npr--2020-11-23--Mask Mandates Work To Slow Spread Of Coronavirus, Kansas Study Finds

It has become the battle cry of public health officials around the world : `` Wear a mask to slow the spread . ''
Friday , the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new evidence supporting this advice .
Researchers analyzed COVID-19 infection rates in Kansas following a statewide mask mandate .
They found that counties that chose to enforce the mandate saw their cases decrease .
Counties that chose to opt out saw their cases continue to rise .
`` This adds to the growing body of evidence that says large , widespread masking helps to slow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr. Aaron Carroll , a professor at Indiana University School of Medicine .
Carroll cautions that this was not a randomized , controlled study and there could have been other factors at play ( such as more physical distancing in social situations and fewer large gatherings ) in the counties that were enforcing masks .
Still , as the study notes , the findings were consistent with declines in COVID-19 cases observed in 15 states and the District of Columbia where masks were mandated , compared with states that did n't require the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went into effect on July 3 , when COVID-19 cases were rising across the state .
But 81 counties opted out of the mandate , as permitted by state law .
The other 24 counties — which account for the majority of the state 's population — chose to require that masks be worn in public places .
The CDC and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment analyzed trends in county-level COVID-19 cases before the mandate went into effect and two months afterward .
Though COVID-19 rates were considerably higher in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the two-month study period they brought the growth of cases under control and even reduced them .
The counties that did n't require masks continued to see their cases increase .
On average , the counties that required masks saw a 6 % reduction in cases ( calculated as a 7-day rolling average of new daily cases per capita ) .
In contrast the counties that opted out saw a 100 % increase .
Along with other mitigation strategies including physical distancing and hand washing , `` the decrease in cases among mandated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in nonmandated counties adds to the evidence supporting the importance of wearing masks , '' the CDC says .
COVID-19 is a respiratory virus .
It spreads from person to person , primarily via respiratory droplets expelled when we are in close proximity to others .
These droplets can hang in the air — especially indoors , in poorly ventilated spaces .
So , blocking the dispersion of such droplets with a mask is a good strategy to cut down on transmission .
The CDC recently updated its guidance to clarify that masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as other people .
`` You wear masks because the evidence suggests it not only protects you from acquiring the infection , but it protects others around you , '' says Jeffrey Shaman , an infectious disease expert at Columbia University .
He says it 's been `` incredibly frustrating '' to see the use of masks become a partisan wedge issue instead of being seen by everyone as a sensible , public health strategy .
`` You do it to protect your loved ones , to protect your neighbors .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country . ''
Shaman acknowledges that `` we 're all exhausted by this virus .
But the reality is the virus does n't care .
All it looks for is the opportunity to move from person to person , '' he says .
And a mask is a harmless , cheap way of slowing it down .

Mask Mandates Work To Slow Spread Of Coronavirus, Kansas Study Finds
Enlarge this image Ada daSilva/Getty Images Ada daSilva/Getty Images
It has become the battle cry of public health officials around the world: "Wear a mask to slow the spread." Friday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new evidence supporting this advice.
Researchers analyzed coronavirus infection rates in Kansas following a statewide mask mandate. They found that counties that chose to enforce the mandate saw their cases decrease. Counties that chose to opt out saw their cases continue to rise.
"This adds to the growing body of evidence that says large, widespread masking helps to slow the spread of COVID," says Dr. Aaron Carroll, a professor at Indiana University School of Medicine.
Carroll cautions that this was not a randomized, controlled study and there could have been other factors at play (such as more physical distancing in social situations and fewer large gatherings) in the counties that were enforcing masks.
Still, as the study notes, the findings were consistent with declines in coronavirus cases observed in 15 states and the District of Columbia where masks were mandated, compared with states that didn't require the face coverings.
The Kansas mask requirement went into effect on July 3, when coronavirus cases were rising across the state. But 81 counties opted out of the mandate, as permitted by state law. The other 24 counties — which account for the majority of the state's population — chose to require that masks be worn in public places.
The CDC and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment analyzed trends in county-level cases before the mandate went into effect and two months afterward. Though rates were considerably higher in the 24 counties that required masks, over the two-month study period they brought the growth of cases under control and even reduced them. The counties that didn't require masks continued to see their cases increase.
On average, the counties that required masks saw a 6% reduction in cases (calculated as a seven-day rolling average of new daily cases per capita). In contrast, the counties that opted out saw a 100% increase.
Along with other mitigation strategies including physical distancing and hand washing, "the decrease in cases among mandated counties and the continued increase in cases in nonmandated counties adds to the evidence supporting the importance of wearing masks," the CDC says.
The coronavirus is a respiratory virus. It spreads from person to person, primarily via respiratory droplets expelled when we are in close proximity to others. These droplets can hang in the air — especially indoors, in poorly ventilated spaces. So, blocking the dispersion of such droplets with a mask is a good strategy to cut down on transmission. The CDC recently updated its guidance to clarify that masks protect the person wearing the mask as well as other people.
"You wear masks because the evidence suggests it not only protects you from acquiring the infection, but it protects others around you," says Jeffrey Shaman, an infectious disease expert at Columbia University.
He says it's been "incredibly frustrating" to see the use of masks become a partisan wedge issue instead of being seen by everyone as a sensible, public health strategy. "You do it to protect your loved ones, to protect your neighbors. You do it for the good of the country."
Shaman acknowledges that "we're all exhausted by this virus. But the reality is the virus doesn't care. All it looks for is the opportunity to move from person to person," he says.
And a mask is a harmless, cheap way of slowing it down.


npr--2020-11-23--Angela Merkel Raises Concern Over Coronavirus Vaccine Plan For Poorer Countries

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is raising concerns with the leaders of the world 's wealthiest countries that when a coronavirus vaccine becomes available , poorer countries could miss out .
Speaking on Sunday during a two-day virtual G20 global summit , Merkel said progress toward developing a system for distribution to less wealthy countries has been slow and that she would raise the issue with the global vaccine alliance , GAVI .
`` We will now speak with GAVI about when these negotiations will begin because I am somewhat worried that nothing has been done on that yet , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just as pharmaceutical companies in the U.S. and U.K. have reported major progress in coronavirus vaccine development .
That progress means U.S. recipients could get the vaccine as soon as Dec. 11 , Dr. Moncef Slaoui , head of the coronavirus vaccine program , said this month .
But Duke University researchers suggested earlier this month that poor countries may have to wait up to four years to get a vaccine , while wealthy nations claim the lion share of the world 's future doses , leaving billions of people without immunizations .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in the process of purchasing , more than 5 billion doses of vaccines before clinical trials wrap up .
This is done through supply deals with pharmaceutical companies producing the vaccines .
Fewer than 800 million doses have been allocated for the world 's poorest countries , according to Duke 's researchers .
G20 leaders said members have injected over $ 11 trillion so far to `` safeguard the economy and protect livelihoods , secure the continuity of businesses , and protect the most vulnerable segments of the population '' during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the U.K. , joined an international initiative , called COVAX , to aid in the equitable distribution of vaccines when they 're available .
The U.S. has not signed on to this effort .
COVAX recently announced more than $ 2 billion had been raised from the European Commission , Spain , France , Korea , and others , to aid in this effort , but that there is still a $ 5 billion shortfall for 2021 .
In September , Oxfam International criticized the actions of rich nations and pharmaceutical companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deals .
`` Governments will prolong this crisis in all of its human tragedy and economic damage if they allow pharmaceutical companies to protect their monopolies and profits , '' Chema Vera , the interim executive director of Oxfam International , said .
`` No single corporation will ever be able to meet the world 's need for a COVID-19 vaccine .
That 's why we are calling on them to share their knowledge free of patents and to get behind a quantum leap in production to keep everyone safe .
We need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ profit vaccine , '' Vera said .

