npr--2020-10-02--Trump To Stay At Walter Reed Hospital Following Positive Coronavirus Test

Trump To Stay At Walter Reed Hospital Following Positive Coronavirus Test President Trump made an unannounced trip Friday to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda , Md.
, after testing positive for the coronavirus .
In a brief video message posted to Twitter about his trip to the hospital , Trump thanked his well-wishers for their support and said he feels that he 's `` doing very well '' in spite of his positive test .
`` I want to thank everybody for the tremendous support .
I 'm going to Walter Reed hospital .
I think I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're going to make sure that things work out .
The first lady is doing very well .
So thank you very much , I appreciate it .
I will never forget it .
Thank you , '' Trump said in the 18-second video .
The message was the first tweet from Trump – who generally makes frequent use of the platform – since his announcement early Friday morning that he and first lady Melania Trump tested positive .
Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said the president would be `` working from the presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few days '' out of `` an abundance of caution and at the recommendation of his physician and medical experts . ''
Trump `` remains in good spirts , has mild symptoms , and has been working throughout the day , '' McEnany said .
Although the White House characterized Trump 's symptoms as `` mild , '' The New York Times reported Friday the president had developed a fever , nasal congestion and a cough .
The White House also provided a brief update on Trump 's treatment Friday .
Sean Conley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Trump received an experimental drug made by Regeneron , which contains two antibodies against the coronavirus .
The medicine is currently in clinical trials and is n't approved by the Food and Drug Administration .
How the president 's medical team got the medicine was n't disclosed in the statement .
In response to NPR 's query about Trump 's access to the treatment , Regeneron declined to comment specifically , citing patient confidentiality .
But Regeneron said it can make the drug available outside a clinical trial through a `` compassionate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approval of a review committee .
The drug , called REGN-COV2 , is given as a single dose by injection ( an infusion ) .
The president received the high dose — 8 grams — being tested by the company .
The company released preliminary results this week from a test of patients treated outside hospitals .
The study found that in patients whose bodies had n't produced their own antibodies against the coronavirus , the medicine improved symptoms and lowered the amount of virus over time compared with a placebo .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zinc , vitamin D and melatonin .
He 's taking a heartburn drug — famotidine ( brand name Pepcid ) — and a daily aspirin as well .
Trump has for months downplayed the severity of the virus and promoted unfounded claims about experimental treatments , at times defying his own administration 's public health guidance .
The president has often declined to wear masks in public , citing the frequency of testing for himself and those around him .
The habit has contributed to the politicization of masks and has apparently trickled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whom at recent rallies have declined to wear masks at the packed , outdoor events .
An August Gallup survey found that Republicans were significantly less likely than Democrats and political independents to wear masks in both indoor and outdoor settings .
Robert Redfield , director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , has said that face coverings are `` one of the most powerful weapons we have to slow and stop the spread of the virus . ''
It is still unclear when or how the president contracted the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the president recently have also tested positive — including the first lady , adviser Hope Hicks and Sen. Mike Lee , R-Utah .
Vice President Pence has tested negative , however , and is continuing with his normal activities , per the White House physician .

Staying At Walter Reed Hospital, Trump Has Started Remdesivir Therapy
Enlarge this image toggle caption Drew Angerer/Getty Images Drew Angerer/Getty Images
Updated at 11:57 p.m. ET
President Trump's physician said late Friday evening he is "doing very well" at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and has started Remdesivir therapy, an intravenous anti-viral drug. "He has completed his first dose and is resting comfortably," Sean Conley said in a statement.
Trump was taken to Walter Reed in Bethesda, Md., on Friday after testing positive for the coronavirus.
In a brief video message posted to Twitter about his trip to the hospital, Trump thanked his well-wishers for their support and said he feels that he's "doing very well" in spite of his positive test.
"I want to thank everybody for the tremendous support. I'm going to Walter Reed hospital. I think I'm doing very well, but we're going to make sure that things work out. The first lady is doing very well. So thank you very much, I appreciate it. I will never forget it. Thank you," Trump said in the 18-second video.
The message was the first tweet from Trump – who generally makes frequent use of the platform – since his announcement early Friday morning that he and first lady Melania Trump tested positive.
Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said the president would be "working from the presidential offices at Walter Reed for the next few days" out of "an abundance of caution and at the recommendation of his physician and medical experts."
Trump "remains in good spirts, has mild symptoms, and has been working throughout the day," McEnany said.
Although the White House characterized Trump's symptoms as "mild," The New York Times reported Friday the president had developed a fever, nasal congestion and a cough.
The White House also provided a brief update on Trump's treatment Friday. Sean Conley, the president's physician, said that Trump received an experimental drug made by Regeneron, which contains two antibodies against the coronavirus.
