npr--2020-07-05--'A Nightmare': Georgia Tech Faculty Push Back Against In-Person Reopening Plans

As the coronavirus infection rate in the U.S. surpasses 50,000 new cases a day , colleges and universities around the country are trying to figure out how to educate their students this fall while still keeping their campus communities safe .
That balancing act sometimes causes consternation .
At the Georgia Institute of Technology , which is scheduled to hold in-person classes , more than 800 of its 1,100 faculty members have published a letter outlining their concerns .
The letter , reported by Georgia Public Broadcasting , criticizes the state university system for mandating statewide reopenings this fall that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase the health risks to faculty , students and staff , and interfere with nimble decision-making necessary to prepare and respond to Covid-19 infection risk . ''
Georgia Tech is a public university and is bound by the rules set by the University System of Georgia and its Board of Regents .
New COVID-19 cases are rising in Georgia faster than ever before , averaging more than 2,600 new cases per day over the past week .
Faculty are particularly concerned about a university reopening plan that makes face coverings encouraged but optional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violation of the science that it threatens our core identity as a world class research university with leading scientists and engineers , '' professor Janet Murray , lead signatory on the letter , told NPR .
`` It 's a nightmare for faculty . ''
Georgia Tech said it will `` aim to retain as much face-to-face interaction as possible '' and will have some in-person classes , some hybrid options and some fully remote classes , with details to be announced later this month .
Given recent coronavirus case increases in Georgia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a class of 50 students , at least one will be infected , said professor Joshua Weitz of the School of Biological Sciences at Georgia Tech .
The absence of a mask requirement `` significantly '' increases the risk that the virus will be transmitted , he told NPR .
`` The risk should not be a surprise to anyone in leadership , '' he said .
`` We have a limited time to change course . ''
The majority of Georgia Tech faculty wants the school to have autonomy to determine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decisions about how to educate Georgia Tech students are best left to school officials including Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera .
The Georgia Board of Regents has not responded to NPR 's requests for comment .
But in response to an earlier petition to require masks on Georgia campuses , a University System of Georgia ( USG ) spokesperson said it was following COVID-19 guidance from the Georgia Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
`` Consistent with current guidance from those agencies , we strongly encourage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in areas of campus where social distancing can not be practiced , '' the statement said , as reported by the Athens Banner-Herald .
Even if Georgia Tech expects professors to resume in-person instruction , professor Murray expects that many professors and students wo n't want to risk their health .
`` No one is going to teach in a classroom in which they feel that their students ' and their own health is at risk , '' she said .
`` No student will come to campus if they feel it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who helped write the letter , said he 's optimistic that Georgia Tech 's administration agrees with faculty who say an in-person mask-optional return is too risky .
`` We suspect they would not actively oppose faculty taking the decision to have most courses online , '' Ranjan told NPR .
`` In the final analysis faculty will choose to do what they think is ethically correct . ''
Georgia is unique in that the state 's education board has imposed mandates across the entire public higher education program of 26 colleges and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wishes of individual schools .
Georgia Tech already ran up against this in March when school officials ordered an immediate campus shutdown and a move to online education ; the University System of Georgia wanted the school to only stay closed for two weeks .
Georgia Tech 's president reversed course .
`` Georgia has been particularly aggressive against the independence of universities in the past few years , '' Murray said .
According to The Chronicle of Higher Education , the back-and-forth over Georgia Tech 's plans reflects a power struggle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Regents appointed by the state 's Republican governor .
Murray says other campuses in the state are also organizing responses to the state 's reopening guidelines .
Most colleges across the country will require masks when they reopen in the fall , the Chronicle reports .
And data collected by faculty at the University of Georgia say that among top public universities as recognized by U.S. News & World Report , all except Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia will require face masks on campus this fall .
`` Even other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their university 's health and safety in this way , '' Murray said .
Some professors have raised concerns over what they should do if students refuse to wear the face coverings .
Last month a petition signed by 1,100 faculty at Penn State asked for the right to ban students from the classroom if they do n't comply .
They also sought the authority to decide to teach classes remotely `` if they deem it necessary for their own safety or the safety of their students . ''
Most campuses — about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold in-person classes this fall , according to the Chronicle .
Many are proposing a hybrid model of both in-person and online classes , and some have already committed to online-only education .
And , as coronavirus infections surge , some schools are backtracking on their earlier plans to hold in-person classes .
On Wednesday , the University of Southern California announced that undergraduate students would `` primarily or exclusively '' be taking their courses online in the fall term .
Only 10-20 % of classes will be conducted in person — mostly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or other hands-on work .
This is a reversal from its announcement in early June that in-person classes would resume with mandatory face coverings .
On Thursday , Texas State University walked back its plan to resume in-person teaching for its second summer session , with almost all courses conducted online .
The school still plans to resume face-to-face instruction in the fall .
`` If students are comfortable returning to our campuses , we have many protective measures in place , '' TSU President Denise Trauth said in a statement .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even in times of uncertainty . ''