Angela Merkel Raises Concern Over Coronavirus Vaccine Plan For Poorer Countries
Enlarge this image toggle caption Pool/Getty Images Pool/Getty Images
German Chancellor Angela Merkel is raising concerns with the leaders of the world's wealthiest countries that when a coronavirus vaccine becomes available, poorer countries could miss out.
Speaking on Sunday during a two-day virtual G20 global summit, Merkel said progress toward developing a system for distribution to less wealthy countries has been slow and that she would raise the issue with the global vaccine alliance, GAVI.
"We will now speak with GAVI about when these negotiations will begin because I am somewhat worried that nothing has been done on that yet," she said.
Merkel shared her concern just as pharmaceutical companies in the U.S. and U.K. have reported major progress in coronavirus vaccine development. That progress means U.S. recipients could get the vaccine as soon as Dec. 11, Dr. Moncef Slaoui, head of the coronavirus vaccine program, said this month.
But Duke University researchers suggested earlier this month that poor countries may have to wait up to four years to get a vaccine, while wealthy nations claim the lion share of the world's future doses, leaving billions of people without immunizations.
Rich countries have already purchased, or are in the process of purchasing, more than 5 billion doses of vaccines before clinical trials wrap up.
This is done through supply deals with pharmaceutical companies producing the vaccines. Fewer than 800 million doses have been allocated for the world's poorest countries, according to Duke's researchers.
G20 leaders said members have injected over $11 trillion so far to "safeguard the economy and protect livelihoods, secure the continuity of businesses, and protect the most vulnerable segments of the population" during the pandemic.
Several countries, including Canada and the U.K., joined an international initiative, called COVAX, to aid in the equitable distribution of vaccines when they're available. The U.S. has not signed on to this effort.
COVAX recently announced more than $2 billion had been raised from the European Commission, Spain, France, Korea, and others, to aid in this effort, but that there is still a $5 billion shortfall for 2021.
In September, Oxfam International criticized the actions of rich nations and pharmaceutical companies that have entered into exclusive supply chain deals.
"Governments will prolong this crisis in all of its human tragedy and economic damage if they allow pharmaceutical companies to protect their monopolies and profits," Chema Vera, the interim executive director of Oxfam International, said.
"No single corporation will ever be able to meet the world's need for a COVID-19 vaccine. That's why we are calling on them to share their knowledge free of patents and to get behind a quantum leap in production to keep everyone safe. We need a People's Vaccine, not a profit vaccine," Vera said.


npr--2020-11-23--Trump Is Running Out Of Time As Key States Set To Certify That Biden Won

Trump Is Running Out Of Time As Key States Set To Certify That Biden Won Most Republicans in Congress have been reluctant to suggest that President Trump concede the presidential election to Democrat Joe Biden .
They argue that it 's best to let Trump expend his legal options before they apply too much pressure .
That pressure has been building and it could be about to go bust this week , with key states certifying the vote totals and making their results official .
Michigan and Pennsylvania are set to do so Monday , and Nevada will on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next week .
Biden is ahead by more than 155,000 votes in Michigan , by more than 81,000 in Pennsylvania and by more than 33,000 in Nevada .
Pennsylvania Republican Sen. Pat Toomey has called on Trump to accept the result .
`` President Trump has exhausted all plausible legal options to challenge the result of the presidential race in Pennsylvania , '' Toomey said in a statement responding to a Trump campaign loss in Pennsylvania federal court Saturday .
The retiring senator went on to call Biden president-elect and noted that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it was time to move on so Trump could preserve what he sees as a legacy of achievements in office .
`` To ensure that he is remembered for these outstanding accomplishments , and to help unify our country , President Trump should accept the outcome of the election and facilitate the presidential transition process , '' Toomey wrote .
Republican Chris Christie , who has been close to Trump , was more blunt on Sunday , as the former New Jersey governor is known to be .
`` If you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , '' Christie said on ABC .
`` Quite frankly , the conduct of the president 's legal team has been a national embarrassment . ''
With Biden winning 306 electoral votes , expanding his margins in key states since Election Day ( he now holds a lead of more than 6 million in the national popular vote ) , and Trump losing court case after court case , Toomey , Christie and a handful of other prominent Republicans have been calling on Trump to end his attempts to overturn the results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Biden transition team .
Those calls could grow louder this week after the expected certifications in those three key states will all but shut off any path of Trump getting the electoral votes needed to retain the presidency .
Here 's the latest in each state : After a judge said the Trump legal team did not show `` factual proof of rampant corruption '' and dismissed the Trump campaign 's attempts to block certification , the campaign is appealing .
In his opinion dismissing Trump 's case — argued by Rudy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appearance in court in decades — Judge Matthew Brann , a Republican , wrote : Individual counties must certify their results to the secretary of state by Monday , and then she makes her own certification .
WKAR 's Abigail Censky reports : At the Michigan Board of State Canvassers meeting on Monday , two Democrats and two Republicans will meet to certify the results of Michigan 's election .
Unofficial results from all 83 counties have already been certified at the county level .
Despite Republicans ' continued alarm bells about election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or withdrawn , and state and local election officials , including a Friday report from the state 's Bureau of Elections , prove Michigan 's election was secure .
The president has also been applying pressure to state lawmakers to either try and not certify the results or to install electors loyal to Trump .
On Thursday , the president summoned senior Republicans in Michigan 's state legislature to the White House .
But those lawmakers , Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey and Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield , said after the meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outcome not to match the vote — with Biden winning .
`` We have not yet been made aware of any information that would change the outcome of the election in Michigan , '' they said in a joint statement , `` and , as legislative leaders , we will follow the law and follow the normal process regarding Michigan 's electors , just as we have said throughout this election . ''
An attempt to stop Nevada 's certification , brought by failed Republican Senate candidate Sharron Angle , was thrown out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Election Integrity Project , claimed that some 1,400 votes cast were done for people who 'd actually moved to California and registered to vote there , and that about 8,000 ballots were mailed to people who had not voted in a decade , which is against Nevada law .
Biden won the state by more than 33,000 votes .
`` The civil remedy of throwing out an election is just a shocking ask , '' District Court Judge Gloria Sturman told the group 's attorney .
`` You are asking me to throw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that somewhere between 250 and 8,000 people should not have voted . ''
The following week sees two more key states certify their results : Arizona on Nov. 30 and Wisconsin on Dec. 1 .
Biden won both states narrowly .
The Trump campaign requested a recount in two heavily Democratic-leaning counties that put Biden over the top in Wisconsin .
But election officials in the state are complaining that Trump campaign observers are obstructing and slowing down the recount from actually happening , `` in some instances by objecting to every ballot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Associated Press reports .
States are set to finalize their electors on Dec. 8 , then electors will cast votes in state capitols Dec. 14 .
Those votes will be received by Vice President Pence on Dec. 23 , and then Congress tallies them Jan. 6 before Biden is inaugurated Jan. 20 .
The Trump campaign may try to drag this out as long as possible , filing in many cases frivolous challenges and appeals .
But pressure this week will likely only build on those around him to abandon Trump or convince @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be an even more futile fight as the days go on .

Trump Is Running Out Of Time As Key States Set To Certify That Biden Won
Enlarge this image toggle caption Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
Updated at 6 p.m. ET
Most Republicans in Congress have been reluctant to suggest that President Trump concede the presidential election to Democrat Joe Biden. They argue that it's best to let Trump expend his legal options before they apply too much pressure.
That pressure has been building and it could be about to go bust this week, with key states certifying the vote totals and making their results official.
Michigan did so on Monday, which was also the deadline for Pennsylvania counties (though a handful of counties are missing it). Nevada follows on Tuesday. Arizona and Wisconsin have certification deadlines next week.
Biden is ahead by more than 155,000 votes in Michigan, by more than 81,000 in Pennsylvania and by more than 33,000 in Nevada.
Pennsylvania Republican Sen. Pat Toomey has called on Trump to accept the result.
"President Trump has exhausted all plausible legal options to challenge the result of the presidential race in Pennsylvania," Toomey said in a statement responding to a Trump campaign loss in Pennsylvania federal court Saturday.
The retiring senator went on to call Biden president-elect and noted that he was disappointed in the outcome, but said it was time to move on so Trump could preserve what he sees as a legacy of achievements in office.
"To ensure that he is remembered for these outstanding accomplishments, and to help unify our country, President Trump should accept the outcome of the election and facilitate the presidential transition process," Toomey wrote.
Republican Chris Christie, who has been close to Trump, was more blunt on Sunday, as the former New Jersey governor is known to be.
"If you have got the evidence of fraud, present it," Christie said on ABC. "Quite frankly, the conduct of the president's legal team has been a national embarrassment."
With Biden winning 306 electoral votes, expanding his margins in key states since Election Day (he now holds a lead of more than 6 million in the national popular vote), and Trump losing court case after court case, Toomey, Christie and a handful of other prominent Republicans have been calling on Trump to end his attempts to overturn the results of the election and start working with the Biden transition team.
Those calls could grow louder this week after the expected certifications in those three key states will all but shut off any path of Trump getting the electoral votes needed to retain the presidency.
Here's the latest in each state:
Pennsylvania
After a judge said the Trump legal team did not show "factual proof of rampant corruption" and dismissed the Trump campaign's attempts to block certification, the campaign is appealing.
In his opinion dismissing Trump's case — argued by Rudy Giuliani, who struggled in his first appearance in court in decades — Judge Matthew Brann, a Republican, wrote:
"In the United States of America, this cannot justify the disenfranchisement of a single voter, let alone all the voters of its sixth most populated state. Our people, laws, and institutions demand more."
Individual counties must certify their results to the secretary of state by Monday, and then she makes her own certification. At least four counties are missing that deadline, though are expected to wrap up shortly.
Michigan
At the Michigan Board of State Canvassers meeting on Monday, two Democrats and two Republicans met to certify the results of Michigan's election. Unofficial results from all 83 counties have already been certified at the county level.
Despite Republicans' continued alarm bells about election irregularities, lawsuits have been thrown out or withdrawn, and state and local election officials, including a Friday report from the state's Bureau of Elections, prove Michigan's election was secure.
The president has also been applying pressure to state lawmakers to either try and not certify the results or to install electors loyal to Trump. On Thursday, the president summoned senior Republicans in Michigan's state Legislature to the White House.
But those lawmakers, Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey and Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield, said after the meeting that they see no reason for the outcome not to match the vote — with Biden winning.
"We have not yet been made aware of any information that would change the outcome of the election in Michigan," they said in a joint statement, "and, as legislative leaders, we will follow the law and follow the normal process regarding Michigan's electors, just as we have said throughout this election."
Nevada
An attempt to stop Nevada's certification, brought by failed Republican Senate candidate Sharron Angle, was thrown out Friday.
Angle's group, the Election Integrity Project, claimed that some 1,400 votes cast were done for people who had actually moved to California and registered to vote there, and that about 8,000 ballots were mailed to people who had not voted in a decade, which is against Nevada law.
Biden won the state by more than 33,000 votes.
"The civil remedy of throwing out an election is just a shocking ask," District Court Judge Gloria Sturman told the group's attorney. "You are asking me to throw out 1.4 million votes on the chance that somewhere between 250 and 8,000 people should not have voted."
What's next?
The following week sees two more key states certify their results: Arizona on Nov. 30 and Wisconsin on Dec. 1. Biden won both states narrowly.
The Trump campaign requested a recount in two heavily Democratic-leaning counties that put Biden over the top in Wisconsin. But election officials in the state are complaining that Trump campaign observers are obstructing and slowing down the recount from actually happening, "in some instances by objecting to every ballot tabulators pulled to count," The Associated Press reports.
States are set to finalize their electors on Dec. 8, then electors will cast votes in state capitols Dec. 14. Those votes will be received by Vice President Pence on Dec. 23, and then Congress tallies them Jan. 6 before Biden is inaugurated Jan. 20.
The Trump campaign may try to drag this out as long as possible, filing in many cases frivolous challenges and appeals. But pressure this week will likely only build on those around him to abandon Trump or convince him to give up what appears to be an even more futile fight as the days go on.


