Seahawks signed center B.J. Finney, guard Chance Warmack, tackles Cedric Ogbuehi and Brandon Shell in free agency.


upi--2020-04-27--House Speaker Nancy Pelosi endorses Joe Biden for president

April 27 ( UPI ) -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Monday endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden for president , handing the presumptive Democratic nominee the backing of the most visible opponent of President Donald Trump .
Pelosi gave her endorsement in a video message posted to Biden 's campaign site .
In it , she praised his experience and effectiveness as a leader , which she said the corornavirius crisis has shown are much-needed qualities in an American president .
`` I am proud to endorse Joe Biden for president of the United States because he will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the video , which appears to have been recorded Friday .
`` He knows how to get the job done .
`` Joe has been a voice of reason and resilience with a clear path to lead us out of this crisis .
For these and other reasons , I am proud to endorse Joe Biden for president , a leader who is the personification of hope and courage , values authenticity and integrity . ''
Pelosi also cited Biden 's work on the 2009 Recovery Act as experience that will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the crisis .
The California Democrat , like former President Barack Obama , maintained neutrality throughout the Democratic primary race as Biden campaigned for delegates with a field that included Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders , Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren , former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar , all of whom have also endorsed Biden .
As the speaker of the Democratic-controlled House , Pelosi has become the president 's highest profile antagonist , leading an effort late last year to impeach him on charges of abuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was impeached by the House but acquitted in a party-line vote after a Senate trial .

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaks during her weekly press conference Friday at U.S Capitol in Washington, D.C. She issued a video Monday endorsing Joe Biden for president. Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI | License Photo
April 27 (UPI) -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Monday endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden for president, handing the presumptive Democratic nominee the backing of the most visible opponent of President Donald Trump. Pelosi gave her endorsement in a video message posted to Biden's campaign site. In it, she praised his experience and effectiveness as a leader, which she said the corornavirius crisis has shown are much-needed qualities in an American president. Advertisement
"I am proud to endorse Joe Biden for president of the United States because he will be an extraordinary president," she said in the video, which appears to have been recorded Friday. "He knows how to get the job done.
"Joe has been a voice of reason and resilience with a clear path to lead us out of this crisis. For these and other reasons, I am proud to endorse Joe Biden for president, a leader who is the personification of hope and courage, values authenticity and integrity."
Pelosi also cited Biden's work on the 2009 Recovery Act as experience that will be needed to help the U.S. economy recover from the crisis.
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The California Democrat, like former President Barack Obama, maintained neutrality throughout the Democratic primary race as Biden campaigned for delegates with a field that included Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, all of whom have also endorsed Biden.
As the speaker of the Democratic-controlled House, Pelosi has become the president's highest profile antagonist, leading an effort late last year to impeach him on charges of abuse of power and obstructing Congress.
Trump was impeached by the House but acquitted in a party-line vote after a Senate trial.


upi--2020-04-27--COVID-19 spreading in rural South -- reopening will make it worse

