buzzfeednews--2020-03-18--The Coronavirus Pandemic Has Prompted ICE To Delay Arresting Immigrants Who Aren't "Public Safety Ri

The Coronavirus Pandemic Has Prompted ICE To Delay Arresting Immigrants Who Aren't "Public Safety Risks"

An ICE officer looks on during an operation in Escondido , California .
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Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials will delay arresting immigrants who are not `` public safety threats ” and will roll back detaining those who fall outside of mandatory detention guidelines set by Congress , according to an announcement Wednesday .
The move comes after days of advocates and lawmakers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and detention as the coronavirus outbreak continues to spread .
`` To ensure the welfare and safety of the general public as well as officers and agents in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic response , U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement ( ICE ) will temporarily adjust its enforcement posture beginning today , March 18 , 2020 , '' according to a statement released by the agency .
`` ICE ’ s highest priorities are to promote life-saving and public safety activities . ''
Now the agency will focus enforcement `` on public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detention based on criminal grounds , ” ICE said .
For those who do not fall into those categories , agents `` will exercise discretion to delay enforcement actions until after the crisis or utilize alternatives to detention , as appropriate , '' the agency added .
ICE currently detains nearly 38,000 individuals across the country in local and private jails .
Last week , the Kenosha County Sheriff ’ s Office in Wisconsin cited the pandemic in deciding not allow new ICE detainees into its facility because they represented too great a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The sheriff wanted to protect the current jail population that we had , along with the employees we have here and the staff at the facility , from the spread of the virus , ” said Sgt .
David Wright , a spokesperson for the Sheriff ’ s Office .

Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials will delay arresting immigrants who are not "public safety threats” and will roll back detaining those who fall outside of mandatory detention guidelines set by Congress, according to an announcement Wednesday.
The move comes after days of advocates and lawmakers calling for a drawback in ICE enforcement and detention as the coronavirus outbreak continues to spread.
"To ensure the welfare and safety of the general public as well as officers and agents in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic response, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will temporarily adjust its enforcement posture beginning today, March 18, 2020," according to a statement released by the agency. "ICE’s highest priorities are to promote life-saving and public safety activities."
Now the agency will focus enforcement "on public safety risks and individuals subject to mandatory detention based on criminal grounds,” ICE said.
For those who do not fall into those categories, agents "will exercise discretion to delay enforcement actions until after the crisis or utilize alternatives to detention, as appropriate," the agency added.
ICE currently detains nearly 38,000 individuals across the country in local and private jails.
Last week, the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office in Wisconsin cited the pandemic in deciding not allow new ICE detainees into its facility because they represented too great a risk to other inmates and staff.
“The sheriff wanted to protect the current jail population that we had, along with the employees we have here and the staff at the facility, from the spread of the virus,” said Sgt. David Wright, a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office.


buzzfeednews--2020-03-18--Here's Why Facebook Has Been Marking Posts About The Coronavirus As Spam

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg says a bug that flagged Facebook posts with links to articles published by reputable news sites @ @ @ @ @ was caused by an error with the company 's spam detection system .
Many people @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday that they had received notifications that posts with links to articles by news publications @ @ @ @ @ Standards .

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg says a bug that flagged Facebook posts with links to articles published by reputable news sites about the coronavirus as spam was caused by an error with the company's spam detection system.
Many people complained on social media on Tuesday that they had received notifications that posts with links to articles by news publications went against Facebook's Community Standards.


buzzfeednews--2020-03-18--A Progressive Challenger Has Beaten One Of The Last Anti-Abortion Democrats In Congress

WASHINGTON — In an election marked by low turnout and lack of basic voting supplies because of coronavirus concerns , Marie Newman , a progressive , pro-abortion rights challenger to incumbent Democratic Rep. Dan Lipinski has won the Democratic primary in Illinois ’ s 3rd Congressional District .
It ’ s a major victory for the progressive movement , and an especially welcome one after a disappointing loss in Texas earlier this month , where Jessica Cisneros fell short in her primary challenge against incumbent Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar , another anti-abortion moderate Democrat .
Decision Desk HQ called the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 p.m. ; she led Lipinski , 47 % to 44 % , with 68 % of precincts reporting .
Last week , ahead of the election , Illinois officials told BuzzFeed News they planned to go forward with voting without any adjustments or changes .
Later , they joined with officials from Arizona , Ohio , and Florida — all of which had primaries scheduled for Tuesday — to release a statement saying that they were “ working closely with our state health officials to ensure that our poll workers and voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” '' Unlike concerts , sporting events or other mass gatherings where large groups of people travel long distances to congregate in a confined space for an extended period of time , polling locations see people from a nearby community coming into and out of the building for a short duration , '' the release said .
( Ohio ’ s governor later decided to close the polls Tuesday due to the coronavirus . )
But voting Tuesday in Illinois was nothing short of disastrous .
Voters and poll workers in the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t have any hand sanitizer , or that if they did , it was only because poll workers brought bottles in themselves .
One worker said she had to turn away dozens of people because she hadn ’ t received voting supplies from the state , and another voter , Matt Lindner , reported having been turned away when he went to vote .
“ A functioning democracy should not have this , ” Lindner said .

WASHINGTON — In an election marked by low turnout and lack of basic voting supplies because of coronavirus concerns, Marie Newman, a progressive, pro-abortion rights challenger to incumbent Democratic Rep. Dan Lipinski has won the Democratic primary in Illinois’s 3rd Congressional District.
It’s a major victory for the progressive movement, and an especially welcome one after a disappointing loss in Texas earlier this month, where Jessica Cisneros fell short in her primary challenge against incumbent Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar, another anti-abortion moderate Democrat.
Decision Desk HQ called the race for Newman Tuesday night just after 10 p.m.; she led Lipinski, 47% to 44%, with 68% of precincts reporting.
Last week, ahead of the election, Illinois officials told BuzzFeed News they planned to go forward with voting without any adjustments or changes.
Later, they joined with officials from Arizona, Ohio, and Florida — all of which had primaries scheduled for Tuesday — to release a statement saying that they were “working closely with our state health officials to ensure that our poll workers and voters can be confident that voting is safe.”
"Unlike concerts, sporting events or other mass gatherings where large groups of people travel long distances to congregate in a confined space for an extended period of time, polling locations see people from a nearby community coming into and out of the building for a short duration," the release said. (Ohio’s governor later decided to close the polls Tuesday due to the coronavirus.)
But voting Tuesday in Illinois was nothing short of disastrous. Voters and poll workers in the state told BuzzFeed News that many polling places didn’t have any hand sanitizer, or that if they did, it was only because poll workers brought bottles in themselves.
One worker said she had to turn away dozens of people because she hadn’t received voting supplies from the state, and another voter, Matt Lindner, reported having been turned away when he went to vote.
“A functioning democracy should not have this,” Lindner said.


buzzfeednews--2020-03-18--A Hospitality Union Said 90% Of Its Members Might Lose Work Because Of The Coronavirus Epidemic

A cleaning cart at the Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas , March 13 .
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Unite Here — a major national union representing gaming , hotel , airline catering , and hospitality employees — expects up to 90 % of its 300,000 members to lose work because of the coronavirus pandemic .
`` The large majority of hospitality people in America are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the president of Unite Here , told reporters in a call .
“ We anticipate 80–90 % of our members will not be working , ” Taylor said .
Hundreds of thousands of service workers around the country are losing their jobs as states close bars , restaurants , and hotels and large events are canceled .
Restaurant , club , and bar staffers have told BuzzFeed News they are already fearful how they will pay next month 's rent after suddenly losing their jobs during a global pandemic .
And more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , union leaders said .
The initial deadly outbreak of the coronavirus in the US took place near Seattle .
Of the 5,500 union members in Seattle and Portland , 4,000 to 4,500 have been laid off already , around 80 % of workers , local Unite Here leader Erik Van Rossum estimated .
Nevada Gov .
Steve Sisolak announced a shutdown of all casinos and hotels — the state 's biggest industry — on Tuesday .
“ Right now , nobody is working , '' said Geoconda Argüello-Kline , a Culinary Workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ union represents 60,000 gaming workers .

