npr--2020-04-22--Homeless Families Face High Hurdles Homeschooling Their Kids

Eight-year-old Mariana Aceves is doing her math homework — subtraction by counting backwards — while sitting on the bed she shares with her mom , Lorena Aceves .
They 're sitting on the bed because they have nowhere else to go : they live in an 8-foot-by-12-foot room called a tiny house .
It 's part of Seattle 's transitional housing where people experiencing homelessness can live until they find a job and a place of their own .
There 's room for the bed they share , a TV shelf , `` and a little tiny plastic dresser , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our food goes underneath our bed , '' Lorena Aceves says .
Tens of millions of kids are taking classes online at home right now because of the coronavirus pandemic .
That 's hard enough for most families .
But , if you 're homeless and have no computer , sketchy wifi , and no quiet place to study , it 's even more difficult .
That 's the case for the one and a half million school kids currently experiencing homelessness across the U.S .
When Seattle 's schools closed in March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job , because she could n't find childcare .
She and her daughter have been holed up in their tiny house ever since .
`` It 's the boredom , '' Aceves says , `` and me trying to reach out and find resources — work , a car , things like that — while also making sure that she 's entertained . ''
Aceves and her daughter have a tiny amount of private space .
Other homeless families have no privacy at all .
Sixteen-year-old Capelle Belij is living with his parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ network of family shelters in the Seattle area run by the nonprofit Mary 's Place .
The Belijes share a room with two other families , divided only by curtains .
`` My friends , like , come up to my bed space and ask if I want to play or something , '' Belij says .
`` If we had our own place , I could learn better . ''
Three-quarters of children and youth considered homeless live doubled-up with another family .
That 's the situation for the family of 17-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ KUOW 's youth reporting program , called RadioActive .
`` I ca n't really find a specific space where it 's like quiet and calm and I can actually have wifi , '' Aguilar says .
Since Aguilar 's shared bedroom does n't have wifi , she ends up in the living room or kitchen with the rest of her family .
`` And they just , like , continue their chaotic life of yelling and screaming and , like , playing music and listening to the TV and cooking , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like , in the environment of it being really loud , '' Aguilar says , `` I tend to , like , read over and over and over and over the assignment . ''
`` We 're definitely very concerned with there being an achievement gap during this time , '' says Tisha Tallman , the executive director of the National Center for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth .
`` The longer this goes , the more likely our children are to fall behind . ''
And , Tallman adds , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : many homeless kids get two meals per day there , and they rely on it as a safe and stable place to be .
Back in her tiny house , Lorena Aceves is trying to keep her daughter 's education on track with a strict schedule of math , reading , and typing .
`` Even though this is frustrating , '' Aceves says , `` we are having this time together and that 's something typically that we do n't have . ''
Aceves says it 's good to feel close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she has to stay far away from nearly everyone else .

Homeless Families Face High Hurdles Home-Schooling Their Kids
Enlarge this image toggle caption Courtesy of Lorena Aceves Courtesy of Lorena Aceves
Eight-year-old Mariana Aceves is doing her math homework — subtraction by counting backward — while sitting on the bed she shares with her mom, Lorena Aceves.
They're sitting on the bed because they have nowhere else to go. They live in an 8-foot-by-12-foot room called a tiny house. It's part of Seattle's transitional housing, where people experiencing homelessness can live until they find a job and a place of their own.
There's room for the bed they share, a TV shelf and "a little tiny plastic dresser."
"And then all of our clothing and our food goes underneath our bed," Lorena Aceves says.
Tens of millions of kids are taking classes online at home right now because of the coronavirus pandemic. That's hard enough for most families. But if you're homeless and have no computer, sketchy Wi-Fi and no quiet place to study, it's even more difficult. That's the case for the 1.5 million schoolchildren currently experiencing homelessness across the United States.
When Seattle's schools closed in March, Aceves had to quit her new job because she couldn't find child care. She and her daughter have been holed up in their tiny house ever since.
"It's the boredom," Aceves says, "and me trying to reach out and find resources — work, a car, things like that — while also making sure that she's entertained."
Aceves and her daughter have a tiny amount of private space. Other homeless families have no privacy at all.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Courtesy of Caleb Casto Courtesy of Caleb Casto
Sixteen-year-old Capelle Belij is living with his parents at a shelter, part of a network of family shelters in the Seattle area run by the nonprofit Mary's Place.
The Belijes share a room with two other families, divided only by curtains.
"My friends, like, come up to my bed space and ask if I want to play or something," Belij says. "If we had our own place, I could learn better."
Three-quarters of children and youth considered homeless live doubled-up with another family. That's the situation for the family of 17-year-old Michelle Aguilar. She's part of KUOW's youth reporting program called RadioActive.
"I can't really find a specific space where it's, like, quiet and calm and I can actually have Wi-Fi," Aguilar says.
The longer this goes, the more likely our children are to fall behind.
Since Aguilar's shared bedroom doesn't have Wi-Fi, she ends up in the living room or kitchen with the rest of her family.
"And they just, like, continue their chaotic life of yelling and screaming and, like, playing music and listening to the TV and cooking," she says.
"Whenever I'm, like, in the environment of it being really loud," Aguilar says, "I tend to, like, read over and over and over and over the assignment."
"We're definitely very concerned with there being an achievement gap during this time," says Tisha Tallman, executive director of the National Center for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth. "The longer this goes, the more likely our children are to fall behind."
And, Tallman adds, schools provide much more than an education. Many homeless kids get two meals per day there, and they rely on it as a safe and stable place to be.
Back in her tiny house, Lorena Aceves is trying to keep her daughter's education on track with a strict schedule of math, reading and typing.
"Even though this is frustrating," Aceves says, "we are having this time together, and that's something typically that we don't have."
Aceves says it's good to feel close to her daughter during a time that she has to stay far away from nearly everyone else.


npr--2020-04-22--Death Toll Increases To 22 From Weekend Shooting Rampage In Nova Scotia, Police Say

Death Toll Increases To 22 From Weekend Shooting Rampage In Nova Scotia , Police Say Police in Canada now believe at least 22 people were killed during what is thought to be the country 's worst-ever mass shooting — a methodical rampage over the weekend in Nova Scotia province that spanned 16 separate crime scenes in five communities .
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police originally reported at least 16 dead after Saturday 's attacks , in which the assailant appeared to have shot many victims and then set fire to the crime scenes .
On Tuesday , the RCMP said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at various locations in the maritime province .
An earlier statement from the RCMP said 23 had died , but that number included the gunman .
During the attack , which lasted 12 hours , the suspect , identified as Gabriel Wortman , 51 , wore an authentic RCMP uniform and one of the cars he used `` was a very real look-alike '' for a police vehicle , authorities said .
Wortman , a denturist from Nova Scotia , is believed to have been shot Saturday by police and died the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Authorities have not given a motive for the shootings .
In a statement on Tuesday , the RCMP said all of the victims were adults , except for one teenage girl .
`` Some of the victims were known to Gabriel Wortman and were targeted while others were not known to him , '' the police statement said .
On Monday , Chief Superintendent Chris Leather said there had been five structure fires and that victims were believed to be inside the burned-out buildings .
The added death count on Tuesday is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destroyed structures , according to The Globe and Mail .
Among the victims identified previously was RCMP Constable Heidi Stevenson , a 23-year veteran of the force .
The Globe and Mail reported that police said victims had been found in Portapique , where the gunman lived , and Debert , Shubenacadie/Milford and Enfield — a large geographic area surrounding an inlet of the Bay of Fundy in the central part of the province .
The RCMP in Nova Scotia , which originally said it thought Wortman had acted alone , said police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had assistance in the series of attacks , the newspaper said .
Since the attacks , questions have arisen over why the RCMP used Twitter to alert the public to the manhunt for the shooter , instead of activating the province-wide Alert Ready system .
The warning system - which blares a siren by cellphone - was last used April 10 to warn people to stay home during the Easter weekend to prevent spread of the coronavirus , according to Canada 's National Post newspaper .
At a news conference on Monday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Twitter was `` a superior way to communicate '' but will take a close look at that reasoning as part of its investigation .