April 27 ( UPI ) -- In the rural South , the COVID-19 pandemic is becoming a silent disaster .
As rural residents commute to jobs in cities and transportation hubs , they 're being exposed to the virus and bringing it home to a population already at risk .
Chronic diseases that can lead to more severe COVID-19 symptoms are common across the rural South .
The population is older and poorer than much of the country , and the healthcare system has been deteriorating for years as hospitals lose staff and close .
Despite the population 's vulnerability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of resistance to federal and international recommendations around COVID-19 protective measures .
Most of the states ' delays and refusals to enact `` shelter-at-home '' policies were tied to economic arguments .
Now , governors are using the same economic reasons for loosening those restrictions .
Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp called for reopening several types of businesses , including hair salons , starting Friday and restaurants and even theaters starting Monday , despite concerns from public health officials .
Mississippi is also considering lifting its shelter-at-home orders for economic reasons .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partially protected from exposure , will find themselves at greater risk .
As University of Mississippi sociologists who work with rural communities on a range of resilience issues , especially health , we are concerned about the economic and health consequences of returning to business before the region is prepared to protect its residents .
Rural areas may seem isolated from the coronavirus threat , but in the South , 1 in 12 rural residents commutes to an urban hub for work .
Many of those jobs are on the front lines of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to other people is hard to avoid .
In much of the South , 'shelter-at-home '' orders have had loose interpretations of `` essential personnel '' who are exempted from the order .
They include employees in high-exposure jobs -- cashiers , fast food workers and registered nurses , all among the largest employment areas for Southern states .
Many of these workers are less likely to have sick leave or be able to work from home .
And they are paid lower wages , so many still go to work even when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been saved some exposure while restaurants shifted to drive-through operations and social distancing was encouraged .
However , if other Southern states follow Georgia 's lead and begin lifting their current protections , workers ' chances of being exposed to someone infectious with the coronavirus rise .
Mississippi 's rural infection numbers stand out in particular : 62 percent of the state 's coronavirus cases as of mid-April were in rural counties , and the state had counted more than 200 deaths .
Rural infection rates were higher than in urban areas : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 128 in urban counties .
The South as a whole had more urban cases , but still a high rural infection rate .
Southern states are scrambling to manage both detection of coronavirus cases and treatment of the disease .
Their testing capacity , essential to controlling the pandemic , has been increasing but remains sporadic and well below the national average .
Access to care is increasingly difficult .
Mississippi has just over 400 ICU beds in its largest hospital service area , Jackson .
Currently , 100 of those are occupied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rural ICU beds will double to more than 800 in the next six months under moderate coronavirus infection projections .
Ventilators are an even bigger concern .
University of Mississippi Medical Center has only about 125 to 150 ventilators in its facilities , and officials estimate 40 percent to half are in use on any given day .
The rural South 's health profile adds to the risk .
The region has higher rates of chronic medical conditions that have been found to significantly increase the likelihood that a person infected with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first 159 people to die from COVID-19 in Mississippi , over half had cardiovascular disease , over 40 percent had diabetes or high blood pressure , and one-third were obese .
Much of the care for these patients is being delivered through a shrinking rural healthcare system .
Of the 128 rural hospital closures across the country in the last 10 years , over half were in the South .
The pandemic has created more financial troubles for rural hospitals as nonessential procedures have been postponed .
Every county in Mississippi is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have enough doctors , even if they have access to a healthcare facility .
In the short term , Southern states need to increase their testing for coronavirus cases .
Per capita , the South administered about 20 percent fewer tests .
Many Southern states rely on pop-up testing at sites temporarily opened in locations where other facilities are not available .
Permanent , well-stocked testing centers would help residents know where to go .
In the long term , these states need to invest in their rural health infrastructure .
Rural hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk among rural Southerners , particularly those with chronic health conditions .
They are also important `` economic anchors '' for their communities .
According to the American Hospital Association statistics , every dollar spent by a hospital supports $ 2.30 of additional business activity within the community and hospitals are a top source of private sector jobs .
Anne Cafer is an assistant professor of sociology and Meagen Rosenthal is an assistant professor of pharmacy administration at the University of Mississippi .
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Protesters demonstrate from vehicles, calling on Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam to "reopen Virginia" on Wednesday. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
April 27 (UPI) -- In the rural South, the COVID-19 pandemic is becoming a silent disaster. As rural residents commute to jobs in cities and transportation hubs, they're being exposed to the virus and bringing it home to a population already at risk. Advertisement
Chronic diseases that can lead to more severe COVID-19 symptoms are common across the rural South. The population is older and poorer than much of the country, and the healthcare system has been deteriorating for years as hospitals lose staff and close.
Despite the population's vulnerability, Southern states have been a stronghold of resistance to federal and international recommendations around COVID-19 protective measures. Most of the states' delays and refusals to enact "shelter-at-home" policies were tied to economic arguments.
Now, governors are using the same economic reasons for loosening those restrictions. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp called for reopening several types of businesses, including hair salons, starting Friday and restaurants and even theaters starting Monday, despite concerns from public health officials. Mississippi is also considering lifting its shelter-at-home orders for economic reasons. When that happens, service workers, once partially protected from exposure, will find themselves at greater risk.
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As University of Mississippi sociologists who work with rural communities on a range of resilience issues, especially health, we are concerned about the economic and health consequences of returning to business before the region is prepared to protect its residents.
Urban front lines
Rural areas may seem isolated from the coronavirus threat, but in the South, 1 in 12 rural residents commutes to an urban hub for work. Many of those jobs are on the front lines of healthcare and service industries, where exposure to other people is hard to avoid.
In much of the South, 'shelter-at-home" orders have had loose interpretations of "essential personnel" who are exempted from the order. They include employees in high-exposure jobs -- cashiers, fast food workers and registered nurses, all among the largest employment areas for Southern states. Many of these workers are less likely to have sick leave or be able to work from home. And they are paid lower wages, so many still go to work even when they're sick.
These workers have been saved some exposure while restaurants shifted to drive-through operations and social distancing was encouraged. However, if other Southern states follow Georgia's lead and begin lifting their current protections, workers' chances of being exposed to someone infectious with the coronavirus rise.
Advertisement
Mississippi's rural infection numbers stand out in particular: 62 percent of the state's coronavirus cases as of mid-April were in rural counties, and the state had counted more than 200 deaths. Rural infection rates were higher than in urban areas: 181 cases per 100,000 people compared to 128 in urban counties. The South as a whole had more urban cases, but still a high rural infection rate.
South isn't prepared
Southern states are scrambling to manage both detection of coronavirus cases and treatment of the disease. Their testing capacity, essential to controlling the pandemic, has been increasing but remains sporadic and well below the national average. Access to care is increasingly difficult.
Mississippi has just over 400 ICU beds in its largest hospital service area, Jackson. Currently, 100 of those are occupied. Conservative estimates predict that needs for rural ICU beds will double to more than 800 in the next six months under moderate coronavirus infection projections.
Ventilators are an even bigger concern. University of Mississippi Medical Center has only about 125 to 150 ventilators in its facilities, and officials estimate 40 percent to half are in use on any given day.
The rural South's health profile adds to the risk. The region has higher rates of chronic medical conditions that have been found to significantly increase the likelihood that a person infected with the coronavirus will develop severe COVID-19. Among the first 159 people to die from COVID-19 in Mississippi, over half had cardiovascular disease, over 40 percent had diabetes or high blood pressure, and one-third were obese.
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Much of the care for these patients is being delivered through a shrinking rural healthcare system. Of the 128 rural hospital closures across the country in the last 10 years, over half were in the South. The pandemic has created more financial troubles for rural hospitals as nonessential procedures have been postponed. Every county in Mississippi is considered underserved, meaning residents don't have enough doctors, even if they have access to a healthcare facility.
Investing in healthcare
In the short term, Southern states need to increase their testing for coronavirus cases. Per capita, the South administered about 20 percent fewer tests. Many Southern states rely on pop-up testing at sites temporarily opened in locations where other facilities are not available. Permanent, well-stocked testing centers would help residents know where to go.
In the long term, these states need to invest in their rural health infrastructure.
Rural hospitals and pharmacies are essential to reducing long-term risk among rural Southerners, particularly those with chronic health conditions. They are also important "economic anchors" for their communities. According to the American Hospital Association statistics, every dollar spent by a hospital supports $2.30 of additional business activity within the community and hospitals are a top source of private sector jobs.
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Anne Cafer is an assistant professor of sociology and Meagen Rosenthal is an assistant professor of pharmacy administration at the University of Mississippi. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.