Unite Here — a major national union representing gaming, hotel, airline catering, and hospitality employees — expects up to 90% of its 300,000 members to lose work because of the coronavirus pandemic.
"The large majority of hospitality people in America are just laid off," D. Taylor, the president of Unite Here, told reporters in a call.
“We anticipate 80–90% of our members will not be working,” Taylor said.
Hundreds of thousands of service workers around the country are losing their jobs as states close bars, restaurants, and hotels and large events are canceled.
Restaurant, club, and bar staffers have told BuzzFeed News they are already fearful how they will pay next month's rent after suddenly losing their jobs during a global pandemic. And more losses are expected in the coming days, union leaders said.
The initial deadly outbreak of the coronavirus in the US took place near Seattle. Of the 5,500 union members in Seattle and Portland, 4,000 to 4,500 have been laid off already, around 80% of workers, local Unite Here leader Erik Van Rossum estimated.
Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak announced a shutdown of all casinos and hotels — the state's biggest industry — on Tuesday.
“Right now, nobody is working," said Geoconda Argüello-Kline, a Culinary Workers Union leader in Las Vegas. Her union represents 60,000 gaming workers.


buzzfeednews--2020-03-17--A Woman With COVID-19 Shared Her Story In A Viral Facebook Post After Seeing People Deny How "Real"

A Woman With COVID-19 Shared Her Story In A Viral Facebook Post After Seeing People Deny How "Real" The Virus Is

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 was so surreal , '' she said .
`` I was really sick and I knew something was wrong . ''
Driscoll told BuzzFeed News she hopes her experience serves as a sobering wake-up call for people who do n't think the virus can affect them .
She said her symptoms dramatically escalated and sent her to the hospital in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` For all the non believers and those who are not taking this seriously , if you need [ to ] KNOW someone who has been diagnosed with the COVID-19 , well if you are reading this you know me , '' Amy Driscoll began her Facebook post , which has gone viral .
After logging on to Facebook over the weekend and seeing people question how `` real '' the pandemic is , Amy Driscoll had enough .
She finally decided to tell her community just how `` real '' it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the disease .
A 48-year-old woman from a small town in Ohio is recovering in quarantine after a scary diagnosis of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the novel coronavirus .
She 's only the second known victim in Summit County .
Driscoll , née Brock , said she felt completely `` fine '' on Wednesday as she headed in to work .
Within hours , she was lethargic , ran a fever , and had difficulty breathing .
In her Facebook post , she wrote that she had woken up in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racing ; her `` chest felt tight '' when she coughed , she wrote .
She recounted similar symptoms to BuzzFeed News and added that she had even joked with her colleague at work that she had been affected by the pandemic earlier in the day .
`` She laughed and said , 'Oh , it ’ s probably COVID-19 , ' and I thought , 'That ’ s funny . '
We were joking , but in retrospect it was not a funny joke , '' Driscoll said .
After consulting with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Driscoll made the rapid decision to leave her family at home and drive herself to the emergency room at 4:30 a.m. Thursday .
She was met with medical personnel , who had all of their protective gear on and immediately tested her and admitted her to a quarantine room .
She would spend the next few days there in complete isolation .
`` Everyone that comes in is completely gowned — head-to-toe covered — that was really weird , '' said Driscoll .
`` I was very isolated .
... You 're just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own . ''
According to Driscoll , she received pain medication for her headache and antibiotics in case her infection turned out to be bacterial .
She did n't receive her official positive diagnosis of COVID-19 until close to midnight on Friday .
Fortunately , by then , she said she had already started to feel better .
`` The next day [ on Saturday ] the doctors came in and said , 'We 're going to send you home .
But do n't stop anywhere , go straight home .
Be quarantined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not , ' '' she recounted .
Driscoll said she was just happy to be in recovery and back with her family — until she logged on to Facebook .
She saw many of her Facebook friends posting about not believing in the severity of the pandemic and not understanding why strict restrictions were being imposed on them .
`` I saw a lot of postings of how people couldn ’ t believe we were going through all these restrictions .
People were like , 'Let ’ s get together and have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I was trying to ignore it , but then a friend from high school had posted , ' I don ’ t know anyone with COVID-19 .
Is it real ?
I can ’ t believe we ’ re going through all of this . '
'' `` I am the face of this infection .
It is brutal and I 'm a healthy 48 year old with no underlying conditions , '' she wrote in her viral post .
`` I 'm not 100 % better but I 'm home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ People you love , their lives may depend on it . ''
Driscoll told BuzzFeed News she 's still `` weak '' with limited abilities to move around her house , but she is `` healing . ''
After her Facebook post went viral , she was also uplifted by all the support she 's received from her local community .
`` Quarantine is not fun , but I would much rather be in quarantine and know I ’ m not exposing anyone else to this — and I ’ ll take that @ @ @ @ @

Driscoll, née Brock, said she felt completely "fine" on Wednesday as she headed in to work. Within hours, she was lethargic, ran a fever, and had difficulty breathing.
In her Facebook post, she wrote that she had woken up in the middle of the night to her heart racing; her "chest felt tight" when she coughed, she wrote. She recounted similar symptoms to BuzzFeed News and added that she had even joked with her colleague at work that she had been affected by the pandemic earlier in the day.
"She laughed and said, 'Oh, it’s probably COVID-19,' and I thought, 'That’s funny.' We were joking, but in retrospect it was not a funny joke," Driscoll said.
After consulting with her cousin who's a nurse, Driscoll made the rapid decision to leave her family at home and drive herself to the emergency room at 4:30 a.m. Thursday.
She was met with medical personnel, who had all of their protective gear on and immediately tested her and admitted her to a quarantine room. She would spend the next few days there in complete isolation.
"Everyone that comes in is completely gowned — head-to-toe covered — that was really weird," said Driscoll. "I was very isolated. ... You're just trying to go through everything on your own."
According to Driscoll, she received pain medication for her headache and antibiotics in case her infection turned out to be bacterial. She didn't receive her official positive diagnosis of COVID-19 until close to midnight on Friday.
Fortunately, by then, she said she had already started to feel better.
"The next day [on Saturday] the doctors came in and said, 'We're going to send you home. But don't stop anywhere, go straight home. Be quarantined until we tell you when you're not,'" she recounted.
Driscoll said she was just happy to be in recovery and back with her family — until she logged on to Facebook. She saw many of her Facebook friends posting about not believing in the severity of the pandemic and not understanding why strict restrictions were being imposed on them.
"I saw a lot of postings of how people couldn’t believe we were going through all these restrictions. People were like, 'Let’s get together and have a corona party,'" she said.
"I was trying to ignore it, but then a friend from high school had posted, 'I don’t know anyone with COVID-19. Is it real? I can’t believe we’re going through all of this.'"
The post struck a nerve for Driscoll.
"I am the face of this infection. It is brutal and I'm a healthy 48 year old with no underlying conditions," she wrote in her viral post. "I'm not 100% better but I'm home resting. Please take this seriously. People you love, their lives may depend on it."
Driscoll told BuzzFeed News she's still "weak" with limited abilities to move around her house, but she is "healing." After her Facebook post went viral, she was also uplifted by all the support she's received from her local community.
"Quarantine is not fun, but I would much rather be in quarantine and know I’m not exposing anyone else to this — and I’ll take that," she added.


buzzfeednews--2020-03-18--Bernie Sanders Wants All Households To Get $2,000 A Month During The Coronavirus Crisis

Bernie Sanders called for all US households to get $ 2,000 a month and for gig economy workers to receive unemployment money for the duration of the coronavirus emergency .
Sanders made the proposals during a speech outlining a package of measures aimed at increasing the capacity of the US medical system and helping Americans weather a looming financial crisis as a result of the novel coronavirus pandemic .
Sanders estimated that the set of proposals , which he said he would present to Democratic leadership , would cost around $ 2 trillion .
“ In this unprecedented moment , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money .
My own guess is that we ’ ll be spending two trillion dollars in funding to prevent deaths , job losses , and to avoid an economic catastrophe , ” Sanders said .
The Trump administration on Tuesday said it was considering sending most American adults a check for $ 1,000 as part of efforts to stimulate the economy and help workers whose jobs have been disrupted by business closures because of the pandemic .
Sanders ' proposals repackaged many of the ideas that he has campaigned on in the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and canceling student debt .
He also included a number new proposals to guarantee access to medical treatment for Covid-19 , the disease caused by the new coronavirus , and to provide economic relief for workers and small businesses .
He also said he wants ensure people have access to housing as the crisis wears on .
To address the possible shortage of medical facilities , Sanders proposed calling on the National Guard and the Army Corp of Engineers to expand hospital facilities and build mobile testing centers .
He also called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed in 1950 during the Korean War , in order to guarantee production of necessary supplies like face masks .
The bulk of the speech was focused on economic measures , both to cover medical costs and to stave off a possible recession .
Sanders proposed temporarily empowering Medicare to cover all medical bills during the emergency .
He drew a distinction between this proposal and the `` Medicare For All '' policy that he has campaigned on , which he said could not be passed in short order , but said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not just those related to the coronavirus .
“ So that everybody regardless of their healthcare needs , and I ’ m not just talking about the coronavirus , will get all the healthcare that they need , '' he said .
`` That is what we should be doing in this moment of crisis.
” In addition to direct cash disbursements to all households , Sanders said unemployment assistance should cover 100 % of the amount of prior salaries up to $ 75,000 for anyone who is laid off or loses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that the current program should be expanded to include tipped workers , domestic workers , independent contractors and freelancers .
“ Doesn ’ t matter what work you ’ re doing .
If you lose your job , you need unemployment , ” he said .
Sanders made little mention of his campaign for the Democratic nomination for president , even as the results for Florida came in on another big primary election that led to another victory for rival Joe Biden .
Sanders said his proposals were intended as a series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership would ultimately pick and choose from what was on the table .
And he called for supporters to write into the campaign to describe their experiences to ensure that his proposals addressed all needs related to the crisis .
Sanders said the most important thing was for Congress to act quickly .
“ Importantly , we must make certain that the government is getting this money into the hands of working families and the most vulnerable as quickly as possible , ” he said .
You can watch the full speech here @