Death Toll Increases To 22 From Weekend Shooting Rampage In Nova Scotia, Police Say
Enlarge this image toggle caption Tim Krochak/Getty Images Tim Krochak/Getty Images
Police in Canada now believe at least 22 people were killed during what is thought to be the country's worst-ever mass shooting — a methodical rampage over the weekend in Nova Scotia province that spanned 16 separate crime scenes in five communities.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police originally reported at least 16 dead after Saturday's attacks, in which the assailant appeared to have shot many victims and then set fire to the crime scenes. On Tuesday, the RCMP said it had recovered additional remains of victims at various locations in the Maritime province.
An earlier statement from the RCMP said 23 had died, but that number included the gunman.
During the attack, which lasted 12 hours, the suspect, identified as Gabriel Wortman, 51, wore an authentic RCMP uniform and one of the cars he used "was a very real look-alike" of a police vehicle, authorities said.
Wortman, a denturist from Nova Scotia, is believed to have been shot Saturday by police. He died the next day from his wounds, authorities said. Authorities have not given a motive for the shootings.
In a statement on Tuesday, the RCMP said all of the victims were adults, except for one teenage girl. "Some of the victims were known to Gabriel Wortman and were targeted while others were not known to him," the police statement said.
On Monday, Chief Superintendent Chris Leather said there had been five structure fires and that victims were believed to be inside the burned-out buildings. The increased death count on Tuesday accounts for remains found at some of those destroyed structures, according to The Globe and Mail.
Among the victims identified previously was RCMP Constable Heidi Stevenson, a 23-year veteran of the force.
The Globe and Mail reported that police said victims had been found in Portapique, where the gunman lived, and Debert, Shubenacadie/Milford and Enfield — a large geographic area surrounding an inlet of the Bay of Fundy in the central part of the province.
The RCMP in Nova Scotia, which originally said it thought Wortman had acted alone, said police are now investigating whether he may have had assistance in the series of attacks, the newspaper said.
Since the attacks, questions have arisen over why the RCMP used Twitter to alert the public to the manhunt for the shooter, instead of activating the province-wide Alert Ready system.
The warning system — which blares a siren via cellphone — was last used April 10 to warn people to stay home during the Easter weekend to prevent spread of the coronavirus, according to Canada's National Post newspaper.
At a news conference on Monday, Leather said the force believed that Twitter was "a superior way to communicate," but will take a close look at that reasoning as part of its investigation.


npr--2020-04-21--N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo Says President Trump Promised Help With Coronavirus Testing

N.Y. Gov .
Andrew Cuomo Says President Trump Promised Help With Coronavirus Testing New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said late Tuesday he had a `` productive '' meeting with President Trump and his team at the White House .
During an evening press conference in Albany , Cuomo said Trump committed to procure more coronavirus testing supplies from China and other overseas manufacturers .
The goal is for New York to double the number of people tested daily from 20,000 to 40,000 by mid-May .
`` The federal government will work on the supply of tests and reagents from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
State officials will work at the same time to expand field testing stations and lab capacity .
Cuomo says New York will focus mostly on diagnostic tests to identify people contagious with the coronavirus , but will also conduct antibody tests to find those who have recovered from COVID-19 .
County health departments across New York have worked in recent weeks to track and contain the spread of the coronavirus .
Cuomo said the state will now work to deploy far more workers to quarantine those who test positive and trace their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been infected .
`` That operation is going to be enormous , '' he added .
The scarcity of testing kits , chemicals and other supplies has been a major flash point between Trump and some governors since the pandemic reached the U.S. Cuomo has often criticized the White House for not doing more to help .
He predicted Tuesday 's agreement would end `` the whole back-and-forth and the finger pointing . ''
Cuomo was asked whether Trump plans to use the Defense Production Act to force some U.S. companies to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not talk through how he 's going to do his end of the operation , '' he replied .
During the White House meeting , Trump and Cuomo also agreed the Navy ship Comfort will leave New York City as the rate of spread of COVID-19 there continues to decline .
State officials in New York say they 're confident the worst of the pandemic has passed , but speaking earlier Tuesday Cuomo said another 481 New Yorkers had died in the previous 24 hours .
That represents a slight increase from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 has claimed the lives of 14,828 New Yorkers .

N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo Says President Trump Promised Help With Coronavirus Testing
Enlarge this image toggle caption Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said late Tuesday he had a "productive" meeting with President Trump and his team at the White House. During an evening press conference in Albany, Cuomo said Trump committed to procure more coronavirus testing supplies from China and other overseas manufacturers.
The goal is for New York to double the number of people tested daily from 20,000 to 40,000 by mid-May.
"The federal government will work on the supply of tests and reagents from the national manufacturers," Cuomo said. State officials will work at the same time to expand field testing stations and lab capacity.
Cuomo says New York will focus mostly on diagnostic tests to identify people contagious with the coronavirus, but will also conduct antibody tests to find those who have recovered from COVID-19.
County health departments across New York have worked in recent weeks to track and contain the spread of the coronavirus.
Cuomo said the state will now work to deploy far more workers to quarantine those who test positive and trace their contacts with other people who may have been infected. "That operation is going to be enormous," he added.
The scarcity of testing kits, chemicals and other supplies has been a major flash point between Trump and some governors since the pandemic reached the U.S. Cuomo has often criticized the White House for not doing more to help. He predicted Tuesday's agreement would end "the whole back-and-forth and the finger pointing."
Cuomo was asked whether Trump plans to use the Defense Production Act to force some U.S. companies to help produce more testing components. "We did not talk through how he's going to do his end of the operation," he replied.
During the White House meeting, Trump and Cuomo also agreed the Navy ship Comfort will leave New York City as the rate of spread of COVID-19 there continues to decline.
State officials in New York say they're confident the worst of the pandemic has passed, but speaking earlier Tuesday Cuomo said another 481 New Yorkers had died in the previous 24 hours. That represents a slight increase from the day before. So far, COVID-19 has claimed the lives of 14,828 New Yorkers.


npr--2020-04-21--Coronavirus World Map: Tracking The Spread Of The Outbreak

Coronavirus World Map : Tracking The Spread Of The Outbreak Since the new coronavirus was first reported in Wuhan , China , in December , the infectious respiratory disease COVID-19 has spread rapidly within China and to neighboring countries and beyond .
The first confirmed coronavirus cases outside China occurred on Jan. 20 , in Japan , Thailand and South Korea .
On Jan. 21 , the first case in the U.S. was identified in Washington state .
On Jan. 24 , the first two European cases were confirmed in France .
By Feb. 1 , eight European nations had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month later that count had risen to 24 countries with at least 2,200 cases , most of them in Italy .
On March 11 , Italy eclipsed 10,000 cases and the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a pandemic — the first since H1N1 in 2009 .
That 's also when China , the original epicenter , began seeing drops in daily counts of new cases .
March also saw exponential spread of the virus throughout the U.S. , with all 50 states reporting cases by March 17 .
This particular virus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the third strain of coronavirus known to frequently cause severe symptoms in humans .
The other two strains cause Middle East respiratory syndrome and severe acute respiratory syndrome .
Click here to see the state-by-state breakdown of cases in the United States .
This story was originally published on March 30 , 2020 .

Coronavirus world map: We've now passed the 600 million mark for infections
Editor's note: This page is no longer being updated. The last update was Sept. 5, 2022. For current data about COVID-19 cases and deaths around the world, Johns Hopkins University and Our World in Data are useful resources.
In late January 2020 only a few dozen COVID-19 infections had been identified outside of China. A year later, the world tallied its first 100 million cases. It took the globe just 7 more months to pass the 200 million mark— then another 5 months to hit 300 million, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins University. Now the virus has spread to every corner of the globe and has been blamed for more than 6 million deaths.
The United States, India and Brazil in that order have had the most COVID cases and the three nations collectively account for almost half of all recorded infections so far in the pandemic.
Explore the chart below to find a country-by-country breakdown of new and total cases since January 2020.
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Explore how the number of coronavirus cases have shifted in different parts of the world over time. The first chart compares each continent to each other, while the next charts highlight the number of cases in select countries by region.
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This story was originally published on March 30, 2020.


npr--2020-04-22--Coronavirus World Map: Tracking The Spread Of The Outbreak


npr--2020-04-22--Tracking The Pandemic: How Quickly Is The Coronavirus Spreading State By State?

Tracking The Pandemic : How Quickly Is The Coronavirus Spreading State By State ?
Since the first coronavirus case was confirmed in the United States on Jan. 21 , over a half-million people in the U.S. have confirmed cases of COVID-19 .
On April 12 , the U.S. became the nation with the most deaths globally , but there are early signs that the U.S. case and death counts may be leveling off , as the growth of new cases and deaths plateaus .
The pattern is n't consistent across the country , as new hot spots emerge and others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state 's case count is growing , click here .
Click here to see a global map of confirmed cases and deaths .
In response to mounting cases , state and federal authorities have emphasized a social distancing strategy , widely seen as the best available means to slow the spread of the virus .
Most states have put in place measures such as closing schools and nonessential businesses and ordering citizens to stay home as much as possible .
It 's not clear how long such measures need to be in place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wuhan , the city in China where the virus originated , a strictly enforced lockdown and widespread testing have slowed the outbreak dramatically , enough to bring an end to the 76-day lockdown .
A large portion of U.S. cases are centered on New York City .
Since March 20 , New York state , Connecticut and New Jersey have accounted for around 50 % of all U.S. cases .
As of April 9 , nearly 60 % of all deaths from COVID-19 have been in these three states .
While New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as seen below , it notched between 8,000 and 10,000 new cases each day between March 31 and April 12 .
To understand how one state 's outbreak compares with another 's , it 's helpful to look at not just the daily counts but the rate of change day over day .
In the following chart , we display cases on a logarithmic scale , meaning that every axis line is 10 times greater than the previous one .
This type of scale emphasizes the rate of change .
When case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's curve trends sharply upward , as New York 's does over the first 15 days past 100 cases .
Generally , this is evidence of unbridled community transmission of the disease .
As new cases slow , the curve bends toward horizontal , showing that the state 's outbreak may be leveling off .
This does n't mean the number of cases has stopped growing , but the rate of growth has slowed , which could signify that social distancing measures are having an effect .
In some areas , there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the earliest outbreaks — such as California and Washington — seem to be having success at suppressing the disease .
The outlook in Washington has improved to the point that the state has returned unused Army hospital beds it had received in preparation for a peak in cases .
Elsewhere , limited access to testing may make the number of cases look smaller than it really is .
As testing becomes more readily available , we are likely to see the number of confirmed cases continue to grow , even if not at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used here are compiled by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University from several sources , including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ; the World Health Organization ; national , state and local government health departments ; 1point3acres ; and local media reports .
The JHU team automates its data uploads and regularly checks them for anomalies .
State-by-state testing and hospitalization data are still being assessed for reliability .
State-by-state recovery data are unavailable at this time .
There may be discrepancies between what you see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local health department 's website .
Stephanie Adeline , Alyson Hurt , Connie Hanzhang Jin , Ruth Talbot and Thomas Wilburn contributed to this story .