upi--2020-04-27--Saints sign QB Taysom Hill to $21M deal, linked to Jameis Winston

April 27 ( UPI ) -- The quarterback carousel behind New Orleans Saints veteran Drew Brees continues to turn after the franchise signed backup Taysom Hill to a $ 21 million contract and has been linked to free agent Jameis Winston .
Hill signed a two-year contract Sunday .
Sources told NFL Network and ESPN the deal has a total value of $ 21 million and includes a guaranteed $ 16 million .
The pact can escalate to $ 22 million if Hill reaches incentives .
Sources also told NFL Network and Yahoo Sports the Saints are expected to sign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 've had this dream since I was a little kid of playing in the NFL , '' Hill wrote on Instagram .
`` The New Orleans Saints made that dream a reality , and over the past three years I 've had the opportunity to play with and for some of the best men I 've ever known .
`` I am humbled and grateful that my wife , future son , and I get to continue living our dream in the city we love , with the people we love !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ just 13 passes in three seasons but is one of the most dynamic offensive players in the NFL .
The 6-foot-2 , 221-pound playmaker has also been used as a running back , a wide receiver and a punt returner and kick returner .
Hill had a career-high 390 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns on 46 touches last season .
Hill said he considered the interest he gathered from other teams in free agency but chose to return to New Orleans .
The Saints had a first-round tender on the quarterback , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to give the Saints a first-round pick if they signed Hill .
Brees , 41 , agreed to a two-year contract with the Saints in March .
The 19-year veteran will likely retire sometime in the next five years .
Hill said his new deal means he could compete to be the team 's starter as soon as 2021 .
`` I think as you look at long-term contracts in terms of guaranteed month and what that looks like , I think this contract creates a clear trajectory and opportunity for me to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Orleans in 2021 if Drew decides to be done , '' Hill told reporters .
`` If he 's not , we 'll figure out another contract or my role will continue to be what it is .
`` As we looked at it , this was the way to prevent me to get to free agency next year and it created some structure for both me and my family as well as the organization . ''
Winston was the No .
1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft but watched his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers .
`` Coach [ Sean Payton ] and I had a conversation before free agency hit , kind of what his plan was for me , '' Hill said .
`` I had had multiple conversations following that and I knew that we were always going to bring in another guy .
I did n't know who it was going to be , but no surprise there . ''
Winston , 26 , completed 60.7 percent of his throws for a career-high and league-high 5,109 yards last season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touchdown passes , but led the NFL with 30 interceptions .
`` I think Jameis is a good football player and he 's a good quarterback and I think nothing has changed for the New Orleans Saints , '' Hill said .
`` The goal always has been and I think will always be to win the Super Bowl and so I trust coach Payton , he 's created so many opportunities for me and I think it 's great . ''
Following his senior season at Brigham Young University , Hill entered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rookie with the Green Bay Packers , who waived him after the preseason .
New Orleans signed him a day later .