Bernie Sanders called for all US households to get $2,000 a month and for gig economy workers to receive unemployment money for the duration of the coronavirus emergency.
Sanders made the proposals during a speech outlining a package of measures aimed at increasing the capacity of the US medical system and helping Americans weather a looming financial crisis as a result of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Sanders estimated that the set of proposals, which he said he would present to Democratic leadership, would cost around $2 trillion.
“In this unprecedented moment, this will require an unprecedented amount of money. My own guess is that we’ll be spending two trillion dollars in funding to prevent deaths, job losses, and to avoid an economic catastrophe,” Sanders said.
The Trump administration on Tuesday said it was considering sending most American adults a check for $1,000 as part of efforts to stimulate the economy and help workers whose jobs have been disrupted by business closures because of the pandemic.
Sanders' proposals repackaged many of the ideas that he has campaigned on in the Democratic primary, like "Medicare For All" and canceling student debt. He also included a number new proposals to guarantee access to medical treatment for Covid-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, and to provide economic relief for workers and small businesses. He also said he wants ensure people have access to housing as the crisis wears on.
To address the possible shortage of medical facilities, Sanders proposed calling on the National Guard and the Army Corp of Engineers to expand hospital facilities and build mobile testing centers. He also called for invoking the Defense Production Act, passed in 1950 during the Korean War, in order to guarantee production of necessary supplies like face masks.
The bulk of the speech was focused on economic measures, both to cover medical costs and to stave off a possible recession. Sanders proposed temporarily empowering Medicare to cover all medical bills during the emergency. He drew a distinction between this proposal and the "Medicare For All" policy that he has campaigned on, which he said could not be passed in short order, but said that coverage should extend to all medical needs, not just those related to the coronavirus.
“So that everybody regardless of their healthcare needs, and I’m not just talking about the coronavirus, will get all the healthcare that they need," he said. "That is what we should be doing in this moment of crisis.”
In addition to direct cash disbursements to all households, Sanders said unemployment assistance should cover 100% of the amount of prior salaries up to $75,000 for anyone who is laid off or loses their income due to the crisis, and that the current program should be expanded to include tipped workers, domestic workers, independent contractors and freelancers.
“Doesn’t matter what work you’re doing. If you lose your job, you need unemployment,” he said.
Sanders made little mention of his campaign for the Democratic nomination for president, even as the results for Florida came in on another big primary election that led to another victory for rival Joe Biden.
Sanders said his proposals were intended as a series of options for Congress, acknowledging that leadership would ultimately pick and choose from what was on the table. And he called for supporters to write into the campaign to describe their experiences to ensure that his proposals addressed all needs related to the crisis.
Sanders said the most important thing was for Congress to act quickly.
“Importantly, we must make certain that the government is getting this money into the hands of working families and the most vulnerable as quickly as possible,” he said.
You can watch the full speech here:


buzzfeednews--2020-03-18--Eight Million People Can’t Get News About The Coronavirus Because Their Government Is Slowing Down T

Eight Million People Can’t Get News About The Coronavirus Because Their Government Is Slowing Down The Internet

NEW DELHI — More than 8 million people who live in Kashmir , the disputed region between India and Pakistan , are unable to depend on the internet to get reliable information about the coronavirus pandemic , work from home , or attend classes online .
Kashmir was thrust into a digital black hole in August after India ’ s Hindu nationalist government revoked an article of the country ’ s constitution that guaranteed the region a degree of autonomy , and shut down all communication , including the internet and phone lines .
The government justified the move saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread of misinformation , but critics said it was to stifle dissent .
In March , the government finally restored the region ’ s internet , but only at highly restricted speeds that make accessing anything beyond simple text messages over WhatsApp nearly impossible .
A new government order , which was released Tuesday , has extended the region ’ s existing restrictions on internet speed until March 26 to “ prevent misuse of social media applications ” and following “ recent terror activities ” in the region .
But locals said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unacceptable at a time when access to timely and reliable information about the coronavirus is crucial .
“ I can ’ t open even basic websites that provide information and advice about the pandemic , ” Nayeem Rather , a freelance writer based in Srinagar , the largest city in the state of Jammu and Kashmir , told BuzzFeed News .
“ Most people in Kashmir don ’ t really have any information about the coronavirus or what is going on in the world right now .
It ’ s a crisis.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kupwara , a small town in northern Kashmir , said that the most he ’ s able to do right now is a Google search to find out information about the pandemic .
“ But I can ’ t actually click on any search results to read more , ” Moien said .
On WhatsApp , the Facebook-owned instant messaging app that most Indians use to communicate , most information about the pandemic comes through charts and videos that are impossible to download over the slowed-down 4G networks , according to Moien .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said .
Instead of the internet , Kashmiris have been relying on television news , radio alerts , and awareness posters that authorities have been putting up in public places to make people aware about the pandemic , but locals told BuzzFeed News that these steps aren ’ t very effective .
“ Most television reports focus on politicians and their promises about keeping people safe , ” said Rather .
“ They don ’ t really talk specifics like telling people where they can go to get tested , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the infection.
” Authorities in Kashmir have been uploading advisories and videos on Twitter urging people to wash their hands and engage in social distancing to slow the spread of the virus , but the restrictions on internet speed means that most Kashmiris can ’ t see these .
“ [ The government ’ s ] messages aren ’ t reaching the people , ” said Rather , “ because the same government has gagged the internet .
I don ’ t think anyone is actually watching the videos.
” The lack of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the coronavirus to spread through Kashmir both over WhatsApp and through word of mouth .
One rumor that went viral on WhatsApp , for instance , said that eating onions and garlic improves immunity against the virus .
Another said that “ herbal medicines ” cure COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
“ There ’ s no way for us to fact-check these things over the internet right now , ” said Rather .
“ People are panicking.
” Masrat Zahra , a photographer based in Srinagar , told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to watch videos on YouTube about the proper way to wash hands , wear masks , and take other precautions , but couldn ’ t .
“ That ’ s something that needs high-speed internet , ” she said .
She ’ s also frustrated , she said , about being stuck at home with bad internet .
“ How can you make video calls to friends and relatives at these speeds ?
” she said .
“ It ’ s just not possible.
” The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ India ’ s numbers remain surprisingly low .
On Wednesday , the country ’ s official count was 147 cases and three deaths .
But in Kashmir , where more than 2,000 people have been quarantined at home , according to government data , locals fear that the lack of access to high-speed internet would make things worse .
“ I think people here still don ’ t have any idea of how big this is , ” said Rather .
“ I ’ m afraid that if the [ coronavirus ] situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really drastic .
”

Mir Moien, a medical student from Kupwara, a small town in northern Kashmir, said that the most he’s able to do right now is a Google search to find out information about the pandemic. “But I can’t actually click on any search results to read more,” Moien said. On WhatsApp, the Facebook-owned instant messaging app that most Indians use to communicate, most information about the pandemic comes through charts and videos that are impossible to download over the slowed-down 4G networks, according to Moien. “It’s a catastrophe,” he said.
Instead of the internet, Kashmiris have been relying on television news, radio alerts, and awareness posters that authorities have been putting up in public places to make people aware about the pandemic, but locals told BuzzFeed News that these steps aren’t very effective. “Most television reports focus on politicians and their promises about keeping people safe,” said Rather. “They don’t really talk specifics like telling people where they can go to get tested, and what steps to take to prevent spreading the infection.”
Authorities in Kashmir have been uploading advisories and videos on Twitter urging people to wash their hands and engage in social distancing to slow the spread of the virus, but the restrictions on internet speed means that most Kashmiris can’t see these.


buzzfeednews--2020-03-21--The Disorienting Thing Is You Can't Compare This To Anything

One of the more surreal aspects of this is that everything defies comparison .
There 's no one-to-one in living memory in American life : a self-imposed stop to the economy and a soft , country-wide quarantine .
There 's no fixed point toward which we 're supposed to be enduring , except to stay away to reduce the systemic strain of COVID-19 on people and hospitals .
What compares ?
There 's trivia to set off the macro elements of this — that the Supreme Court had n't canceled arguments since the 1918 flu pandemic , that Disneyland had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ JFK 's assassination .
But the nontrivial , elevator-drop economic statistics that have begun rolling in illustrate the scale of what you can see in front of you .
This is not like the last , catastrophic recession ; this is total suspension of the economy that is catastrophically different — without comparison — and even looks that way in chart form .
And without a comparison , there ’ s no trajectory , just income disappearing and expenses fixed .
It ’ s like the US economy has turned into a dead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ functional .
The lack of macro comparison — and the depthless consideration of where this all leads — also extends into the micro level .
Technically , many of us are already having the same experience : socially distanced , at home , ad infinitum .
New York and California have locked down .
The next month will , by definition , be intense : isolated and constrained in space , accentuated by the strain of illness or joblessness or the potential for them .
There 's really no way this wo n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ memory for the rest of their lives — where the streets of major cities turn into the almost soundless retreats of daytime walkers .
And just as you might be able to map out in memory your childhood bedroom , wherever you are right now and remain , this image and the everyday dynamic in that space will likely live forever .
But , paradoxically , these experiences are hyper-individualized .
Can you have a true , collective experience when the central vividness and intensity of the experience ( the people , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any two homes ?
If you 've talked over text or phone with people in slightly different circumstances than your own the last week , you can maybe feel some of the little fault lines and frustrations , even in the opening phases .
People at home with young children will never know what it 's like to live alone during this period , and people who live alone will never know what it 's like to be a pair limited by health or age in venturing much of anywhere .
The total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free from demand , and the unending stretch of silent hours ca n't really be alike in shared , cultural memory .
It 's this weird distillation of the individual experience — the same but incomparable — during a heightened period that we 're all living concurrently .
Even in the case of similar elements that might comprise A and B 's spring of social distancing , the reality of isolation necessarily prevents comparison between like and like .
In Frederick Exley ’ s A Fan ’ s Notes — a dark book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of place — when the narrator describes a recurrent dream of his , Exley writes , “ John Jay Chapman once said of William James that he seemed always to be stepping out of a sadness to meet one ; as , a little startled , most of us seem always to be stepping out of predominant hues , whether of gaiety or equanimity or frolicsomeness or gravity , to meet another.
” The fundamental gap in social isolation is the lack of comparison — the inability to meaningfully step out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more complicated understanding .
You can attempt this kind of exchange on the phone or in writing , and you can , of course , work to imagine the circumstances of others , physical or emotional .
But from within the disorienting , incomparable quasi-quarantine where you can practically feel your mind carving the memories up already , there ’ s no intellectual distance or fluid act of comparison .
There ’ s only the depthless consideration of the hazy , ever-darkening national situation , and the sharpening personal one .
Which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or wo n't happen ultimately .
In a time without much history or memory to work backward and forward from , if anything , the promise of that future comparison , even if it 's chaotic , is the destination for endurance .
That has formed vaguely in my own mind as a party : a crowd reunited , in too small a space , inside an open business , on a summer night — think that good New York–in-the-movies lighting , black and gold , with something with synths playing .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carry off , but that ’ s been floating through my head in idle moments as the fixed , if ephemeral point .
●