npr--2020-11-23--AstraZeneca Coronavirus Trial Promises 'Highly Effective' New Vaccine

U.K.-based pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca has developed a vaccine that initial results show to be `` highly effective in preventing '' COVID-19 , the company announced Monday .
The vaccine , developed with the University of Oxford , showed an average efficacy of 70 % in preventing the coronavirus , according to the company .
However , that is an average of two dosing regimens — one involving two full doses at least a month apart that proved to be 62 % effective .
A second regimen , involving a half dose followed by a full dose at least one month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company said .
The analysis of clinical studies of the vaccine trial showed no hospitalizations or severe cases in participants receiving the drug .
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted his excitement early Monday after AstraZeneca and Oxford announced their results .
`` Incredibly exciting news the Oxford vaccine has proved so effective in trials .
There are still further safety checks ahead , but these are fantastic results , '' he said .
AstraZeneca 's announcement comes on the heels of two major announcements from U.S. companies , Pfizer and Moderna , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pfizer and Moderna reported their vaccines to be around 95 % effective .
Last week , Pfizer asked the Food and Drug Administration to authorize its vaccine for emergency use .
The U.K. company is now preparing to submit data to global authorities in order to get a conditional or early approval for its vaccine , the company said .
AstraZeneca also said it will also seek an `` Emergency Use Listing '' from the World Health Organization in order to pursue an accelerated pathway to vaccines for low-income countries .
That step @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for use during health emergencies , according to WHO .

AstraZeneca Trial Promises 'Highly Effective' COVID-19 Vaccine
Enlarge this image toggle caption Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images
U.K.-based pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca has developed a vaccine that initial results show to be "highly effective in preventing" COVID-19, the company announced Monday.
The vaccine, developed with the University of Oxford, showed an average efficacy of 70% in preventing COVID-19, according to the company. However, that is an average of two dosing regimens — one involving two full doses at least a month apart that proved to be 62% effective. A second regimen, involving a half dose followed by a full dose at least one month later, was 90% effective, the company said.
The analysis of clinical studies of the vaccine trial showed no hospitalizations or severe cases in participants receiving the drug.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted his excitement early Monday after AstraZeneca and Oxford announced their results.
"Incredibly exciting news the Oxford vaccine has proved so effective in trials. There are still further safety checks ahead, but these are fantastic results," he said.
AstraZeneca's announcement comes on the heels of two major announcements from U.S. companies, Pfizer and Moderna, about their progress in developing vaccines. Pfizer and Moderna reported their vaccines to be around 95% effective. Last week, Pfizer asked the Food and Drug Administration to authorize its vaccine for emergency use.
The U.K. company is now preparing to submit data to global authorities in order to get a conditional or early approval for its vaccine, the company said.
AstraZeneca also said it will also seek an "Emergency Use Listing" from the World Health Organization in order to pursue an accelerated pathway to vaccines for low-income countries. That step is key for companies to submit products for use during health emergencies, according to WHO.


npr--2020-11-23--Biden Supporters In Pennsylvania Look Ahead To A 'Traditional Presidency'

Biden Supporters In Pennsylvania Look Ahead To A 'Traditional Presidency' Even as President Trump continues to undermine the election results that made Joe Biden the president-elect , states have begun certifying their votes .
In some places , it 's been controversial , as in Wayne County in Michigan , where the canvassing board initially deadlocked 2-2 along party lines , before the Republican members reversed course and certified the election results .
There were no such problems last week in Erie County , Pennsylvania .
The election was close there — Biden won by just 1,424 votes , flipping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the local board of elections praised the vote as being well-run and organized .
And the seven-member board , made up of four Democrats and three Republicans , voted unanimously to approve the result and send it to the state .
So with the books now closed on the election in Erie , we decided to check in with some Biden supporters in the county whom we 'd encountered earlier in the campaign .
To a person , the tension has melted away — even with Trump refusing to concede .
Take Michael @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When we first met after Labor Day , he was a bit stressed .
Now , with the election over , his greeting is beyond effusive .
`` I 'm walking on sunshine , man ! ''
he says as he greets me in the lobby of the Booker T. Washington Community Center in Erie .
We 're both wearing masks .
His has a message in big , bold letters stretched across his mouth .
It reads : `` VOTERS DECIDE . ''
In September , Keys was working hard to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city of Erie .
Now he 's quoting the lyric of that pop song from the 1980s , and he 's full of optimism .
He says right off that he does n't expect Biden to fix everything .
But he does see a path for the new president to not only spread some hope , but also opportunity .
`` It 's my hope we 'll be able to foster more inclusion and more equitable policies , '' Keys says .
`` We have to have equity , you know ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Trump plan left out was equity . ''
Another big hope for Keys is that there 'll be investment in America 's cities , to create jobs and to reform police departments .
He says the issues raised by the killings of George Floyd and others must be addressed , and that he expects Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris to be committed to that .
He then mentions the 1994 crime bill , which then-Sen. Biden authored , and which sent so many African Americans to prison , often with long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he says , `` it would be ironic that the same people who put together the '94 crime bill , and worked under the '94 crime bill , would be the same people who dismantle it .
That would be my dream . ''
A vote for governing from the center Maryann Frontino is a 65-year-old lifelong Republican who left the party and switched her registration to independent this summer , because of Trump .
Looking ahead to Jan. 20 , when Biden is sworn in , she thinks the change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probably going to feel more like a traditional presidency where we have friendly relations with our allies instead of combative relationships with them , '' she says .
Frontino adds that she expects the U.S. to rejoin the Paris Agreement on climate change , and to resume productive dialogue across the Atlantic .
As for Washington politics , she acknowledges that hardcore partisanship and gridlock will persist .
She adds , however : `` My expectation is that it 's going to be , at least on [ Biden 's ] part , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidency . ''
Frontino says she hopes Biden will govern from the center , and that maybe , she says , `` at least a few Republicans will be willing to work with him . ''
And she hopes progressive Democrats give the new president room to find compromise .
`` I think it is bigger than Joe Biden '' In talking to Biden voters , you often hear hope but not much confidence that there really is an opportunity for the new president to unify the country .
Scott Slawson heads the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His members work at the WABTEC locomotive assembly plant where , according to Slawson , you can see the political divisions even on the shop floor .
He applauds Biden for talking about unity , and about addressing the deep distrust people often have of those who vote differently than they do .
`` I strongly believe that it 's something that we have to fix , '' says the union leader .
`` We have to figure out how we unite as individuals , as families , as a country .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempted , he says .
He says Biden is certainly more suited to the task , but then Slawson says , `` You know , I think it is bigger than Joe Biden , but it takes somebody to start that , that sparks start that flame .
Right ? ''
Slawson says it 's important Biden does n't give up on the challenge of bringing the country together .
And given the pandemic and the economic struggles as a result of it , he says the incentive should be there for people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want the new president to succeed .