New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill said his new deal means he could push to be the team's starter for the 2021 season. File Photo by AJ Sisco/UPI | License Photo
April 27 (UPI) -- The quarterback carousel behind New Orleans Saints veteran Drew Brees continues to turn after the franchise signed backup Taysom Hill to a $21 million contract and has been linked to free agent Jameis Winston. Hill signed a two-year contract Sunday. Sources told NFL Network and ESPN the deal has a total value of $21 million and includes a guaranteed $16 million. The pact can escalate to $22 million if Hill reaches incentives. Advertisement
Sources also told NFL Network and Yahoo Sports the Saints are expected to sign Winston to a one-year contract.
"I've had this dream since I was a little kid of playing in the NFL," Hill wrote on Instagram. "The New Orleans Saints made that dream a reality, and over the past three years I've had the opportunity to play with and for some of the best men I've ever known.
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"I am humbled and grateful that my wife, future son, and I get to continue living our dream in the city we love, with the people we love!"
Hill, 29, has thrown just 13 passes in three seasons but is one of the most dynamic offensive players in the NFL. The 6-foot-2, 221-pound playmaker has also been used as a running back, a wide receiver and a punt returner and kick returner. Hill had a career-high 390 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns on 46 touches last season.
Hill said he considered the interest he gathered from other teams in free agency but chose to return to New Orleans. The Saints had a first-round tender on the quarterback, which means other teams would have had to give the Saints a first-round pick if they signed Hill.
Brees, 41, agreed to a two-year contract with the Saints in March. The 19-year veteran will likely retire sometime in the next five years. Hill said his new deal means he could compete to be the team's starter as soon as 2021.
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"I think as you look at long-term contracts in terms of guaranteed month and what that looks like, I think this contract creates a clear trajectory and opportunity for me to compete and be the guy in New Orleans in 2021 if Drew decides to be done," Hill told reporters. "If he's not, we'll figure out another contract or my role will continue to be what it is.
"As we looked at it, this was the way to prevent me to get to free agency next year and it created some structure for both me and my family as well as the organization."
Winston was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft but watched his tenure come to an end this off-season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
"Coach [Sean Payton] and I had a conversation before free agency hit, kind of what his plan was for me," Hill said. "I had had multiple conversations following that and I knew that we were always going to bring in another guy. I didn't know who it was going to be, but no surprise there."
Winston, 26, completed 60.7 percent of his throws for a career-high and league-high 5,109 yards last season. He also threw a career-high 33 touchdown passes, but led the NFL with 30 interceptions.
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"I think Jameis is a good football player and he's a good quarterback and I think nothing has changed for the New Orleans Saints," Hill said. "The goal always has been and I think will always be to win the Super Bowl and so I trust coach Payton, he's created so many opportunities for me and I think it's great."
Following his senior season at Brigham Young University, Hill entered the NFL in 2017 as an undrafted rookie with the Green Bay Packers, who waived him after the preseason. New Orleans signed him a day later.


upi--2020-04-27--Watch: John Krasinski holds 'Some Good News' potluck with Guy Fieri, Martha Stewart

April 27 ( UPI ) -- John Krasinski invited Guy Fieri , Martha Stewart , David Chang and Stanley Tucci @ @ @ @ @ YouTube series , Some Good News .
Krasinski asked viewers to send in their favorite @ @ @ @ @ the dishes on Sunday .
Fieri , Stewart , Chang and Tucci recreated the recipes @ @ @ @ @ Fieri made a dynamite sloppy joe sandwich , Stewart made a batch of pierogis , @ @ @ @ @ infused drink and Chang made a creamy chicken dish .
Tucci recently gained attention for @ @ @ @ @ own drink on Instagram , however , he said that the vodka mixture sent in @ @ @ @ @ better .
`` Nana , I think you win hands down , '' Tucci said @ @ @ @ @ donate $ 3 million to Fieri 's COVID-19 relief fund , which helps to support @ @ @

April 27 (UPI) -- John Krasinski invited Guy Fieri, Martha Stewart, David Chang and Stanley Tucci for a potluck on his YouTube series, Some Good News.
Krasinski asked viewers to send in their favorite recipes and featured four of the dishes on Sunday.
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Fieri, Stewart, Chang and Tucci recreated the recipes and surprised the viewers. Fieri made a dynamite sloppy joe sandwich, Stewart made a batch of pierogis, Tucci mixed together a vodka infused drink and Chang made a creamy chicken dish.
Tucci recently gained attention for showing how to make his own drink on Instagram, however, he said that the vodka mixture sent in by a grandmother was even better.
"Nana, I think you win hands down," Tucci said.
Krasinski said Pepsi would donate $3 million to Fieri's COVID-19 relief fund, which helps to support restaurant workers.


upi--2020-04-27--Rocket attacks hit near Syrian capital; 7 dead

April 27 ( UPI ) -- Seven people were killed by missile attacks near the Syrian capital of Damascus early Monday that the government said came from Israeli forces .
The strikes targeted the towns of Al-Hujaira and Al-Adliya , officials said , and four Iranian militants and three civilians were killed .
It was unclear if the civilian deaths were caused by the airstrike or Syrian air defense systems .
Syrian state media reported the government 's air defense shot down `` most of '' the missiles .
The Israeli planes arrived into Syria from Lebanese airspace , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rights said the strikes targeted locations believed to house headquarters for Iranian forces , the Lebanese Hezbollah and affiliated militias .
Israeli officials have long worried about an Iranian buildup in Syria , which would position Tehran 's military closer .
`` Iranian soldiers who come to Syria and operate within Syria .
Their blood is on their heads .
They are risking their lives and paying with their lives , '' Israeli Defense Minister Naftali Bennett said Sunday .
`` We will not allow the establishment of an advanced Iranian base in @ @ @