One of the more surreal aspects of this is that everything defies comparison.
There's no one-to-one in living memory in American life: a self-imposed stop to the economy and a soft, country-wide quarantine. There's no fixed point toward which we're supposed to be enduring, except to stay away to reduce the systemic strain of COVID-19 on people and hospitals. What compares?
There's trivia to set off the macro elements of this — that the Supreme Court hadn't canceled arguments since the 1918 flu pandemic, that Disneyland hadn't closed except for 9/11 and mourning JFK's assassination. But the nontrivial, elevator-drop economic statistics that have begun rolling in illustrate the scale of what you can see in front of you. This is not like the last, catastrophic recession; this is total suspension of the economy that is catastrophically different — without comparison — and even looks that way in chart form. And without a comparison, there’s no trajectory, just income disappearing and expenses fixed. It’s like the US economy has turned into a dead amusement park, everything visible but nothing functional.
The lack of macro comparison — and the depthless consideration of where this all leads — also extends into the micro level.
Technically, many of us are already having the same experience: socially distanced, at home, ad infinitum. New York and California have locked down.
The next month will, by definition, be intense: isolated and constrained in space, accentuated by the strain of illness or joblessness or the potential for them. There's really no way this won't be a time etched into everyone's memory for the rest of their lives — where the streets of major cities turn into the almost soundless retreats of daytime walkers. And just as you might be able to map out in memory your childhood bedroom, wherever you are right now and remain, this image and the everyday dynamic in that space will likely live forever.
But, paradoxically, these experiences are hyper-individualized. Can you have a true, collective experience when the central vividness and intensity of the experience (the people, the place) will vary so much between any two homes?
If you've talked over text or phone with people in slightly different circumstances than your own the last week, you can maybe feel some of the little fault lines and frustrations, even in the opening phases. People at home with young children will never know what it's like to live alone during this period, and people who live alone will never know what it's like to be a pair limited by health or age in venturing much of anywhere. The total lack of a quiet, ordered moment free from demand, and the unending stretch of silent hours can't really be alike in shared, cultural memory. It's this weird distillation of the individual experience — the same but incomparable — during a heightened period that we're all living concurrently.
Even in the case of similar elements that might comprise A and B's spring of social distancing, the reality of isolation necessarily prevents comparison between like and like. In Frederick Exley’s A Fan’s Notes — a dark book about sports, alcoholism, and being out of place — when the narrator describes a recurrent dream of his, Exley writes, “John Jay Chapman once said of William James that he seemed always to be stepping out of a sadness to meet one; as, a little startled, most of us seem always to be stepping out of predominant hues, whether of gaiety or equanimity or frolicsomeness or gravity, to meet another.”
The fundamental gap in social isolation is the lack of comparison — the inability to meaningfully step out of our predominant hues and enter into a more complicated understanding. You can attempt this kind of exchange on the phone or in writing, and you can, of course, work to imagine the circumstances of others, physical or emotional. But from within the disorienting, incomparable quasi-quarantine where you can practically feel your mind carving the memories up already, there’s no intellectual distance or fluid act of comparison. There’s only the depthless consideration of the hazy, ever-darkening national situation, and the sharpening personal one.
Which isn't to say that this can't or won't happen ultimately. In a time without much history or memory to work backward and forward from, if anything, the promise of that future comparison, even if it's chaotic, is the destination for endurance. That has formed vaguely in my own mind as a party: a crowd reunited, in too small a space, inside an open business, on a summer night — think that good New York–in-the-movies lighting, black and gold, with something with synths playing. This is nothing I am even likely to carry off, but that’s been floating through my head in idle moments as the fixed, if ephemeral point. ●


buzzfeednews--2020-03-21--This Royal Reading List Will Help You Get Through Quarantine

Welcome to the first coronavirus edition of The Royal Tea newsletter !
Fun fact !
Coronaviruses got that name because of the crownlike spikes on their surface !
The Queen has gone into self-isolation at Windsor Castle and issued a statement of solidarity to the UK about the global pandemic and who the heck knows what will happen next !
( Not me , but I will , of course , be here to keep you updated when it does . )
I know that many of us , including myself , are stuck inside for the foreseeable future as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread of the potentially deadly coronavirus .
So I decided to put together a different kind of newsletter — a list of my personal recommendations of royal longreads and books to read during your self-isolation .
Although the recommendations below span a time period of hundreds of years , most of them are about the UK royal family , since the Windsors have been the focus of the newsletter so far .
OBVIOUSLY there are other royal families in the world and there have been throughout history , and if people are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready to do a second , more diverse list .
Also , to be clear , as far as the fiction section goes , I ’ ve limited it to historical fiction .
No royal-themed fantasy à la the Game of Thrones series — although , once again , if there ’ s interest , I will OF COURSE make that list and send it out .
Before we get going , I need to give a shoutout to the amazing Scholastic Royal Diaries series .
These historical fiction books for young readers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ written from the perspective of famous royal young women from all over the world .
The royal girls “ writing ” the books form an incredibly diverse bunch — you have princesses from all over Europe , Africa , India , Japan , precolonial United States , etc .
I highly recommend them for younger readers , and , honestly , a lot of them hold up for adults if you ’ re looking for a quick and easy read .
Plus , each book ends with a bonus section that has historical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and what happened in the lives of these royal girls after the “ diary ” ended .
I know a lot of parents around the world are trying to find ways to teach their children at home in the wake of schools closing due to the coronavirus pandemic .
I don ’ t have kids , but I straight-up loved these books as a child and they made me want to learn more about history .
Okay !
Let ’ s get into this royal reading list .
The “ Queens of Infamy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ series about badass royal women from around the world and throughout history was one of the best things published in 2019 .
Period .
“ Royal Bodies ” by Hilary Mantel : This hugely controversial speech-turned-essay caused a firestorm in the UK media when it came out in 2013 , because the author referred to Kate Middleton , who was at the time pregnant with her first child , as a “ plastic ” princess whose purpose was to “ breed.
” It ’ s one of the most famous pieces on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s often cited as an example of Kate ’ s harsh treatment by the media — and it ’ s a well-written meditation on what it means to be royal .
“ The Issue With Meghan Markle ’ s Vogue Issue ” by Helen Lewis : Meghan ’ s Vogue issue generated a lot of controversy ( not all of it in good faith ) over its “ wokeness ” and focus on social justice , climate change , transgender rights , and other causes .
This piece does a great job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activism , and , in retrospect , does a pretty good job of laying out reasons why Harry and Meghan decided to leave life as working royals to pursue their charitable aims .
“ Princess Diana Was The Opposite Of Everything Royals Represented ” by Bim Adewunmi : I have read this beautiful , thoughtful piece by my former colleague Bim on Princess Diana ’ s death and how it affected her Nigerian mother probably half a dozen times since Meghan and Harry made their announcement in January .
“ Meghan Markle , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : This Vanity Fair cover story with Meghan was her introduction to the world as Harry ’ s girlfriend .
It was published two months before the royal couple announced their engagement , and , like most celebrity profiles , it was very clearly written to present her in a positive light .
It ’ s still a good interview , though , and a look at what Meghan ’ s life was like before she met her future husband .
The entire Order of Splendour blog : Okay , so this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is one of my favorite royal websites on the internet .
It ’ s a blog about the extensive jewelry collections of the world ’ s royal and imperial families — with a particular focus on the history and symbolism of crowns , tiaras , brooches , and royal family orders ( like those sashes you always see members of royal families wearing at fancy events ) .
I have spent actual hours on this website .
It ’ s so interesting .
To Marry an English Lord by Carol McD .
Wallace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the wave of American heirs who married into the impoverished British aristocracy in the late 1800s and early 1900s .
Fun fact !
It was one of the primary source materials for Downton Abbey .
Elizabeth the Queen : The Life of a Modern Monarch by Sally Bedell Smith : Okay , so this is a biography , and a pretty hefty one at that , but it ’ s an easy read and once you get into it , you won ’ t want to put it down .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Queen ’ s life and reign , and it ’ s just straight-up one of the best biographies of a public figure that ’ s been published in recent history .
Sex with Kings : 500 Years of Adultery , Power , Rivalry , and Revenge by Eleanor Herman : Like it or not , extramarital affairs have always been part of royal families ’ histories , both past and recent ( Charles , Camilla , etc ) .
Yes , the title is a bit salacious , but the book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a look at one of the most important forces adjacent to the crown throughout history and how the role of royal lover has changed over the years ( it used to be practically an official position at royal courts ) .
The Other Side of the Coin by Angela Kelly : This book , by the Queen ’ s longtime dresser and designer , was approved for publication by the sovereign herself .
It ’ s a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into deciding what the Queen will wear and is full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like behind closed doors .
We Two : Victoria and Albert : Rulers , Partners , Rivals by Gillian Gill : A biography of Queen Victoria and her husband , Prince Albert , that looks at both their relationship and the power dynamics of being a woman ruler of a nation during a time when the husband was the king of the household .
At Her Majesty 's Request : An African Princess in Victorian England by Walter Dean Myers : A captivating read about a historical figure that you don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bonetta , a Yoruba princess who enslaved by a rival king after her parents were killed , and then given as a “ gift ” to Queen Victoria when she was 7 .
The Queen entrusted the girl to upper-middle-class guardians and raised her as her “ goddaughter.
” A great book about a remarkable life .
The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan : The premise is this : Imagine if Kate Middleton had been American .
Girl meets boy at college ; boy happens to be future king of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beach/escapist read and one of my favorite books — and the sequel comes out in July !
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel ( yes , the same woman who wrote the controversial piece in the first section ) : This is definitely the densest book in my list of fiction recommendations , but it ’ s so worth it .
The first in a trilogy about the rise of Thomas Cromwell , a common-born adviser to Henry VIII who became one of the most powerful figures behind the throne , this book and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Plus , the final book in the trilogy just came out !
Exit the Actress by Priya Parmar : A fictionalized account written from the perspective of Nell Gwyn , an orange-seller turned actor turned lover of King Charles II .
She had a wild life , and this book is an engaging look at her strange journey to the royal court .
Red , White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston : One of the most popular YA books of 2019 , this imagines a romance between the son of the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s it .
That ’ s the plot — and it ’ s delightful .
The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin : A spoiled American princess marries a duke and has absolutely no idea what she ’ s gotten into .
Told alongside her story is that of her lady ’ s maid , a young black woman who accompanies her to the UK after she marries .
It ’ s a darker , more authentic look at upstairs and downstairs life during the time of Downton Abbey , as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ society life .
The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory : I know .
People either love this book — and its author , a prolific writer of historical fiction — or they don ’ t .
It ’ s about Anne Boleyn ’ s sister , Mary Boleyn , who was Henry VIII ’ s lover before he became obsessed with the woman who would become his second wife .
It ’ s rooted in fact ; there ’ s documented evidence that Mary had an affair with the king and had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his .
Anyway , it ’ s an easy read and arguably the book that started the historical fiction craze of the 2000s .
It was even made into a movie of questionable quality starring Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson !
And that ’ s it for now !
Once again , these are all my personal recommendations ; this is not a sponsored list , although I did make a point to only include books that were available digitally as well as in hard copy .
If you ’ re interested in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if your local library has it available for digital checkout !
I ’ ve received a few reader emails asking for content that ’ s not breaking/recent news ( since the royals are all self-quarantining ) and I ’ d be eager to do more historical and analytical posts if there ’ s interest !
I ’ m also here for any questions about the royal family that you ’ d like answered in a future ~ serving ~ of The Royal Tea .
Send an email to royaltea @ buzzfeed.com .
These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can try to “ keep calm , ” but there ’ s no way to “ carry on ” when you must change your entire way of life to keep yourself and others safe .
But , as the Queen said in her statement Thursday , “ At times such as these , I am reminded that our nation ’ s history has been forged by people and communities coming together to work as one , concentrating our combined efforts with a focus on the common goal.
” She was talking about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s true no matter where you live .
Be safe .
Be healthy .
Be well .
I remain , as ever , your faithful royal correspondent , Ellie

