buzzfeednews--2020-05-05--15 Children In New York City Were Hospitalized With A Mysterious Inflammatory Disease Potentially Li

15 Children In New York City Were Hospitalized With A Mysterious Inflammatory Disease Potentially Linked To COVID-19

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Fifteen children in New York City were recently hospitalized with a mysterious inflammatory illness that health authorities say could potentially be associated with COVID-19 .
The New York City Health Department issued an alert to providers Monday about “ a pediatric multi-system inflammatory syndrome ” observed in some children and young adults in the city that has also recently been reported by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of cases have been reported in some European countries so far , and global health officials have reassured parents that the illness is very rare .
While NYC health authorities said the “ full spectrum of the disease is not yet known , ” the 15 patients showed symptoms associated with toxic shock syndrome or Kawasaki disease , a rare childhood illness that causes inflammation in blood vessels .
The patients , aged between 2 and 15 years , were admitted to pediatric intensive care units between April 17 and May 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , abdominal pain , vomiting , or diarrhea .
Respiratory symptoms were reported in less than half of these patients , the health department said .
None of the 15 patients in New York City died .
Four of them tested positive for COVID-19 , while 11 of them tested negative .
Subsequent antibody testing turned up positive in six of the negative cases .
Five patients required mechanical ventilation while more than half needed “ blood pressure support , ” health authorities said .
“ Even though the relationship of this syndrome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not all of these cases have tested positive for COVID-19 by either DNA test or serology , the clinical nature of this virus is such that we are asking all providers to contact us immediately if they see patients who meet the criteria we ’ ve outlined , ” NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot said in a statement .
Barbot said the city ’ s health department was alerting providers about this “ recently recognized syndrome in children so that they can be diagnosed and treated early to avoid long-term complications.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ child has symptoms like fever , rash , abdominal pain or vomiting , call your doctor right away , ” she said .
Last month , health authorities in the UK sent out a similar alert highlighting a “ small rise in the number of cases of critically ill children presenting with an unusual clinical picture .
”

Fifteen children in New York City were recently hospitalized with a mysterious inflammatory illness that health authorities say could potentially be associated with COVID-19.
The New York City Health Department issued an alert to providers Monday about “a pediatric multi-system inflammatory syndrome” observed in some children and young adults in the city that has also recently been reported by UK health authorities.
Only a small number of cases have been reported in some European countries so far, and global health officials have reassured parents that the illness is very rare.
While NYC health authorities said the “full spectrum of the disease is not yet known,” the 15 patients showed symptoms associated with toxic shock syndrome or Kawasaki disease, a rare childhood illness that causes inflammation in blood vessels.
The patients, aged between 2 and 15 years, were admitted to pediatric intensive care units between April 17 and May 1, with symptoms including fever, rash, abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea. Respiratory symptoms were reported in less than half of these patients, the health department said.
None of the 15 patients in New York City died.
Four of them tested positive for COVID-19, while 11 of them tested negative. Subsequent antibody testing turned up positive in six of the negative cases.
Five patients required mechanical ventilation while more than half needed “blood pressure support,” health authorities said.
“Even though the relationship of this syndrome to COVID-19 is not yet defined and not all of these cases have tested positive for COVID-19 by either DNA test or serology, the clinical nature of this virus is such that we are asking all providers to contact us immediately if they see patients who meet the criteria we’ve outlined,” NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot said in a statement.
Barbot said the city’s health department was alerting providers about this “recently recognized syndrome in children so that they can be diagnosed and treated early to avoid long-term complications.”
“And to parents, if your child has symptoms like fever, rash, abdominal pain or vomiting, call your doctor right away,” she said.
Last month, health authorities in the UK sent out a similar alert highlighting a “small rise in the number of cases of critically ill children presenting with an unusual clinical picture.”


buzzfeednews--2020-03-17--Uber Has Suspended Uber Pool Due To The Coronavirus

Uber has suspended its Uber Pool feature in the United States , Canada , London , and Paris due to the worsening outbreak of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the novel coronavirus .
Uber Pool allows riders to share rides via a route of predetermined stops .
“ Our goal is to help flatten the curve of community spread in the cities we serve .
With that in mind , we are suspending the Uber Pool service in the United States and Canada .
We remain in close contact with local leaders and will continue to work with them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Macdonald , Uber 's senior vice president for global rides and platform , told BuzzFeed News in a statement .
As of Tuesday , there were 185,067 cases of COVID-19 worldwide , with 4,661 in the US .
On Monday , public health officials in the Bay Area ordered residents to shelter in place for the next three weeks and not leave their homes except for `` only the most essential needs . ''
New Rochelle , New York , was declared a containment zone last week , and several states like Massachusetts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Illinois , ordered the statewide shutdown of all nonessential businesses , like bars and restaurants .
“ In our efforts to help protect you , your riders , and our community , we ’ ve decided to suspend Uber Pool until further notice , ” an email sent out to drivers Tuesday morning read .
The email made it clear that all other kinds of Uber trips , including UberX rides and deliveries on Uber Eats , were still available .
The email announcing the suspension , which was provided to BuzzFeed News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been regularly sending out to drivers , which include : • None Wash their hands before and after entering your car • None Give space by sitting in the back seat • None Cover their mouth or nose if they cough or sneeze • None Consider rolling down the window to improve ventilation Lyft is also pausing Shared rides across all its markets , a spokesperson for the rival ride-share app told BuzzFeed News .
`` The health and safety of the Lyft community is our top priority , '' the spokesperson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to doing what we can to slow the spread of COVID-19 .
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and base our actions on official guidance . ''
Over the last two weeks , as the outbreak spread out from the first American epicenter in Seattle , Uber has struggled to communicate exactly how the ride-hailing app planned to protect drivers from the spread COVID-19 .
On March 2 , following two US deaths , Uber sent out guidelines about how to handle the outbreak , telling drivers to frequently wash their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to stay home .
Last week , in an email , Uber told its drivers the company would provide cleaning supplies for cars and offer financial assistance for up to 14 days while drivers ' accounts were on hold .
The app has also closed its Greenlight Hubs , physical helpdesks in large cities with staff that onboards new drivers .
An anonymous Uber driver based in Seattle told BuzzFeed News that with workplaces shutting down due to self-quarantine in his area , he ’ s seen a massive decrease in rides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fact that I ca n't find sanitizing spray or sanitizing wipes to clean my car so I can only do so much , '' he said .
`` They had stated in their previous communique how they were going to work with drivers to get cleaning supplies we have heard zero follow up on that particular point and really any of the points push forward in that email communication .
We have heard nothing from Uber and there is no resources for it on their website . ''
The Independent Drivers Guild @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and support app-based drivers that represents and advocates for more than 80,000 New York City ride-hail drivers , has been calling for the apps to stop Pool rides .
“ Packing five strangers in a pooled ride is a bad idea right now .
For the health and safety of drivers , riders and our communities , we are urging a moratorium on shared or 'pool ' rides , ” said Brendan Sexton , executive director of the Independent Drivers Guild , said in a statement .

Uber has suspended its Uber Pool feature in the United States, Canada, London, and Paris due to the worsening outbreak of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. Uber Pool allows riders to share rides via a route of predetermined stops.
“Our goal is to help flatten the curve of community spread in the cities we serve. With that in mind, we are suspending the Uber Pool service in the United States and Canada. We remain in close contact with local leaders and will continue to work with them to discourage non-essential travel,” Andrew Macdonald, Uber's senior vice president for global rides and platform, told BuzzFeed News in a statement.
As of Tuesday, there were 185,067 cases of COVID-19 worldwide, with 4,661 in the US. On Monday, public health officials in the Bay Area ordered residents to shelter in place for the next three weeks and not leave their homes except for "only the most essential needs." New Rochelle, New York, was declared a containment zone last week, and several states like Massachusetts, Ohio, New York, and Illinois, ordered the statewide shutdown of all nonessential businesses, like bars and restaurants.
“In our efforts to help protect you, your riders, and our community, we’ve decided to suspend Uber Pool until further notice,” an email sent out to drivers Tuesday morning read.
The email made it clear that all other kinds of Uber trips, including UberX rides and deliveries on Uber Eats, were still available.
The email announcing the suspension, which was provided to BuzzFeed News, also lists several tips the company has been regularly sending out to drivers, which include:
Wash their hands before and after entering your car
Give space by sitting in the back seat
Cover their mouth or nose if they cough or sneeze
Consider rolling down the window to improve ventilation
Lyft is also pausing Shared rides across all its markets, a spokesperson for the rival ride-share app told BuzzFeed News.
"The health and safety of the Lyft community is our top priority," the spokesperson said. "We’re dedicated to doing what we can to slow the spread of COVID-19. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and base our actions on official guidance."
Over the last two weeks, as the outbreak spread out from the first American epicenter in Seattle, Uber has struggled to communicate exactly how the ride-hailing app planned to protect drivers from the spread COVID-19.
On March 2, following two US deaths, Uber sent out guidelines about how to handle the outbreak, telling drivers to frequently wash their hands and, if they feel sick, to stay home. Last week, in an email, Uber told its drivers the company would provide cleaning supplies for cars and offer financial assistance for up to 14 days while drivers' accounts were on hold. The app has also closed its Greenlight Hubs, physical helpdesks in large cities with staff that onboards new drivers.
An anonymous Uber driver based in Seattle told BuzzFeed News that with workplaces shutting down due to self-quarantine in his area, he’s seen a massive decrease in rides.
“I'm more scared of the fact that I can't find sanitizing spray or sanitizing wipes to clean my car so I can only do so much," he said. "They had stated in their previous communique how they were going to work with drivers to get cleaning supplies we have heard zero follow up on that particular point and really any of the points push forward in that email communication. We have heard nothing from Uber and there is no resources for it on their website."
The Independent Drivers Guild, a Machinists Union project to organize and support app-based drivers that represents and advocates for more than 80,000 New York City ride-hail drivers, has been calling for the apps to stop Pool rides.
“Packing five strangers in a pooled ride is a bad idea right now. For the health and safety of drivers, riders and our communities, we are urging a moratorium on shared or 'pool' rides,” said Brendan Sexton, executive director of the Independent Drivers Guild, said in a statement.