The medicine is currently in clinical trials and isn't approved by the Food and Drug Administration. How the president's medical team got the medicine wasn't disclosed in the statement.
In response to NPR's query about Trump's access to the treatment, Regeneron declined to comment specifically, citing patient confidentiality. But Regeneron said it can make the drug available outside a clinical trial through a "compassionate use program," subject to the approval of a review committee.
The drug, called REGN-COV2, is given as a single dose by injection (an infusion). The president received the high dose — 8 grams — being tested by the company.
The company released preliminary results this week from a test of patients treated outside hospitals. The study found that in patients whose bodies hadn't produced their own antibodies against the coronavirus, the medicine improved symptoms and lowered the amount of virus over time compared with a placebo.
The president is also taking some supplements — zinc, vitamin D and melatonin. He's taking a heartburn drug — famotidine (brand name Pepcid) — and a daily aspirin as well.
Trump has for months downplayed the severity of the virus and promoted unfounded claims about experimental treatments, at times defying his own administration's public health guidance.
The president has often declined to wear masks in public, citing the frequency of testing for himself and those around him. The habit has contributed to the politicization of masks and has apparently trickled down to his supporters, many of whom at recent rallies have declined to wear masks at the packed, outdoor events.
An August Gallup survey found that Republicans were significantly less likely than Democrats and political independents to wear masks in both indoor and outdoor settings.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Drew Angerer/Getty Images Drew Angerer/Getty Images
Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has said that face coverings are "one of the most powerful weapons we have to slow and stop the spread of the virus."
It is still unclear when or how the president contracted the virus. Others who have been in contact with the president recently have also tested positive — including the first lady, adviser Hope Hicks and Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah.
Vice President Pence has tested negative, however, and is continuing with his normal activities, per the White House physician.


npr--2020-10-02--Public Health Officials Scramble To Do Contact Tracing After Trump Tests Positive

Public Health Officials Scramble To Do Contact Tracing After Trump Tests Positive Public health officials in the cities and states that President Trump visited in recent days are working to contact those who were in close proximity to him , first lady Melania Trump and others who traveled with him .
Since he has tested positive for the coronavirus , health officials worry those who attended events with the president could be at risk for the virus , too .
Over the past two weeks , Trump attended events in Florida , Georgia , Pennsylvania and Minnesota as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of course , the presidential debate in Cleveland .
He also went to his golf club in Potomac Falls , Va. , and hosted an event announcing his Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett at the White House .
One of those attending that event , the Rev .
John Jenkins , the University of Notre Dame 's president , has also tested positive , though it is not clear when he may have been exposed .
`` Contact tracing is going to be really important , '' David Banach , an infectious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's health system , told The Associated Press .
`` The president comes into contact with many individuals during the day . ''
It 's a situation that Dr. Ashish Jha , dean of the Brown University School of Public Health , calls a `` nightmare . ''
He told NPR 's Morning Edition that the incubation period for the coronavirus is two to 14 days , but that in reality it is usually three to five days .
`` He has been around a lot of people over the last five , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couple of days when he was likely infectious ; he was around a lot of folks , including Vice President [ Joe ] Biden , '' Jha said .
`` I suspect many senior members of the government are going to have to go into quarantine .
There 's a lot of work ahead .
This is going to be complicated .
This is — while of course , it 's about the president — it 's not just about the president . ''
At the debate Tuesday with Biden in Cleveland , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president has often downplayed mask-wearing , and he mocked his Democratic opponent for wearing his so often .
Dr. Amy Edwards , a professor of infectious diseases at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland , said the coronavirus could have been incubating in the president even then .
`` He did test negative while he was here just prior to the debate , but that was the rapid test , '' Edwards said , `` so I do n't know that we can really rely on that test to say he was definitely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Minn. , where Trump held a rally Wednesday night with the first lady and top adviser Hope Hicks , both of whom have also tested positive for the coronavirus , is urging anyone who attended to get tested .
`` If you were at the rally on Wednesday , please wear a mask , visit your health care provider to be tested , or go to the DECC [ Duluth Entertainment Convention Center ] to get a free test , '' Duluth Mayor Emily Larson said in a statement .
`` Do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Minnesota Department of Health and CDC guidelines to keep yourselves and those around you safe . ''
The president 's rally was held on the tarmac of Duluth International Airport , where according to Minnesota Public Radio , thousands of people attended , including many who did n't distance themselves from each other or wear face masks , with the notable exception of those behind the stage and in camera view .