'A Nightmare': Georgia Tech Faculty Push Back Against In-Person Reopening Plans
Enlarge this image toggle caption David Goldman/AP David Goldman/AP
As the coronavirus infection rate in the U.S. surpasses 50,000 new cases a day, colleges and universities around the country are trying to figure out how to educate their students this fall while still keeping their campus communities safe.
That balancing act sometimes causes consternation. At the Georgia Institute of Technology, which is scheduled to hold in-person classes, more than 800 of its 1,100 faculty members have published a letter outlining their concerns. The letter, reported by Georgia Public Broadcasting, criticizes the state university system for mandating statewide reopenings this fall that "do not follow science-based evidence, increase the health risks to faculty, students and staff, and interfere with nimble decision-making necessary to prepare and respond to Covid-19 infection risk."
Georgia Tech is a public university and is bound by the rules set by the University System of Georgia and its Board of Regents.
New COVID-19 cases are rising in Georgia faster than ever before, averaging more than 2,600 new cases per day over the past week.
Faculty are particularly concerned about a university reopening plan that makes face coverings encouraged but optional. That is "such a flagrant violation of the science that it threatens our core identity as a world class research university with leading scientists and engineers," professor Janet Murray, lead signatory on the letter, told NPR. "It's a nightmare for faculty."
Georgia Tech said it will "aim to retain as much face-to-face interaction as possible" and will have some in-person classes, some hybrid options and some fully remote classes, with details to be announced later this month.
Given recent coronavirus case increases in Georgia, there's a strong possibility that in a class of 50 students, at least one will be infected, said professor Joshua Weitz of the School of Biological Sciences at Georgia Tech. The absence of a mask requirement "significantly" increases the risk that the virus will be transmitted, he told NPR. "The risk should not be a surprise to anyone in leadership," he said. "We have a limited time to change course."
The majority of Georgia Tech faculty wants the school to have autonomy to determine how best to reopen. They say decisions about how to educate Georgia Tech students are best left to school officials including Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera.
The Georgia Board of Regents has not responded to NPR's requests for comment. But in response to an earlier petition to require masks on Georgia campuses, a University System of Georgia (USG) spokesperson said it was following COVID-19 guidance from the Georgia Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Consistent with current guidance from those agencies, we strongly encourage everyone to wear a cloth face covering in areas of campus where social distancing cannot be practiced," the statement said, as reported by the Athens Banner-Herald.
Even if Georgia Tech expects professors to resume in-person instruction, professor Murray expects that many professors and students won't want to risk their health. "No one is going to teach in a classroom in which they feel that their students' and their own health is at risk," she said. "No student will come to campus if they feel it is unsafe."
Professor Devesh Ranjan, who helped write the letter, said he's optimistic that Georgia Tech's administration agrees with faculty who say an in-person mask-optional return is too risky. "We suspect they would not actively oppose faculty taking the decision to have most courses online," Ranjan told NPR. "In the final analysis faculty will choose to do what they think is ethically correct."
Georgia is unique in that the state's education board has imposed mandates across the entire public higher education program of 26 colleges and universities — sometimes directly at odds with the wishes of individual schools. Georgia Tech already ran up against this in March when school officials ordered an immediate campus shutdown and a move to online education; the University System of Georgia wanted the school to only stay closed for two weeks. Georgia Tech's president reversed course.
"Georgia has been particularly aggressive against the independence of universities in the past few years," Murray said.
According to The Chronicle of Higher Education, the back-and-forth over Georgia Tech's plans reflects a power struggle between individual schools and a hands-on Board of Regents appointed by the state's Republican governor. Murray says other campuses in the state are also organizing responses to the state's reopening guidelines.
Most colleges across the country will require masks when they reopen in the fall, the Chronicle reports. And data collected by faculty at the University of Georgia say that among top public universities as recognized by U.S. News & World Report, all except Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia will require face masks on campus this fall.
"Even other Republican governor states are not messing with their university's health and safety in this way," Murray said.
Some professors have raised concerns over what they should do if students refuse to wear the face coverings. Last month a petition signed by 1,100 faculty at Penn State asked for the right to ban students from the classroom if they don't comply. They also sought the authority to decide to teach classes remotely "if they deem it necessary for their own safety or the safety of their students."
Most campuses — about 6 in 10 — currently plan to hold in-person classes this fall, according to the Chronicle. Many are proposing a hybrid model of both in-person and online classes, and some have already committed to online-only education.
And, as coronavirus infections surge, some schools are backtracking on their earlier plans to hold in-person classes. On Wednesday, the University of Southern California announced that undergraduate students would "primarily or exclusively" be taking their courses online in the fall term. Only 10-20% of classes will be conducted in person — mostly courses requiring laboratories, performance studios, or other hands-on work. This is a reversal from its announcement in early June that in-person classes would resume with mandatory face coverings.
On Thursday, Texas State University walked back its plan to resume in-person teaching for its second summer session, with almost all courses conducted online. The school still plans to resume face-to-face instruction in the fall. "If students are comfortable returning to our campuses, we have many protective measures in place," TSU President Denise Trauth said in a statement. "We will get through this together, even in times of uncertainty."