Biden Supporters In Pennsylvania Look Ahead To A 'Traditional Presidency'
Enlarge this image toggle caption Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images
Even as President Trump continues to undermine the election results that made Joe Biden the president-elect, states have begun certifying their votes.
In some places, it's been controversial, as in Wayne County in Michigan, where the canvassing board initially deadlocked 2-2 along party lines, before the Republican members reversed course and certified the election results.
There were no such problems last week in Erie County, Pennsylvania.
The election was close there — Biden won by just 1,424 votes, flipping the county back to Democrats — but the local board of elections praised the vote as being well-run and organized. And the seven-member board, made up of four Democrats and three Republicans, voted unanimously to approve the result and send it to the state.
So with the books now closed on the election in Erie, we decided to check in with some Biden supporters in the county whom we'd encountered earlier in the campaign.
To a person, the tension has melted away — even with Trump refusing to concede.
"Walking on sunshine, man"
Take Michael Keys, a city councilor in Erie. When we first met after Labor Day, he was a bit stressed. Now, with the election over, his greeting is beyond effusive.
"I'm walking on sunshine, man!" he says as he greets me in the lobby of the Booker T. Washington Community Center in Erie. We're both wearing masks. His has a message in big, bold letters stretched across his mouth. It reads: "VOTERS DECIDE."
toggle caption Don Gonyea/NPR
In September, Keys was working hard to turn out the African American vote in the city of Erie. Now he's quoting the lyric of that pop song from the 1980s, and he's full of optimism.
He says right off that he doesn't expect Biden to fix everything. But he does see a path for the new president to not only spread some hope, but also opportunity.
"It's my hope we'll be able to foster more inclusion and more equitable policies," Keys says. "We have to have equity, you know; that's one of the things that the Trump plan left out was equity."
Another big hope for Keys is that there'll be investment in America's cities, to create jobs and to reform police departments. He says the issues raised by the killings of George Floyd and others must be addressed, and that he expects Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris to be committed to that.
He then mentions the 1994 crime bill, which then-Sen. Biden authored, and which sent so many African Americans to prison, often with long, mandatory sentences.
"You know," he says, "it would be ironic that the same people who put together the '94 crime bill, and worked under the '94 crime bill, would be the same people who dismantle it. That would be my dream."
A vote for governing from the center
Maryann Frontino is a 65-year-old lifelong Republican who left the party and switched her registration to independent this summer, because of Trump.
toggle caption Don Gonyea/NPR
Looking ahead to Jan. 20, when Biden is sworn in, she thinks the change will be dramatic.
"It's probably going to feel more like a traditional presidency where we have friendly relations with our allies instead of combative relationships with them," she says. Frontino adds that she expects the U.S. to rejoin the Paris Agreement on climate change, and to resume productive dialogue across the Atlantic.
As for Washington politics, she acknowledges that hardcore partisanship and gridlock will persist. She adds, however: "My expectation is that it's going to be, at least on [Biden's] part, a kinder, friendlier and more professional presidency."
Frontino says she hopes Biden will govern from the center, and that maybe, she says, "at least a few Republicans will be willing to work with him." And she hopes progressive Democrats give the new president room to find compromise.
"I think it is bigger than Joe Biden"
In talking to Biden voters, you often hear hope but not much confidence that there really is an opportunity for the new president to unify the country.
Scott Slawson heads the United Electrical Local 506 union in Erie. His members work at the WABTEC locomotive assembly plant where, according to Slawson, you can see the political divisions even on the shop floor.
He applauds Biden for talking about unity, and about addressing the deep distrust people often have of those who vote differently than they do.
"I strongly believe that it's something that we have to fix," says the union leader. "We have to figure out how we unite as individuals, as families, as a country."
It's something Trump never even attempted, he says. He says Biden is certainly more suited to the task, but then Slawson says, "You know, I think it is bigger than Joe Biden, but it takes somebody to start that, that sparks start that flame. Right?"
Slawson says it's important Biden doesn't give up on the challenge of bringing the country together.
And given the pandemic and the economic struggles as a result of it, he says the incentive should be there for people to want to find solutions and to want the new president to succeed.


npr--2020-11-23--Rep. Haaland: Cabinet Pick 'Would Mean A Lot To Indian Country'

Rep. Haaland : Cabinet Pick 'Would Mean A Lot To Indian Country' As President-elect Joe Biden continues to assemble his advisers and Cabinet , one name being floated could add another historic first to his administration .
Politico reported Thursday that dozens of House Democrats sent a letter to Biden 's transition team endorsing New Mexico Rep. Deb Haaland for interior secretary .
Haaland , 59 , is a member of the Pueblo of Laguna .
In 2018 , she and Rep. Sharice Davids , D-Kan. , became the first two Native American women elected to Congress .
Haaland currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House Natural Resources Committee .
If tapped for the Interior Department job , she would break another barrier as the first Native American Cabinet secretary .
`` First of all , it would mean a lot to Indian Country , '' Haaland told NPR 's Rachel Martin , when asked about the potential nomination .
`` When Sharice [ Davids ] and I got sworn in , everybody was so happy .
It means a lot to a group of people who have been here since time immemorial to know that they 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would really change the way people see our federal government . ''
She added : `` Being able to listen , being able to move issues forward , bringing people to the table — I think that would make a huge difference . ''
Haaland reflected on her groundbreaking election alongside Davids two years ago .
`` We are here for the people and all of the heartache and all of the horrible federal eras of federal Indian policy that happened through the centuries , '' she said .
`` We 're here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in making those things right and moving us into a new era in our country where we say everyone 's voice matters . ''
On his campaign website detailing plans for tribal nations , Biden pledged to `` ensure tribes have a seat at the table at the highest levels of the federal government and a voice throughout the government . ''
The Indigenous Environmental Network , along with 25 organizations , sent a letter to Biden 's transition team on Nov. 14 urging him to select Haaland for the job .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election , there is an opportunity for another one by nominating a qualified and dynamic Indigenous woman to head the Department of Interior , '' the letter reads .
`` Our belief is that Representative Haaland will help facilitate the Biden/Harris vision for dealing with climate change , addressing the COVID-19 pandemic in Indian Country , ensuring an effective economic just recovery plan for Tribes and communities , overseeing the protection of public lands and fulfilling all treaty and statutory obligations . ''

Rep. Haaland: Cabinet Pick 'Would Mean A Lot To Indian Country'
Enlarge this image toggle caption Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Green New Deal Network Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Green New Deal Network
As President-elect Joe Biden continues to assemble his advisers and Cabinet, one name being floated could add another historic first to his administration.
Politico reported Thursday that dozens of House Democrats sent a letter to Biden's transition team endorsing New Mexico Rep. Deb Haaland for interior secretary.
Haaland, 59, is a member of the Pueblo of Laguna. In 2018, she and Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kan., became the first two Native American women elected to Congress.
Haaland currently serves as the vice chair of the House Natural Resources Committee. If tapped for the Interior Department job, she would break another barrier as the first Native American Cabinet secretary.
"First of all, it would mean a lot to Indian Country," Haaland told NPR's Rachel Martin, when asked about the potential nomination. "When Sharice [Davids] and I got sworn in, everybody was so happy. It means a lot to a group of people who have been here since time immemorial to know that they're truly being represented. I think it would really change the way people see our federal government."
She added: "Being able to listen, being able to move issues forward, bringing people to the table — I think that would make a huge difference."
Haaland reflected on her groundbreaking election alongside Davids two years ago.
"We are here for the people and all of the heartache and all of the horrible federal eras of federal Indian policy that happened through the centuries," she said. "We're here to try to make a little dent in making those things right and moving us into a new era in our country where we say everyone's voice matters."
On his campaign website detailing plans for tribal nations, Biden pledged to "ensure tribes have a seat at the table at the highest levels of the federal government and a voice throughout the government."
The Indigenous Environmental Network, along with 25 organizations, sent a letter to Biden's transition team on Nov. 14 urging him to select Haaland for the job.
"As historical firsts have occurred in this election, there is an opportunity for another one by nominating a qualified and dynamic Indigenous woman to head the Department of Interior," the letter reads. "Our belief is that Representative Haaland will help facilitate the Biden/Harris vision for dealing with climate change, addressing the COVID-19 pandemic in Indian Country, ensuring an effective economic just recovery plan for Tribes and communities, overseeing the protection of public lands and fulfilling all treaty and statutory obligations."