buzzfeednews--2020-05-05--Amazon Didn’t Pay This Worker Who Tested Positive For The Coronavirus Until A Reporter Asked Questio

Amazon Didn’t Pay This Worker Who Tested Positive For The Coronavirus Until A Reporter Asked Questions

The journalists at BuzzFeed News are proud to bring you trustworthy and relevant reporting about the coronavirus .
To help keep this news free , become a member and sign up for our newsletter , Outbreak Today .
Thomas Pausuan , a father of two who works at an Amazon warehouse outside Philadelphia , tested positive for the novel coronavirus in early April .
Under Amazon policy , Pausuan was eligible for paid sick leave .
But Amazon stopped paying him the day after he got home from urgent care with a fever of 104 , labored breathing , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is the latest example of Amazon failing to promptly follow through on its promise to pay two weeks of wages to employees who are sick or quarantined .
In some cases , workers have said they have consequently missed payments on their bills or had to borrow money from family or friends .
“ We are working with employees on an individual basis and gathering the information we need to approve extra time off with pay for quarantine and/or diagnosis of COVID , ” an Amazon spokesperson said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world , and so many measures and precautions rapidly rolled out over the past several weeks across safety , pay , benefits and operational processes , there may be instances where we don ’ t get it perfect , but can assure you that ’ s just what they are — exceptions.
” Amazon said it would deposit the money in Pausuan ’ s bank account after BuzzFeed News requested information about his case .
Amazon employees have complained that the department that handles sick leave payments was understaffed even before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been overwhelmed by the upswing in cases .
Pausuan started feeling sick in late March .
He worried it could be the coronavirus , especially because he knew some of his coworkers at the Amazon warehouse where he worked had already tested positive .
He immediately isolated from his wife and children , but in their small apartment in South Philadelphia it was hard to maintain social distance .
Before long , his family was sick too — although not as sick as he was .
“ I had a fever of 104 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started losing all smell and taste , ” Pausuan said .
“ I felt very weak , and the whole body aches .
It ’ s very hard to breathe .
That ’ s the worst thing.
” On April 8 , his test results confirmed what he ’ d known was almost certainly true : He had COVID-19 .
As soon as Pausuan received his diagnosis , he sent documentation to Amazon human resources .
The company had previously announced in early March that any employee who tested positive for the novel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of pay .
He expected to be paid as usual on his April 17 payday .
After all , Amazon had repeatedly promised that workers who got sick would be paid .
In fact , Jay Carney , senior vice president of global corporate affairs , said as much on CNN on April 17 , the same day Pausuan was waiting in vain for the money to land in his account .
“ We ’ re focusing our resources on helping our workers , giving them protective gear , giving them paid time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carney told CNN anchor Brianna Keilar .

Thomas Pausuan, a father of two who works at an Amazon warehouse outside Philadelphia, tested positive for the novel coronavirus in early April.
Under Amazon policy, Pausuan was eligible for paid sick leave. But Amazon stopped paying him the day after he got home from urgent care with a fever of 104, labored breathing, and a diagnosis of a potentially fatal disease.
It is the latest example of Amazon failing to promptly follow through on its promise to pay two weeks of wages to employees who are sick or quarantined. In some cases, workers have said they have consequently missed payments on their bills or had to borrow money from family or friends.
“We are working with employees on an individual basis and gathering the information we need to approve extra time off with pay for quarantine and/or diagnosis of COVID,” an Amazon spokesperson said in a statement. “With over 1,000 sites around the world, and so many measures and precautions rapidly rolled out over the past several weeks across safety, pay, benefits and operational processes, there may be instances where we don’t get it perfect, but can assure you that’s just what they are — exceptions.”
Amazon said it would deposit the money in Pausuan’s bank account after BuzzFeed News requested information about his case.
Amazon employees have complained that the department that handles sick leave payments was understaffed even before the coronavirus pandemic, and it has since been overwhelmed by the upswing in cases.
Pausuan started feeling sick in late March. He worried it could be the coronavirus, especially because he knew some of his coworkers at the Amazon warehouse where he worked had already tested positive.
He immediately isolated from his wife and children, but in their small apartment in South Philadelphia it was hard to maintain social distance. Before long, his family was sick too — although not as sick as he was.
“I had a fever of 104, and then the next day I started losing all smell and taste,” Pausuan said. “I felt very weak, and the whole body aches. It’s very hard to breathe. That’s the worst thing.”
On April 8, his test results confirmed what he’d known was almost certainly true: He had COVID-19.
As soon as Pausuan received his diagnosis, he sent documentation to Amazon human resources. The company had previously announced in early March that any employee who tested positive for the novel coronavirus would get up to two weeks of pay.
He expected to be paid as usual on his April 17 payday. After all, Amazon had repeatedly promised that workers who got sick would be paid. In fact, Jay Carney, senior vice president of global corporate affairs, said as much on CNN on April 17, the same day Pausuan was waiting in vain for the money to land in his account.
“We’re focusing our resources on helping our workers, giving them protective gear, giving them paid time off, increasing their pay,” Carney told CNN anchor Brianna Keilar.


buzzfeednews--2020-05-05--Fasting During A Pandemic: Ramadan Looks Different This Year For Essential Workers