Welcome to the first coronavirus edition of The Royal Tea newsletter! Fun fact! Coronaviruses got that name because of the crownlike spikes on their surface!
The Queen has gone into self-isolation at Windsor Castle and issued a statement of solidarity to the UK about the global pandemic and who the heck knows what will happen next! (Not me, but I will, of course, be here to keep you updated when it does.)
I know that many of us, including myself, are stuck inside for the foreseeable future as we do our civic duty to curb the spread of the potentially deadly coronavirus. So I decided to put together a different kind of newsletter — a list of my personal recommendations of royal longreads and books to read during your self-isolation.
Although the recommendations below span a time period of hundreds of years, most of them are about the UK royal family, since the Windsors have been the focus of the newsletter so far. OBVIOUSLY there are other royal families in the world and there have been throughout history, and if people are into this coronavirus content I am so ready to do a second, more diverse list.
Also, to be clear, as far as the fiction section goes, I’ve limited it to historical fiction. No royal-themed fantasy à la the Game of Thrones series — although, once again, if there’s interest, I will OF COURSE make that list and send it out.
Before we get going, I need to give a shoutout to the amazing Scholastic Royal Diaries series. These historical fiction books for young readers (recommended for ages 9–12) are written from the perspective of famous royal young women from all over the world. The royal girls “writing” the books form an incredibly diverse bunch — you have princesses from all over Europe, Africa, India, Japan, precolonial United States, etc. I highly recommend them for younger readers, and, honestly, a lot of them hold up for adults if you’re looking for a quick and easy read.
Plus, each book ends with a bonus section that has historical context and facts about the time period and what happened in the lives of these royal girls after the “diary” ended. I know a lot of parents around the world are trying to find ways to teach their children at home in the wake of schools closing due to the coronavirus pandemic. I don’t have kids, but I straight-up loved these books as a child and they made me want to learn more about history.
Okay! Let’s get into this royal reading list.


buzzfeednews--2020-03-20--The Coronavirus Has Turned Nextdoor Into A Decent Place To Be

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 .
In one post , titled “ Take a Roll , Leave a Roll , ” one Nextdoor user offered to help people without sufficient supply by creating an exchange in a bin outside their house .
“ Obviously this is not for stocking up , but take a roll or two to get you through until you find a store that has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ Have extra at your house ?
Swing by and drop some off .
: ) Neighbors helping neighbors.
” As the coronavirus surges across the US , with 16,637 cases of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the virus , reported as of Friday , people are using Nextdoor , a social network for local communities , to offer help , service , and humor to help each other get through the plague .
Jenn Takahashi , who runs @ bestofnextdoor , which routinely skewers Nextdoor users , provided the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Despite having seen people freak out as well , the posts have touched her .
“ It ’ s so inspiring , ” Takahashi said .
“ To me , it ’ s super uplifting .
And to see that domino effect of other people being inspired by these posts and doing it for their own communities is just the best thing ever.
” Since the pandemic began , submissions to @ bestofnextdoor are up double or triple the usual amount , she said , and 95 % of them are related to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joining Nextdoor is now , when the power of proximity means everything , ” Jenny Mayfield , Nextdoor ’ s head of communications , told BuzzFeed News .
“ Nextdoor was built to bring neighbors together — this is important in good times and essential in times of need .
It has been remarkable to see people across the globe reaching out to their neighbors on Nextdoor with kindness and offers of help.
” Another post Takahashi shared was by a landlord who decreased rent by $ 200 per unit and encouraged other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Look , we all need each other at every level in our society and we all are impacted by this horrible health virus and its economic impact that cuts a wide swath through our community , ” the landlord said .
“ I do n't want a pat on the back or a medal on my chest .
What I do want is to challenge every other landlord and property owner that reads this post to consider LOWERING the rent for your tenants .
”

Jenn Takahashi, who runs @bestofnextdoor, which routinely skewers Nextdoor users, provided the toilet paper screenshot to BuzzFeed News. Despite having seen people freak out as well, the posts have touched her.
“It’s so inspiring,” Takahashi said. “To me, it’s super uplifting. And to see that domino effect of other people being inspired by these posts and doing it for their own communities is just the best thing ever.”
Since the pandemic began, submissions to @bestofnextdoor are up double or triple the usual amount, she said, and 95% of them are related to the coronavirus.
“The time for joining Nextdoor is now, when the power of proximity means everything,” Jenny Mayfield, Nextdoor’s head of communications, told BuzzFeed News. “Nextdoor was built to bring neighbors together — this is important in good times and essential in times of need. It has been remarkable to see people across the globe reaching out to their neighbors on Nextdoor with kindness and offers of help.”
Another post Takahashi shared was by a landlord who decreased rent by $200 per unit and encouraged other landlords to do the same.
“Look, we all need each other at every level in our society and we all are impacted by this horrible health virus and its economic impact that cuts a wide swath through our community,” the landlord said. “I don't want a pat on the back or a medal on my chest. What I do want is to challenge every other landlord and property owner that reads this post to consider LOWERING the rent for your tenants.”


buzzfeednews--2020-03-21--New York City Made A Guide To Safe Sex During The Coronavirus Outbreak And People Are Getting A Kick

New York City Made A Guide To Safe Sex During The Coronavirus Outbreak And People Are Getting A Kick Out Of It

New York City issued an advisory for residents on best practices for sex during the coronavirus outbreak , and it @ @ @ @ @ — and humor — for people on Twitter .
The guide , issued by the @ @ @ @ @ , advises people on `` how to enjoy sex and avoid spreading COVID-19 . ''
@ @ @ @ @ sex partner , '' the advisory notes , and then more or less encourages masturbation @ @ @ @ @ technique ! )
.
It also warns against sex with `` anyone outside your household @ @ @ @ @ well , `` the next safest partner is someone you live with . ''
While @ @ @ @ @ the simplest terms , advising people to stick to sex with established partners and halt @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus crisis , New Yorkers — many of whom live with roommates — are getting @ @ @ @ @ recommendations .