npr--2020-11-23--Why The Oil Industry Doesn't Fear Biden

Why The Oil Industry Doesn't Fear Biden

U.S. oil and gas companies will soon be facing a climate-conscious president who has vowed to transition away from the oil industry .
So you might expect a sense of existential dread in the oil world about President-elect Joe Biden .
Instead , there 's a surprising amount of optimism .
The U.S. oil and gas industry has transformed over the last decade or so , as a remarkable shale revolution turned the country into the world 's top petroleum producer .
Unlike President Trump , who is an ally of the industry , Biden has emphasized the devastating cost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nonetheless , the oil industry sees the president-elect as open to compromise — and likely constrained by a Republican Senate .
`` The gut reaction [ to Biden 's win ] is that this is n't good news for the industry , but we 're actually cautiously positive , '' says Jen Snyder , a director at Enverus , a company providing data and analytics to oil and gas companies .
There are bound to be plenty of disagreements with Biden .
He has made tackling climate change a key platform of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he 's expected to take actions that would put a damper on oil profits .
His foreign policy is unlikely to prioritize oil companies ' interests , like Trump has repeatedly done .
Environmental regulations rolled back under Trump are likely to return .
And the incoming president is also expected to ban or restrict new drilling on federal lands , a change he could institute through an executive order .
But none of those changes would spell the end for the industry .
Limiting drilling on federal lands seems likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — particularly in New Mexico , a region where federal leases have been particularly lucrative for producers .
But a majority of U.S. oil and gas production wo n't be affected by that change .
`` On private lands , it 's a different story , '' says Rene Santos of S & P Global Platts .
`` [ The White House does ] not have the power to just say to somebody in south Texas , 'You can not drill anymore . '
`` Biden did lay out a vision for ambitious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same as the Green New Deal , though it shares many of the same goals , and the president-elect sought input from more progressive members of the Democratic Party for his $ 2 trillion proposal .
Among other aspects , his plan calls for massive investments in renewable power such as solar and wind , which compete with fossil fuels .
It also includes much more support for electric vehicles , which would reduce demand for petroleum .
But it does not include some policies that concerned the industry , like a ban @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on all fracking .
`` We actually wrote a note over the summer about the Biden energy plan called 'Hugging the Midline , ' `` says Helima Croft , managing director at RBC Capital Markets .
`` And not just because I love Pilates .
... We really did see this as an effort to sort of thread the needle . ''
Moreover , Biden 's boldest proposals would require Congress to act , and the Senate appears likely to remain in Republican hands as two Senate races in Georgia head to runoffs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a divided government has many in the oil industry predicting more moderate action , with plenty of room for compromises and middle ground .
`` I personally do n't think it 's going to be something radical unless , you know , the more liberal side of the Democratic Party gets a lot of influence , '' Santos , of S & P Global Platts , predicts .
And what about Biden 's memorable statement , in the final presidential debate , that he supported `` a transition from the oil industry '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those comments , telling reporters that `` we 're not getting rid of fossil fuels for a long time . ''
Biden said he meant he would end oil and gas subsidies , not end the industry as a whole .
But more importantly , transitioning away from oil is not a surprising idea to energy insiders .
The oil industry itself has already been preparing for that future — while emphasizing that the transition might take a very long time — as the effects of climate change grow ever clearer .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underway at the society level , regardless of the administration , '' says Snyder of Enverus .
In fact , Snyder argues that a president who manages a gradual shift away from oil might actually be better for business in the medium term , compared with Trump 's denialism .
And of course , who wins the presidency is hardly the only factor affecting the outlook for oil and gas .
The coronavirus pandemic has sharply reduced global travel , causing an unprecedented drop in oil demand that has been disastrous for many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fossil fuel industry , at least in the near term , the biggest boost to the bottom line might come from getting the pandemic under control .
In short , Biden 's election win — while not , perhaps , an oil executive 's top choice — is n't regarded as a death knell for the industry .
`` I do n't think it 's a wholesale assault on the oil industry , '' agrees Croft from RBC Capital Markets .
`` It 's just not going to be in favor like it @ @ @ @ @

Why The Oil Industry Doesn't Fear Biden
Enlarge this image toggle caption Patrick Semansky/AP Patrick Semansky/AP
U.S. oil and gas companies will soon be facing a climate-conscious president who has vowed to transition away from the oil industry.
So you might expect a sense of existential dread in the oil world about President-elect Joe Biden. Instead, there's a surprising amount of optimism.
The U.S. oil and gas industry has transformed over the last decade or so, as a remarkable shale revolution turned the country into the world's top petroleum producer. Unlike President Trump, who is an ally of the industry, Biden has emphasized the devastating cost of carbon emissions for the climate.
Nonetheless, the oil industry sees the president-elect as open to compromise — and likely constrained by a Republican Senate.
"The gut reaction [to Biden's win] is that this isn't good news for the industry, but we're actually cautiously positive," says Jen Snyder, a director at Enverus, a company providing data and analytics to oil and gas companies.
There are bound to be plenty of disagreements with Biden. He has made tackling climate change a key platform of his agenda, and even without Senate control, he's expected to take actions that would put a damper on oil profits.
His foreign policy is unlikely to prioritize oil companies' interests, like Trump has repeatedly done.
Environmental regulations rolled back under Trump are likely to return. And the incoming president is also expected to ban or restrict new drilling on federal lands, a change he could institute through an executive order.
But none of those changes would spell the end for the industry.
Limiting drilling on federal lands seems likely to be the biggest blow for some companies — particularly in New Mexico, a region where federal leases have been particularly lucrative for producers.
But a majority of U.S. oil and gas production won't be affected by that change.
"On private lands, it's a different story," says Rene Santos of S&P Global Platts. "[The White House does] not have the power to just say to somebody in south Texas, 'You cannot drill anymore.' "
Enlarge this image toggle caption Nicholas Kamm/AFP via Getty Images Nicholas Kamm/AFP via Getty Images
Biden did lay out a vision for ambitious climate action. It's not the same as the Green New Deal, though it shares many of the same goals, and the president-elect sought input from more progressive members of the Democratic Party for his $2 trillion proposal.
Among other aspects, his plan calls for massive investments in renewable power such as solar and wind, which compete with fossil fuels. It also includes much more support for electric vehicles, which would reduce demand for petroleum.
But it does not include some policies that concerned the industry, like a ban on exporting crude oil or a ban on all fracking.
"We actually wrote a note over the summer about the Biden energy plan called 'Hugging the Midline,' " says Helima Croft, managing director at RBC Capital Markets. "And not just because I love Pilates. ... We really did see this as an effort to sort of thread the needle."
Moreover, Biden's boldest proposals would require Congress to act, and the Senate appears likely to remain in Republican hands as two Senate races in Georgia head to runoffs on Jan. 5.
The prospect of a divided government has many in the oil industry predicting more moderate action, with plenty of room for compromises and middle ground.
"I personally don't think it's going to be something radical unless, you know, the more liberal side of the Democratic Party gets a lot of influence," Santos, of S&P Global Platts, predicts.
And what about Biden's memorable statement, in the final presidential debate, that he supported "a transition from the oil industry"?
He immediately sought to walk back those comments, telling reporters that "we're not getting rid of fossil fuels for a long time." Biden said he meant he would end oil and gas subsidies, not end the industry as a whole.
But more importantly, transitioning away from oil is not a surprising idea to energy insiders. The oil industry itself has already been preparing for that future — while emphasizing that the transition might take a very long time — as the effects of climate change grow ever clearer.
"A move away from fossil fuels is underway at the society level, regardless of the administration," says Snyder of Enverus.
In fact, Snyder argues that a president who manages a gradual shift away from oil might actually be better for business in the medium term, compared with Trump's denialism.
And of course, who wins the presidency is hardly the only factor affecting the outlook for oil and gas. The coronavirus pandemic has sharply reduced global travel, causing an unprecedented drop in oil demand that has been disastrous for many oil and gas companies.
For the fossil fuel industry, at least in the near term, the biggest boost to the bottom line might come from getting the pandemic under control.
In short, Biden's election win — while not, perhaps, an oil executive's top choice — isn't regarded as a death knell for the industry.
"I don't think it's a wholesale assault on the oil industry," agrees Croft from RBC Capital Markets. "It's just not going to be in favor like it was under President Trump."


npr--2020-11-23--Rural Areas Send Their Sickest Patients To The Cities, Straining Hospital Capacity