Nearly 40 people around the world told BuzzFeed News that Ramadan is hammering home their isolation during the pandemic : They miss friends , family , and their mosques .
Al Haj Shah was feeling dazed and sleepy .
He had a headache from breathing beneath a mask all day , and he hadn ’ t eaten since the night before .
Talking to his boss took almost too much energy to manage , and earlier that day his colleague had jokingly asked him if he was having a stroke .
Shah is a nurse practitioner working in the emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City , one of the worst-hit regions in the global coronavirus crisis .
The 27-year-old sees patients with COVID-19 ( the disease caused by the novel coronavirus ) every day , and he ’ s constantly having to think on his feet .
He was also in his first week of fasting for the sacred month of Ramadan , during which Muslims who are able to abstain from food and water during the daylight hours and practice daily prayers .
This year , Ramadan started April 23 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was starting to dip in New York , and it will last until the major holiday of Eid al-Fitr on May 23 .
While a month of fasting is never easy — that is part of the point of the practice — observing Ramadan will be harder this year for many Muslims , during a time of immense stress and social isolation — and long , busy schedules for essential workers .
“ This first week of fasting has been crazy , ” Shah told BuzzFeed News from his apartment on his day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Wearing a mask all day , fasting or not , takes a toll on your body , ” he said slowly , audibly lethargic .
“ You ’ re breathing your own oxygen back pretty much ; you 're inhaling much more CO2 .
And when you get a headache and you can ’ t drink water , it just adds fuel to the fire .
It ’ s been rough.
” During the first week of Ramadan , BuzzFeed News asked Muslims in the US and abroad how they plan on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re feeling about it , and how it ’ s been so far .
Thirty-eight people in 6 countries ( including Morocco , the Netherlands , and Indonesia ) and 12 US states responded , half of whom said they were essential workers .
Nearly all of the respondents said they had concerns or apprehensions about Ramadan overlapping with the height of the pandemic .
Many said they felt isolated from their friends , family , and Muslim communities .
None of the respondents said they were going to their mosques during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US are closed due to the pandemic , and some are playing a version of the call to prayer that tells people to stay home ) , and most of them said they dearly missed it .
Praying with an imam via a livestream , they said , is just not the same as being surrounded by people praying alongside you .
Some expressed concern about fasting during a time when having a strong immune system is at its utmost importance .
Though you are allowed to postpone your fast if you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and dehydrated could put those who are exposed to the virus at greater risk , or give those who have it ( and may not know ) worse symptoms .
Others said they were worried about being able to obtain halal meats when access to food can be limited by panic hoarding , delivery interruptions , and travel restrictions .
For many , the month ahead is daunting .
“ In some ways it ’ s not that different .
There are days working in the [ intensive care unit ] when , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we don ’ t get to eat or drink all day long .
But if I ’ m dehydrated , if I ’ m weak from hunger , my immunity is weaker , ” Mustafa Salehmohamed , a pulmonary critical care physician , who works shifts in the intensive care unit treating coronavirus patients at a hospital in Queens told BuzzFeed News .
Because of his exposure to patients with COVID-19 , Salehmohamed has had to self-quarantine from his wife and two daughters during Ramadan .
He stays upstairs in his house @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while his family stays downstairs , his wife sleeping in their kids ’ room .
For iftar , his family brings him plates of food and leaves it outside his door , and the younger daughter , an 8-year-old , sometimes brings him drawings she ’ s made .
Occasionally the whole family will eat together , sitting on the floor — him at the door of his room and them at the other side of the hallway — safely distanced in their own home .
Other times he eats alone .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , connection to God , and connection to community .
Large gatherings in the mosque , communal prayer , and nightly meals with friends and family breaking the day ’ s fast ( called iftar ) are important parts of the holiday that many Muslims all over the world can not participate in due to stay-at-home orders and social distancing .
But the month is also about self-reflection , self-improvement , understanding the suffering of those less fortunate who regularly go without food and water , and giving back to your community and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spoke to BuzzFeed News said .
One-third of the global population is currently under a lockdown , and some respondents said they now have more time for self-reflection and meditating on the suffering of others .
hough they were sad to be isolated from their mosque and their families , four people wrote that the time alone has given them peace , more time to read the Qur ’ an , and time to focus on their prayers .
“ I am looking forward to the calmness it brings , ” Marwa Saeed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Midlands , England , wrote to BuzzFeed News .
“ [ I am ] a bit apprehensive as it will be a unique Ramadhan , but hopeful that it will make us appreciate our blessings even more , and connect us more closely to our Creator.
” An 18-year-old in New York City who asked to remain anonymous wrote to BuzzFeed News that both Ramadan and obeying the stay-at-home orders are about patience and respect for others .
“ Ramadan teaches all people about patience .
We stay patient for Iftar , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also stay patient for Eid-ul-Fitr , the end of Ramadan , as it is a time of joy , ” they wrote .
“ This is an important lesson for the quarantine that we are in .
We need to stay hopeful , follow medical guidance and pray that our world and all of its beloved people heal.
” In March , the National Muslim Task Force issued a statement that urged Muslims in North America to follow local protocols for self-quarantine and social distancing and requested that congregational prayers be suspended .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hadith , on plagues , which is pretty similar to the recommendations being given by governments during the pandemic : “ If you hear of a plague in a land , then do not go into it , ” the hadith reads .
“ If it happens in land where you are , then do not go out of it.
” As one of the Five Pillars of Islam , fasting is obligatory , but it does not apply to those for whom fasting would put their health at risk .
The elderly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are sick , and people who are pregnant are traditionally allowed not to fast .
Those who can ’ t fast on certain days for other reasons ( for example , people who are menstruating are not allowed to fast ) can make up for those missed days by fasting later in the year .
In early April , a group of Muslim religious scholars in the UK signed a fatwa — a ruling on a point of Islamic law — giving Muslim medical workers permission to postpone fasting during the pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan to try to fast for Ramadan this year , but if they feel it is putting their health or their patients at risk , they may have to make up those days at a less chaotic time .
“ I will fast those times when I ’ m not in the ICU , and I ’ ll have to see what happens if I do further shifts in the ICU , ” Salehmohamed told BuzzFeed News the day before Ramadan began .
“ There is always the flexibility .
If I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feeling weak , then I can discontinue the fast.
” Aminat Sarumi , a 28-year-old flight attendant who lives in Virginia , near Dulles International Airport in Washington , DC , told BuzzFeed News that Ramadan is so “ quiet ” this year due to the pandemic and she sometimes forgets it ’ s even happening .
“ Normally I have my routine — going to the mosque to pray each day , iftar with my friends — but this year , nothing , ” she said .
She is only in her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and usually she is only on reserve — meaning she is the backup crew in case a flight is severely delayed and the primary crew can ’ t make it .
But so many of her coworkers have been calling in sick and taking time off work , she ’ s been working nonstop .
“ Sometimes I ’ ll only have three people on the whole flight , but Thursday morning I had a red-eye from San Francisco to Dulles , and there were about 50 people on board , ” she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disapproval .
“ I don ’ t know why people are flying .
It boggles my brain .
If I weren ’ t a flight attendant , I wouldn ’ t be flying right now .
Honestly I wouldn ’ t be mad if I didn ’ t have a job right now.
” The red-eye was so busy , she said , she forgot she was fasting .
Suhoor — the predawn meal eaten during Ramadan to make the day ’ s fast easier — ends at 4:55 a.m. on the East @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flight , she ’ d forgotten she was supposed to fast that day until she saw her watch read 4:54 a.m. She was too late .
“ Then I accidentally took a swig of water , ” she said , sighing .
“ Not drinking water on a plane , it ’ s tough.
” On the flip side , several people who shared their stories with BuzzFeed News said they were concerned about being able to access the food they need to break fast , especially halal meats .
Panic shopping , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chain interruptions have caused stocking issues at grocery stores across the country .
For many Muslims in areas where Islam is not the predominant religion , access to halal meats ( “ halal ” meaning “ permissible ” ) can be limited even during typical circumstances .
A Philadelphia-based social worker named Deven told BuzzFeed News she is working with her local Islamic center to make “ grab-and-go iftars.
” Using gloves and masks , she and a few other volunteers package food made earlier in the day to hand out to those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early evening .
In New York , ICNA Relief , a national aid group , is handing “ halal groceries ” out to families in 13 states every week .
Dr. Ramon Tallaj , chair of SOMOS Community Care , has been helping to provide food for Muslim families in Washington Heights .
Shah , the nurse practitioner in New York , however , has been biking miles to try to access halal meats — and when that ’ s not possible , he has been taking the subway to a neighborhood far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be cognizant of my distance and being around in the subways , ” he told BuzzFeed News .
“ I haven ’ t had any luck finding halal meat in Manhattan , so I go to Astoria where I ’ m comfortable and I know where it is .
It ’ s risky , but it ’ s either that or don ’ t eat , so pick your poison.
” Shah only moved to New York in October 2019 .
Born in Afghanistan , he moved to Atlanta with his family in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Times Square empty and restaurants closed , is not what he imagined the city would be like .
But he still loves it , he said .
When he was young he wanted to be a war journalist , so working in the emergency department in the center of a global pandemic feels aligned with his lifelong desire to be on the front lines .
“ Whenever there would be some sort of bombing or something , my 10-year-old self would make it there and try to analyze the situation , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always wanted to be in the middle of things , so even though it ’ s so scary I ’ m glad to be here witnessing it and getting to understand it from the inside.
” Like most of the people who wrote to BuzzFeed News , Shah said he was greatly missing the community aspect of Ramadan .
His family is still in Atlanta , and he had just started to make friends in his new city via the Islamic Center at New York University .
He was looking forward to observing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that was cut short .
“ Every year it is an exciting time for my family , friends and community .
I 'm sad that this year we are n't able to be together like we are used to , ” Deven , the Philadelphia-based social worker , wrote .
She is still visiting people ’ s homes as part of her job and has to be very careful about her contact .
“ I feel like a part of me is missing , and I 'm worried how others are surviving.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a community health clinic in Seattle — the first city in the US hit hard by the coronavirus — has fortunately not had to isolate from her family .
The 24-year-old lives with her parents and four younger siblings ( “ It ’ s always loud , ” she said ) , and her father has been leading them in the daily prayer during Ramadan .
But she still misses her mosque youth group .
They ’ ve been meeting up via video chat to talk about Ramadan , God , and their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s not the same .
Everyone who spoke to BuzzFeed News said that not being able to celebrate Eid properly will be even worse .
The holiday often involves big gatherings and a lot of shared food , going all day and into the night .
Normally , Khedir ’ s family goes to a big congregation held at a local high school football field and then ( after her family ’ s traditional Eid nap ) spends the day hanging out with friends and eating barbeque in the park .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Khedir said .
“ We ’ re all trying to mentally prepare for not having a proper Eid , and I think we ’ ve all come to the conclusion that it might not happen , but that won ’ t make it any less sad.
” Some people have been trying to find workarounds ; breaking fast with friends and family over video chat , holding prayer meetings online .
One person told BuzzFeed News that they have put Ramadan decorations on a wall behind them for Zoom chats with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a video game developer based in the Netherlands , has been hosting iftars and suhoors nearly every night of Ramadan on Animal Crossing , a video game that has been getting many people through the pandemic .
Shah and Sarumi , the flight attendant in Virginia , both live far from their families and told BuzzFeed News they are taking the last week of May off and are still hoping to be able to fly home to visit their families for the holiday .
But nearly in the same breath , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Even if most states begin to open up this month , it will be slow ; people who are regularly exposed to the virus , like them , will likely still be encouraged not to have close contact with older , more vulnerable family members .
“ Ramadan is a time of reflection where you ’ re supposed to be peaceful , kind , patient , honest .
I ’ m just praying for the goodness of the world , and I ’ m sure other Muslims are , too , ” Sarumi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ near the airport .
“ I ’ m not praying for things to return to normal , because we ’ re not gon na get back to what people thought was normal .
So I ’ m just praying for a leveling out of everything .
I ’ m sure Ramadan will bring that .
”