The Minnesota Department of Health is offering guidance to those who attended the rally , too , warning that community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was already high before the campaign event , `` and people attending the rally may have been infectious without realizing it . ''
Before Wednesday 's campaign rally , Trump attended an afternoon GOP fundraiser at a private home in Shorewood , Minn. , a suburb of Minneapolis-St. Paul .
Minnesota Republican Party Chair Jennifer Carnahan said in a statement that about 40 people attended that fundraiser but that she did not meet with Trump .
`` I have not been in contact with any of the donors who had been at that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My understanding as well , they were all required to take a negative COVID test with results within 24 hours of the president 's visit to donors , and it is also my understanding that people were not allowed to shake hands or come into that close of contact with the president while he was there . ''
In a statement , Minnesota health officials said anyone `` associated with the President 's visit and who now has symptoms should get tested right away . ''
Those without symptoms should also consider getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread it .
`` People should get tested five to seven days after the event .
If they test negative , they should get tested again around 12 days after the event , '' the statement said , adding that `` it is important to understand that quarantine for 14 days is necessary regardless of test results . ''
In an interview with Minnesota Public Radio , Dr. Michael Osterholm , an epidemiologist and director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota , said he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president 's events think they can be tested once and be in the clear .
`` I 'm a little disturbed by the fact that I heard some of the individuals who are exposed in the last 48 hours saying , 'Well , I 'm going to be tested today and then if I 'm negative , I 'm going to go ahead and do what I do . '
And in fact , they wo n't even show up positive for at least three up to five days after the exposure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sept. 26 at the Harrisburg International Airport in Middletown , Pa. '' The commonwealth has no directive or formal recommendations for people who attended those rallies , '' said Pennsylvania Gov .
Tom Wolf , a Democrat , adding `` but anybody who has been in any crowd , of any sort for any reason , where they find people have tested positive for COVID-19 , you need to be very , very careful . ''
An official from the Republican National Committee told NPR a series of health measures were taken Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ golf course for a fundraiser , which raised $ 5 million for the campaign .
The event site was professionally cleaned and sanitized before the event , and the White House Medical Unit and U.S. Secret Service screened all attendees for them to gain access .
Attendees tested negative for the coronavirus on the day of the event , completed a wellness questionnaire and passed a temperature screening , and every guest was at least 6 feet from the president at all times , according to the official .
White House chief of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test results for senior aide Hicks came to light `` right as the Marine One [ helicopter ] was taking off '' Thursday to take the president to Joint Base Andrews for the flight to New Jersey .
`` We actually pulled some of the people that had been traveling and in close contact , '' Meadows told reporters Friday at the White House , explaining contact tracing had just begun .
Other senior staff , including Dan Scavino and Jared Kushner , have since tested negative , he said .
Public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are asking Trump 's country club , the Trump National Golf Course , for a list of facility staff , event participants and other people who may have come in contact with the president and first lady , according to a statement from the county 's Department of Health .
`` As the public health department for Bedminster , and in conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Health , Somerset County has begun the contact tracing investigation to determine the potential risk of exposure to attendees and staff at the facility to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Jersey Gov .
Phil Murphy , a Democrat , said the golf club , White House and Republican National Committee are all cooperating with state and local health officials , according to NPR member station WNYC .
`` The process for gathering information for case investigation and contact tracing has begun , and as far as we know folks are cooperating and we need them to , '' Murphy said at news conference Friday .
Amid reports that some people who attended the fundraiser are calling doctors ' offices and health departments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was there to take precautions .
`` Self-quarantine everybody .
Take yourself off the field , '' Murphy said .
`` Wait five to seven days probably and get tested .
Even if you test negative , you really have to stay off the field for the full 14 days . ''
Dr. George Abraham , who heads the infectious disease board for the American Board of Internal Medicine , warned that `` a negative test does n't guarantee that someone is not harboring virus '' because there might be too little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the AP that `` this is a wake-up call '' that shows the need for social distancing , wearing masks and other measures to reduce spread .
Trump and many of his supporters have often downplayed the severity of the pandemic and contradicted infectious disease experts on the importance of social distancing and wearing masks to slow the spread of the coronavirus .

Public Health Officials Scramble To Do Contact Tracing After Trump Tests Positive
Enlarge this image toggle caption Alex Brandon/AP Alex Brandon/AP
Updated at 7 p.m. ET
Public health officials in the cities and states that President Trump visited in recent days are working to contact those who were in close proximity to him, first lady Melania Trump and others who traveled with him.
Since he has tested positive for the coronavirus, health officials worry those who attended events with the president could be at risk for the virus, too.
Over the past two weeks, Trump attended events in Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania and Minnesota as well as a fundraiser in New Jersey and, of course, the presidential debate in Cleveland. He also went to his golf club in Potomac Falls, Va., and hosted an event announcing his Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett at the White House.