April 27 (UPI) -- Seven people were killed by missile attacks near the Syrian capital of Damascus early Monday that the government said came from Israeli forces.
The strikes targeted the towns of Al-Hujaira and Al-Adliya, officials said, and four Iranian militants and three civilians were killed.
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It was unclear if the civilian deaths were caused by the airstrike or Syrian air defense systems.
Syrian state media reported the government's air defense shot down "most of" the missiles. The Israeli planes arrived into Syria from Lebanese airspace, it added.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the strikes targeted locations believed to house headquarters for Iranian forces, the Lebanese Hezbollah and affiliated militias.
Israeli officials have long worried about an Iranian buildup in Syria, which would position Tehran's military closer.
"Iranian soldiers who come to Syria and operate within Syria. Their blood is on their heads. They are risking their lives and paying with their lives," Israeli Defense Minister Naftali Bennett said Sunday. "We will not allow the establishment of an advanced Iranian base in Syria."


upi--2020-04-27--Michael Jordan still holds grudge about Isiah Thomas handshake skip

April 27 ( UPI ) -- Michael Jordan still `` hates '' the 1990s Detroit Pistons and holds a grudge about how the team skipped the handshake line after they lost to his Chicago Bulls in the 1991 Eastern Conference finals .
Jordan spoke about the rivalry as part of his The Last Dance documentary series , which aired two episodes Sunday on ESPN .
The episodes featured scenes from the physical rivalry between the two storied squads .
The Pistons dominated Jordan 's Bulls with their physicality early on before the Bulls overcame the obstacle and swept the series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Pistons and star guard Isiah Thomas walked off the court without shaking hands with Jordan and the Bulls .
Thomas said Pistons big man Bill Laimbeer asked his team not to shake hands with the Bulls .
Jordan and Thomas both spoke about the sequence 30 years later , but Jordan did n't see Thomas ' explanation as genuine .
`` I hated them , '' Jordan said .
`` That hate carries over even to this day . ''
The Bulls went on to beat the Los Angeles Lakers in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pistons were criticised for their lack of sportsmanship by other players and in newspapers after they skipped the handshake line .
`` Knowing what we know now , in the aftermath of what took place , I think all of us would 've stopped and said 'Hey , congratulations , ' like they do now , '' Thomas said .
`` We would 've did it .
Of course we would 've done it . ''
Jordan was shown a video of Thomas ' answer to the question about how he felt about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I know it 's all [ expletive ] , '' Jordan said .
`` What he says now , you know it was n't his true actions then .
He 's had time enough to think about it , or the reaction of the public has changed his perspective of it .
`` You can show me anything you want , there 's no way you can convince me he was n't an [ expletive ] . ''
Jordan brought up the fact that he always shook hands with Pistons players in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also said the Bulls ' wins over the Pistons were somewhat better than winning a championship .
Jordan averaged 29.8 points , 7.0 assists , 5.3 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game in the series against Detroit .
Thomas averaged 16.5 points , 6.0 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game for the Pistons .
The Bulls went on to win six of the next seven NBA Finals titles after beating the Pistons in the 1990-1991 post-season .
Episodes 5 and 6 of The Last Dance air at 9 p.m. EDT Sunday on ESPN @

April 27 (UPI) -- Michael Jordan still "hates" the 1990s Detroit Pistons and holds a grudge about how the team skipped the handshake line after they lost to his Chicago Bulls in the 1991 Eastern Conference finals.
Jordan spoke about the rivalry as part of his The Last Dance documentary series, which aired two episodes Sunday on ESPN. The episodes featured scenes from the physical rivalry between the two storied squads.
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The Pistons dominated Jordan's Bulls with their physicality early on before the Bulls overcame the obstacle and swept the series in 1991. After the final game, the Pistons and star guard Isiah Thomas walked off the court without shaking hands with Jordan and the Bulls. Thomas said Pistons big man Bill Laimbeer asked his team not to shake hands with the Bulls.
Jordan and Thomas both spoke about the sequence 30 years later, but Jordan didn't see Thomas' explanation as genuine.
"I hated them," Jordan said. "That hate carries over even to this day."
After getting swept in the ECF, the Pistons refused to shake hands with the Bulls #TheLastDance pic.twitter.com/lR98JSa0nv— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 27, 2020
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The Bulls went on to beat the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals that post-season. The Pistons were criticised for their lack of sportsmanship by other players and in newspapers after they skipped the handshake line.
"Knowing what we know now, in the aftermath of what took place, I think all of us would've stopped and said 'Hey, congratulations,' like they do now," Thomas said. "We would've did it. Of course we would've done it."
Jordan was shown a video of Thomas' answer to the question about how he felt about the Pistons' walk off.
"I know it's all [expletive]," Jordan said. "What he says now, you know it wasn't his true actions then. He's had time enough to think about it, or the reaction of the public has changed his perspective of it.
"You can show me anything you want, there's no way you can convince me he wasn't an [expletive]."
Jordan brought up the fact that he always shook hands with Pistons players in the Bulls' previous series losses. He also said the Bulls' wins over the Pistons were somewhat better than winning a championship.
Jordan averaged 29.8 points, 7.0 assists, 5.3 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game in the series against Detroit. Thomas averaged 16.5 points, 6.0 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game for the Pistons. The Bulls went on to win six of the next seven NBA Finals titles after beating the Pistons in the 1990-1991 post-season.
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Episodes 5 and 6 of The Last Dance air at 9 p.m. EDT Sunday on ESPN.