“I am looking forward to the calmness it brings,” Marwa Saeed, a family physician based in West Midlands, England, wrote to BuzzFeed News. “[I am] a bit apprehensive as it will be a unique Ramadhan, but hopeful that it will make us appreciate our blessings even more, and connect us more closely to our Creator.”
An 18-year-old in New York City who asked to remain anonymous wrote to BuzzFeed News that both Ramadan and obeying the stay-at-home orders are about patience and respect for others.
“Ramadan teaches all people about patience. We stay patient for Iftar, when we can break our fast. We also stay patient for Eid-ul-Fitr, the end of Ramadan, as it is a time of joy,” they wrote. “This is an important lesson for the quarantine that we are in. We need to stay hopeful, follow medical guidance and pray that our world and all of its beloved people heal.”
In March, the National Muslim Task Force issued a statement that urged Muslims in North America to follow local protocols for self-quarantine and social distancing and requested that congregational prayers be suspended. Islam has a specific guidance, or hadith, on plagues, which is pretty similar to the recommendations being given by governments during the pandemic: “If you hear of a plague in a land, then do not go into it,” the hadith reads. “If it happens in land where you are, then do not go out of it.”
As one of the Five Pillars of Islam, fasting is obligatory, but it does not apply to those for whom fasting would put their health at risk. The elderly, people who are immunocompromised, who are sick, and people who are pregnant are traditionally allowed not to fast. Those who can’t fast on certain days for other reasons (for example, people who are menstruating are not allowed to fast) can make up for those missed days by fasting later in the year.
In early April, a group of Muslim religious scholars in the UK signed a fatwa — a ruling on a point of Islamic law — giving Muslim medical workers permission to postpone fasting during the pandemic. Three medical workers told BuzzFeed News they plan to try to fast for Ramadan this year, but if they feel it is putting their health or their patients at risk, they may have to make up those days at a less chaotic time.
“I will fast those times when I’m not in the ICU, and I’ll have to see what happens if I do further shifts in the ICU,” Salehmohamed told BuzzFeed News the day before Ramadan began. “There is always the flexibility. If I’m in between and I’m feeling weak, then I can discontinue the fast.”
Aminat Sarumi, a 28-year-old flight attendant who lives in Virginia, near Dulles International Airport in Washington, DC, told BuzzFeed News that Ramadan is so “quiet” this year due to the pandemic and she sometimes forgets it’s even happening.
“Normally I have my routine — going to the mosque to pray each day, iftar with my friends — but this year, nothing,” she said.
She is only in her first year of being a flight attendant and usually she is only on reserve — meaning she is the backup crew in case a flight is severely delayed and the primary crew can’t make it. But so many of her coworkers have been calling in sick and taking time off work, she’s been working nonstop.
“Sometimes I’ll only have three people on the whole flight, but Thursday morning I had a red-eye from San Francisco to Dulles, and there were about 50 people on board,” she said emphatically, clicking her tongue in disapproval. “I don’t know why people are flying. It boggles my brain. If I weren’t a flight attendant, I wouldn’t be flying right now. Honestly I wouldn’t be mad if I didn’t have a job right now.”
The red-eye was so busy, she said, she forgot she was fasting. Suhoor — the predawn meal eaten during Ramadan to make the day’s fast easier — ends at 4:55 a.m. on the East Coast, she said. On that flight, she’d forgotten she was supposed to fast that day until she saw her watch read 4:54 a.m. She was too late.
“Then I accidentally took a swig of water,” she said, sighing. “Not drinking water on a plane, it’s tough.”
On the flip side, several people who shared their stories with BuzzFeed News said they were concerned about being able to access the food they need to break fast, especially halal meats. Panic shopping, hoarding, and food delivery and supply chain interruptions have caused stocking issues at grocery stores across the country. For many Muslims in areas where Islam is not the predominant religion, access to halal meats (“halal” meaning “permissible”) can be limited even during typical circumstances.


buzzfeednews--2020-04-23--An Award-Winning Photographer Left Iran To Be Gay. Two Months After Finding Love He Died Of Coronavi

An Award-Winning Photographer Left Iran To Be Gay. Two Months After Finding Love He Died Of Coronavirus

Shahin Shahablou came to Britain to be himself .
His talent and sensitivity earned him accolades , and finally he found the man he wanted to be with .
But he was struck down by the coronavirus .
To the customers at the branch of Sainsbury ’ s supermarket in Clapham , South London , where he worked part-time towards the end of his life , Shahin Shahablou was simply an incredibly helpful member of staff .
They had no idea who he was or what he had endured .
Shahablou , who died of the coronavirus aged 56 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where he grew up .
He finally left for Britain in 2011 in order to be himself — to be gay .
After gaining refugee status , he became an award-winning photographer , known for capturing the hidden essence of his subjects , many of whom were from the LGBTQ community , often people who had been overlooked .
But he didn ’ t just come to London to be free .
“ He really wanted someone that he could share his life with , ” Kevin Lismore told BuzzFeed News .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ months before his death .
“ He said he would never be able to find a partner there in Iran , that it would just be sex .
But he wanted a partner for life.
” In Lismore , Shahablou found the person he had wanted to be with .
“ There was something very special happening between us , '' said Lismore .
`` He kept telling me how he felt like it was destiny that we met each other.
” On April 15 , after he 'd spent 19 days in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failed .
The love for which he had spent his life searching , and for which he had left his family and motherland , would be cut short .
“ That ’ s the cruellest thing , to lose him so soon , ” said Kevin .
“ It feels really unfair on him and me , and on his friends and family .
It ’ s tragic.
” Shahablou ’ s five sisters and one brother remain in Tehran .
According to his closest friend , David Gleeson , they considered repatriating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they all talked about it and decided that he loves London so they want him to stay here , ” he said .
Their decision , a mark of respect for the life and country that he chose , means that they will not , owing to lockdown and travel restrictions , be able to attend his funeral .
His death has shocked his loved ones .
“ I can ’ t get my head around it , ” said Gleeson .
“ At the age of 61 and having lived through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to people disappearing .
But I feel really desolate .
I ’ ve realised since he died just how much I loved him.
” Gleeson lives in Soho , central London , where Shahablou loved to spend time , finding his own microcommunity in the patrons of the King ’ s Arms pub , loved by bears — bigger , hairy gay men that Shahablou also photographed .
“ In the deserted streets I see him everywhere , ” said Gleeson .
“ I ’ m just so used to seeing him around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News about Shahablou , both loved ones and those he photographed , describe a man of utmost sensitivity who felt others ’ pain as his own , who searched always for meaning and depth in his work and relationships , and whose determination enabled him to finally find the life that had long eluded him .
Shahin Shahablou was raised in Tehran in a close-knit family .
His love of photography led to a bachelor ’ s and then a master ’ s degree in the subject from the University of Tehran .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ two decades .
He taught photography , enjoyed solo exhibitions in Iran and India , became a photojournalist and a board member of the Iranian Photojournalists Association .
Later , in Britain , he was a freelance photographer , shooting for Amnesty International , among others .
But he had two problems , according to Gleeson , both of which led to financial hardship : Shahablou was so modest that he found it unbearable demanding the fees for his work that he deserved .
And he believed so much in pursuing meaningful assignments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commercial .
`` He would n't just take on any project , '' said Gleeson .
“ Some rich woman who lived in a mansion in Regent ’ s Park wanted him to come and take portraits of her kid and he said , ‘ This is the kind of job that bores me.
’ He just passed it on.
” Instead , he focused on intimate , sometimes painful subjects from which others might shy away .
“ When Iranian Muslims die there is a particular ceremony where the body is washed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Iran and filmed the place where this happens , ” said Gleeson .
“ He produced this fascinating photo essay.
” Shahablou ’ s determination to pursue a career of meaning rather than money led to many periods of financial instability , poor housing , and eventually his need to work in a supermarket .
But he never stopped loving photography , taking his camera and his iPhone everywhere , snapping in the street , feasting on London ’ s sights and people .
This search , bringing him to the beauty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ informed in part by growing up gay in Iran .
Since the 1979 revolution — when Shahablou was 15 — homosexuality has been illegal and punishable by death .
“ He told me about growing up in Iran and becoming aware of [ his ] difference , and particularly when he was in prison — he was aware he had to be really careful , ” said Gleeson .
This was particularly the case because of what happened there .
Shahablou was jailed for over two years in the 1980s for being a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than two decades later , in 2011 , Shahablou arrived in London .
By this time , “ he had a serious lack of self-confidence , ” said Gleeson , but “ he realised he could actually be true to himself.
” He spent time in Soho and met LGBT people through his photography .
One of them was the poet , author , and trans advocate Roz Kaveney , whom he photographed in 2016 for an Amnesty International exhibition of LGBT people .
“ He was an empathic photographer , ” Kaveney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very sensitive and good at picking up on one ’ s issues.
” Years of illness had left her with a massive surgical hernia .
She said : `` Shahin was very much about the quality of the shot in terms of what I ’ d be comfortable with .
That ’ s an important aspect of queer portrait photography : respect for difference.
” The author Elizabeth Cook , who knew Shahablou through friends , was at that exhibition in Bethnal Green , east London .
“ There were two beautiful photographs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — really extraordinary , '' she said .
`` I ’ ve known Roz for more than 40 years and there was a depth to the photographs ; an insight into something that Roz doesn ’ t deliberately show in her being .
They were really profound and moving.
” “ He was such a dear man , ” said Cook .
“ There was something quite beautiful about his nature — clear and pure-hearted .
Innocent , in a good way .
A great gentleness.
” It was these qualities that drew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months .
On their first date , Shahablou arrived with a bouquet of flowers .
“ He was very romantic .
And he really liked telling me stories about his life and asking me for stories about mine .
My stories always paled in comparison.
” When reports of the coronavirus hit , Lismore said Shahablou was very frightened .
He had mild asthma and a leaky heart valve .
He had had a cough since December , which developed into a chest infection in January .
In March he was hospitalised and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not tested for the coronavirus , despite his symptoms .
A few days later , an ambulance was called and from March 27 , Shahablou was in intensive care on a ventilator .
“ Every day I rang and just hoped and deluded myself that he would pull through , ” said Gleeson .
“ I had to tell his family , ” said Gleeson .
As he talked about Shahablou , Gleeson recalled the conversations he used to have with him , when life in London had become difficult , with work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problems with his housing .
Gleeson used to ask his best friend why he didn ’ t return to Iran , where he could live in a nice house with his sisters .
But there was something more fundamental than material comfort that Shahablou needed : to be himself .
“ However bad things get , ” he would tell Gleeson , “ I ’ d still rather be here .
”