Tracking the coronavirus around the U.S.: See how your state is doing
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Note: This page was last updated on Feb. 1, 2023. It will no longer be updated. For current data on COVID cases and deaths, demographics, and hospitalizations, consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As of Feb. 1, there have been more than 101 million confirmed coronavirus infections in the U.S. and more than 1 million people have died of COVID-19. In the graphics below, explore the trends in your state.
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The above charts show average new cases per 100,000 people for each state over the last 12 months.
Note: Actual cases may be substantially higher, since many who test positive with at-home tests don't report their cases.
For additional data about COVID-19 in the U.S, including cases and deaths, demographics, and hospitalizations, consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
To show trends, the table below shows the change in average new cases per day in each state, week over week for the last 28 days. States marked in shades of red have growing outbreaks; those in shades of green, are declining.
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Methodology
The graphics on this page pull from data compiled by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University from several sources, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; the World Health Organization; national, state and local government health departments; 1point3acres; and local media reports.
The JHU team automates its data uploads and regularly checks them for anomalies. This may result in occasional data discrepancies on this page as the JHU team resolves anomalies and updates its feeds. There may be discrepancies between what you see here and what you see on your local health department's website. Figures shown do not include cases on cruise ships.
Fluctuations in the numbers may happen as health authorities review old cases, process testing backlogs or update their methodologies. The JHU team maintains a list of such changes.
This story was originally published on March 16, 2020. Elena Renken was a co-author on that version. Sean McMinn and Audrey Carlsen contributed to this story. Carmel Wroth edited this story.


npr--2020-04-22--MLB Punishes Red Sox In Sign Stealing Scandal

The Boston Red Sox 's illegal sign stealing during their 2018 championship season has cost them their second-round draft pick this year , a decision announced by Major League Baseball Wednesday .
An MLB report concludes that J.T .
Watkins , the team 's video replay operator , was the major culprit in the 2018 scandal , but the wrongdoing happened only in limited circumstances .
`` The information was only relevant when the Red Sox had a runner on second base ( which was 19.7 % of plate appearances leaguewide in 2018 ) , and Watkins communicated sign sequences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had decoded them from the in-game feed in only a small percentage of those occurrences , '' wrote Commissioner Robert Manfred , Jr .
These instances were much more limited in scope and less choreographed than the Houston Astros 2017 cheating , the report found .
Watkins , who has denied the cheating allegations , has been suspended without pay through the 2020 season and postseason .
He has also been banned from operating the team 's video replay through 2021 .
Baseball is entirely shut down during the coronavirus pandemic .
MLB @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cora , other staff and most team members likely did not know about the sign changing .
Cora , who mutually agreed to part ways with the Red Sox in January , was previously the Houston Astro 's bench coach .
Cora was found to be deeply involved in that 2017 scandal , and according to the MLB investigation into the Astros , Cora developed that cheating system .
Because of that , like Watkins , he 'll be suspended from baseball through the end of the 2020 postseason .
`` As an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compliance with the rules .
MLB 's investigation concluded that in isolated instances during the 2018 regular season , sign sequences were decoded through the use of live game video rather than through permissible means , '' Red Sox president and CEO Sam Kennedy said in a statement .
Although baseball is on hold indefinitely due to the coronavirus , Dr. Anthony Fauci , the nation 's top infectious-disease expert , recently said he could see baseball returning sometime in the future , with serious social distancing .

MLB Punishes Red Sox In Sign Stealing Scandal
The Boston Red Sox's illegal sign stealing during their 2018 championship season has cost them their second-round draft pick this year, a decision announced by Major League Baseball Wednesday.
An MLB report concludes that J.T. Watkins, the team's video replay operator, was the major culprit in the 2018 scandal, but the wrongdoing happened only in limited circumstances.
"The information was only relevant when the Red Sox had a runner on second base (which was 19.7% of plate appearances leaguewide in 2018), and Watkins communicated sign sequences in a manner that indicated that he had decoded them from the in-game feed in only a small percentage of those occurrences," wrote Commissioner Robert Manfred, Jr.
These instances were much more limited in scope and less choreographed than the Houston Astros 2017 cheating, the report found.
Watkins, who has denied the cheating allegations, has been suspended without pay through the 2020 season and postseason. He has also been banned from operating the team's video replay through 2021. Baseball is entirely shut down during the coronavirus pandemic.
MLB officials found that then-Red Sox manager Alex Cora, other staff and most team members likely did not know about the sign changing.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Elise Amendola/AP Elise Amendola/AP
Cora, who mutually agreed to part ways with the Red Sox in January, was previously the Houston Astro's bench coach. Cora was found to be deeply involved in that 2017 scandal, and according to the MLB investigation into the Astros, Cora developed that cheating system.
Because of that, like Watkins, he'll be suspended from baseball through the end of the 2020 postseason.
"As an organization, we strive for 100% compliance with the rules. MLB's investigation concluded that in isolated instances during the 2018 regular season, sign sequences were decoded through the use of live game video rather than through permissible means," Red Sox president and CEO Sam Kennedy said in a statement.
Although baseball is on hold indefinitely due to the coronavirus, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious-disease expert, recently said he could see baseball returning sometime in the future, with serious social distancing.


npr--2020-04-22--In New York Nursing Homes, Death Comes To Facilities With More People Of Color

In New York Nursing Homes , Death Comes To Facilities With More People Of Color There 's one thing that distinguishes the nursing homes in New York that have reported patient deaths from COVID-19 .
According to an NPR analysis , they are far more likely to be made up of people of color .
NPR looked at 78 nursing homes in New York in which six or more residents have died of COVID-19 .
In one facility , 55 people have died as of April 20 .
Ten others report 30 or more deaths .
Seven of the 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths report that 46 percent or more of their residents are `` non-white . ''
Most of these `` non-white '' residents are black and latinx .
At one facility , the Franklin Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Queens , which reported 45 deaths , 80 percent of the residents are minority , including 47 percent who are Asian .
NPR filed a public records request with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and collected data on every nursing home in the United States .
We focused our analysis on New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths of COVID-19 , by far .
Do n't see the graphic above ?
Click here .
Fifty-eight percent of the deaths in the state happened in nursing homes in New York City .
Those nursing homes , the NPR numbers show , are notable for their high percentages of residents of color .
But even most of the residents who died in facilities in other parts of the state were living in nursing homes that had a high percentage of residents of color .
The population in those facilities tend to reflect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were located .
The racial imbalance in the deaths in New York nursing homes reflects another national trend : That among all fatalities , across the country , from COVID-19 , black and Hispanic people make up a disproportionate share of the dying .
NPR analyzed other data too , including the federal government 's system for rating nursing homes that gives each facility a star rating from one to five .
In New York state , nursing homes that recorded deaths actually had better quality scores than other nursing homes .
Half @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four or five star ratings from Medicare 's Nursing Home Compare website , indications of `` above average '' or `` much above average '' quality .
On other indicators , there was little difference between nursing homes with deaths reported and other facilities in the state .
Staffing levels were about the same .
Their reliance on Medicaid patients — who bring lower reimbursements — was similar , too .
Their occupancy rates — which can indicate problems at a facility if low — also were roughly the same .
But the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facilities .
Three of those facilities have 700 or more residents .
Almost half — 38 out of the 78 , including some of the largest in the state — are in New York City .
Nationwide , people living in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities make up close to one out of five deaths nationwide from COVID-19 , according to The New York Times .
`` It is not surprising that this is exaggerated , '' Dr. Clyde Yancy , chief of cardiology at Northwestern University 's Feinberg School of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the racial imbalance in deaths at nursing homes .
He wrote in the Journal of the American Medical Association about the long history of racial disparities in health care and how it plays out now in this pandemic .
For `` someone living in a nursing home who has suffered more extensive complications to a disease process because of already embedded health disparities , '' says Yancy , `` one can only imagine what happens when that individual now is facing coronavirus infection , potential COVID-19 complications . ''
Years of inequality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care , to hard lives and jobs , to a greater likelihood of developing diabetes , asthma and other conditions that now put people in those nursing homes at greater risk .
Nursing homes are now being recognized as one of the front lines of the pandemic .
The residents are often frail , they have underlying health problems .
Nurse aides — who work for low wages — do the hands-on care .
They get people out of bed , bathe them and take them to the toilet .
They and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get masks , gloves and other personal protective equipment .
That made it easier for the virus to spread , notes Dr. Dora Hughes , of the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University .
`` For all of our pandemic response , much of our attention has focused , appropriately , on hospitals .
But I think for what we 've seen with the nursing home is a fairly stark reminder that we need to really expand our thinking in terms of essential workers , '' says Hughes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been a greater priority . ''