One of those attending that event, the Rev. John Jenkins, the University of Notre Dame's president, has also tested positive, though it is not clear when he may have been exposed.
"Contact tracing is going to be really important," David Banach, an infectious disease physician in the University of Connecticut's health system, told The Associated Press. "The president comes into contact with many individuals during the day."
It's a situation that Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of the Brown University School of Public Health, calls a "nightmare."
He told NPR's Morning Edition that the incubation period for the coronavirus is two to 14 days, but that in reality it is usually three to five days.
"He has been around a lot of people over the last five, seven days and certainly in the last couple of days when he was likely infectious; he was around a lot of folks, including Vice President [Joe] Biden," Jha said. "I suspect many senior members of the government are going to have to go into quarantine. There's a lot of work ahead. This is going to be complicated. This is — while of course, it's about the president — it's not just about the president."
At the debate Tuesday with Biden in Cleveland, neither wore masks on stage. The president has often downplayed mask-wearing, and he mocked his Democratic opponent for wearing his so often. Dr. Amy Edwards, a professor of infectious diseases at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, said the coronavirus could have been incubating in the president even then.
"He did test negative while he was here just prior to the debate, but that was the rapid test," Edwards said, "so I don't know that we can really rely on that test to say he was definitely negative."
The mayor of Duluth, Minn., where Trump held a rally Wednesday night with the first lady and top adviser Hope Hicks, both of whom have also tested positive for the coronavirus, is urging anyone who attended to get tested.
"If you were at the rally on Wednesday, please wear a mask, visit your health care provider to be tested, or go to the DECC [Duluth Entertainment Convention Center] to get a free test," Duluth Mayor Emily Larson said in a statement. "Do everything you can to self-isolate and adhere to Minnesota Department of Health and CDC guidelines to keep yourselves and those around you safe."
The president's rally was held on the tarmac of Duluth International Airport, where according to Minnesota Public Radio, thousands of people attended, including many who didn't distance themselves from each other or wear face masks, with the notable exception of those behind the stage and in camera view.
The Minnesota Department of Health is offering guidance to those who attended the rally, too, warning that community transmission of COVID-19 in the Duluth area was already high before the campaign event, "and people attending the rally may have been infectious without realizing it."
Before Wednesday's campaign rally, Trump attended an afternoon GOP fundraiser at a private home in Shorewood, Minn., a suburb of Minneapolis-St. Paul.
Minnesota Republican Party Chair Jennifer Carnahan said in a statement that about 40 people attended that fundraiser but that she did not meet with Trump.
"I have not been in contact with any of the donors who had been at that event," she said. "My understanding as well, they were all required to take a negative COVID test with results within 24 hours of the president's visit to donors, and it is also my understanding that people were not allowed to shake hands or come into that close of contact with the president while he was there."
In a statement, Minnesota health officials said anyone "associated with the President's visit and who now has symptoms should get tested right away." Those without symptoms should also consider getting tested because anyone carrying the virus can spread it.
"People should get tested five to seven days after the event. If they test negative, they should get tested again around 12 days after the event," the statement said, adding that "it is important to understand that quarantine for 14 days is necessary regardless of test results."
In an interview with Minnesota Public Radio, Dr. Michael Osterholm, an epidemiologist and director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, said he was alarmed by reports that some who attended the president's events think they can be tested once and be in the clear.
"I'm a little disturbed by the fact that I heard some of the individuals who are exposed in the last 48 hours saying, 'Well, I'm going to be tested today and then if I'm negative, I'm going to go ahead and do what I do.' And in fact, they won't even show up positive for at least three up to five days after the exposure."
Trump also held a rally Sept. 26 at the Harrisburg International Airport in Middletown, Pa.
"The commonwealth has no directive or formal recommendations for people who attended those rallies," said Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf, a Democrat, adding "but anybody who has been in any crowd, of any sort for any reason, where they find people have tested positive for COVID-19, you need to be very, very careful."
An official from the Republican National Committee told NPR a series of health measures were taken Thursday at Trump's Bedminster, N.J., golf course for a fundraiser, which raised $5 million for the campaign. The event site was professionally cleaned and sanitized before the event, and the White House Medical Unit and U.S. Secret Service screened all attendees for them to gain access.
Attendees tested negative for the coronavirus on the day of the event, completed a wellness questionnaire and passed a temperature screening, and every guest was at least 6 feet from the president at all times, according to the official.
White House chief of staff Mark Meadows told reporters that positive test results for senior aide Hicks came to light "right as the Marine One [helicopter] was taking off" Thursday to take the president to Joint Base Andrews for the flight to New Jersey.