To the customers at the branch of Sainsbury’s supermarket in Clapham, South London, where he worked part-time towards the end of his life, Shahin Shahablou was simply an incredibly helpful member of staff. They had no idea who he was or what he had endured.
Shahablou, who died of the coronavirus aged 56, had been a political prisoner in Iran, where he grew up. He finally left for Britain in 2011 in order to be himself — to be gay. After gaining refugee status, he became an award-winning photographer, known for capturing the hidden essence of his subjects, many of whom were from the LGBTQ community, often people who had been overlooked. But he didn’t just come to London to be free.
“He really wanted someone that he could share his life with,” Kevin Lismore told BuzzFeed News. Shahablou and Lismore had begun dating just months before his death. “He said he would never be able to find a partner there in Iran, that it would just be sex. But he wanted a partner for life.”
In Lismore, Shahablou found the person he had wanted to be with. “There was something very special happening between us," said Lismore. "He kept telling me how he felt like it was destiny that we met each other.”
On April 15, after he'd spent 19 days in intensive care, Shahablou’s organs failed. The love for which he had spent his life searching, and for which he had left his family and motherland, would be cut short.
“That’s the cruellest thing, to lose him so soon,” said Kevin. “It feels really unfair on him and me, and on his friends and family. It’s tragic.”


buzzfeednews--2020-03-17--The Queen Is Moving To Windsor Castle And Canceling Events Because Of The Coronavirus Outbreak

The Queen has canceled her public events for the next two months and will be leaving London a week earlier than planned due to the coronavirus outbreak , Buckingham Palace said Tuesday .
In a statement , the palace said the changes in the 93-year-old monarch 's schedule were made `` as a sensible precaution and for practical reasons in the current circumstances . ''
The move comes a day after Prime Minister Boris Johnson said UK residents should stop `` nonessential contact '' with others and avoid public spaces to combat the spread of COVID-19 , the disease caused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has advised those most at risk — a group that automatically includes everyone over the age of 70 — to adhere to strict social distancing measures and `` significantly limit '' face-to-face interactions with friends and family for the next few weeks .
As of Tuesday , 1,960 people in the UK have contracted the coronavirus .
Nearly 25 % of these cases are in London , where the Queen is currently in residence .
Since the outbreak began in the UK , 55 people have died .
The Queen will move from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Although she was already scheduled to be in Windsor for Easter , per the statement , it 's `` likely '' that she will stay there for longer than planned .
In addition , while the Queen will attend previously scheduled private meetings with the prime minister and two other VIPs at Buckingham Palace over the next two days , all future audiences with the monarch `` will be reviewed on an ongoing basis , in line with the appropriate advice . ''
A number of the Queen 's upcoming public events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threat of the coronavirus , per the palace .
The annual Maundy Service on Holy Thursday — a royal tradition dating back to 600 AD — will not take place .
The Queen has n't been absent from one of these services since 1970 ( she was on tour in New Zealand ) and has only missed four in her entire 68-year reign .
The Queen also called off the three garden parties that had been scheduled at various dates in May at Buckingham Palace .
This year 's guests will be invited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parties .
In Tuesday 's statement , the palace said that decisions about major royal events scheduled for May and beyond `` will be made in due course , in consultation with [ the ] government . ''
One of the most significant events on the royal calendar is the state visit of the new emperor and empress of Japan , which , if it actually happens , would be the imperial couple 's first official overseas visit since they took the throne last year .
When the state visit was announced in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Spring 2020 '' and further details have not yet been released .
The palace said that it had not yet made a decision about one of the biggest annual royal events , Trooping the Colour , which is currently scheduled for June 13 , or the number of public events planned in celebration of the 75th anniversary of VE Day ( May 8 ) .
The Queen is not the only member of the royal family whose schedule has been affected by the coronavirus outbreak .
On Friday , Prince Charles , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Duchess of Cornwall , 72 , canceled a royal tour of Bosnia and Herzegovina , Cyprus , and Jordan that was scheduled to begin Tuesday .

A number of the Queen's upcoming public events have also been canceled due to the threat of the coronavirus, per the palace. The annual Maundy Service on Holy Thursday — a royal tradition dating back to 600 AD — will not take place. The Queen hasn't been absent from one of these services since 1970 (she was on tour in New Zealand) and has only missed four in her entire 68-year reign.
The Queen also called off the three garden parties that had been scheduled at various dates in May at Buckingham Palace. This year's guests will be invited to attend one of her 2021 garden parties.
In Tuesday's statement, the palace said that decisions about major royal events scheduled for May and beyond "will be made in due course, in consultation with [the] government."
One of the most significant events on the royal calendar is the state visit of the new emperor and empress of Japan, which, if it actually happens, would be the imperial couple's first official overseas visit since they took the throne last year. When the state visit was announced in January, the dates were given as "Spring 2020" and further details have not yet been released.
The palace said that it had not yet made a decision about one of the biggest annual royal events, Trooping the Colour, which is currently scheduled for June 13, or the number of public events planned in celebration of the 75th anniversary of VE Day (May 8).
The Queen is not the only member of the royal family whose schedule has been affected by the coronavirus outbreak. On Friday, Prince Charles, 71, and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, 72, canceled a royal tour of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, and Jordan that was scheduled to begin Tuesday.


buzzfeednews--2020-03-16--The Coronavirus Giving You Cabin Fever? Lessons From An Introvert.