npr--2020-07-05--3rd Ex-Police Officer Charged In George Floyd's Death Released From Jail On Bond

3rd Ex-Police Officer Charged In George Floyd 's Death Released From Jail On Bond A third former Minneapolis police officer involved in the killing of George Floyd has been released from jail .
According to Hennepin County jail records , Tou Thao was released from custody with conditions on Saturday morning after posting $ 750,000 bond .
Thao , 34 , faces charges of aiding and abetting second-degree murder while committing a felony , as well as aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter with culpable negligence .
He has not yet entered a plea .
He is scheduled to appear in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the four officers accused in the May 25 death of George Floyd , which sparked protests against racism and police brutality across the country and around the world .
All have since been fired and are facing criminal charges .
Derek Chauvin , the officer captured on camera kneeling on Floyd 's neck for nearly nine minutes , was charged with second-degree murder , third-degree murder and manslaughter .
He remains in custody on $ 1.25 million bail .
Video of the incident shows Chauvin continuing to press his knee on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Floyd that he could n't breathe .
The other three officers did not intervene .
According to a criminal complaint filed in June , Thao brought out a hobble restraint to use on Floyd , but the officers decided not to use it and instead `` maintained their positions . ''
The complaint describes how Thao stood guard against onlookers as the three other officers held Floyd down by the legs , back and neck .
`` The defendant then became concerned about a number of citizens who had gathered and were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and potential traffic concerns , and so the defendant stood between those citizens and the three officers . ''
The other two ex-officers , J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane , face the same charges as Thao and have already been released on bond .
A Minnesota judge recently set a tentative trial date of March 8 for all four men , but said he expects their attorneys to file motions for separate trials .
Thao joined the Minneapolis Police in 2009 , but was laid off that year due to budget cuts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six police conduct complaints on his record , one of which was still open at the time of his firing .
Thao was also a subject of a 2017 police brutality lawsuit , which alleged that he and another officer beat a plaintiff during his arrest in 2014 , breaking his teeth while he was handcuffed .
The city settled the lawsuit for $ 25,000 .