In New York Nursing Homes, Death Comes To Facilities With More People Of Color
Enlarge this image toggle caption Justin Heiman/Getty Images Justin Heiman/Getty Images
There's one thing that distinguishes the nursing homes in New York that have reported patient deaths from COVID-19. According to an NPR analysis, they are far more likely to be made up of people of color.
NPR looked at 78 nursing homes in New York in which six or more residents have died of COVID-19. In one facility, 55 people have died as of April 20. Ten others report 30 or more deaths.
Seven of the 11 nursing homes with the highest number of deaths report that 46 percent or more of their residents are "non-white." Most of these "non-white" residents are black and latinx. At one facility, the Franklin Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Queens, which reported 45 deaths, 80 percent of the residents are minority, including 47 percent who are Asian.
NPR filed a public records request with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and collected data on every nursing home in the United States. We focused our analysis on New York because that state has the most deaths of COVID-19, by far.
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Fifty-eight percent of the deaths in the state happened in nursing homes in New York City. Those nursing homes, the NPR numbers show, are notable for their high percentages of residents of color.
But even most of the residents who died in facilities in other parts of the state were living in nursing homes that had a high percentage of residents of color. The population in those facilities tend to reflect the demographics of the counties where they were located.
The racial imbalance in the deaths in New York nursing homes reflects another national trend: That among all fatalities, across the country, from COVID-19, black and Hispanic people make up a disproportionate share of the dying.
NPR analyzed other data too, including the federal government's system for rating nursing homes that gives each facility a star rating from one to five.
In New York state, nursing homes that recorded deaths actually had better quality scores than other nursing homes. Half of the facilities that report deaths get four or five star ratings from Medicare's Nursing Home Compare website, indications of "above average" or "much above average" quality.
On other indicators, there was little difference between nursing homes with deaths reported and other facilities in the state. Staffing levels were about the same. Their reliance on Medicaid patients — who bring lower reimbursements — was similar, too. Their occupancy rates — which can indicate problems at a facility if low — also were roughly the same.
But the nursing homes with outbreaks were often larger facilities. Three of those facilities have 700 or more residents. Almost half — 38 out of the 78, including some of the largest in the state — are in New York City.
Nationwide, people living in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities make up close to one out of five deaths nationwide from COVID-19, according to The New York Times.
"It is not surprising that this is exaggerated," Dr. Clyde Yancy, chief of cardiology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, said of NPR's findings of the racial imbalance in deaths at nursing homes. He wrote in the Journal of the American Medical Association about the long history of racial disparities in health care and how it plays out now in this pandemic.
For "someone living in a nursing home who has suffered more extensive complications to a disease process because of already embedded health disparities," says Yancy, "one can only imagine what happens when that individual now is facing coronavirus infection, potential COVID-19 complications."
Years of inequality can lead to less access to health care, to hard lives and jobs, to a greater likelihood of developing diabetes, asthma and other conditions that now put people in those nursing homes at greater risk.
Nursing homes are now being recognized as one of the front lines of the pandemic. The residents are often frail, they have underlying health problems.
Nurse aides — who work for low wages — do the hands-on care. They get people out of bed, bathe them and take them to the toilet. They and other staffers were some of the last to get masks, gloves and other personal protective equipment. That made it easier for the virus to spread, notes Dr. Dora Hughes, of the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University.
"For all of our pandemic response, much of our attention has focused, appropriately, on hospitals. But I think for what we've seen with the nursing home is a fairly stark reminder that we need to really expand our thinking in terms of essential workers," says Hughes. "The direct care staff, should have been a greater priority."
Barbara Van Woerkom provided research for this story.


npr--2020-04-22--READ: Trump Signs Proclamation Temporarily Suspending Immigration

President Trump signed a proclamation Wednesday `` temporarily suspending immigration into the United States '' in what he calls a response to the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic .
`` This will ensure that unemployed Americans of all backgrounds will be first in line for jobs as our economy reopens , '' Trump said at the White House Wednesday .
The proclamation , which Trump first announced in a late-night tweet Monday , suspends immigration for people seeking green cards for 60 days .
The suspension applies to individuals who , as of Wednesday , are outside of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an immigrant visa and do not have official travel documents other than visas .
There are exceptions for permanent residents of the U.S. , along with spouses and the children of U.S. citizens .
The suspension also does not apply to individuals seeking to enter the country on an immigrant visa as a health care professional or medical researcher working to combat the coronavirus .
In a statement , Trump said he was asking the administration to review guest-worker programs to assess if more steps were needed to protect American workers .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decide on whether to extend the order past 60 days , Trump said he 'll use the economy as a marker .
`` We 'll see where we are with the economy , basically .
And I think I 'll have a very easy decision to make , '' Trump explained .
`` I hope that the economy is going to be great by that time , but we 'll see .
But , right now , in light of the fact that Americans are out of jobs , I ca n't be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could envision both rolling out an additional 30 days of the order as well as extending it by `` much more '' than 60 days .
The order is the broadest expansion of immigration restrictions imposed in the U.S. since the outbreak of the coronavirus .
Earlier travel bans were targeted at slowing the spread of the pandemic .
You can read the full proclamation below .
`` Proclamation Suspending Entry of Immigrants Who Present Risk to the U.S. Labor Market During the Economic Recovery Following the COVID-19 Outbreak '' The 2019 Novel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the livelihoods of Americans .
In Proclamation 9994 of March 13 , 2020 ( Declaring a National Emergency Concerning the Novel Coronavirus Disease ( COVID-19 ) Outbreak ) , I declared that the COVID–19 outbreak in the United States constituted a national emergency , beginning March 1 , 2020 .
Since then , the American people have united behind a policy of mitigation strategies , including social distancing , to flatten the curve of infections and reduce the spread of SARS–CoV–2 , the virus that causes COVID-19 .
This needed behavioral shift has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy , with national unemployment claims reaching historic levels .
In the days between the national emergency declaration and April 11 , 2020 , more than 22 million Americans have filed for unemployment .
In the administration of our Nation 's immigration system , we must be mindful of the impact of foreign workers on the United States labor market , particularly in an environment of high domestic unemployment and depressed demand for labor .
We must also conserve critical State Department resources so that consular officers may continue to provide services to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their ranks diminished by staffing disruptions caused by the pandemic , consular officers continue to provide assistance to United States citizens , including through the ongoing evacuation of many Americans stranded overseas .
I have determined that , without intervention , the United States faces a potentially protracted economic recovery with persistently high unemployment if labor supply outpaces labor demand .
Excess labor supply affects all workers and potential workers , but it is particularly harmful to workers at the margin between employment and unemployment , who are typically `` last in '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out '' during an economic contraction .
In recent years , these workers have been disproportionately represented by historically disadvantaged groups , including African Americans and other minorities , those without a college degree , and the disabled .
These are the workers who , at the margin between employment and unemployment , are likely to bear the burden of excess labor supply disproportionately .
Furthermore , lawful permanent residents , once admitted , are granted `` open-market '' employment authorization documents , allowing them immediate eligibility to compete for almost any job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There is no way to protect already disadvantaged and unemployed Americans from the threat of competition for scarce jobs from new lawful permanent residents by directing those new residents to particular economic sectors with a demonstrated need not met by the existing labor supply .
Existing immigrant visa processing protections are inadequate for recovery from the COVID-19 outbreak .
The vast majority of immigrant visa categories do not require employers to account for displacement of United States workers .
While some employment-based visas contain a labor certification requirement , because visa issuance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the labor certification process can not adequately capture the status of the labor market today .
Moreover , introducing additional permanent residents when our healthcare resources are limited puts strain on the finite limits of our healthcare system at a time when we need to prioritize Americans and the existing immigrant population .
In light of the above , I have determined that the entry , during the next 60 days , of certain aliens as immigrants would be detrimental to the interests of the United States .
NOW , THEREFORE , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the United States , by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America , including sections 212 ( f ) and 215 ( a ) of the Immigration and Nationality Act , 8 U.S.C .
1182 ( f ) and 1185 ( a ) , and section 301 of title 3 , United States Code , hereby find that the entry into the United States of persons described in section 1 of this proclamation would , except as provided for in section 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the interests of the United States , and that their entry should be subject to certain restrictions , limitations , and exceptions .
I therefore hereby proclaim the following : Section 1 .
Suspension and Limitation on Entry .
The entry into the United States of aliens as immigrants is hereby suspended and limited subject to section 2 of this proclamation .
Sec .
2 .
Scope of Suspension and Limitation on Entry .
( a ) The suspension and limitation on entry pursuant to section 1 of this proclamation shall apply only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are outside the United States on the effective date of this proclamation ; ( ii ) do not have an immigrant visa that is valid on the effective date of this proclamation ; and ( iii ) do not have an official travel document other than a visa ( such as a transportation letter , an appropriate boarding foil , or an advance parole document ) that is valid on the effective date of this proclamation or issued on any date thereafter that permits him or her to travel to the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ b ) The suspension and limitation on entry pursuant to section 1 of this proclamation shall not apply to : ( i ) any lawful permanent resident of the United States ; ( ii ) any alien seeking to enter the United States on an immigrant visa as a physician , nurse , or other healthcare professional ; to perform medical research or other research intended to combat the spread of COVID-19 ; or to perform work essential to combating , recovering from , or otherwise alleviating the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State , the Secretary of Homeland Security , or their respective designees ; and any spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old of any such alien who are accompanying or following to join the alien ; ( iii ) any alien applying for a visa to enter the United States pursuant to the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program ; ( iv ) any alien who is the spouse of a United States citizen ; ( v ) any alien who is under 21 years old and is the child of a United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adoptee seeking to enter the United States pursuant to the IR-4 or IH-4 visa classifications ; ( vi ) any alien whose entry would further important United States law enforcement objectives , as determined by the Secretary of State , the Secretary of Homeland Security , or their respective designees , based on a recommendation of the Attorney General or his designee ; ( vii ) any member of the United States Armed Forces and any spouse and children of a member of the United States Armed Forces ; ( viii ) any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pursuant to a Special Immigrant Visa in the SI or SQ classification , subject to such conditions as the Secretary of State may impose , and any spouse and children of any such individual ; or ( ix ) any alien whose entry would be in the national interest , as determined by the Secretary of State , the Secretary of Homeland Security , or their respective designees .
Sec .
3 .
Implementation and Enforcement .
( a ) The consular officer shall determine , in his or her discretion , whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eligibility for an exception in section 2 ( b ) of this proclamation .
The Secretary of State shall implement this proclamation as it applies to visas pursuant to such procedures as the Secretary of State , in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security , may establish in the Secretary of State 's discretion .
The Secretary of Homeland Security shall implement this proclamation as it applies to the entry of aliens pursuant to such procedures as the Secretary of Homeland Security , in consultation with the Secretary of State , may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's discretion .
( b ) An alien who circumvents the application of this proclamation through fraud , willful misrepresentation of a material fact , or illegal entry shall be a priority for removal by the Department of Homeland Security .
( c ) Nothing in this proclamation shall be construed to limit the ability of an individual to seek asylum , refugee status , withholding of removal , or protection under the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel , Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment , consistent with the laws of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Termination .
This proclamation shall expire 60 days from its effective date and may be continued as necessary .
Whenever appropriate , but no later than 50 days from the effective date of this proclamation , the Secretary of Homeland Security shall , in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Labor , recommend whether I should continue or modify this proclamation .
Sec .
5 .
Effective Date .
This proclamation is effective at 11:59 p.m. eastern daylight time on April 23 , 2020 .
Sec .
6 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the effective date of this proclamation , the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Homeland Security , in consultation with the Secretary of State , shall review nonimmigrant programs and shall recommend to me other measures appropriate to stimulate the United States economy and ensure the prioritization , hiring , and employment of United States workers .
Sec .
7 .
Severability .
It is the policy of the United States to enforce this proclamation to the maximum extent possible to advance the interests of the United States .
Accordingly : ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proclamation , or the application of any provision to any person or circumstance , is held to be invalid , the remainder of this proclamation and the application of its provisions to any other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby ; and ( b ) if any provision of this proclamation , or the application of any provision to any person or circumstance , is held to be invalid because of the lack of certain procedural requirements , the relevant executive branch officials shall implement those procedural requirements to conform with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ orders .
Sec .
8 .
General Provisions .
( a ) Nothing in this proclamation shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect : ( i ) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency , or the head thereof ; or , ( ii ) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary , administrative , or legislative proposals .
( b ) This proclamation shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations .
( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to , and does not , create any right or benefit , substantive or procedural , enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States , its departments , agencies , or entities , its officers , employees , or agents , or any other person .
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day of April , in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty , and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fourth .