The journalists at BuzzFeed News are proud to bring you trustworthy and relevant reporting about the coronavirus .
To help keep this news free , become a member and sign up for our newsletter , Outbreak Today .
It ’ s mind-boggling that even in the middle of a global pandemic , people have expressed reluctance — some embarrassingly so — to curb certain aspects of their all-important social lives , even if it means potentially saving those most at risk , i.e.
, the elderly and people who are immunocompromised .
To date , COVID-19 , the disease caused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the deaths of more than 6,500 people worldwide — and nations overwhelmed by the number of people who ’ ve fallen ill , including Italy and Spain , should put American citizens on high alert that a similar spread is very likely to happen in the US in the coming weeks .
And with American exceptionalism at an all-time high , some might say we ’ re screwed .
But being screwed , in this particular instance , is a choice .
There are ways to avoid making matters worse .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vibrant , social person who has plans .
Plans for brunch , plans for drinks , plans for whatever .
You feel healthy and energized , so why should you practice “ social distancing ” ?
You feel fine !
Well , mainly because you could be a carrier of COVID-19 and not experience any symptoms .
Asymptomatic carriers can pass the virus to someone who is at risk for developing severe complications from the virus .
Self-isolation is an amazing preemptive and communal strategy to practice now .
I watched several conversations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last week , with many colleagues and friends doing their best to practice social distancing , which , as the Washington Post pointed out , is one of the most effective ways to slow the spread of the virus .
Naturally , lots of jokes were made about people having cabin fever ( and understandably so , we are social animals ! )
, but I also noticed some self-proclaimed introverts , myself included , joking about how they ’ re quite fine with our new reality .
Now , to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunity for people who have natural inclination toward introversion to be smug ( OK , maybe just a little bit ) , and this definitely isn ’ t directed toward people who can not financially afford to self-isolate or practice extreme social distancing .
But that said , as a lifelong introvert , I want to stress that , for people who have the means to do so , social distancing isn ’ t so bad , and here are a few — hopefully compelling — reasons why .
First of all , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deal with FOMO ?
!
There ’ s no fear of missing out on anything because , quite literally , nothing is happening right now .
In New York City , Chicago , and Los Angeles , for instance , bars , restaurants , gyms , and theaters are closing as a way to mitigate the spread of the virus , a measure taken right after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urged people to reconsider gatherings larger than 50 people for the next eight weeks .
With this sort of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 , Americans can take advantage of things like — gasp !
— leisure and not being super productive at all times , as is our typical default setting .
As an expert social distancer , I ’ ve enjoyed going for brief walks around my neighborhood .
This past weekend because the weather was nice , I took a stroll to the park , sat on a bench , and read a few chapters of Ling Ma ’ s dystopian novel Severance ( one of our best books of the decade ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a virus turns people into zombies of their former selves .
Afterward , I headed home and cooked for myself .
I enjoyed a glass of red wine and listened to a few of my favorite podcasts — Las Culturistas , Keep It !
and Strong Black Legends , if you need suggestions — while making chili .
I streamed movies that I somehow missed during their original theatrical run , like Frozen II , which was an absolute , unexpected delight .
As a matter of fact , please listen to Jonathan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Woods , ” because it is A BANGER ( sorry , Idina ) .
I also recommend going to the roof of the building you live in , if you have a roof you can access , for a bit of self-reflection in the evening , as well as taking long , hot showers while singing some of Céline Dion ’ s toughest ballads .
Also — and I can ’ t stress this enough — feel free to masturbate as often as you ’ d like !
If you ’ re someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support some of your favorite sex workers by subscribing to their OnlyFans or JustFor.Fans accounts , especially since some have taken a hit financially since the coronavirus pandemic hit the states .
( And if you ’ re coupled , why not use this time to experiment in the bedroom ? )
But seriously , when ’ s the last time you spent time with yourself and only did the things you desired to do ?
When ’ s the last time you journaled your thoughts and feelings ?
Sure , the conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t ideal , but spending time with your own company can be pretty rewarding .
Now I don ’ t want to make it seem like no social interaction with other humans is necessary — that ’ s definitely not the case .
Though people who have no qualms with being in their own company for hours on end may make social distancing look easy , we still crave human connection and interaction .
Loneliness could definitely spike in the next few months , but in the meantime , you can reach out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or whatever video-calling app you use .
You can also go on short walks with people who are close by , as this USA Today article points out : “ Meet a neighbor or two or three on the street for a conversation .
Send the kids outside for a no-contact game of soccer or a hike in the park or woods with friends.
” Having to adjust your life so abruptly can be jarring .
With the mandatory closing of gyms , I was nervous about how this would impact my daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is something that can be done at home ( shoutout to Jane Fonda ’ s original workout tape , a personal fave ) .
I canceled plans to meet a potential new friend at a bar this past Friday because it ultimately felt like a selfish endeavor .
This pandemic will likely require us to continually make adjustments to our daily lives , both large and small , but if your main concern is simply figuring out how to best spend your time alone — unlike people who have to worry about their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ childcare , due to schools being shuttered — you ’ ll be fine .
You may be bored at times , which is completely OK , but at least you ’ re not potentially spreading the virus to someone way more vulnerable .
When ’ s the last time you got to do absolutely nothing and it was seen as an extremely helpful gesture ?
( Don ’ t lie .
I doubt it happens that much ! )
Finally , if you ’ re really struggling to come up with creative solutions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reach out to an introverted friend .
We ’ ve been unwittingly preparing for a moment like this for quite some time .
●

It’s mind-boggling that even in the middle of a global pandemic, people have expressed reluctance — some embarrassingly so — to curb certain aspects of their all-important social lives, even if it means potentially saving those most at risk, i.e., the elderly and people who are immunocompromised.
To date, COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, has led to the deaths of more than 6,500 people worldwide — and nations overwhelmed by the number of people who’ve fallen ill, including Italy and Spain, should put American citizens on high alert that a similar spread is very likely to happen in the US in the coming weeks. And with American exceptionalism at an all-time high, some might say we’re screwed.
But being screwed, in this particular instance, is a choice. There are ways to avoid making matters worse. So say you’re a young, vibrant, social person who has plans. Plans for brunch, plans for drinks, plans for whatever. You feel healthy and energized, so why should you practice “social distancing”? You feel fine! Well, mainly because you could be a carrier of COVID-19 and not experience any symptoms. Asymptomatic carriers can pass the virus to someone who is at risk for developing severe complications from the virus. Self-isolation is an amazing preemptive and communal strategy to practice now.
I watched several conversations take place on my Twitter feed throughout the last week, with many colleagues and friends doing their best to practice social distancing, which, as the Washington Post pointed out, is one of the most effective ways to slow the spread of the virus. Naturally, lots of jokes were made about people having cabin fever (and understandably so, we are social animals!), but I also noticed some self-proclaimed introverts, myself included, joking about how they’re quite fine with our new reality. Now, to be clear, this isn’t an opportunity for people who have natural inclination toward introversion to be smug (OK, maybe just a little bit), and this definitely isn’t directed toward people who cannot financially afford to self-isolate or practice extreme social distancing. But that said, as a lifelong introvert, I want to stress that, for people who have the means to do so, social distancing isn’t so bad, and here are a few — hopefully compelling — reasons why.
First of all, how freeing is it to not have to deal with FOMO?! There’s no fear of missing out on anything because, quite literally, nothing is happening right now. In New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles, for instance, bars, restaurants, gyms, and theaters are closing as a way to mitigate the spread of the virus, a measure taken right after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urged people to reconsider gatherings larger than 50 people for the next eight weeks. With this sort of government-sanctioned approach to quelling the spread of COVID-19, Americans can take advantage of things like — gasp! — leisure and not being super productive at all times, as is our typical default setting.
As an expert social distancer, I’ve enjoyed going for brief walks around my neighborhood. This past weekend because the weather was nice, I took a stroll to the park, sat on a bench, and read a few chapters of Ling Ma’s dystopian novel Severance (one of our best books of the decade) about a woman trying to survive after a virus turns people into zombies of their former selves.
Afterward, I headed home and cooked for myself. I enjoyed a glass of red wine and listened to a few of my favorite podcasts — Las Culturistas, Keep It! and Strong Black Legends, if you need suggestions — while making chili. I streamed movies that I somehow missed during their original theatrical run, like Frozen II, which was an absolute, unexpected delight. As a matter of fact, please listen to Jonathan Groff’s “Lost in the Woods,” because it is A BANGER (sorry, Idina). I also recommend going to the roof of the building you live in, if you have a roof you can access, for a bit of self-reflection in the evening, as well as taking long, hot showers while singing some of Céline Dion’s toughest ballads. Also — and I can’t stress this enough — feel free to masturbate as often as you’d like! If you’re someone who enjoys premium content, you can support some of your favorite sex workers by subscribing to their OnlyFans or JustFor.Fans accounts, especially since some have taken a hit financially since the coronavirus pandemic hit the states. (And if you’re coupled, why not use this time to experiment in the bedroom?) But seriously, when’s the last time you spent time with yourself and only did the things you desired to do? When’s the last time you journaled your thoughts and feelings?
Sure, the conditions in which we currently live aren’t ideal, but spending time with your own company can be pretty rewarding.
Now I don’t want to make it seem like no social interaction with other humans is necessary — that’s definitely not the case. Though people who have no qualms with being in their own company for hours on end may make social distancing look easy, we still crave human connection and interaction. Loneliness could definitely spike in the next few months, but in the meantime, you can reach out to friends via Skype, FaceTime, or whatever video-calling app you use. You can also go on short walks with people who are close by, as this USA Today article points out: “Meet a neighbor or two or three on the street for a conversation. Send the kids outside for a no-contact game of soccer or a hike in the park or woods with friends.”
Having to adjust your life so abruptly can be jarring. With the mandatory closing of gyms, I was nervous about how this would impact my daily workouts, but this, too, is something that can be done at home (shoutout to Jane Fonda’s original workout tape, a personal fave). I canceled plans to meet a potential new friend at a bar this past Friday because it ultimately felt like a selfish endeavor. This pandemic will likely require us to continually make adjustments to our daily lives, both large and small, but if your main concern is simply figuring out how to best spend your time alone — unlike people who have to worry about their income for the next few months or childcare, due to schools being shuttered — you’ll be fine. You may be bored at times, which is completely OK, but at least you’re not potentially spreading the virus to someone way more vulnerable. When’s the last time you got to do absolutely nothing and it was seen as an extremely helpful gesture? (Don’t lie. I doubt it happens that much!)
Finally, if you’re really struggling to come up with creative solutions for indoor activities on your own, reach out to an introverted friend. We’ve been unwittingly preparing for a moment like this for quite some time. ●


buzzfeednews--2020-03-17--What The Hell Are Bar And Restaurant Workers Supposed To Do For The Next Few Months?