New York City issued an advisory for residents on best practices for sex during the coronavirus outbreak, and it's providing some much-needed guidance — and humor — for people on Twitter.
The guide, issued by the New York City Health Department, advises people on "how to enjoy sex and avoid spreading COVID-19."
"You are your safest sex partner," the advisory notes, and then more or less encourages masturbation (accompanied by proper handwashing technique!).
It also warns against sex with "anyone outside your household" and advises that, well, "the next safest partner is someone you live with."
While the guide is, in the simplest terms, advising people to stick to sex with established partners and halt dating and hookups during the coronavirus crisis, New Yorkers — many of whom live with roommates — are getting a kick out of the recommendations.


buzzfeednews--2020-03-21--A Guy Got Tested For The Coronavirus, Then A Stranger On Grindr Came To His Rescue

`` There are reasons people cross our path in life .
The people who come into your life are there for a reason . ''
Tarik Dobbs is a 23-year-old teaching assistant at the University of Minnesota , where he is a graduate student in creative writing .
On Friday , March 13 , Dobbs had been hanging out with a friend on their book tour when he began feeling unwell .
`` I just started feeling really achey and tired and I felt feverish , '' he told BuzzFeed News .
After consulting with doctors online and over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get tested for COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
There are drive-through testing centers in Minnesota , which currently has more than 100 confirmed cases of the disease , according to data from Johns Hopkins University .
But without a car to get to one of those centers , Dobbs instead walked himself over to a hospital emergency room , where he was able to get the test after waiting for hours in isolation .
`` It was really unpleasant and very strange , '' he said of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been quarantining at home with his two roommates , awaiting his test results .
Almost a week later , he still has n't heard anything .
`` The worst day was probably yesterday , '' he said in a phone call Friday night .
`` My fever was like 103 , so I 'm just riding it out . ''
Bored out of his brain , he did what any young gay man would do to pass the time : he opened Grindr .
`` I have a boyfriend , but we both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
`` With quarantine , everyone is on Grindr now of course . ''
On Sunday , not long after his test , he heard the familiar ping of a Grindr message arrive — this one from a man in his fifties .
Dobbs , a Bernie Sanders fan , has the Grindr username `` Bernie 2020 . ''
Perhaps confused , the man opened his message to Dobbs with `` Hi , Bernie . ''
`` He was really sweet and he was asking how I 'm doing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like , 'First of all , we should n't be hanging out .
There is a pandemic and I 'm literally waiting for my COVID results . ''
That 's when the conversation changed .
The man explained he was a retired doctor and began peppering Dobbs — whom he kept calling Bernie — with questions about his symptoms .
To test if the man was legit , Dobbs sent him a picture of his hands and asked him to identify his congenital birth defect .
Immediately , the man was able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ causes asymmetry on one side of the body .
`` He was very concerned , '' said Dobbs .
`` He was asking if I had enough medication and if my family was looking after me . ''
When Dobbs explained he came from a low-income family that lived hours away , the man sprang into action .
`` He said , 'You need a team , so I want to be part of that team and be an advocate for you , ' '' Dobbs recalled .
The man , a 55-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday and asked to be referred to only as Dr. Gary , his first name .
`` I have a hard time trying to stay out of doctor mode , '' he said in of his messages to Dobbs .
`` I felt bad for him and he did n't have any food and there was no one there to help him , '' Gary explained .
`` To me , it seemed like a no-brainer . ''
Two days later , Tuesday night , Gary turned up at Dobbs ' doorstop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dobbs had requested .
Gary had tried to go to the supermarket earlier that night but it was closed , so instead he improvised and brought supplies from his own home : some eggs , homemade yogurt , four pears , granola bars , a tomato , some apple and rhubarb compote , and a plate of poached salmon and balsamic asparagus he had cooked earlier that day .
`` I had stocked up so much food I was prepared for a nuclear holocaust , '' Gary said , `` so I just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The two men stood safely far apart and spoke through a screen door , never touching one another .
`` I could only see him from a distance , '' Gary said .
`` I had no protective clothing . ''
Dobbs said the entire exchange was brief , but memorable .
`` First he saw me through the door and said , 'Oh , you do n't look so sick , ' '' said Dobbs , `` and then a minute later he said , 'Oh , ' and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Dobbs gratefully took the food , thanked Gary , and the two went their separate ways .
But as Gary walked back to his car , he called out , `` Good luck , Bernie . ''
`` I was a little moved , '' Gary told BuzzFeed News , `` as I am now when I think about it . ''
Dobbs ' two roommates , with whom he is quarantining , also recalled the memorable evening .
`` The delivery was very casual , '' said Haruka Yukioka , 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kitchen and saw this food and [ Dobbs ] was like , 'Oh yeah , this old man came by .
Also , I met him on Grindr . '
'' `` It was like a sitcom flash-freeze moment , '' Yukioka said .
`` I was like , 'You need to say that again with more details . '
'' Another roommate , torrin a. greathouse , a 25-year-old poet and fellow grad student who stylizes her name lowercase , said the delivery was `` wild . ''
`` It was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she said .
`` Like compote .
Not jam or preserves , but compote ! ''
Dobbs first shared his Grindr story with Brandon Stanton who is running a quarantine series for his Humans of New York photo blog .
Dobbs ' roommates said they 're not surprised people are enjoying the story so much .
`` At the end of the day , it was just nice to see people sticking together , '' said greathouse , who is also currently battling flu symptoms .
`` With how much people are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people willing to help out — particularly within our own community — it meant a lot . ''
Although Dobbs said he 's used Grindr in the past to make friends and connect with LGBTQ people , he 'd never before used it for medical care .
`` I never thought I would find a doctor who would provide treatment for me on Grindr , that 's for sure , '' he said .
The two men still did not know each other 's real names until they spoke with BuzzFeed News .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' first name was Tarik , not Bernie .
`` I suppose that makes more sense , '' he said , laughing .
Gary knows firsthand what it 's like to be recuperating from illness .
He retired from medicine four years ago after a viral infection resulted in a heart condition .
His recovery took over a year .
Speaking to BuzzFeed News on Saturday , he cried on the telephone when told how his act of kindness had touched people around the world .
`` It 's so unfortunate that people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a point in time when they need each other so much , '' said Gary through tears .
`` Often in places like Grindr , our lesser selves are presented , rather than the people we truly are , '' he added .
`` I think really there are n't any coincidences .
There are reasons people cross our path in life .
The people who come into your life are there for a reason , '' Gary said .
`` Ask yourself : What is that purpose ?
And how can I @ @ @ @

Since then, he's been quarantining at home with his two roommates, awaiting his test results. Almost a week later, he still hasn't heard anything.
"The worst day was probably yesterday," he said in a phone call Friday night. "My fever was like 103, so I'm just riding it out."
Bored out of his brain, he did what any young gay man would do to pass the time: he opened Grindr.
"I have a boyfriend, but we both use Grindr for friends and chat," he said. "With quarantine, everyone is on Grindr now of course."
On Sunday, not long after his test, he heard the familiar ping of a Grindr message arrive — this one from a man in his fifties.
Dobbs, a Bernie Sanders fan, has the Grindr username "Bernie 2020." Perhaps confused, the man opened his message to Dobbs with "Hi, Bernie."
"He was really sweet and he was asking how I'm doing," Dobbs recalled. "I was like, 'First of all, we shouldn't be hanging out. There is a pandemic and I'm literally waiting for my COVID results."
That's when the conversation changed.
The man explained he was a retired doctor and began peppering Dobbs — whom he kept calling Bernie — with questions about his symptoms.
To test if the man was legit, Dobbs sent him a picture of his hands and asked him to identify his congenital birth defect. Immediately, the man was able to say Dobbs had Poland syndrome, which causes asymmetry on one side of the body.
"He was very concerned," said Dobbs. "He was asking if I had enough medication and if my family was looking after me."
When Dobbs explained he came from a low-income family that lived hours away, the man sprang into action.
"He said, 'You need a team, so I want to be part of that team and be an advocate for you,'" Dobbs recalled.
The man, a 55-year-old retried pediatrician, spoke with BuzzFeed News on Saturday and asked to be referred to only as Dr. Gary, his first name. "I have a hard time trying to stay out of doctor mode," he said in of his messages to Dobbs.
"I felt bad for him and he didn't have any food and there was no one there to help him," Gary explained. "To me, it seemed like a no-brainer."
Two days later, Tuesday night, Gary turned up at Dobbs' doorstop with a bunch of food, which Dobbs had requested. Gary had tried to go to the supermarket earlier that night but it was closed, so instead he improvised and brought supplies from his own home: some eggs, homemade yogurt, four pears, granola bars, a tomato, some apple and rhubarb compote, and a plate of poached salmon and balsamic asparagus he had cooked earlier that day.
"I had stocked up so much food I was prepared for a nuclear holocaust," Gary said, "so I just pulled some stuff out of the fridge."