upi--2020-04-27--Businesses in 5 more states, more Florida beaches reopen Monday

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Some beaches in Florida, including this one near Cocoa Beach, reopened on Sunday and more are expected to reopen in the coming days and weeks. Photo by Joe Marino/UPI | License Photo
April 27 (UPI) -- Some businesses in Tennessee, Minnesota, Colorado, Montana and Mississippi will be allowed to reopen Monday as more governors decide the coronavirus pandemic has reached a point that it's safe to do so. The latest group of states to allow reopenings came three days after the first in Georgia, Oklahoma, Texas, Alaska and South Carolina, where certain types of service, industrial and office-based businesses were allowed to resume activities. Advertisement
In Tennessee, restaurants in many parts of the state will reopen in-person dining. The change, however, does not include counties with the state's largest cities like Nashville and Memphis, which will set their own timetables.
Retail stores will be allowed to open next week. Like restaurants, they must enforce new rules, including limiting capacity to 50 percent and supply protective gear for workers.
Tennessee saw its largest one-day increase in cases Sunday.
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In Minnesota, about 20,000 small businesses will reopen Monday under a directive issued last week by Gov. Tim Walz. The order allows up to 100,000 Minnesotans to return to work mainly in industrial, manufacturing and office settings.
Businesses that reopen must implement COVID-19 "preparedness plans" to ensure social distancing, worker hygiene and facility cleaning and disinfection.
In Colorado, Gov. Jared Polis announced that retail businesses outside the metro Denver area can open for curbside pick-up and delivery beginning Monday.
Real estate home showings and elective medical, dental and veterinary surgeries will also resume "if facilities are following required safety protocols." They will be joined by retail businesses and personal services starting Friday, under the same restrictions.
In Montana, Gov. Steve Bullock allowed a statewide stay-at-home order to expire Sunday and business closures were lifted beginning Monday. Under the order, main street and retail businesses can reopen "if they can adhere to requirements to limit capacity and maintain strict physical distancing."
In Mississippi, Gov. Tate Reeves ordered last week that businesses capable of putting social distancing guidelines into place can reopen Monday. However, businesses where that is impossible, such as fitness centers and salons, will remain closed.
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Retail businesses will be limited to 50 percent capacity and be required to monitor employees for COVID-19 symptoms.
There have been nearly 966,000 cases in the United States and almost 55,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University.
More beaches in Florida are reopening Monday, including some in the southwest part of the state. A few others have also reopened in recent days while others remain closed.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said over the weekend the state will begin to reopen in stages, although he advises residents statewide to comply with his stay-home order until at least Thursday.
Meanwhile, in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom warned his residents visiting beaches in disregard of social distancing guidelines that doing so could delay the state's reopening.
Newsom's comments follow images of people crowding beaches in Orange and Ventura Counties, and the Democratic governor said during a press conference Monday that he can't stress enough for people to refrain from enjoying the nice weather or they will all pay the consequences.
"Those images are an example of what not to see, people, what not to do if we're going to make the meaningful progress that we've made in the last few weeks extend into the next number of weeks," Newsom said.
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Newsom became the first governor to issue a statewide stay-at-home order in mid-March, which he said Monday not only bent the curve of infections in California but stabilized it and that they were weeks away -- not months -- from easing some of those restrictions. However, that trend could be balked by their behavior.
"The virus doesn't take the weekends off," he said. "It doesn't go home because it is a beautiful sunny day around our coasts."
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said over the weekend in a National Academy of Sciences webcast that testing still needs to be greatly expanded in the United States.
Fauci said "we're getting better and better" but cautioned "we are not in a situation where we say we're exactly where we want to be with regard to testing."
Johns Hopkins reports more than 5.4 million tests have been administered in the United States.
U.S. copes with COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-04-27--Google re-releases coding game in latest Doodle

April 27 ( UPI ) -- Google has re-released its 2017 coding video game for kids in its latest Doodle @ @ @ @ @ '' in the company 's logo plays on a computer represented by another `` O @ @ @ @ @ .
A play button appears next to it .
The game , titled Coding for @ @ @ @ @ together code sequences in order to help an animated rabbit navigate a block maze .
@ @ @ @ @ 50th anniversary of children learning how to code .
The game was made by Google @ @ @ @ @ !
which develops ways for kids to express themselves through coding .
Google will continue @ @ @ @ @ past Doodle game as many stay indoors due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` As @ @ @ @ @ around the world , people and families everywhere are spending more time at home .
@ @ @ @ @ we 're launching a throwback Doodle series looking back at some our popular interactive Google @ @ @ @ @ said .