Rural Areas Send Their Sickest Patients To The Cities , Straining Hospital Capacity Registered nurse Pascaline Muhindura has spent the last eight months treating COVID-19 patients at Research Medical Center in Kansas City , Missouri .
But when she returns home to her small town of Spring Hill , Kansas , she 's often stunned by what she sees , like on a recent stop for carryout .
`` No one in the entire restaurant was wearing a mask , '' Muhindura says .
`` And there 's no social distancing .
I had to get out , 'cause I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was like 'What is going on with people ?
Why are we still doing this ? '
'' Many rural communities across the U.S. have resisted masks and calls for social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic , but now rural counties are experiencing record-high infection and death rates Critically ill rural patients are often sent to city hospitals for high-level treatment , and as their numbers grow , some urban hospitals are buckling under the added strain .
Kansas City has a mask mandate , but in many smaller communities nearby , masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are routinely ignored .
In the last few months , rural counties in both Kansas and Missouri have seen some of the highest rates of COVID-19 in the country .
At the same time , about three out of four counties in Kansas and Missouri do n't have a single intensive care unit bed , so when people from these places get critically ill , they 're sent to city hospitals .
A recent patient count at St. Luke 's Health System in Kansas City showed a quarter of COVID-19 patients had come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the patients coming from rural areas need intensive care and stay in the hospital for an average of two weeks , says Dr. Marc Larsen , who leads COVID-19 treatment at St. Luke 's .
`` Not only are we seeing an uptick in those patients in our hospital from the rural community , they are sicker when we get them because [ doctors in smaller communities ] are able to handle the less sick patients , and we get the sickest of the sick , '' says Larsen .
Dr. Rex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health department , warns that capacity at the city 's 33 hospitals is being put at risk by the influx of rural patients .
`` We 've had this huge swing that 's occurred because they 're not wearing masks , and yes , that 's putting pressure on our hospitals , which is unfair to our residents — to our residents that might be denied an ICU bed , '' Archer says .
A study newly released by the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention showed that Kansas counties that had mandated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new COVID-19 cases , while counties without mask mandates had increases .
Hospital leaders have continued to plead with Missouri 's Republican Governor Mike Parson , and with Kansas 's conservative legislature , to implement stringent , statewide mask requirements but without success .
Parson won the Missouri gubernatorial election on Nov. 3 by nearly 17 points .
Two days later at a COVID-19 briefing , he accused critics of `` making the mask a political issue . ''
He says county leaders should decide whether to close businesses or mandate masks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take some sort of action , '' he said Thursday .
`` The holidays are coming and I as governor of the state of Missouri am not going to mandate who goes in your front door . ''
In an email , Dave Dillon with the Missouri Hospital Association agreed that rural patients might be contributing to hospital crowding in cities , but argued the strain on hospitals is a statewide problem .
The reasons for the rural COVID-19 crisis involve far more than the refusal to mandate or wear masks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kansas and Missouri have seen rural hospitals close for year after year , and public health spending in both states , as in many largely rural states , is far below national averages .
Rural populations also tend to be older and to suffer from higher rates of chronic health conditions , including heart disease , obesity and diabetes .
Those conditions can make them more susceptible to severe illness when they contract COVID-19 .
Rural areas have been grappling with health problems for a long time , but the coronavirus has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those rural health issues are now spilling over into cities , explains Shannon Monnat , a rural health researcher at Syracuse University .
`` It 's not just the rural health care infrastructure that becomes overwhelmed when there are n't enough hospital beds , it 's also the surrounding neighborhoods , the suburbs , the urban hospital infrastructure starts to become overwhelmed as well , '' Monnat says .
Unlike many parts of the U.S. , where COVID trendlines have risen and fallen over the course of the year , Kansas , Missouri @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bent their statewide curve .
Individual cities , such as Kansas City and St. Louis , have managed to slow cases , but the continual emergence of rural hotspots across Missouri has driven a slow and steady increase in overall new case numbers — and put unrelenting strain on the states ' hospital systems .
The months of slow but continuous growth in cases created a high baseline of cases as autumn began , which then set the stage for the sudden escalation of numbers in the recent surge .
`` It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things often look like they 're relatively under control , and then very quickly ramp up to seem that they are out of hand , '' says Justin Lessler , an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health .
Now , a recent local case spike in the Kansas City metro area is adding to the statewide surge in Missouri , with an average of 190 COVID patients per day being admitted to the metro region 's hospitals .
The number of people hospitalized throughout Missouri increased by more than 50 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some Kansas City hospitals have had to divert patients for periods of time , and some are now delaying elective procedures , according to University of Kansas Hospital chief medical officer Dr. Steven Stites .
But bed space is n't the only hospital resource that 's running out .
Half of the hospitals in the Kansas City area are now reporting `` critical '' staffing shortages .
Pascaline Muhindura , the nurse who works in Kansas City , says that hospital workers are struggling with anxiety and depression .
`` The hospitals are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of patients are on the brink , '' Muhindura says .
`` We are tired . ''

Rural Areas Send Their Sickest Patients To The Cities, Straining Hospital Capacity
Enlarge this image toggle caption Carlos Moreno/KCUR Carlos Moreno/KCUR
Registered nurse Pascaline Muhindura has spent the last eight months treating COVID-19 patients at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri.
But when she returns home to her small town of Spring Hill, Kansas, she's often stunned by what she sees, like on a recent stop for carryout.
"No one in the entire restaurant was wearing a mask," Muhindura says. "And there's no social distancing. I had to get out, 'cause I almost had a panic attack. I was like 'What is going on with people? Why are we still doing this?'"
Many rural communities across the U.S. have resisted masks and calls for social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic, but now rural counties are experiencing record-high infection and death rates
Critically ill rural patients are often sent to city hospitals for high-level treatment, and as their numbers grow, some urban hospitals are buckling under the added strain.
Kansas City has a mask mandate, but in many smaller communities nearby, masks aren't required — or masking orders are routinely ignored. In the last few months, rural counties in both Kansas and Missouri have seen some of the highest rates of COVID-19 in the country.
At the same time, about three out of four counties in Kansas and Missouri don't have a single intensive care unit bed, so when people from these places get critically ill, they're sent to city hospitals.
A recent patient count at St. Luke's Health System in Kansas City showed a quarter of COVID-19 patients had come from outside of the metro.
Two-thirds of the patients coming from rural areas need intensive care and stay in the hospital for an average of two weeks, says Dr. Marc Larsen, who leads COVID-19 treatment at St. Luke's.
"Not only are we seeing an uptick in those patients in our hospital from the rural community, they are sicker when we get them because [doctors in smaller communities] are able to handle the less sick patients, and we get the sickest of the sick," says Larsen.
Dr. Rex Archer, head of Kansas City's health department, warns that capacity at the city's 33 hospitals is being put at risk by the influx of rural patients.
"We've had this huge swing that's occurred because they're not wearing masks, and yes, that's putting pressure on our hospitals, which is unfair to our residents — to our residents that might be denied an ICU bed," Archer says.
A study newly released by the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention showed that Kansas counties that had mandated masks in early July had decreases in new COVID-19 cases, while counties without mask mandates had increases.
Hospital leaders have continued to plead with Missouri's Republican Governor Mike Parson, and with Kansas's conservative legislature, to implement stringent, statewide mask requirements but without success.
Parson won the Missouri gubernatorial election on Nov. 3 by nearly 17 points. Two days later at a COVID-19 briefing, he accused critics of "making the mask a political issue." He says county leaders should decide whether to close businesses or mandate masks.
"We're going to encourage them to take some sort of action," he said Thursday. "The holidays are coming and I as governor of the state of Missouri am not going to mandate who goes in your front door."
In an email, Dave Dillon with the Missouri Hospital Association agreed that rural patients might be contributing to hospital crowding in cities, but argued the strain on hospitals is a statewide problem.
The reasons for the rural COVID-19 crisis involve far more than the refusal to mandate or wear masks, according to health care experts.
Both Kansas and Missouri have seen rural hospitals close for year after year, and public health spending in both states, as in many largely rural states, is far below national averages.
Rural populations also tend to be older and to suffer from higher rates of chronic health conditions, including heart disease, obesity and diabetes. Those conditions can make them more susceptible to severe illness when they contract COVID-19.
Rural areas have been grappling with health problems for a long time, but the coronavirus has been a sort of tipping point, and those rural health issues are now spilling over into cities, explains Shannon Monnat, a rural health researcher at Syracuse University.
"It's not just the rural health care infrastructure that becomes overwhelmed when there aren't enough hospital beds, it's also the surrounding neighborhoods, the suburbs, the urban hospital infrastructure starts to become overwhelmed as well," Monnat says.
Unlike many parts of the U.S., where COVID trendlines have risen and fallen over the course of the year, Kansas, Missouri and several other Midwestern states never significantly bent their statewide curve.
Individual cities, such as Kansas City and St. Louis, have managed to slow cases, but the continual emergence of rural hotspots across Missouri has driven a slow and steady increase in overall new case numbers — and put unrelenting strain on the states' hospital systems.
The months of slow but continuous growth in cases created a high baseline of cases as autumn began, which then set the stage for the sudden escalation of numbers in the recent surge.
"It's sort of the nature of epidemics that things often look like they're relatively under control, and then very quickly ramp up to seem that they are out of hand," says Justin Lessler, an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Now, a recent local case spike in the Kansas City metro area is adding to the statewide surge in Missouri, with an average of 190 COVID patients per day being admitted to the metro region's hospitals. The number of people hospitalized throughout Missouri increased by more than 50% in the last two weeks.
Some Kansas City hospitals have had to divert patients for periods of time, and some are now delaying elective procedures, according to University of Kansas Hospital chief medical officer Dr. Steven Stites.
But bed space isn't the only hospital resource that's running out. Half of the hospitals in the Kansas City area are now reporting "critical" staffing shortages. Pascaline Muhindura, the nurse who works in Kansas City, says that hospital workers are struggling with anxiety and depression.
"The hospitals are not fine, because people taking care of patients are on the brink," Muhindura says. "We are tired."
This story comes from NPR's health reporting collaboration with KCUR and Kaiser Health News.