READ: Trump Signs Proclamation Temporarily Suspending Immigration
Enlarge this image toggle caption MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images
President Trump signed a proclamation Wednesday "temporarily suspending immigration into the United States" in what he calls a response to the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
"This will ensure that unemployed Americans of all backgrounds will be first in line for jobs as our economy reopens," Trump said at the White House Wednesday.
The proclamation, which Trump first announced in a late-night tweet Monday, suspends immigration for people seeking green cards for 60 days.
The suspension applies to individuals who, as of Wednesday, are outside of the United States, do not have an immigrant visa and do not have official travel documents other than visas.
There are exceptions for permanent residents of the U.S., along with spouses and the children of U.S. citizens. The suspension also does not apply to individuals seeking to enter the country on an immigrant visa as a health care professional or medical researcher working to combat the coronavirus.
In a statement, Trump said he was asking the administration to review guest-worker programs to assess if more steps were needed to protect American workers.
When asked on Tuesday how the administration would decide on whether to extend the order past 60 days, Trump said he'll use the economy as a marker.
"We'll see where we are with the economy, basically. And I think I'll have a very easy decision to make," Trump explained. "I hope that the economy is going to be great by that time, but we'll see. But, right now, in light of the fact that Americans are out of jobs, I can't be taking in."
Trump suggested he could envision both rolling out an additional 30 days of the order as well as extending it by "much more" than 60 days.
The order is the broadest expansion of immigration restrictions imposed in the U.S. since the outbreak of the coronavirus. Earlier travel bans were targeted at slowing the spread of the pandemic.
You can read the full proclamation below.
"Proclamation Suspending Entry of Immigrants Who Present Risk to the U.S. Labor Market During the Economic Recovery Following the COVID-19 Outbreak"
The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has significantly disrupted the livelihoods of Americans. In Proclamation 9994 of March 13, 2020 (Declaring a National Emergency Concerning the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak), I declared that the COVID–19 outbreak in the United States constituted a national emergency, beginning March 1, 2020. Since then, the American people have united behind a policy of mitigation strategies, including social distancing, to flatten the curve of infections and reduce the spread of SARS–CoV–2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This needed behavioral shift has taken a toll on the United States economy, with national unemployment claims reaching historic levels. In the days between the national emergency declaration and April 11, 2020, more than 22 million Americans have filed for unemployment.
In the administration of our Nation's immigration system, we must be mindful of the impact of foreign workers on the United States labor market, particularly in an environment of high domestic unemployment and depressed demand for labor. We must also conserve critical State Department resources so that consular officers may continue to provide services to United States citizens abroad. Even with their ranks diminished by staffing disruptions caused by the pandemic, consular officers continue to provide assistance to United States citizens, including through the ongoing evacuation of many Americans stranded overseas.
I have determined that, without intervention, the United States faces a potentially protracted economic recovery with persistently high unemployment if labor supply outpaces labor demand. Excess labor supply affects all workers and potential workers, but it is particularly harmful to workers at the margin between employment and unemployment, who are typically "last in" during an economic expansion and "first out" during an economic contraction. In recent years, these workers have been disproportionately represented by historically disadvantaged groups, including African Americans and other minorities, those without a college degree, and the disabled. These are the workers who, at the margin between employment and unemployment, are likely to bear the burden of excess labor supply disproportionately.
Furthermore, lawful permanent residents, once admitted, are granted "open-market" employment authorization documents, allowing them immediate eligibility to compete for almost any job, in any sector of the economy. There is no way to protect already disadvantaged and unemployed Americans from the threat of competition for scarce jobs from new lawful permanent residents by directing those new residents to particular economic sectors with a demonstrated need not met by the existing labor supply. Existing immigrant visa processing protections are inadequate for recovery from the COVID-19 outbreak. The vast majority of immigrant visa categories do not require employers to account for displacement of United States workers. While some employment-based visas contain a labor certification requirement, because visa issuance happens substantially after the certification is completed, the labor certification process cannot adequately capture the status of the labor market today. Moreover, introducing additional permanent residents when our healthcare resources are limited puts strain on the finite limits of our healthcare system at a time when we need to prioritize Americans and the existing immigrant population. In light of the above, I have determined that the entry, during the next 60 days, of certain aliens as immigrants would be detrimental to the interests of the United States.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including sections 212(f) and 215(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. 1182(f) and 1185(a), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, hereby find that the entry into the United States of persons described in section 1 of this proclamation would, except as provided for in section 2 of this proclamation, be detrimental to the interests of the United States, and that their entry should be subject to certain restrictions, limitations, and exceptions. I therefore hereby proclaim the following:
Section 1. Suspension and Limitation on Entry. The entry into the United States of aliens as immigrants is hereby suspended and limited subject to section 2 of this proclamation.
Sec. 2. Scope of Suspension and Limitation on Entry. (a) The suspension and limitation on entry pursuant to section 1 of this proclamation shall apply only to aliens who:
(i) are outside the United States on the effective date of this proclamation;
(ii) do not have an immigrant visa that is valid on the effective date of this proclamation; and
(iii) do not have an official travel document other than a visa (such as a transportation letter, an appropriate boarding foil, or an advance parole document) that is valid on the effective date of this proclamation or issued on any date thereafter that permits him or her to travel to the United States and seek entry or admission.
(b) The suspension and limitation on entry pursuant to section 1 of this proclamation shall not apply to:
(i) any lawful permanent resident of the United States;
(ii) any alien seeking to enter the United States on an immigrant visa as a physician, nurse, or other healthcare professional; to perform medical research or other research intended to combat the spread of COVID-19; or to perform work essential to combating, recovering from, or otherwise alleviating the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak, as determined by the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or their respective designees; and any spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old of any such alien who are accompanying or following to join the alien;
(iii) any alien applying for a visa to enter the United States pursuant to the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program;
(iv) any alien who is the spouse of a United States citizen;
(v) any alien who is under 21 years old and is the child of a United States citizen, or who is a prospective adoptee seeking to enter the United States pursuant to the IR-4 or IH-4 visa classifications;
(vi) any alien whose entry would further important United States law enforcement objectives, as determined by the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or their respective designees, based on a recommendation of the Attorney General or his designee;
(vii) any member of the United States Armed Forces and any spouse and children of a member of the United States Armed Forces;
(viii) any alien seeking to enter the United States pursuant to a Special Immigrant Visa in the SI or SQ classification, subject to such conditions as the Secretary of State may impose, and any spouse and children of any such individual; or
(ix) any alien whose entry would be in the national interest, as determined by the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or their respective designees.
Sec. 3. Implementation and Enforcement. (a) The consular officer shall determine, in his or her discretion, whether an immigrant has established his or her eligibility for an exception in section 2(b) of this proclamation. The Secretary of State shall implement this proclamation as it applies to visas pursuant to such procedures as the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, may establish in the Secretary of State's discretion. The Secretary of Homeland Security shall implement this proclamation as it applies to the entry of aliens pursuant to such procedures as the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, may establish in the Secretary of Homeland Security's discretion.
(b) An alien who circumvents the application of this proclamation through fraud, willful misrepresentation of a material fact, or illegal entry shall be a priority for removal by the Department of Homeland Security.
(c) Nothing in this proclamation shall be construed to limit the ability of an individual to seek asylum, refugee status, withholding of removal, or protection under the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, consistent with the laws of the United States.
Sec. 4. Termination. This proclamation shall expire 60 days from its effective date and may be continued as necessary. Whenever appropriate, but no later than 50 days from the effective date of this proclamation, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Labor, recommend whether I should continue or modify this proclamation.
Sec. 5. Effective Date. This proclamation is effective at 11:59 p.m. eastern daylight time on April 23, 2020.
Sec. 6. Additional Measures. Within 30 days of the effective date of this proclamation, the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall review nonimmigrant programs and shall recommend to me other measures appropriate to stimulate the United States economy and ensure the prioritization, hiring, and employment of United States workers.
Sec. 7. Severability. It is the policy of the United States to enforce this proclamation to the maximum extent possible to advance the interests of the United States. Accordingly:
(a) if any provision of this proclamation, or the application of any provision to any person or circumstance, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this proclamation and the application of its provisions to any other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby; and
(b) if any provision of this proclamation, or the application of any provision to any person or circumstance, is held to be invalid because of the lack of certain procedural requirements, the relevant executive branch officials shall implement those procedural requirements to conform with existing law and with any applicable court orders.
Sec. 8. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this proclamation shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or,
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This proclamation shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This proclamation is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fourth.
DONALD J. TRUMP