Google has brought back its coding game for kids with the latest Doodle. The company will feature old Doodle games in the coming weeks. Image courtesy of Google
April 27 (UPI) -- Google has re-released its 2017 coding video game for kids in its latest Doodle. The letter "O" in the company's logo plays on a computer represented by another "O" on Google's homepage. A play button appears next to it. Advertisement
The game, titled Coding for Carrots, involves users placing together code sequences in order to help an animated rabbit navigate a block maze.
Coding for Carrots marked the 50th anniversary of children learning how to code. The game was made by Google and researchers from MIT Scratch! which develops ways for kids to express themselves through coding.
Google will continue to re-release and highlight a past Doodle game as many stay indoors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"As COVID-19 continues to impact communities around the world, people and families everywhere are spending more time at home. In light of this, we're launching a throwback Doodle series looking back at some our popular interactive Google Doodle games," Google said.


upi--2020-04-27--Birtish PM Boris Johnson says he won't ease lockdown yet; Cases near 3M

April 27 ( UPI ) -- The number of global COVID-19 cases climbed Monday toward 3 million as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned against easing lockdown restrictions in his first public speech since he was hospitalized with the disease .
Johnson said Britain faces its greatest challenge since the World War II , and though there are signs of `` passing through the peak '' of the outbreak now is not time to lift restrictions , which are to be reviewed May 7 .
`` This is the moment when we have begun together to wrestle it to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So , it follows that this is the moment of opportunity , this is the moment when we can press home our advantage and it is also the moment of maximum risk , '' he said in a press conference .
Johnson , who was discharged from the hospital on April 12 , said he understands the economic consequences of the lockdown but must assess the potential of a second spike of the coronavirus , which has infected more than half a million people and killed more than 20,000 in Britain .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as fast as I can but I refuse to throw away all the effort and the sacrifice of the British people and to risk a second major outbreak and huge loss of life and huge overwhelming of the [ National Health System ] , '' he said .
`` And I ask you to contain your impatience because I believe we are coming to the end of the first phase of this conflict . ''
The number of cases worldwide was 2.9 million Monday .
The United States has the highest number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five countries -- Spain , Italy , France , Germany and Britain , in that order -- account for nearly 900,000 , according to Johns Hopkins University .
The death toll surpassed 200,000 Sunday .
In New Zealand , Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the nation has eliminated undetected community spread of COVID-19 but warned the public to stay vigilant to prevent a resurgence .
`` There is no widespread undetected community transmission in New Zealand .
We 've won that battle .
But we must remain vigilant if we are to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during a press conference on Monday .
New Zealand is preparing to downgrade from its highest Alert Level 4 to Alert Level 3 at midnight , allowing for some businesses to reopen , schools to prepare to hold classes and some easing for social distancing guidelines .
Ardern said the number of cases would have been much higher without the lockdown and the drastic measure allowed New Zealand to avoid `` the worst '' of the pandemic .
`` It is not and can not be a return to pre-COVID-19 life .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here yet .
To get there , our team of 5 million needs to have zero tolerance for cases to complete our goal of eliminating the virus at level 3 , '' she said .
In Switzerland , the Federal Council on Monday began to ease restrictions , allowing hospitals to resume medical procedures and medical and massage practices , hairdressers , cosmetic studios and other similar businesses to reopen to the public .
`` In taking steps to ease these measures , [ the Federal Council ] is pursuing two aims : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health of the population , particularly of those at especially high risk .
At the same time , it wants to limit the damage to the economy , '' the Federal Office of Public Health said in a statement .
Social distancing rules and a ban on gatherings will remain in place .
As of Sunday , the country had nearly 30,000 cases and more than 1,330 deaths , the health department said .
Italy , France and Spain have also said they are seeking to ease restrictions .
In Iran , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , President Hassan Rouhani said Sunday religious sites , mosques and holy shrines can soon reopen , though the date has yet to be decided , semi-official Press TV reported .
`` This is the first step in opening up religious sites that are of great interest to the people , and God willing , we hope that the white areas will expand day by day and we will have better conditions '' while the public observes the guidelines , Rouhani said .
Japan on Monday barred travelers from 14 additional countries , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saudi Arabia and Qatar to prevent further spread of the virus , national broadcaster NHK reported .
Japan has now canceled visas for 87 countries until the end of May .
The Bank of Japan announced an enhanced monetary easing plan to combat the economic effects of COVID-19 .
It said it 's increasing purchases of CP , corporate bonds and Japanese government bonds .
`` The bank will take these measures with a view to doing its utmost to ensure smooth financing , such as of financial institutions and firms , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it said .