`` I 'm not worried about this virus ; I 'm worried about all these other things . ''
Bar , restaurant , and club workers have been left reeling this week after states across the country — including New York , California , Washington , Louisiana , Colorado , Pennsylvania , and New Jersey — shut bars and clubs and dramatically curtailed restaurants in order to stop the spread of the coronavirus .
`` I basically no longer have a job , '' Beth Willow , a 28-year-old bartender in New Orleans who lives paycheck to paycheck , told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ French Quarter bar where she works , Jewel of the South , went into lockdown after the new monthlong guidelines announced by the Louisiana governor .
Now the venue will only be delivering food .
`` No one is Uber eats-ing craft cocktails — although they should , '' said Willow .
`` I 'm lucky to live with my partner and be stocked up on food and supplies , but what happens after ?
How do we pay rent and bills ? ''
she asked .
Service and hospitality workers are at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of catching the coronavirus because of their close proximity to customers .
Many often take public transportation to work , where they are then handling money , food , and drinks — often in enclosed spaces .
But the total immediate shutdown of work has left hospitality staff , already a traditionally casual workforce with few benefits or protections , in a precarious financial situation .
Many workers worry more about the financial impact they are facing than any potential risks associated with the coronavirus .
`` I 'm not worried about this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these other things , '' said Maja , a 35-year-old dancer in two New Orleans strip clubs who asked to be identified using only her first name .
For days , restaurant and bar owners watched as business slowed amid the upsurge in news on the coronavirus and wondered how they should handle it .
Should they close as a public health precaution — and leave staff without work — or wait until the government forced them ?
`` It 's really hard to wrap your head around the severity of it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chef and co-owner of Archer & Goat , a neighborhood restaurant in Harlem , New York .
On Sunday , Guzman met for four hours with his wife and co-owner , Jenifar Chowdhury , 41 , and their other business partners .
Together , the group ran the numbers to figure out if they could afford to stay open as a to-go restaurant .
They decided that it made the most sense to shut entirely if restrictions were announced , which Mayor Bill de Blasio did later that evening .
`` At the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our bills by selling alcohol , '' said Guzman .
Bar owner Ivy Mix , whose Brooklyn cocktail bar Leyenda has garnered critical acclaim , including a nomination in the industry ’ s top James Beard Awards , decided to close on noon Sunday , after receiving criticism from locals for initially remaining open .
`` We got really nasty messages online , '' said Mix , 34 .
It was only after her landlord agreed to suspend the bar 's rent that Mix decided to go ahead with closing — just hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s been a very trying and hard time for people in the hospitality industry , '' she said .
`` We are not people who have a 401 ( k ) , get paid time off , get sick leave .
When we work , we get paid .
When my bar is open , I get paid . ''
April Glick , 31 , who works at Manhattan cocktail bar Ampersand , had been wanting bars and restaurants to close down because of the public health need for social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the coronavirus .
`` How many credit cards have I touched in the last two weeks ?
I 've been thinking about that nonstop , '' said Glick .
But she ’ s also deeply worried about the financial implications the closures will have on her and other workers .
`` Of course I want to do this for the greater good , but I also like to pay my rent , '' said Glick .
The ability , or inability , to pay rent is a top concern for many in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their rent at home or on their business .
Miles Sykes , 32 , a single parent who earns around $ 2,100 a month as a line cook at BJ 's Restaurant and Brewhouse in Sacramento is extremely worried about how he ’ ll afford rent this month .
His hours have been cut and he ’ s lost $ 500 in canceled drag performances at clubs .
`` I got really stressed out yesterday , '' he told BuzzFeed News on Monday .
`` I split custody of my son with my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my rent ...
I 'm going to lose time with him . ''
California Gov .
Gavin Newsom announced Monday that evictions would be halted and foreclosures slowed in order to help protect people struggling financially during the crisis .
New York has announced a similar pause on evictions .
These measures were applauded but still don ’ t go far enough , according to the hospitality and service workers who spoke with BuzzFeed News .
`` Ideally , it would be nice for them to do stuff like suspend rent payments , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking for a roommate to split the $ 1,710 rent of his two-bedroom home , but fears that will now be near impossible .
`` We ’ re the ones making the money for [ major corporations ] and we ca n't get any help at all.
” While some in hospitality have a partner who is still working and earning income , others have found their significant others are also in financial trouble .
The partner of New Orleans bartender Willow works in events .
“ He was booked for all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Willow .
Michael Garabito has poured and mixed drinks in his job as bartender at the Metropolitan Opera at the Lincoln Center in New York City for 20 years , but the Met Opera closed March 12 due to coronavirus concerns .
His wife is a teacher of students with special needs at a school in Harlem , and since schools have also stopped , so has her job .
`` We do n't have any kind of money coming in to us , '' Garabito , 42 , told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around $ 900- $ 1,100 every two weeks , and his wife brings home $ 1,200 .
Their monthly rent on their Bronx apartment is $ 1,200 , with utilities taking it close to $ 1,500 .
“ That means for the next three weeks , if nothing happens , I ’ m going to go broke , '' said Garabito .
A Federal Reserve report from 2019 showed that 39 % of Americans would struggle or be unable to pay an unexpected $ 400 expense .
But even among people with some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a nightmare .
`` I had that amount of savings and I 'm still in a really terrible situation , '' said Jordan Schauberger , a 25-year-old server at the Dylan , a brunch restaurant in Orange County , California .
Schauberger is expecting his $ 2,500 monthly income to halve as the restaurant moves to only to-go orders .
He said he and his girlfriend , whose campus job has also been cut dramatically , will be soon living only on savings .
Others are wishing they had done more to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at two strip clubs on Bourbon Street in New Orleans , began working every single day last week in order to build up whatever financial buffer she could .
She worked all weekend , watching while police tried to shut down bars and send people home from the packed tourist establishments to encourage social distancing and stop the spread of the virus .
`` I mostly wish for myself that I had generated savings , ” she said .
Many BuzzFeed News spoke with are in a similar situation .
Sykes , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pick up work via DoorDash in order to pay rent .
Garabito , the Met Opera bartender , said all the money he and his wife had saved for a future home will be used to pay expenses while both are out of work .
Glick , the Manhattan cocktail bar worker , estimates she can last three to four weeks without an income , but has had friends Venmo her money as they know she lost work .
Willow , the New Orleans bartender , estimates she has about three weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she and her partner would need to reach out to family for help .
`` It 's easy to get caught up in the health aspect , but there ’ s still a whole other side of this that could be just as devastating for some people , '' said Schauberger , the server from Orange County .
On Sunday night , the Harlem restaurant Archer & Goat let their five part-time staff go .
After their busiest-ever week since opening in February 2019 , last week saw a 60 % reduction .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ They needed to `` stop the bleeding , '' said Guzman , the chef and co-owner .
He and wife/co-owner Chowdhury are hoping that other options may materialize to help support their eight full-time staff , who just received their last check .
Chowdhury estimates they , as owners , can survive two or three months of a closed restaurant before reopening is untenable .
Sen. Mitt Romney suggested this week a $ 1,000 one-off payment to every American adult to `` help ensure families and workers can meet their short-term obligations and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Tuesday , President Trump and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin signaled they were trying to put such a plan into action .
Many of the people BuzzFeed News spoke with had pleaded for the government to help affected businesses and their workers .
`` Not having lines of credit , not having cash reserves , not being able to offer health insurance to our staff , not being able to offer paid sick leave — it ’ s way too fragile , '' said Chowdhury .
`` We need cash and grants to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couple also want landlords to suspend rent payments for the month .
Sales tax for their restaurant is due on the 20th , and there is a 10 % fee for late payments , which they 're hoping will be suspended .
New York City is offering $ 75,000 interest-free loans to small businesses that 've been affected by a 10 % drop in businesses because of the coronavirus , but Brooklyn bar owner Mix doesn ’ t believe straddling businesses with more loans will help .
Instead , she wants grants .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ give $ 75,000 to bars and restaurants , ” she said .
The Metropolitan Opera bartender , Garabito , said he hoped government protections for lost wages would be rolled out .
`` We should get paid for the days we ’ re not working , ” he said , “ because this is not an issue we have created.
” Restaurant owner Chowdhury said the shutdowns have highlighted how quickly the hospitality industry can collapse : `` I just hope ... once this gets to a more stable place , the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry , '' she said .
Until then , workers and businesses are trying to get creative .
New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo announced that due to the service industry shutdowns , restaurants and bars could start selling alcohol to-go .
On Tuesday morning , Guzman decided to start “ pretty much an adult lemonade stand , ” selling Archer & Goat ’ s signature cocktails to-go at $ 30 for a quart .
“ It ’ s a one-man show , ” he said .
“ I can ’ t afford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's hoping to reopen Leyenda as soon as possible , even if it 's selling to-go tacos and margaritas out the window .
For the first time , the bar is also offering gift certificates for sale .
Sykes said he ’ s seen many local drag performers putting their Venmo on social media , or posting shows from home and asking for Venmo donations , since clubs are closed .
Maja , the dancer from New Orleans , had planned to spend the summer visiting family in Poland .
Now she ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she will be able to again .
`` This whole shutting down of everything makes me feel more distressed than the potential of catching this virus , '' she said .