npr--2020-11-23--Ice Bucket Challenge Co-Creator Dies At 37

Patrick Quinn , the co-creator of the viral Ice Bucket challenge , has died at the age of 37 after a seven-year fight with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis , commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig 's disease .
The Ice Bucket Challenge , which took the Internet by storm in 2014 , raised $ 115 million for the ALS Association and more than $ 220 million around the world for ALS research , according to the association .
`` Pat fought ALS with positivity and bravery and inspired all around him .
Those of us who knew him are devastated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advance the fight against ALS , '' the ALS Association said in a statement online Sunday .
Participants of the Ice Bucket Challenge , which at its height consisted of celebrities , former presidents , and famous athletes , would take videos of themselves dumping buckets of ice water on their heads .
They would then nominate others to do the same and donate to ALS research .
Quinn started the Ice Bucket Challenge , teaming up with Pete Frates , another ALS sufferer , to promote ALS awareness through the challenge .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord , at the age of 30 .
Quinn 's group of supporters , called Quinn for the Win , wrote on Facebook Sunday : `` He was a blessing to us all in so many ways .
We will always remember him for his inspiration and courage in his tireless fight against ALS . ''

ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Co-Creator Dies At 37
Enlarge this image toggle caption Photo by Brian Ach/Getty Images for Webby Awards Photo by Brian Ach/Getty Images for Webby Awards
Patrick Quinn, the co-creator of the viral Ice Bucket Challenge, has died at the age of 37 after a seven-year fight with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease.
The Ice Bucket Challenge, which took the Internet by storm in 2014, raised $115 million for the ALS Association and more than $220 million around the world for ALS research, according to the association.
"Pat fought ALS with positivity and bravery and inspired all around him. Those of us who knew him are devastated but grateful for all he did to advance the fight against ALS," the ALS Association said in a statement online Sunday.
Participants of the Ice Bucket Challenge, which at its height consisted of celebrities, former presidents and famous athletes, would take videos of themselves dumping buckets of ice water on their heads. They would then nominate others to do the same and donate to ALS research.
Quinn started the Ice Bucket Challenge — teaming up with Pete Frates, who also had ALS — to promote ALS awareness through the challenge. Frates died in 2019.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Grant Halverson/Getty Images Grant Halverson/Getty Images
Quinn was first diagnosed with ALS, which is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, at the age of 30.
Quinn's group of supporters, called Quinn for the Win, wrote on Facebook Sunday: "He was a blessing to us all in so many ways. We will always remember him for his inspiration and courage in his tireless fight against ALS."


npr--2020-11-23--Biden To Choose Antony Blinken For Secretary Of State

Biden To Choose Antony Blinken For Secretary Of State Updated at 8:00 a.m .
ET President-elect Joe Biden will nominate Antony Blinken for the coveted secretary of state post , a source familiar with the transition discussions told NPR .
Blinken , 58 , served as deputy secretary of state and deputy national security adviser under Obama .
He also previously worked as then-Vice President Biden 's national security adviser .
Blinken is currently managing partner at WestExec Advisors , an advisory firm he co-founded .
For Biden , choosing Blinken signals a return to a more traditional foreign policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Michele Kelemen says .
The source close to the transition added that Jake Sullivan is a strong lead for the position of national security adviser in the new administration .
Biden is also expected to name Linda Thomas-Greenfield , an experienced diplomat , as the ambassador to the U.N. , Kelemen says .
Biden 's pick as secretary of state was first reported by Bloomberg News .
A formal announcement of his nomination and other initial Biden administration Cabinet picks is expected Tuesday .
If confirmed , Blinken 's early work , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be focused heavily on repairing relationships between Washington and foreign governments and allies that have been strained under President Trump 's `` America First '' policy , in which long-held alliances have frequently been challenged .
Blinken will also be tasked with boosting the beleaguered State Department , an agency that has experienced substantial turnover under Trump , with many longtime diplomats and career staffers leaving .
An Office of Inspector General ( OIG ) report from January found that , `` Workforce management issues are pervasive , affecting programs and operations domestically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ geographic regions . ''
A hiring freeze ordered by Trump in 2017 and that lasted until 2018 , compounded the agency 's ability to maintain staffing levels , the report went on to say .
`` Employees told OIG that the hiring freeze contributed to excessive workloads , and the lack of transparency about the objectives intended to be achieved by the hiring freeze caused some to be concerned about losing their jobs , '' the report said .
Susan Rice , the former national security adviser under Obama , was rumored to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the top State Department job .
However , by choosing Blinken , Biden avoids what was likely to have been a Senate battle over her nomination .
Rice would have faced criticism over the handling of the terrorist attack on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi , Libya , in 2012 .
Under pressure that year , Rice took herself out of consideration for the secretary of state 's job after Hillary Clinton resigned the post .
Biden was also rumored to be considering Delaware Democratic Sen. Chris Coons , but that choice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in contention just as Democrats are awaiting two runoff elections that will determine which party controls the chamber .
Blinken began his foreign policy career in the Clinton administration .
From 2002-2008 , he was the Democratic staff director for the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee , where he worked closely with Biden as his aide .
He is a graduate of Harvard University and Columbia Law School .

Biden To Nominate Antony Blinken For Secretary Of State
Enlarge this image toggle caption Fethi Belaid/AFP via Getty Images Fethi Belaid/AFP via Getty Images
Updated at 12:50 p.m. ET
President-elect Joe Biden will nominate Antony Blinken for the coveted secretary of state post.
Blinken, 58, has extensive foreign policy experience, serving as deputy secretary of state and deputy national security adviser under President Barack Obama.
A graduate of Harvard University and Columbia Law School, Blinken began his foreign policy career during the Clinton administration. He worked as Democratic staff director for the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee from 2002 to 2008, where he worked closely with Biden. He went on to serve as then-Vice President Biden's national security adviser.
Blinken is currently managing partner at WestExec Advisors, a firm he co-founded.
For Biden, choosing Blinken signals a return to a more traditional foreign policy that favors strong international relationships, NPR's Michele Kelemen says.
Biden's secretary of state pick, which will require Senate confirmation, was first reported by Bloomberg News and later confirmed by NPR.
In addition to Blinken, the Biden team announced a number of other high-profile foreign policy and national security picks on Monday.
Among them is Jake Sullivan, who will serve as national security adviser in the new administration. Sullivan served as Blinken's successor as the former vice president's national security adviser and had previously worked at the State Department under Hillary Clinton.
Biden also named Linda Thomas-Greenfield, an experienced diplomat with more than three decades at the Foreign Service under her belt, as the ambassador to the United Nations.
If confirmed, Blinken's early work, according to The Associated Press, would be focused heavily on repairing relationships between Washington and foreign governments and allies that have been strained under President Trump's "America First" policy, in which long-held alliances have frequently been challenged.
Blinken will also be tasked with boosting the beleaguered State Department, an agency that has experienced substantial turnover under Trump, with many longtime diplomats and career staffers leaving.
An Office of Inspector General (OIG) report from January found that, "Workforce management issues are pervasive, affecting programs and operations domestically and overseas and across functional areas and geographic regions."
A hiring freeze that was ordered by Trump in 2017 and that stretched until 2018 compounded the agency's ability to maintain staffing levels, the report went on to say.
"Employees told OIG that the hiring freeze contributed to excessive workloads, and the lack of transparency about the objectives intended to be achieved by the hiring freeze caused some to be concerned about losing their jobs," the report said.
Susan Rice, the former national security adviser under Obama, was rumored to have been on the short list for the top State Department job. However, by choosing Blinken, Biden avoids what was likely to have been a Senate battle over her nomination.
Rice would have faced criticism over the handling of the terrorist attack on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, in 2012. Under pressure that year, Rice took herself out of consideration for the secretary of state's job after Clinton resigned the post.
Biden was also rumored to be considering Delaware Democratic Sen. Chris Coons, but that choice would have put yet another Senate seat in contention just as Democrats are awaiting two runoff elections that will determine which party controls the chamber.
Biden has forged ahead with the transition process after being declared the winner in the Nov. 3 election despite Trump's refusal to concede, subsequent unsuccessful legal challenges in various states where he lost and his refusal to participate in the transition process.
NPR's Barbara Sprunt contributed to this report.


npr--2020-11-23--Oxford's Defining Words Of 2020: 'Blursday,' 'Systemic Racism' And Yes, 'Pandemic'