buzzfeednews--2020-03-21--How To Plague: Our Coronavirus Advice Column On Amazon Orders, Fake Nails, And Petting Dogs

Send me your questions at katie @ buzzfeed.com , or sign up for our text messaging service to send me questions that way .
Hi , I ’ m Katie Notopoulos , a tech reporter here at BuzzFeed News , and I have no actual expertise in epidemiology , but I sure do enjoy telling people how to live their lives .
Which means I ’ m the perfect person to tell you How to Plague .
This is BuzzFeed News ' advice column for these incredibly confusing times .
The coronavirus pandemic is changing rapidly , with new information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ll try to help with your queries about social distancing etiquette and ethical dilemmas large and small , and call up some actual experts to weigh in when needed .
For those of us with acrylic nails/fake nails in general who need regular fills from a licensed nail technician every few weeks , should we be having our acrylics removed ASAP ?
And not put them back on until after this is all over , potentially months from now ?
Please help , I do n't want to remove them , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Band-Aid on my mental health issues , but I also don ’ t want to risk my physical health for them .
The smart thing is to have them removed ASAP , but I understand exactly what you mean about them being vital to your mental health .
I have a few ideas here that may help .
First of all , you ’ re correct to assume your local nail salon will likely close temporarily ( maybe it already has , depending on where you live ) .
This is bad for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the salon owners and people who work there .
Even in the best of times , nail salon workers are notoriously underpaid and unprotected from the hazardous chemicals and fumes in their workplace .
Most are unlikely to receive sick leave pay if they don ’ t feel well .
They ’ re usually women , often immigrants , and are among the many kinds of workers who are very vulnerable right now to the economic effects of small businesses having to shut down .
So you want to support the nail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to every few weeks , right ?
Here are two suggestions : • None DIY it .
Ask your nail salon to sell you the powder fill and supplies — there are a lot of YouTube tutorials about how to do acrylic fills .
On the plus side , if it looks a little janky your first few tries , you won ’ t be going out anywhere anyway !
• None Get them removed , but buy a big gift certificate at your local salon for later on .
That way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the short term to stay afloat if it needs to shut down for a while .
TIP BIG .
In the meantime , try press-ons .
Is it better for us to not use Amazon right now if it 's not essential ?
If we can wait to Prime some Cheetos and hot sauce ?
Should we just hold off so they can focus on filling the crazy amount of orders they currently have ?
How is this impacting their drivers and workers ?
This is an exceedingly difficult question because there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going into Amazon orders right now .
First , let ’ s look at ordering versus going to the store yourself .
You ’ re less likely to spread the coronavirus by ordering food to be delivered than you are by going to a crowded grocery store — purely because you ’ ll be dealing with one delivery person instead of many people in a store .
The next level to this is the safety of the Amazon warehouse workers and delivery drivers .
Amazon does not have a sterling reputation here , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such tough demands placed on the contract delivery drivers that they have been known to drive dangerously , and their bathroom breaks are nonexistent .
Warehouse conditions can also be grueling , with workers reportedly peeing in bottles .
( Amazon has said that workers have reasonable access to bathrooms . )
But now , warehouse safety has a whole other level : keeping the workers protected from the coronavirus .
And so far , warehouse workers are telling BuzzFeed News that Amazon isn ’ t doing enough here .
Workers say hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in short supply , and that facilities aren ’ t being cleaned frequently enough .
Last week , Amazon told workers they were required to do an overtime shift and encouraged coming in extra days , since there ’ s been a huge increase in demand and many staffers are out sick .
There have been at least five cases of workers in Europe who have gotten sick with COVID-19 , the disease caused by the novel coronavirus .
For drivers , there ’ s of course another level of risk of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strangers , some of whom may be holed up in their homes precisely because they ’ ve already been exposed to the virus .
I asked my colleagues Caroline O ’ Donovan and Ken Bensinger to weigh in on this question .
They have been talking to tons of Amazon warehouse and delivery workers recently and reporting on their working conditions since long before the pandemic broke out .
They both agreed that while many workers are scared for their own health , some are very glad to be getting the overtime pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time being , while other industries are seeing mass layoffs .
“ These questions for me come down not to ‘ What should consumers do ?
’ but to ‘ What should businesses and billionaires do ?
’ ( pay people more , give them sick leave , etc . )
, ” O ’ Donovan told me .
“ In the meantime , while we do n't know how many workers are sick and while the orders are spiking , I would try to limit what you really need ( not scented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answer straight from the source , O ’ Donovan posed your question to an Amazon warehouse worker .
“ No , I do n't think it 's OK for America to be slamming us to make themselves safer while jeopardizing our health and our families , ” said the worker , who wanted to remain anonymous to protect their job .
Another worker echoed the sentiment : “ Well , I really think that is something they need to do better .
Everybody thinks that Amazon is the safest place to get your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the sex toys we send out is a necessity at the moment ; people do not need to be hoarding now.
” Here are my ultimate suggestions for you : • None If you can ’ t resist , select the option to have it ship along with essential items you ’ re ordering .
( Amazon lets you select a designated delivery day for your shipments at checkout so they all ship together . )
• None Tip your delivery heroes in cash — even though in theory they ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it anyway .
These people are literally putting their health on the line for you and your community , bringing food and supplies to elderly and at-risk people who need these deliveries .
They deserve it .
• None Be a safer customer to the delivery people : Wipe down your doorknobs and doorbells between all comings and goings to help them avoid potential exposure to the virus from other delivery drivers or people ( including yourself ) .
If you are concerned about the safety of Amazon workers and drivers , voice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a letter to the company saying you ’ re a concerned customer .
Call your local legislator and tell them you care deeply about the welfare of the Amazon workers in your city/state and that you want them to do what they can to make sure those people are safe .
Can I let other people pet my dog ?
I ’ m afraid if they do , they will leave cooties on her fur , which will transfer to me when I pet her .
If the answer is no ( which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do I explain social distancing to a very social dog ?

For those of us with acrylic nails/fake nails in general who need regular fills from a licensed nail technician every few weeks, should we be having our acrylics removed ASAP? And not put them back on until after this is all over, potentially months from now? Please help, I don't want to remove them, as they’re like putting a Band-Aid on my mental health issues, but I also don’t want to risk my physical health for them.
The smart thing is to have them removed ASAP, but I understand exactly what you mean about them being vital to your mental health. I have a few ideas here that may help.
First of all, you’re correct to assume your local nail salon will likely close temporarily (maybe it already has, depending on where you live). This is bad for you, but it’s devastating for the salon owners and people who work there. Even in the best of times, nail salon workers are notoriously underpaid and unprotected from the hazardous chemicals and fumes in their workplace. Most are unlikely to receive sick leave pay if they don’t feel well. They’re usually women, often immigrants, and are among the many kinds of workers who are very vulnerable right now to the economic effects of small businesses having to shut down.
So you want to support the nail tech whom you’ve normally been going to every few weeks, right? Here are two suggestions:
DIY it. Ask your nail salon to sell you the powder fill and supplies — there are a lot of YouTube tutorials about how to do acrylic fills. On the plus side, if it looks a little janky your first few tries, you won’t be going out anywhere anyway! Get them removed, but buy a big gift certificate at your local salon for later on. That way, the salon will get your dollars in the short term to stay afloat if it needs to shut down for a while. TIP BIG. In the meantime, try press-ons.
Is it better for us to not use Amazon right now if it's not essential? If we can wait to Prime some Cheetos and hot sauce? Should we just hold off so they can focus on filling the crazy amount of orders they currently have? How is this impacting their drivers and workers?
This is an exceedingly difficult question because there are a lot of different ethical considerations going into Amazon orders right now.
First, let’s look at ordering versus going to the store yourself. You’re less likely to spread the coronavirus by ordering food to be delivered than you are by going to a crowded grocery store — purely because you’ll be dealing with one delivery person instead of many people in a store.
The next level to this is the safety of the Amazon warehouse workers and delivery drivers. Amazon does not have a sterling reputation here, even during normal conditions. There are such tough demands placed on the contract delivery drivers that they have been known to drive dangerously, and their bathroom breaks are nonexistent. Warehouse conditions can also be grueling, with workers reportedly peeing in bottles. (Amazon has said that workers have reasonable access to bathrooms.)
But now, warehouse safety has a whole other level: keeping the workers protected from the coronavirus. And so far, warehouse workers are telling BuzzFeed News that Amazon isn’t doing enough here. Workers say hand sanitizer, cleaning wipes, and masks are in short supply, and that facilities aren’t being cleaned frequently enough. Last week, Amazon told workers they were required to do an overtime shift and encouraged coming in extra days, since there’s been a huge increase in demand and many staffers are out sick. There have been at least five cases of workers in Europe who have gotten sick with COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
For drivers, there’s of course another level of risk of having to interact with a lot of strangers, some of whom may be holed up in their homes precisely because they’ve already been exposed to the virus.
I asked my colleagues Caroline O’Donovan and Ken Bensinger to weigh in on this question. They have been talking to tons of Amazon warehouse and delivery workers recently and reporting on their working conditions since long before the pandemic broke out. They both agreed that while many workers are scared for their own health, some are very glad to be getting the overtime pay and the relative job stability for the time being, while other industries are seeing mass layoffs.
“These questions for me come down not to ‘What should consumers do?’ but to ‘What should businesses and billionaires do?’ (pay people more, give them sick leave, etc.),” O’Donovan told me. “In the meantime, while we don't know how many workers are sick and while the orders are spiking, I would try to limit what you really need (not scented candles).”
To get an answer straight from the source, O’Donovan posed your question to an Amazon warehouse worker. “No, I don't think it's OK for America to be slamming us to make themselves safer while jeopardizing our health and our families,” said the worker, who wanted to remain anonymous to protect their job.
Another worker echoed the sentiment: “Well, I really think that is something they need to do better. Everybody thinks that Amazon is the safest place to get your items. I don't really think all the sex toys we send out is a necessity at the moment; people do not need to be hoarding now.”
Here are my ultimate suggestions for you:
Avoid ordering nonessential items at the moment.
If you can’t resist, select the option to have it ship along with essential items you’re ordering. (Amazon lets you select a designated delivery day for your shipments at checkout so they all ship together.)
Tip your delivery heroes in cash — even though in theory they’re not supposed to accept this, do it anyway. These people are literally putting their health on the line for you and your community, bringing food and supplies to elderly and at-risk people who need these deliveries. They deserve it.
Be a safer customer to the delivery people: Wipe down your doorknobs and doorbells between all comings and goings to help them avoid potential exposure to the virus from other delivery drivers or people (including yourself).
If you are concerned about the safety of Amazon workers and drivers, voice that in the traditional ways: Write a letter to the company saying you’re a concerned customer. Call your local legislator and tell them you care deeply about the welfare of the Amazon workers in your city/state and that you want them to do what they can to make sure those people are safe.
Can I let other people pet my dog? I’m afraid if they do, they will leave cooties on her fur, which will transfer to me when I pet her. If the answer is no (which I expect it is), how do I explain social distancing to a very social dog?