"We actually pulled some of the people that had been traveling and in close contact," Meadows told reporters Friday at the White House, explaining contact tracing had just begun. Other senior staff, including Dan Scavino and Jared Kushner, have since tested negative, he said.
Public health officials in Somerset County, N.J., are asking Trump's country club, the Trump National Golf Course, for a list of facility staff, event participants and other people who may have come in contact with the president and first lady, according to a statement from the county's Department of Health.
"As the public health department for Bedminster, and in conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Health, Somerset County has begun the contact tracing investigation to determine the potential risk of exposure to attendees and staff at the facility to COVID-19," the statement said.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, said the golf club, White House and Republican National Committee are all cooperating with state and local health officials, according to NPR member station WNYC.
"The process for gathering information for case investigation and contact tracing has begun, and as far as we know folks are cooperating and we need them to," Murphy said at news conference Friday.
Amid reports that some people who attended the fundraiser are calling doctors' offices and health departments in a panic, Murphy urged everyone who was there to take precautions.
"Self-quarantine everybody. Take yourself off the field," Murphy said. "Wait five to seven days probably and get tested. Even if you test negative, you really have to stay off the field for the full 14 days."
Dr. George Abraham, who heads the infectious disease board for the American Board of Internal Medicine, warned that "a negative test doesn't guarantee that someone is not harboring virus" because there might be too little to detect early on.
Abraham told the AP that "this is a wake-up call" that shows the need for social distancing, wearing masks and other measures to reduce spread.
Trump and many of his supporters have often downplayed the severity of the pandemic and contradicted infectious disease experts on the importance of social distancing and wearing masks to slow the spread of the coronavirus.


npr--2020-10-02--California Wildfires Near Tragic Milestone: 4 Million Acres Burned

Wildfires in California continue to burn , ravaging entire communities and the blazes will soon hit a tragic milestone : 4 million acres burned .
The unprecedented fire season has already killed 30 people , burned down thousands of buildings and homes and forced more than 96,000 residents to evacuate , according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection , or Cal Fire .
`` We are putting all we have in terms of our resources , particularly over the next 36 hours as the winds begin to shift directions and as the winds begin to increase , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as he surveyed the Glass Fire damage .
`` We 're in it for the long haul .
We are here to rebuild and to reimagine your school .
We have your backs , '' Newsom told residents , according to the Associated Press .
The Glass Fire ignited on Sunday and continues to expand due to strong winds .
By Wednesday , the fire had destroyed as many as 48,440 acres , and as of Friday morning it had engulfed an area of 60,148 acres in Napa and Sonoma counties .
Just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contained , according to Cal Fire .
The Zogg Fire burning in Shasta County , close to the border with Oregon , also started on Sunday and is also rapidly spreading — from 40,000 acres earlier this week to now covering an area of 56,018 acres , with 46 % contained , according to Cal Fire .
The August Complex Fire continues to be the largest in the state , covering an area of 970,563 and it 's been active for 46 days , according to Cal Fire .
The blaze is ravaging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tehama , Glenn , Lake and Colusa counties .
Astrid Dobo is the fire chief of Post Mountain Volunteer Fire Department .
Her community is a 10-minute drive from the north end of the August Complex Fire and also close to the Zogg Fire to the east .
The area is under mandatory evacuation orders , because Post Mountain Trinity is a , `` really rugged forest area . ''
`` It 's been really smoky today , yesterday and the day before , which is a good thing because it kind of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it does n't let the fire be as active , '' Dobo said , explaining that the smoke cuts oxygen off of the fire , suffocating it and , making it slow down .
`` It 's a weird situation , '' to be sitting in the middle of huge fires Chief Dobo said .
`` I ca n't leave because if we have an internal fire in the community , we have to be here to put it out . ''
Chief Dobo has three volunteer firefighters and one of them is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's fire engineer .
`` We are constantly checking the weather forecast and warnings for winds , '' she said .
`` It 's a real blessing to have the Internet . ''
Chief Dobo 's mother left the area soon after evacuation orders took effect on Sept. 17 , taking with her all their important paperwork , mementos and family pictures .
Dobo 's father helped pack everything into a camper RV and her mother drove to the Arcata coast area , because `` she would n't be able to handle the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air quality in the region is ranked as `` very unhealthy '' for Friday and through the weekend , according to the U.S. government air quality monitoring website Airnow.gov .
It warns people with underlying health issues , older adults and children to stay indoors to avoid inhaling smoke and ash particles .
The National Weather Service has extended a Red Flag warning of critical fire weather conditions , through Saturday morning in the Northern part of the state .
The NWS warns that winds are expected to increase `` from 10 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17,000 firefighters are battling 24 major wildfires statewide .