Oxford 's Defining Words Of 2020 : 'Blursday , ' 'Systemic Racism ' And Yes , 'Pandemic' Each year , lexicographers at Oxford Languages , the maker of the Oxford English Dictionary , choose a single word or phrase to define the past 12 months .
In 2019 , it was `` climate emergency , '' and in 2018 , it was `` toxic . ''
But this year , they could n't pick just one .
The pandemic , racial unrest and natural disasters shaped the English language in countless ways in 2020 .
So Oxford opted to highlight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lives Matter , '' `` Blursday , '' `` coronavirus , '' `` lockdown , '' `` social distancing '' and `` systemic racism . ''
These terms are outlined in a new report published on Monday as part of the organization 's annual Word of the Year campaign .
To come up with the featured lingo , researchers analyzed Oxford 's language database , containing billions of words , to see how many times a term was used over the past year — then compared that to the previous year .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us , has had to adapt rapidly and repeatedly this year , '' the organization wrote in the report .
`` Given the phenomenal breadth of language change and development during 2020 , Oxford Languages concluded that this is a year which can not be neatly accommodated in one single word . ''
Here 's a look into some of the featured phrases of 2020 .
Virtually every part of everyday life has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic .
Language has been no different .
`` There is no doubt the volatile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact on the way we live and work , '' according to the organization in its report .
`` Specifically COVID-19 , which has drastically altered our daily lives and our language . ''
The frequency of the word `` pandemic , '' unsurprisingly , increased over 57,000 % since last year .
according to Oxford Language 's analysis .
And `` coronavirus '' became one of the most commonly used noun .
The report also looked at the popularity of words over time .
In March and April , the words `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` stay-at-home , '' `` self-isolate '' and `` self-quarantine '' exploded in use .
Then moving to the summer , as the virus came under control in some parts of the world , terms such as `` reopening '' began to increase in use .
As the months of the pandemic passed , quirky terms such as `` covidiots , '' `` doomscrolling '' ( the endless consumption of bad news ) and `` Blursday '' ( referring to the difficulty in determining what day of the week it is ) surfaced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which refers to either shaming people for wearing a mask or shaming people for not wearing a mask .
Scientific jargon entered public discourse , especially epidemiological terms , the report notes .
Terms like `` R number , '' `` flattening the curve , '' `` community transmission '' and `` superspreader '' became more common for the public to use when talking about the pandemic .
While the pandemic fueled most of the words in the report , this year 's focus on racial justice also changed the way people speak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ global protest movement has also led to huge growth in discussions and debates around issues and policies that directly relate to the Black Lives Matter movement , '' according to the report , `` such as whether to defund U.S. police forces and how to tackle decolonizing or otherwise reforming the institutions and systems widely perceived as perpetuating systemic racial inequality . ''
Researchers noted the frequency of the term `` systemic racism '' — racism embedded as normal practice within organizations or society — increased by 1,623 % since 2019 .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day when slavery officially ended in Texas on June 19 , 1865 , was discussed over 10 times more frequently in 2020 than last year .
In the data that Oxford English Dictionary released , one thing is apparent .
Our 2020 lingo is vastly different from 2019 .
`` I 've never witnessed a year in language like the one we 've just had , '' said Oxford Languages President Casper Grathwohl in a statement .
`` It 's both unprecedented and a little ironic — in a year that left us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new words unlike any other . ''
Reese Oxner is an intern for NPR 's Newsdesk .

Oxford's Defining Words Of 2020: 'Blursday,' 'Systemic Racism' And Yes, 'Pandemic'
Enlarge this image toggle caption Chris McGrath/Getty Images Chris McGrath/Getty Images
Each year, lexicographers at Oxford Languages, the maker of the Oxford English Dictionary, choose a single word or phrase to define the past 12 months. In 2019, it was "climate emergency," and in 2018, it was "toxic."
But this year, they couldn't pick just one.
The pandemic, racial unrest and natural disasters shaped the English language in countless ways in 2020. So Oxford opted to highlight dozens of terms, including "Black Lives Matter," "Blursday," "coronavirus," "lockdown," "social distancing" and "systemic racism."
These terms are outlined in a new report published on Monday as part of the organization's annual Word of the Year campaign. To come up with the featured lingo, researchers analyzed Oxford's language database, containing billions of words, to see how many times a term was used over the past year — then compared that to the previous year.
"The English language, like all of us, has had to adapt rapidly and repeatedly this year," the organization wrote in the report. "Given the phenomenal breadth of language change and development during 2020, Oxford Languages concluded that this is a year which cannot be neatly accommodated in one single word."
Here's a look into some of the featured phrases of 2020.
Lockdown lingo
Virtually every part of everyday life has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Language has been no different.
"There is no doubt the volatile events of 2020 have had an unprecedented impact on the way we live and work," according to the organization in its report. "Specifically COVID-19, which has drastically altered our daily lives and our language."
The frequency of the word "pandemic," unsurprisingly, increased over 57,000% since last year. according to Oxford Language's analysis. And "coronavirus" became one of the most commonly used noun.
The report also looked at the popularity of words over time.
In March and April, the words "lockdown," "shelter-in-place," "stay-at-home," "self-isolate" and "self-quarantine" exploded in use. Then moving to the summer, as the virus came under control in some parts of the world, terms such as "reopening" began to increase in use.
As the months of the pandemic passed, quirky terms such as "covidiots," "doomscrolling" (the endless consumption of bad news) and "Blursday" (referring to the difficulty in determining what day of the week it is) surfaced. "Mask-shaming" also emerged, which refers to either shaming people for wearing a mask or shaming people for not wearing a mask.
Scientific jargon entered public discourse, especially epidemiological terms, the report notes. Terms like "R number," "flattening the curve," "community transmission" and "superspreader" became more common for the public to use when talking about the pandemic.
Protest parlance
While the pandemic fueled most of the words in the report, this year's focus on racial justice also changed the way people speak and write.
"This year's global protest movement has also led to huge growth in discussions and debates around issues and policies that directly relate to the Black Lives Matter movement," according to the report, "such as whether to defund U.S. police forces and how to tackle decolonizing or otherwise reforming the institutions and systems widely perceived as perpetuating systemic racial inequality."
Researchers noted the frequency of the term "systemic racism" — racism embedded as normal practice within organizations or society — increased by 1,623% since 2019.
They learned that "Juneteenth," the day when slavery officially ended in Texas on June 19, 1865, was discussed over 10 times more frequently in 2020 than last year.
In the data that Oxford English Dictionary released, one thing is apparent. Our 2020 lingo is vastly different from 2019.
"I've never witnessed a year in language like the one we've just had," said Oxford Languages President Casper Grathwohl in a statement. "It's both unprecedented and a little ironic — in a year that left us speechless, 2020 has been filled with new words unlike any other."
Reese Oxner is an intern for NPR's Newsdesk.


npr--2020-11-23--Doomscrolling On A Staycation? Here Are The OED's 'Words Of An Unprecedented Year'

Doomscrolling On A Staycation ?
Here Are The OED 's 'Words Of An Unprecedented Year' Just a year ago , a sentence like `` I was in self-quarantine so I had nothing to do but doomscroll and found an article about an anti-mask rally that looks like a superspreader event '' would 've gotten you pinged as a weirdo , but it 's be completely normal for 2020 .
That 's why the Oxford English Dictionary — which usually announces a single word of the year — has instead released the Oxford Languages Words of an Unprecedented Year report , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our shared vocabulary .
`` The English language is studded with words from previous plagues and pandemics , mass social disruption , and an abundance of expressions that fulfil humanity 's perennial need to describe an often inhospitable world , '' the OED report reads .
`` Though what was genuinely unprecedented this year was the hyper-speed at which the English-speaking world amassed a new collective vocabulary relating to the coronavirus , and how quickly it became , in many instances , a core part of the language . ''
The report notes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus '' was more frequently used than the word `` time , '' one of the most frequently used nouns in the English language .
Our vocabulary also reflected how we responded to the coronavirus pandemic , as well as its effects on the economy so words such as `` remote , '' `` Zoom-ready '' and `` furlough '' saw a sharp rise in usage .
Not all of the words on the OED list are directly tied to the coronavirus pandemic .
`` Black Lives Matter , '' `` defund , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rise this summer , coinciding with the protests over racism and police violence .
Last year 's Word of the Year was `` climate emergency , '' but according to the OED , the usage of climate-related terms plummeted earlier this year , and now show signs of ticking back up again slowly .
If language is a living thing , then 2020 qualifies as a growth spurt .

Doomscrolling On A Staycation? Here Are The OED's 'Words Of An Unprecedented Year'
Enlarge this image toggle caption Al Bello/Getty Images Al Bello/Getty Images
Just a year ago, a sentence like "I was in self-quarantine so I had nothing to do but doomscroll and found an article about an anti-mask rally that looks like a superspreader event" would've gotten you pinged as a weirdo, but it's completely normal for 2020.
That's why the Oxford English Dictionary — which usually announces a single word of the year — has instead released the Oxford Languages Words of an Unprecedented Year report, looking at the many words now in our shared vocabulary.
"The English language is studded with words from previous plagues and pandemics, mass social disruption, and an abundance of expressions that fulfil humanity's perennial need to describe an often inhospitable world," the OED report reads. "Though what was genuinely unprecedented this year was the hyper-speed at which the English-speaking world amassed a new collective vocabulary relating to the coronavirus, and how quickly it became, in many instances, a core part of the language."
The report notes that by April, the word "coronavirus" was more frequently used than the word "time," one of the most frequently used nouns in the English language.
Our vocabulary also reflected how we responded to the coronavirus pandemic, as well as its effects on the economy so words such as "remote," "Zoom-ready" and "furlough" saw a sharp rise in usage.
Not all of the words on the OED list are directly tied to the coronavirus pandemic. "Black Lives Matter," "defund," and "systemic racism" saw a rise this summer, coinciding with the protests over racism and police violence.
Last year's Word of the Year was "climate emergency," but according to the OED, the usage of climate-related terms plummeted earlier this year, and now show signs of ticking back up again slowly.
If language is a living thing, then 2020 qualifies as a growth spurt.