buzzfeednews--2020-03-27--A Coronavirus Rent Strike Could Leave Renters Vulnerable

“ If someone ’ s seen a meme telling them not to pay their rent , that ’ s not going to protect them from an eviction . ''
With millions of people across the country applying for unemployment due to shutdowns related to the novel coronavirus pandemic , many tenants will be unable or unwilling to pay rent when it comes due April 1 , leading to calls for a nationwide rent strike .
But there ’ s a difference between not paying your rent and organizing a rent strike .
And not recognizing it could put vulnerable tenants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media , people are sharing powerful images about refusing to pay rent ; one features a drawing of a woman wearing a mask and says , “ tenants keep your rent , landlords keep your distance.
” And corporations like the Cheesecake Factory and Subway are making headlines following announcements that they won ’ t be paying commercial rent for their retail locations next month either .
But some tenants rights experts are worried that people who think they ’ re participating in a rent strike simply by not paying rent without rallying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be putting themselves at risk .
“ The danger in launching something like that without adequate preparation is potentially exposing people who could ’ ve paid their rent to being evicted without much to show for it , ” Gregory Afinogenov , an assistant history professor at Georgetown and organizer with Stomp Out Slumlords in Washington , DC , told BuzzFeed News .
“ Landlords don ’ t necessarily care about why you ’ re not paying rent , they ’ re going to file eviction proceedings regardless.
” In cities including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , DC , San Francisco , Los Angeles , Denver , Atlanta , and Chicago , and states including Texas , Connecticut , and Pennsylvania , authorities have temporarily paused eviction proceedings , but in some places eviction cases can still be filed .
President Trump signed a bill guaranteeing some federal eviction relief , but millions of Americans aren ’ t protected by the law .
“ If someone ’ s seen a meme telling them not to pay their rent , that ’ s not going to protect them from an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can still file eviction cases against rent strikers even while court processes are temporarily stayed , and people who don ’ t pay rent now could find themselves facing debt or fees later on .
For a rent strike to be successful , some tenants unions say , neighbors need to work together and present landlords with clear demands .
The Philadelphia Tenants Union has been circulating a document with tips .
It advises talking to neighbors one on one and warns against mistaking online enthusiasm for actual commitment .
“ The people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community Facebook group will be a small fraction of the fellow tenants you will need on board for successful collective action , ” the document says .
A typical tenants ' rights campaign might involve requesting a rent reduction or paying rent late as a group before fully refusing to pay rent at all .
Sudden mass layoffs due to the coronavirus pandemic might seem to be accelerating a nationwide interest in rent strikes , but the Philadelphia Tenants Union is cautious .
“ If you have no income to pay rent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an immediately attractive action .
But that is not so much a rent strike as it is non-payment of rent , ” the guide says .
“ A rent strike means building deep organizing roots among all tenants and collectively withholding rent even when people have the means to in order to meet a demand.
” Maddie Rose , an organizer with the Philadelphia Tenants Union , told BuzzFeed News that while interest in rent striking has spiked , many of the people she ’ s been in touch with are in “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fellow tenants through leaflets and phone calls , ” and probably won ’ t be ready “ to start making collective demands ” until May 1 .
“ [ T ] his happened so suddenly and it takes time to coordinate with other tenants , especially when your home is owned and controlled by a large developer , ” Rose said .
But for suddenly unemployed rent strikers like C. Dage , a tenant in Austin , rent is due next week .
Dage lost their job at an after-school program three and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and overdrew their bank account when it auto-paid their bills .
To pressure the company that owns their building to permanently forgive their April rent , Dage and their roommates agreed not to pay on April 1 , and they ’ re trying to get the rest of their large apartment complex on board .
“ There are … at least two or three [ people ] who are also committed to not paying , but I ’ m not sure about their roommates , ” Dage said .
“ It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are at just because of the fact that I ca n't really talk to people in person.
” To comply with social distancing while communicating with neighbors , Dage said they hung flyers in common areas of their building rather than going door to door .
“ The next day after we posted flyers the property manager sent an email to every resident saying we have to pay our rent on time this month just like every month , and by the end of the day she ripped down every flyer throughout the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , Dage and their roommates are protected by a 60-day municipal eviction freeze that Austin ’ s city council passed Thursday .
But with no job , they said they do n't know how they ’ ll earn the money to pay back rent when those two months are up , which could mean owing their landlord more money and getting evicted down the line .
“ I think it ’ s unrealistic of the city to expect people will magically be able to come up with two months ' rent when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begin with , ” said Dage .
Rent strikers in some communities are presenting landlords with clear demands .
Organizers of Rent Strike Raleigh in North Carolina are asking authorities to freeze rent and utility payments and open up vacant housing , including hotel rooms , for those who have nowhere to go , as well as workplace protections , free health care , freedom for at-risk prisoners , and an end to ICE deportations .
Organizers of Rentstrike ATX in Austin are making similar demands , and also encouraging participants to `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , your roommates .
Talk to your landlord 's tenants .
Coordinate across complexes and neighborhoods .
Spread the strike , and lay the foundation for a group action against your landlord.
” Rent strikers in Montana are asking Gov .
Steve Bullock to suspend `` all rent , mortgage and utility payments for 2 full months . ''
A mortgage payment freeze would provide relief for landlords , some of whom say they won ’ t be able to make their payments without rental income .
But most landlords aren ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a report by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard found that more than half of rental properties in the United States were owned by `` institutional investors '' like banks , funds , or corporations .

A typical tenants' rights campaign might involve requesting a rent reduction or paying rent late as a group before fully refusing to pay rent at all. Sudden mass layoffs due to the coronavirus pandemic might seem to be accelerating a nationwide interest in rent strikes, but the Philadelphia Tenants Union is cautious.
“If you have no income to pay rent, then a ‘rent strike’ is an immediately attractive action. But that is not so much a rent strike as it is non-payment of rent,” the guide says. “A rent strike means building deep organizing roots among all tenants and collectively withholding rent even when people have the means to in order to meet a demand.”
Maddie Rose, an organizer with the Philadelphia Tenants Union, told BuzzFeed News that while interest in rent striking has spiked, many of the people she’s been in touch with are in “the early stages of talking to their fellow tenants through leaflets and phone calls,” and probably won’t be ready “to start making collective demands” until May 1.
“[T]his happened so suddenly and it takes time to coordinate with other tenants, especially when your home is owned and controlled by a large developer,” Rose said.
But for suddenly unemployed rent strikers like C. Dage, a tenant in Austin, rent is due next week. Dage lost their job at an after-school program three and a half weeks ago when schools closed, and overdrew their bank account when it auto-paid their bills. To pressure the company that owns their building to permanently forgive their April rent, Dage and their roommates agreed not to pay on April 1, and they’re trying to get the rest of their large apartment complex on board.
“There are … at least two or three [people] who are also committed to not paying, but I’m not sure about their roommates,” Dage said. “It’s been difficult to gauge where people are at just because of the fact that I can't really talk to people in person.”
To comply with social distancing while communicating with neighbors, Dage said they hung flyers in common areas of their building rather than going door to door. “The next day after we posted flyers the property manager sent an email to every resident saying we have to pay our rent on time this month just like every month, and by the end of the day she ripped down every flyer throughout the complex,” Dage said.
For now, Dage and their roommates are protected by a 60-day municipal eviction freeze that Austin’s city council passed Thursday. But with no job, they said they don't know how they’ll earn the money to pay back rent when those two months are up, which could mean owing their landlord more money and getting evicted down the line.
“I think it’s unrealistic of the city to expect people will magically be able to come up with two months' rent when they couldn’t pay one to begin with,” said Dage.