California Wildfires Near Tragic Milestone: 4 Million Acres Burned
Enlarge this image toggle caption Noah Berger/AP Noah Berger/AP
Wildfires in California continue to burn, ravaging entire communities and the blazes will soon hit a tragic milestone: 4 million acres burned.
The unprecedented fire season has already killed 30 people, burned down thousands of buildings and homes and forced more than 96,000 residents to evacuate, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire.
"We are putting all we have in terms of our resources, particularly over the next 36 hours as the winds begin to shift directions and as the winds begin to increase," Gov. Gavin Newsom said Thursday as he surveyed the Glass Fire damage.
"We're in it for the long haul. We are here to rebuild and to reimagine your school. We have your backs," Newsom told residents, according to the Associated Press.
The Glass Fire ignited on Sunday and continues to expand due to strong winds. By Wednesday, the fire had destroyed as many as 48,440 acres, and as of Friday morning it had engulfed an area of 60,148 acres in Napa and Sonoma counties. Just 6% of the fire has been contained, according to Cal Fire.
The Zogg Fire burning in Shasta County, close to the border with Oregon, also started on Sunday and is also rapidly spreading — from 40,000 acres earlier this week to now covering an area of 56,018 acres, with 46% contained, according to Cal Fire.
The August Complex Fire continues to be the largest in the state, covering an area of 970,563 and it's been active for 46 days, according to Cal Fire. The blaze is ravaging through Mendocino, Humboldt, Trinity, Tehama, Glenn, Lake and Colusa counties.
Astrid Dobo is the fire chief of Post Mountain Volunteer Fire Department. Her community is a 10-minute drive from the north end of the August Complex Fire and also close to the Zogg Fire to the east. The area is under mandatory evacuation orders, because Post Mountain Trinity is a, "really rugged forest area."
"It's been really smoky today, yesterday and the day before, which is a good thing because it kind of keeps a cap on the fire and it doesn't let the fire be as active," Dobo said, explaining that the smoke cuts oxygen off of the fire, suffocating it and, making it slow down.
"It's a weird situation," to be sitting in the middle of huge fires Chief Dobo said. "I can't leave because if we have an internal fire in the community, we have to be here to put it out."
Chief Dobo has three volunteer firefighters and one of them is her 75-year old father, the station's fire engineer.
"We are constantly checking the weather forecast and warnings for winds," she said. "It's a real blessing to have the Internet."
Chief Dobo's mother left the area soon after evacuation orders took effect on Sept. 17, taking with her all their important paperwork, mementos and family pictures. Dobo's father helped pack everything into a camper RV and her mother drove to the Arcata coast area, because "she wouldn't be able to handle the smoke or the stress."
The air quality in the region is ranked as "very unhealthy" for Friday and through the weekend, according to the U.S. government air quality monitoring website Airnow.gov. It warns people with underlying health issues, older adults and children to stay indoors to avoid inhaling smoke and ash particles.
The National Weather Service has extended a Red Flag warning of critical fire weather conditions, through Saturday morning in the Northern part of the state. The NWS warns that winds are expected to increase "from 10 to 20 mph."
As many as 17,000 firefighters are battling 24 major wildfires statewide.


npr--2020-10-02--Coronavirus FAQ: Folks At Trump-Biden Debate Were Scanned For Fever. Is That Helpful?

Coronavirus FAQ : Folks At Trump-Biden Debate Were Scanned For Fever .
Is That Helpful ?
Each week we answer some of your pressing questions about the coronavirus and how to stay safe .
Email us your questions at goatsandsoda @ npr.org with the subject line `` Weekly Coronavirus Questions . ''
More and more places want to take my temperature before letting me in , with some kind of device they aim at my head .
What are the benefits — and drawbacks ?
If you go out and about during this pandemic , you 're probably going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At the dentist 's office , at a gym or exercise class , even at some restaurants and grocery stores , a staffer will use a non-contact infrared thermometer ( aka a no-touch temperature gun ) to see if you are feverish — a symptom that could be a sign of infection with the coronavirus .
The device , which looks like a laser gun , is pointed at your forehead and registers body temperature in a matter of a few seconds .
And increasingly , those scans are becoming the norm in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ globe , from the U.S. to India .
At the presidential debate Tuesday in Cleveland , authorities temperature-checked all attendees , according to NPR correspondent Scott Detrow , who attended the event .
`` There was a big sensor pointing at us , and you could see there was a video camera that put a thermal temperature bubble over everybody , '' he says .
`` The sensor picked up people 's temperatures , then displayed them on two large screens . ''
The reason for this surge in temperature taking is clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they 're turned away at the door .