npr--2020-04-22--Las Vegas Mayor Urges Casinos To Reopen Saying Competition Will Reveal Safety Levels

Las Vegas Mayor Urges Casinos To Reopen Saying Competition Will Reveal Safety Levels Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman on Wednesday called for restaurants , hotels and casinos in the gambling mecca to reopen , saying competition would ultimately determine which were safest to visit and that only establishments with the most infections should be forced to close down .
Goodman , an independent , made the remarks on CNN , insisting that as mayor she bears no responsibility for figuring out how to safely maintain social distancing guidelines .
`` I am not a private owner , '' she told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market should operate in the age of COVID-19 .
`` That 's the competition in this country .
The free enterprise and to be able to make sure that what you offer the public meets the needs of the public .
Right now we 're in a crisis health-wise , and so for a restaurant to be open or a small boutique to be open , they better figure it out .
That 's their job .
That 's not the mayor 's job , '' Goodman insisted .
Nonessential businesses throughout Nevada @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Cooper pushed back : `` You 're talking about encouraging hundreds of thousands of people to come to Las Vegas ... in casinos , smoking , drinking , touching slot machines , breathing circulated air , and then returning home to states around America and countries around the world .
Does n't that sound like a virus petri dish ? ''
`` No .
It sounds like you 're being an alarmist , '' Goodman responded .
`` I 've lived a long life .
I grew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I know what it 's like to be on subways and on buses and crammed into elevators . ''
When pressed on how she would advise businesses to open their doors while ensuring public safety , she said , `` That 's up to them to figure out . ''
Goodman does not have authority to determine when or if businesses along the Las Vegas strip should open for business as they are outside of city lines .
But that has not deterred Goodman from advocating for a survival-of-the-fittest approach .
On Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's shutdown `` total insanity , '' told MSNBC 's Katy Tur that everyone should proceed as if they 've been infected by the coronavirus .
`` Assume everybody is a carrier , '' the mayor said .
`` And then you start from an even slate .
And tell the people what to do .
And let the businesses open and competition will destroy that business if , in fact , they become evident that they have disease , they 're closed down .
It 's that simple . ''
As the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more states are starting to weigh how to jump-start their economies while remaining aware of the dangers of relaxing social distancing measures too early .
Nevada has reported 3,937 cases of COVID-19 and 163 deaths .
Gov .
Steve Sisolak announced on Tuesday he is cautiously considering a phased approach to reopening Nevada .
`` If we do n't do this in a controled , informed manner , we 'll be hit by a tidal wave in two or three weeks , '' Sisolak said .
`` I wo n't do that to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adding , `` the lives of Nevadans are more important than profit . ''

Las Vegas Mayor Urges Casinos To Reopen Saying Competition Will Reveal Safety Levels
Enlarge this image toggle caption Daniel Clark/USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Daniel Clark/USA TODAY Sports via Reuters
Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman on Wednesday called for restaurants, hotels and casinos in the gambling mecca to reopen, saying competition would ultimately determine which were safest to visit and that only establishments with the most infections should be forced to close down.
Goodman, an independent, made the remarks on CNN, insisting that as mayor she bears no responsibility for figuring out how to safely maintain social distancing guidelines.
"I am not a private owner," she told Anderson Cooper before explaining how the free market should operate in the age of COVID-19.
"That's the competition in this country. The free enterprise and to be able to make sure that what you offer the public meets the needs of the public. Right now we're in a crisis health-wise, and so for a restaurant to be open or a small boutique to be open, they better figure it out. That's their job. That's not the mayor's job," Goodman insisted.
Nonessential businesses throughout Nevada have been closed for over a month because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Cooper pushed back: "You're talking about encouraging hundreds of thousands of people to come to Las Vegas ... in casinos, smoking, drinking, touching slot machines, breathing circulated air, and then returning home to states around America and countries around the world. Doesn't that sound like a virus petri dish?"
"No. It sounds like you're being an alarmist," Goodman responded.
"I've lived a long life. I grew up in the heart of Manhattan. I know what it's like to be on subways and on buses and crammed into elevators."
When pressed on how she would advise businesses to open their doors while ensuring public safety, she said, "That's up to them to figure out."
Goodman does not have authority to determine when or if businesses along the Las Vegas strip should open for business as they are outside of city lines. But that has not deterred Goodman from advocating for a survival-of-the-fittest approach.
On Tuesday Goodman, who has called the city's shutdown "total insanity," told MSNBC's Katy Tur that everyone should proceed as if they've been infected by the coronavirus.
"Assume everybody is a carrier," the mayor said. "And then you start from an even slate. And tell the people what to do. And let the businesses open and competition will destroy that business if, in fact, they become evident that they have disease, they're closed down. It's that simple."
As the coronavirus spread appears to have slowed, more states are starting to weigh how to jump-start their economies while remaining aware of the dangers of relaxing social distancing measures too early.
Nevada has reported 3,937 cases of COVID-19 and 163 deaths.
Gov. Steve Sisolak announced on Tuesday he is cautiously considering a phased approach to reopening Nevada.
"If we don't do this in a controled, informed manner, we'll be hit by a tidal wave in two or three weeks," Sisolak said.
"I won't do that to our state," he said, adding, "the lives of Nevadans are more important than profit."


npr--2020-04-22--'COBOL Cowboys' Aim To Rescue Sluggish State Unemployment Systems