"Ideally, it would be nice for them to do stuff like suspend rent payments," said Sykes, who has been looking for a roommate to split the $1,710 rent of his two-bedroom home, but fears that will now be near impossible. "We’re the ones making the money for [major corporations] and we can't get any help at all.”
While some in hospitality have a partner who is still working and earning income, others have found their significant others are also in financial trouble. The partner of New Orleans bartender Willow works in events. “He was booked for all of April and every single one was canceled,” said Willow.
Michael Garabito has poured and mixed drinks in his job as bartender at the Metropolitan Opera at the Lincoln Center in New York City for 20 years, but the Met Opera closed March 12 due to coronavirus concerns. His wife is a teacher of students with special needs at a school in Harlem, and since schools have also stopped, so has her job. "We don't have any kind of money coming in to us," Garabito, 42, told BuzzFeed News.
Normally, he earns around $900-$1,100 every two weeks, and his wife brings home $1,200. Their monthly rent on their Bronx apartment is $1,200, with utilities taking it close to $1,500. “That means for the next three weeks, if nothing happens, I’m going to go broke," said Garabito.
A Federal Reserve report from 2019 showed that 39% of Americans would struggle or be unable to pay an unexpected $400 expense. But even among people with some savings, the uncertainty around the coronavirus is a nightmare.
"I had that amount of savings and I'm still in a really terrible situation," said Jordan Schauberger, a 25-year-old server at the Dylan, a brunch restaurant in Orange County, California. Schauberger is expecting his $2,500 monthly income to halve as the restaurant moves to only to-go orders. He said he and his girlfriend, whose campus job has also been cut dramatically, will be soon living only on savings.
Others are wishing they had done more to save money.
Maja, the dancer at two strip clubs on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, began working every single day last week in order to build up whatever financial buffer she could. She worked all weekend, watching while police tried to shut down bars and send people home from the packed tourist establishments to encourage social distancing and stop the spread of the virus. "I mostly wish for myself that I had generated savings,” she said.
Many BuzzFeed News spoke with are in a similar situation.
Sykes, the Sacramento line cook, is madly trying to pick up work via DoorDash in order to pay rent.
Garabito, the Met Opera bartender, said all the money he and his wife had saved for a future home will be used to pay expenses while both are out of work.
Glick, the Manhattan cocktail bar worker, estimates she can last three to four weeks without an income, but has had friends Venmo her money as they know she lost work.
Willow, the New Orleans bartender, estimates she has about three weeks’ worth of supplies and money before she and her partner would need to reach out to family for help.
"It's easy to get caught up in the health aspect, but there’s still a whole other side of this that could be just as devastating for some people," said Schauberger, the server from Orange County.


buzzfeednews--2020-03-17--The Coronavirus Is Spreading Through Latin America, But Mexico’s President Is Still Out There Kissin

The Coronavirus Is Spreading Through Latin America, But Mexico’s President Is Still Out There Kissing Children

As the region steps up its fight against the virus , Mexico is taking a slow approach .
For its top official , it ’ s almost business as usual .
MEXICO CITY — Latin America is rapidly grinding to a halt over the threat of the novel coronavirus , with heads of state ordering border closures , curfews , and flight suspensions .
Despite widespread criticism , President Andrés Manuel López Obrador continues traveling the country and holding political rallies .
A massive multiday concert attended by thousands took place over the weekend .
And there are still no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ border with the US .
Health experts are deeply worried about what this means for the spread of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the novel coronavirus , in Mexico .
“ The biggest measure we need right now is to shut down borders , ” Diego Ontañón , an infectologist in Mexico City , told BuzzFeed News .
On Saturday , López Obrador kissed a young girl ’ s cheek outside his hotel in the state of Guerrero , part of his weekly routine of traveling the Mexican countryside , giving speeches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Two days later , Deputy Health Minister Hugo López-Gatell said during a press conference that it was better for López Obrador to get sick because he would “ recover spontaneously ” and become immune to the virus .
“ The president ’ s strength is moral .
It is not a force of contagion , ” said López-Gatell .
Over the weekend , tens of thousands of people gathered for Vive Latino , a music festival , where staffers took the temperature of those streaming in .
Guns N ’ Roses and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before an audience that was at best unconcerned over the pandemic , at worst irreverent .
Some concertgoers posed with handmade signs reading “ Coronavirus can suck it !
” and a few wore face masks .
By Monday , there were at least 82 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Mexico , up from 53 the previous day .
Ontañón said that so far , these cases appear to be imported , but once the community contagion takes hold — and if people have not followed World Health Organization guidelines , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to spread quickly .
Public schools are scheduled to close Friday and remain shut for at least a month .
While there are no plans to limit Mexico City ’ s public transportation system , officials announced it was being “ sanitized ” daily .
The Supreme Court announced it would suspend activities until April 19 .
But reality does not seem to have fully sunk in among some top officials .
On Monday , the capital city ’ s mayor , Claudia Sheinbaum , tweeted a photo of her and 25 lawmakers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to discuss the coronavirus .
On Tuesday , Sheinbaum was scheduled to meet with organizers of Iztapalapa ’ s Passion Play , a tradition that began in the 1840s as a token of gratitude by residents who survived a deadly cholera epidemic , to discuss whether to go forward with the religious festivity .
They announced they will hold the procession in a closed-off space , with no public access , and will stream it on television and digitally .
The CDC in the US is now recommending canceling mass gatherings of more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has advised postponing events consisting of 10 people or more .
For Mexico ’ s Health Ministry , the recommendation is to postpone gatherings of 5,000 or more people .
While people questioned the pace at which the government of Latin America ’ s second-most-populous country was moving in the face of the virus ’ s spread , many began taking their own precautions .
Antibacterial gel , disinfectant wipes , and face masks have sold out .
The streets in Mexico City appear emptier than usual .
Meanwhile , the region was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus , including suspending some constitutional rights .
In Central America , Guatemala and El Salvador have banned foreigners from entering .
Ecuador and Paraguay have imposed curfews .
Peru has deployed military personnel to the streets .
There were a few outliers in the region : Nicaragua ’ s government held a “ Love in the Times of Covid-19 ” rally .
Brazil has yet to shut its borders .
Mexico spends the least percentage of its gross domestic product on public health among countries in Latin America , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mexico ’ s relatively aloof attitude toward the coronavirus has created diplomatic tensions .
On Monday , the president of El Salvador , Nayib Bukele , announced that a flight from Mexico carrying 12 passengers who had allegedly tested positive for the coronavirus would not be allowed to land in the country ’ s main airport .
“ I beg you to take drastic and determined measures , ” Bukele tweeted at Mexico ’ s foreign secretary , Marcelo Ebrard .
“ Otherwise , in 20 days the epicenter of the pandemic will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” During Monday 's daily press conference , López Obrador waved off a woman who was handing out antibacterial gel to officials stepping onstage .
Instead , he announced he would travel to Oaxaca state to celebrate the birth of Mexico ’ s founding father , Benito Juárez , over the weekend .
López Obrador asked only the residents of the town of Guelatao , Juárez 's home , to attend .
But López Obrador could n't resist politicizing the moment .
“ This is so that people don ’ t question the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way , “ our adversaries ... will no longer have a reason to attack us .
”

MEXICO CITY — Latin America is rapidly grinding to a halt over the threat of the novel coronavirus, with heads of state ordering border closures, curfews, and flight suspensions.
Mexico? Not quite.
Despite widespread criticism, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador continues traveling the country and holding political rallies. A massive multiday concert attended by thousands took place over the weekend. And there are still no travel restrictions, including along the 2,000-mile-long border with the US.
Health experts are deeply worried about what this means for the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, in Mexico. “The biggest measure we need right now is to shut down borders,” Diego Ontañón, an infectologist in Mexico City, told BuzzFeed News.
On Saturday, López Obrador kissed a young girl’s cheek outside his hotel in the state of Guerrero, part of his weekly routine of traveling the Mexican countryside, giving speeches, and walking through crowds of supporters. Two days later, Deputy Health Minister Hugo López-Gatell said during a press conference that it was better for López Obrador to get sick because he would “recover spontaneously” and become immune to the virus.
“The president’s strength is moral. It is not a force of contagion,” said López-Gatell.
Over the weekend, tens of thousands of people gathered for Vive Latino, a music festival, where staffers took the temperature of those streaming in. Guns N’ Roses and the Cardigans, among others, played before an audience that was at best unconcerned over the pandemic, at worst irreverent. Some concertgoers posed with handmade signs reading “Coronavirus can suck it!” and a few wore face masks.