Fever can be ( but is n't always ) a sign of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the novel coronavirus .
But what can the results of a temperature scan really tell us ?
Sonali Advani , an assistant professor of medicine at Duke University , distills the issue into two main questions .
The first is fundamental : Do infrared temperature guns get an accurate temperature read ?
In broad terms , research points to yes .
`` In general , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Advani says , Harvard Medical School physician Abraar Karan explains that studies have shown that the readings on infrared thermometers are comparable to digital thermometers .
In one paper that looked at temperature scans of newborns with normal and touchless infrared thermometers , for instance , the two often had close concordance in readings .
That said , infrared thermometer guns can be a bit hard to use — and the scan results can be susceptible to outside influence .
The reason : `` Infrared thermometers look at skin temperature , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Karan says .
`` And skin temperature can be affected by humidity , sweat [ or other weather conditions ] , interrupting the interface between the device and skin . ''
In other words , if you were to run to the gym for a pre-workout burn , your results might be affected by the sweat you pick up on the way .
Plus , for infrared thermometers to capture accurate readings , they 've got to be properly calibrated and used in a consistent manner , Advani says .
Things can go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ temperature taker is standing too far or close to the patient .
And no thermometer can account for the impact of fever-reducing medicine .
That said , Karan thinks `` infrared thermometers have a net benefit . ''
They 're contactless and super-fast .
That , plus the fact that they 're reasonably accurate , despite the potential for false positives , makes them particularly attractive for pandemic use .
But that 's only half the story , Advani says , pointing to a second , broader consideration : Namely , do such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that an undiagnosed patient will infect others ?
Here , medical professionals agree : Temperature screenings alone are an insufficient way to suss out and minimize COVID-19 risk .
`` When we talk about temperature checks , we need to know what we are getting and what we are not getting , '' Karan says .
What we are getting , per Karan , is another layer of precaution .
But it 's certainly not foolproof , and alone , it 's certainly not enough .
That 's because of the nature of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't present with fever , Advani says .
Plus , the virus can be contagious even in its presymptomatic phase — that is , before an infected person even shows signs of being sick .
A nonfeverish yet contagious person could sail through a temperature check .
So despite the benefits of temperature checks — it ca n't hurt to turn away someone who 's feverish — there is cause for skepticism .
Infectious disease specialist Mark Kortepeter explains that infrared temperature screenings can contribute to a misguided sense of security , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are n't altogether that safe .
`` It can give people a sense of reassurance to have someone at the door scanning your head , which gives the illusion of safety , '' he says .
`` But it 's not in any way guaranteeing your safety , and it 's not guaranteeing you 're not infectious . ''
Instead , temperature checks must just be one measure in an arsenal of risk prevention measures , our sources stress — including a thorough interview , asking people who they 've been exposed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms and where they 've been traveling .
The take-home lesson : Individuals still need to take protective measures due to possible lapses in temperature screening .
`` Everything we do must be linked — that 's the keystone of this , '' Advani says .
`` We want universal masking .
And once you 're in the business , you need to start looking at occupancy , ventilation , hand hygiene . ''
In stores , Kortepeter says it 's a good idea to see what steps are being taken to minimize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says you should consider points such as : Has indoor dining been moved outdoors , where the risk of transmission is lessened by air flow ?
Finally , it 's important to think about your own risk factors .
The elderly have a lower threshold for fever ( while a 99-degree temperature may be within the normal range for the average individual , it may be cause for worry in an elderly person ) , Advani notes , so it 's important for them to be more judicious than younger people .
Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I buy a no-touch thermometer for home use ?
It 's probably easier to use a digital thermometer or an infrared thermometer that goes in your ear , especially since thermometer guns may be hard for the untrained to administer properly .
The one exception , Advani says , is for parents of young kids : Traditional thermometers can be challenging to use on a fidgety or sensitive kids .
In these cases , the no-touch device may prove useful .

Coronavirus FAQ: Folks At Trump-Biden Debate Were Scanned For Fever. Is That Helpful?
Enlarge this image toggle caption Stephen Zenner/LightRocket via Getty Images Stephen Zenner/LightRocket via Getty Images
Each week we answer some of your pressing questions about the coronavirus and how to stay safe. Email us your questions at goatsandsoda@npr.org with the subject line "Weekly Coronavirus Questions."
More and more places want to take my temperature before letting me in, with some kind of device they aim at my head. What are the benefits — and drawbacks?
If you go out and about during this pandemic, you're probably going to get your temperature taken. Often.
At the dentist's office, at a gym or exercise class, even at some restaurants and grocery stores, a staffer will use a non-contact infrared thermometer (aka a no-touch temperature gun) to see if you are feverish — a symptom that could be a sign of infection with the coronavirus. The device, which looks like a laser gun, is pointed at your forehead and registers body temperature in a matter of a few seconds.