Many residents in China are seen in Beijing Sunday, no longer practicing "social distancing" measures but continuing to wear face masks amid the coronavirus pandemic. Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
April 27 (UPI) -- Disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic are hampering children's immunizations against other diseases, the World Health Organization said Monday as the global caseload surpassed 3 million. In his regular briefing from WHO's headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said polio vaccination campaigns around the world have been put on hold due to travel restrictions and parents' frequently misinformed concerns about COVID-19. Advertisement
"The tragic reality is that children will die as a result," he said, noting that at least 21 low- and middle-income countries are already reporting vaccine shortages as a result of border closures and disruptions to travel.
Meanwhile, Ghebreyesus said even as the pandemic is slowing down in the current epicenters of Europe and the United States, concerns are building about areas of the world so far relatively unaffected by the pandemic, including Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America and some Asian countries.
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"As in all regions, cases and deaths are under-reported in countries in these regions because of low testing capacity," he said.
The number of cases worldwide surpassed 3 million Monday, according to Johns Hopkins University. The United States has the highest number of cases with about 973,000. The death toll surpassed 200,000 Sunday.
In Britain, Health Secretary Matt Hancock reported 360 new coronavirus deaths in hospitals, raising the country's overall toll to more than 21,000. The figures were released hours after Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned against easing lockdown restrictions in his first public speech since he was hospitalized with the disease.
Johnson said Britain faces its greatest challenge since World War II, and though there are signs of "passing through the peak" of the outbreak now is not time to lift restrictions, which are to be reviewed May 7.
"This is the moment when we have begun together to wrestle it to the floor," he said. "So, it follows that this is the moment of opportunity, this is the moment when we can press home our advantage and it is also the moment of maximum risk," he said in a press conference.
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Johnson, who was discharged from the hospital on April 12, said he understands the economic consequences of the lockdown but must assess the potential of a second spike of the coronavirus, which has infected more than half a million people and killed more than 20,000 in Britain.
"I want to get this economy going as fast as I can but I refuse to throw away all the effort and the sacrifice of the British people and to risk a second major outbreak and huge loss of life and huge overwhelming of the [National Health System]," he said. "And I ask you to contain your impatience because I believe we are coming to the end of the first phase of this conflict."
In New Zealand, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the nation has eliminated undetected community spread of COVID-19 but warned the public to stay vigilant to prevent a resurgence.
"There is no widespread undetected community transmission in New Zealand. We've won that battle. But we must remain vigilant if we are to keep it that way," she said during a press conference on Monday.
New Zealand is preparing to downgrade from its highest Alert Level 4 to Alert Level 3 at midnight, allowing for some businesses to reopen, schools to prepare to hold classes and some easing for social distancing guidelines.
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Ardern said the number of cases would have been much higher without the lockdown and the drastic measure allowed New Zealand to avoid "the worst" of the pandemic.
"It is not and cannot be a return to pre-COVID-19 life. That day will come but it is not here yet. To get there, our team of 5 million needs to have zero tolerance for cases to complete our goal of eliminating the virus at level 3," she said.
In Switzerland, the Federal Council on Monday began to ease restrictions, allowing hospitals to resume medical procedures and medical and massage practices, hairdressers, cosmetic studios and other similar businesses to reopen to the public.
"In taking steps to ease these measures, [the Federal Council] is pursuing two aims: It wishes to continue to protect the health of the population, particularly of those at especially high risk. At the same time, it wants to limit the damage to the economy," the Federal Office of Public Health said in a statement.
Social distancing rules and a ban on gatherings will remain in place. As of Sunday, the country had nearly 30,000 cases and more than 1,330 deaths, the health department said.
Italy, France and Spain have also said they are seeking to ease restrictions.
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In Iran, which has the eighth highest number of cases, President Hassan Rouhani said Sunday religious sites, mosques and holy shrines can soon reopen, though the date has yet to be decided, semi-official Press TV reported. The country has been divided into three color-coded zones -- white, yellow and red -- based on infections and deaths.
"This is the first step in opening up religious sites that are of great interest to the people, and God willing, we hope that the white areas will expand day by day and we will have better conditions" while the public observes the guidelines, Rouhani said.
Japan on Monday barred travelers from 14 additional countries, including Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Saudi Arabia and Qatar to prevent further spread of the virus, national broadcaster NHK reported.
Japan has now canceled visas for 87 countries until the end of May.
The Bank of Japan announced an enhanced monetary easing plan to combat the economic effects of COVID-19. It said it's increasing purchases of CP, corporate bonds and Japanese government bonds.
"The bank will take these measures with a view to doing its utmost to ensure smooth financing, such as of financial institutions and firms, and maintaining stability in financial markets," it said.
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Scenes from a pandemic: World copes with COVID-19