Bill Hinshaw 's phone has been ringing off the hook lately .
From his home in Gainesville , Texas , which Hinshaw describes as `` horse country , '' he runs a group called the COBOL Cowboys .
It 's an association of programmers who specialize in the Eisenhower-era computer language .
Now their skills are in demand , thanks to the record number of people applying for unemployment benefits .
Many state unemployment systems run on COBOL , but lack the programmers needed to deal with the swell of applications .
Like Hinshaw , 78 , many COBOL programmers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are more COBOL programmers in retirement than there are in IT departments right now .
Hinshaw , who keeps a roster of 350 IT veterans at the ready in case organizations have COBOL crises , said he 's ready to deploy his Cowboys to help states now hunting for programmers who can speed up the processing of unemployment claims .
`` Basically when COBOL Cowboys gets most of its calls it 's on an urgent SOS , '' Hinshaw said .
Such a distress signal was sent by New Jersey Gov .
Phil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month .
`` Not only do we need healthcare workers .
But given the legacy systems , we should add a page for [ COBOL ] computer skills .
Because that 's what we 're dealing with , '' Murphy said .
Beyond New Jersey , Connecticut and Kansas have also been trying to recruit old-school coders as a shortage of COBOL programmers bedevils state officials .
A survey by technology news site The Verge found that at least a dozen states are still using COBOL in some capacity , including California , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rings familiar to John Thomas Flynn , who ran California 's IT department in the late-1990s , when programmers everywhere feared a Y2K meltdown .
Even after that , COBOL was not replaced .
Cash-strapped governments , he said , do not make it a priority .
Just thinking about replacing sprawling IT systems provokes anxiety , he said .
`` You know , these systems are $ 300- $ 400 million applications to modernize , '' Thomas Flynn said .
`` Some people just feel that , well , maybe we should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next administration do it . ''
Acknowledging that states are in need of COBOL programmers , IBM recently announced free training seminars to encourage younger coders to learn the pre-Internet programming language .
Hinshaw says it is n't hard to learn — if willing to time travel .
`` It 's like hopping off a bicycle in 1960 .
And climbing onto a Harley Davidson in 2020 , '' Hinshaw said .
It 's not just governments that continue to rely on COBOL .
Nearly half of U.S. banking systems do too , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swipes , according to Reuters and the International Cobol Survey Report .
`` I mean , it 's running the world , '' Hinshaw said .
`` Some people like to say that COBOL is going away soon .
But it 's not going anywhere . ''
Some COBOL experts bristle at state leaders ' blaming current backlogs of unemployment claims on a lack of coders .
The explanation , they say , is that governments have not updated the bulky and sluggish computers that run on COBOL , according to Derek Britton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which helps clients navigate such updates .
`` COBOL is not the issue , '' Britton said .
`` COBOL is famously highly portable , which means most of the application code can move platform without issue . ''
Hinshaw says if ageing computers were replaced , COBOL would continue to be fast and dependable .
`` We get concerned when there 's an issue and the first thing out of people 's mouth is 'COBOL .
It 's a COBOL problem , ' '' he said .
`` Well , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times it 's not . ''
As other states continue to hunt for COBOL programmers , New Jersey 's search has concluded .
States officials confirm to NPR that 3,000 people have filled out applications to help with the historic influx of unemployment claims .
The state , officials say , is now `` sufficiently staffed on COBOL needs . ''
As far as the group 's name , Hinshaw says they do not have any real cowboys as consultants .
Rather , it comes from the 2000 Clint Eastwood film Space Cowboys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of retirement to rescue a failing satellite .
`` I have to blame that one on my wife , Eileen , '' Hinshaw said .
`` We sorta laughed , but that name stuck with us . ''
The Hinshaws play up the theme in their email signature , which signs off : `` Not our first rodeo . ''

'COBOL Cowboys' Aim To Rescue Sluggish State Unemployment Systems
Enlarge this image toggle caption Philip Holman/AP Philip Holman/AP
Bill Hinshaw's phone has been ringing off the hook lately.
From his home in Gainesville, Texas, which Hinshaw describes as "horse country," he runs a group called the COBOL Cowboys. It's an association of programmers who specialize in the Eisenhower-era computer language. Now their skills are in demand, thanks to the record number of people applying for unemployment benefits.
Many state unemployment systems run on COBOL, but lack the programmers needed to deal with the swell of applications. Like Hinshaw, 78, many COBOL programmers are older. In fact, there are more COBOL programmers in retirement than there are in IT departments right now.
Hinshaw, who keeps a roster of 350 IT veterans at the ready in case organizations have COBOL crises, said he's ready to deploy his Cowboys to help states now hunting for programmers who can speed up the processing of unemployment claims.
"Basically when COBOL Cowboys gets most of its calls it's on an urgent SOS," Hinshaw said.
Such a distress signal was sent by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy at a press conference earlier this month.
"Not only do we need healthcare workers. But given the legacy systems, we should add a page for [COBOL] computer skills. Because that's what we're dealing with," Murphy said.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Chris Pedota/AP Chris Pedota/AP
Beyond New Jersey, Connecticut and Kansas have also been trying to recruit old-school coders as a shortage of COBOL programmers bedevils state officials.
A survey by technology news site The Verge found that at least a dozen states are still using COBOL in some capacity, including California, Rhode Island and Iowa.
The predicament rings familiar to John Thomas Flynn, who ran California's IT department in the late-1990s, when programmers everywhere feared a Y2K meltdown.
Even after that, COBOL was not replaced. Cash-strapped governments, he said, do not make it a priority. Just thinking about replacing sprawling IT systems provokes anxiety, he said.
"You know, these systems are $300-$400 million applications to modernize," Thomas Flynn said. "Some people just feel that, well, maybe we should just put it off and let the next administration do it."
Acknowledging that states are in need of COBOL programmers, IBM recently announced free training seminars to encourage younger coders to learn the pre-Internet programming language.
Hinshaw says it isn't hard to learn — if willing to time travel.
"It's like hopping off a bicycle in 1960. And climbing onto a Harley Davidson in 2020," Hinshaw said.
It's not just governments that continue to rely on COBOL. Nearly half of U.S. banking systems do too, as well as 95% of ATM swipes, according to Reuters and the International Cobol Survey Report.
"I mean, it's running the world," Hinshaw said. "Some people like to say that COBOL is going away soon. But it's not going anywhere."
Enlarge this image toggle caption COBOL Cowboys COBOL Cowboys
Some COBOL experts bristle at state leaders' blaming current backlogs of unemployment claims on a lack of coders.
The explanation, they say, is that governments have not updated the bulky and sluggish computers that run on COBOL, according to Derek Britton, product director at England-based Micro Focus, which helps clients navigate such updates.
"COBOL is not the issue," Britton said. "COBOL is famously highly portable, which means most of the application code can move platform without issue."
Hinshaw says if ageing computers were replaced, COBOL would continue to be fast and dependable.
"We get concerned when there's an issue and the first thing out of people's mouth is 'COBOL. It's a COBOL problem,'" he said. "Well, is it really a COBOL problem? Most times it's not."
As other states continue to hunt for COBOL programmers, New Jersey's search has concluded.
States officials confirm to NPR that 3,000 people have filled out applications to help with the historic influx of unemployment claims.
The state, officials say, is now "sufficiently staffed on COBOL needs."
As far as the group's name, Hinshaw says they do not have any real cowboys as consultants. Rather, it comes from the 2000 Clint Eastwood film Space Cowboys in which elderly aspiring astronauts are pulled out of retirement to rescue a failing satellite.
"I have to blame that one on my wife, Eileen," Hinshaw said. "We sorta laughed, but that name stuck with us."
The Hinshaws play up the theme in their email signature, which signs off: "Not our first rodeo."


npr--2020-04-22--Federal Scientist Says He Was Removed For Resisting Unproven Coronavirus Treatments