And increasingly, those scans are becoming the norm in airports, hospitals and workplaces around the globe, from the U.S. to India.
At the presidential debate Tuesday in Cleveland, authorities temperature-checked all attendees, according to NPR correspondent Scott Detrow, who attended the event. "There was a big sensor pointing at us, and you could see there was a video camera that put a thermal temperature bubble over everybody," he says. "The sensor picked up people's temperatures, then displayed them on two large screens."
The reason for this surge in temperature taking is clear. If people are running a fever, they're turned away at the door. Fever can be (but isn't always) a sign of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
But what can the results of a temperature scan really tell us?
Sonali Advani, an assistant professor of medicine at Duke University, distills the issue into two main questions.
The first is fundamental: Do infrared temperature guns get an accurate temperature read?
In broad terms, research points to yes.
"In general, they've shown to work reasonably well," Advani says,
Harvard Medical School physician Abraar Karan explains that studies have shown that the readings on infrared thermometers are comparable to digital thermometers. In one paper that looked at temperature scans of newborns with normal and touchless infrared thermometers, for instance, the two often had close concordance in readings.
That said, infrared thermometer guns can be a bit hard to use — and the scan results can be susceptible to outside influence.
The reason: "Infrared thermometers look at skin temperature, which can vary from core temperature," Karan says. "And skin temperature can be affected by humidity, sweat [or other weather conditions], interrupting the interface between the device and skin."
In other words, if you were to run to the gym for a pre-workout burn, your results might be affected by the sweat you pick up on the way. Plus, for infrared thermometers to capture accurate readings, they've got to be properly calibrated and used in a consistent manner, Advani says. Things can go wrong, for instance, if the temperature taker is standing too far or close to the patient. And no thermometer can account for the impact of fever-reducing medicine.
That said, Karan thinks "infrared thermometers have a net benefit." They're contactless and super-fast. That, plus the fact that they're reasonably accurate, despite the potential for false positives, makes them particularly attractive for pandemic use.
But that's only half the story, Advani says, pointing to a second, broader consideration: Namely, do such temperature readings really help minimize the chances that an undiagnosed patient will infect others? Here, medical professionals agree: Temperature screenings alone are an insufficient way to suss out and minimize COVID-19 risk.
"When we talk about temperature checks, we need to know what we are getting and what we are not getting," Karan says.
What we are getting, per Karan, is another layer of precaution. But it's certainly not foolproof, and alone, it's certainly not enough.
That's because of the nature of the virus: Roughly half of infections don't present with fever, Advani says. Plus, the virus can be contagious even in its presymptomatic phase — that is, before an infected person even shows signs of being sick. A nonfeverish yet contagious person could sail through a temperature check.
So despite the benefits of temperature checks — it can't hurt to turn away someone who's feverish — there is cause for skepticism. Infectious disease specialist Mark Kortepeter explains that infrared temperature screenings can contribute to a misguided sense of security, encouraging people to participate in activities that aren't altogether that safe.
Karan agrees.
"It can give people a sense of reassurance to have someone at the door scanning your head, which gives the illusion of safety," he says. "But it's not in any way guaranteeing your safety, and it's not guaranteeing you're not infectious."
Instead, temperature checks must just be one measure in an arsenal of risk prevention measures, our sources stress — including a thorough interview, asking people who they've been exposed to, if they're experiencing any of symptoms and where they've been traveling.
The take-home lesson: Individuals still need to take protective measures due to possible lapses in temperature screening. "Everything we do must be linked — that's the keystone of this," Advani says. "We want universal masking. And once you're in the business, you need to start looking at occupancy, ventilation, hand hygiene."
In stores, Kortepeter says it's a good idea to see what steps are being taken to minimize crowding. And at restaurants, Karan says you should consider points such as: Has indoor dining been moved outdoors, where the risk of transmission is lessened by air flow?
Finally, it's important to think about your own risk factors.
The elderly have a lower threshold for fever (while a 99-degree temperature may be within the normal range for the average individual, it may be cause for worry in an elderly person), Advani notes, so it's important for them to be more judicious than younger people.
Meanwhile, you might also wonder: Should I buy a no-touch thermometer for home use?
It's probably easier to use a digital thermometer or an infrared thermometer that goes in your ear, especially since thermometer guns may be hard for the untrained to administer properly. The one exception, Advani says, is for parents of young kids: Traditional thermometers can be challenging to use on a fidgety or sensitive kids. In these cases, the no-touch device may prove useful.
Pranav Baskar is a freelance journalist.