Federal Scientist Says He Was Removed For Resisting Unproven Coronavirus Treatments A high-ranking federal scientist focused on vaccine development says he was removed from his post because of his `` insistence '' that the government spend funds on `` safe and scientifically vetted solutions '' to address the coronavirus crisis and not on `` drugs , vaccines and other technologies that lack scientific merit . ''
In a statement Wednesday that was released by his attorneys , Richard Bright specifically cited his pushback against unproven potential treatments that President Trump has repeatedly advocated for during White House briefings and on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority and a deputy assistant secretary with the Department of Health and Human Services until , he says , he was removed on Tuesday .
Bright said he has been transferred to `` a more limited and less impactful position '' at the National Institutes of Health .
HHS has not responded to a request for comment .
Bright said his career in vaccine development has prepared him for a crisis like this one .
`` To this point , I have led the government 's efforts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ combat the COVID-19 pandemic , '' he said .
`` Unfortunately , this resulted in clashes with HHS political leadership , including criticism for my proactive efforts to invest early in vaccines and supplies critical to saving American lives .
I also resisted efforts to fund potentially dangerous drugs promoted by those with political connections . ''
He added : `` Specifically , and contrary to misguided directives , I limited the broad use of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine , promoted by the administration as a panacea , but which clearly lack scientific merit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Twitter that taking a combination of hydroxychloroquine — which is used to treat lupus and to prevent malaria — and azithromycin could be `` one of the biggest game changers in the history of medicine . ''
He has also repeated a line about patients suffering from the coronavirus who are inquiring about taking hydroxychloroquine : `` What do you have to lose ? ''
As NPR reported Tuesday , a panel of experts convened by the NIH recommended against doctors using a combination of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin for the treatment of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As for using hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine alone , the panel said there was `` insufficient clinical data to recommend either for or against . ''
In fact , Dr. Anthony Fauci , of the NIH and a member of the White House 's coronavirus task force , said last month that hydroxychloroquine was not considered a treatment for the coronavirus .
Bright said in his statement that he is `` speaking out because to combat this deadly virus , science – not politics or cronyism – has to lead the way . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' inspector general to `` investigate the manner in which this Administration has politicized the work of BARDA and has pressured me and other conscientious scientists to fund companies with political connections as well as efforts that lack scientific merit . ''
Bright 's attorneys , Debra Katz and Lisa Banks , added that they are seeking a stay of his termination .
The attorneys have also represented several high-profile whistleblowers and # MeToo accusers , including Christine Blasey Ford , who accused Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bright 's statement , said he had led BARDA since 2016 .
The online health publication STAT first reported he was no longer leading the agency on Tuesday .

Federal Scientist Says He Was Removed For Resisting Unproven Coronavirus Treatments
Enlarge this image toggle caption David J. Phillip/AP David J. Phillip/AP
Updated on April 23 at 8:20 a.m. ET
A high-ranking federal scientist focused on vaccine development says he was removed from his post because of his "insistence" that the government spend funds on "safe and scientifically vetted solutions" to address the coronavirus crisis and not on "drugs, vaccines and other technologies that lack scientific merit."
In a statement Wednesday that was released by his attorneys, Richard Bright specifically cited his pushback against unproven potential treatments that President Trump has repeatedly advocated for during White House briefings and on Twitter.
Bright was director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority and a deputy assistant secretary with the Department of Health and Human Services until, he says, he was removed on Tuesday. Bright said he has been transferred to "a more limited and less impactful position" at the National Institutes of Health.
Asked about the removal during Wednesday evening's coronavirus briefing, Trump said he'd never heard of Bright. "Maybe he was [removed after raising concerns], maybe he wasn't," Trump said. "You'd have to hear the other side."
In an emailed statement, Caitlin Oakley, an HHS spokeswoman, said: "As it relates to chloroquine, it was Dr. Bright who requested an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for donations of chloroquine that Bayer and Sandoz recently made to the Strategic National Stockpile for use on COVID-19 patients."
Bright said his career in vaccine development has prepared him for a crisis like this one. "To this point, I have led the government's efforts to invest in the best science available to combat the COVID-19 pandemic," he said. "Unfortunately, this resulted in clashes with HHS political leadership, including criticism for my proactive efforts to invest early in vaccines and supplies critical to saving American lives. I also resisted efforts to fund potentially dangerous drugs promoted by those with political connections."
He added: "Specifically, and contrary to misguided directives, I limited the broad use of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, promoted by the administration as a panacea, but which clearly lack scientific merit."
The president suggested last month on Twitter that taking a combination of hydroxychloroquine — which is used to treat lupus and to prevent malaria — and azithromycin could be "one of the biggest game changers in the history of medicine."
He has also repeated a line about patients suffering from the coronavirus who are inquiring about taking hydroxychloroquine: "What do you have to lose?"
As NPR reported Tuesday, a panel of experts convened by the NIH recommended against doctors using a combination of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin for the treatment of COVID-19, because of potential toxicities.
As for using hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine alone, the panel said there was "insufficient clinical data to recommend either for or against."
In fact, Dr. Anthony Fauci, of the NIH and a member of the White House's coronavirus task force, said last month that hydroxychloroquine was not considered a treatment for the coronavirus.
Bright said in his statement that he is "speaking out because to combat this deadly virus, science – not politics or cronyism – has to lead the way." He said he will request the HHS' inspector general to "investigate the manner in which this Administration has politicized the work of BARDA and has pressured me and other conscientious scientists to fund companies with political connections as well as efforts that lack scientific merit."
Bright's attorneys, Debra Katz and Lisa Banks, added that they are seeking a stay of his termination. The attorneys have also represented several high-profile whistleblowers and #MeToo accusers, including Christine Blasey Ford, who accused Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault.
The New York Times, which first reported Bright's statement, said he had led BARDA since 2016. The online health publication STAT first reported he was no longer leading the agency on Tuesday.


npr--2020-04-22--Spain Will Finally Let Children Go Outside This Sunday, After Nearly 6 Weeks

Spain Will Finally Let Children Go Outside This Sunday , After Nearly 6 Weeks Spain is poised to relax a ban on children leaving their homes this Sunday , easing a restriction that has frustrated parents since it took effect in the middle of March .
Anger spiked this week , after the government initially said children would only be allowed outdoors to accompany adults on trips to essential businesses , such as grocery stores .
Officials quickly said they would reconsider .
The initial rollout of the proposal incited a protest Tuesday , with families clanging on pots and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ express intense dissatisfaction with the policy that did n't allow children to leave the house to play , or simply to get fresh air and sunshine .
Criticism also came from the medical field : the Spanish Society of Outpatient Pediatrics and Primary Care , or SEPEAP , said it was in `` complete disagreement '' with the government 's initial plan .
Children must be able to leave the house for their physical and emotional well-being , the group said .
And it noted that a child playing outdoors would be less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a pharmacy or supermarket – where people might be in close quarters , and where children would surely attempt to touch and grab items .
`` This is a government that listens , '' Spain 's Health Minister Salvador Illa said at a news conference Tuesday night , as he announced that new and more lenient rules allowing children under the age of 14 to go out for walks would be part of legislation to extend Spain 's state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Spanish lawmakers approved that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of emergency until May 10 .
The plenary session was marked by criticism of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez 's management of the crisis , including the strictures for children .
Sanchez admitted that his government might have erred on the side of caution .
But he added that he does n't want to take a step backward in Spain 's effort to use confinement and other measures to protect the public , as El País reports .
During Spain 's lockdown , `` people have n't been allowed to leave their homes except @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walk the dog , '' as Lucia Benavides recently reported for NPR .
Noting steep fines of $ 1,000 or more for anyone who disobeys , Benavides added , `` Children are n't allowed out at all , even to accompany their parents to the grocery store .
Almost all other European countries allow at least some outside time for kids . ''
Since the middle of March , children in Spain have only been able to leave their homes if an adult has no one else to leave them with , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home on their own .
Spain has one of the worst outbreaks of COVID-19 in the world , with more than 200,000 confirmed cases , including more than 21,000 deaths , according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University .

Spain Will Finally Let Children Go Outside This Sunday, After Nearly 6 Weeks
Enlarge this image toggle caption David Benito/Getty Images David Benito/Getty Images
Spain is poised to relax a ban on children leaving their homes this Sunday, easing a restriction that has frustrated parents since it took effect in the middle of March. Anger spiked this week, after the government initially said children would only be allowed outdoors to accompany adults on trips to essential businesses, such as grocery stores. Officials quickly said they would reconsider.
The initial rollout of the proposal incited a protest Tuesday, with families clanging on pots and pans at their windows and balconies to express intense dissatisfaction with the policy that didn't allow children to leave the house to play, or simply to get fresh air and sunshine.
Criticism also came from the medical field: the Spanish Society of Outpatient Pediatrics and Primary Care, or SEPEAP, said it was in "complete disagreement" with the government's initial plan.
Children must be able to leave the house for their physical and emotional well-being, the group said. And it noted that a child playing outdoors would be less vulnerable to contracting COVID-19 than one taken to a pharmacy or supermarket – where people might be in close quarters, and where children would surely attempt to touch and grab items.
"This is a government that listens," Spain's Health Minister Salvador Illa said at a news conference Tuesday night, as he announced that new and more lenient rules allowing children under the age of 14 to go out for walks would be part of legislation to extend Spain's state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Spanish lawmakers approved that extension on Wednesday, maintaining the state of emergency until May 10. The plenary session was marked by criticism of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's management of the crisis, including the strictures for children.
Sanchez admitted that his government might have erred on the side of caution. But he added that he doesn't want to take a step backward in Spain's effort to use confinement and other measures to protect the public, as El País reports.
During Spain's lockdown, "people haven't been allowed to leave their homes except to buy food and medical supplies or walk the dog," as Lucia Benavides recently reported for NPR.
Noting steep fines of $1,000 or more for anyone who disobeys, Benavides added, "Children aren't allowed out at all, even to accompany their parents to the grocery store. Almost all other European countries allow at least some outside time for kids."
Since the middle of March, children in Spain have only been able to leave their homes if an adult has no one else to leave them with, and the child is too young to stay home on their own.
Spain has one of the worst outbreaks of COVID-19 in the world, with more than 200,000 confirmed cases, including more than 21,000 deaths, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.