3rd Ex-Police Officer Charged In George Floyd's Death Released From Jail On Bond
Enlarge this image toggle caption Jim Mone/AP Jim Mone/AP
A third former Minneapolis police officer involved in the killing of George Floyd has been released from jail.
According to Hennepin County jail records, Tou Thao was released from custody with conditions on Saturday morning after posting $750,000 bond.
Thao, 34, faces charges of aiding and abetting second-degree murder while committing a felony, as well as aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter with culpable negligence. He has not yet entered a plea.
He is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 11.
Thao is one of the four officers accused in the May 25 death of George Floyd, which sparked protests against racism and police brutality across the country and around the world. All have since been fired and are facing criminal charges.
Derek Chauvin, the officer captured on camera kneeling on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes, was charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter. He remains in custody on $1.25 million bail.
Video of the incident shows Chauvin continuing to press his knee on Floyd's neck, despite repeated pleas by Floyd that he couldn't breathe. The other three officers did not intervene.
According to a criminal complaint filed in June, Thao brought out a hobble restraint to use on Floyd, but the officers decided not to use it and instead "maintained their positions." The complaint describes how Thao stood guard against onlookers as the three other officers held Floyd down by the legs, back and neck.
"The defendant then became concerned about a number of citizens who had gathered and were watching the officers subdue Mr. Floyd, and potential traffic concerns, and so the defendant stood between those citizens and the three officers."
The other two ex-officers, J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane, face the same charges as Thao and have already been released on bond.
A Minnesota judge recently set a tentative trial date of March 8 for all four men, but said he expects their attorneys to file motions for separate trials.
Thao joined the Minneapolis Police in 2009, but was laid off that year due to budget cuts and reinstated in 2012. He had six police conduct complaints on his record, one of which was still open at the time of his firing.
Thao was also a subject of a 2017 police brutality lawsuit, which alleged that he and another officer beat a plaintiff during his arrest in 2014, breaking his teeth while he was handcuffed. The city settled the lawsuit for $25,000.


npr--2020-07-06--ICE: Foreign Students Must Leave The U.S. If Their Colleges Go Online-Only This Fall

ICE : Foreign Students Must Leave The U.S .
If Their Colleges Go Online-Only This Fall Foreign students attending U.S. colleges that will operate entirely online this fall semester can not remain in the country to do so , according to new regulations released Monday by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement .
As college students across the United States and around the world contemplate what their upcoming semester might look like , the federal guidance limits options for international students and leaves them with an uncomfortable choice : attend in-person classes during a pandemic or take them online from another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools that have already announced plans to operate fully online , there is no choice .
Under the new rules , the State Department will not issue them visas , and U.S. Customs and Border Protection will not allow them to enter the country .
`` Active students currently in the United States enrolled in such programs must depart the country or take other measures , such as transferring to a school with in-person instruction to remain in lawful status , '' read a release from ICE 's Student and Exchange Visitor Program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face immigration consequences including , but not limited to , the initiation of removal proceedings . ''
The agency said students already in the country and faced with a fully online course of study may take alternative measures to maintain their nonimmigrant status , `` such as a reduced course load or appropriate medical leave . ''
The rule applies to holders of F-1 and M-1 nonimmigrant visas , which allow nonimmigrant students to pursue academic and vocational coursework , respectively .
More than 1 million of the country 's higher education students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nonprofit Institute of International Education .
Typically , foreign students are limited in how many online courses they can take and are required to do the majority of their learning in the classroom , according to immigration lawyer Fiona McEntee .
Once the pandemic struck , students were given flexibility to take more online classes — but only for the spring and summer semesters .
`` It 's an unprecedented public health crisis , and I do n't think it 's too much to ask for the allowances that they made to continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clearly , quite clearly do not have a handle on the pandemic here right now , unlike other countries that have , '' McEntee said .
`` This makes no sense . ''
McEntee said the decision is especially puzzling given the value of foreign students , which is quantifiable economically .
According to an economic analysis by NAFSA : Association of International Educators , international students studying at U.S. colleges and universities contributed $ 41 billion and supported 458,290 jobs during the 2018-2019 academic year .
McEntee added that losing foreign students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , something that will impact domestic students as well .
Similarly , the decision to attend classes in person impacts all students present .
`` If students can study online successfully from an academic point of view , why are we forcing them to come into a situation where they could put their health at risk and also the health of their classmates at risk ? ''
she asked .
Students attending schools operating as usual will remain bound by existing federal regulations that permit them to take a maximum of one class @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attending schools implementing a hybrid model can take more online classes or credits , though their school must certify `` that the program is not entirely online , that the student is not taking an entirely online course load this semester , and that the student is taking the minimum number of online classes required to make normal progress in their degree program . ''
The announcement comes as higher education institutions are releasing frameworks for reopening in the fall semester .
Schools are preparing to offer in-person instruction , online classes or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of colleges are planning to operate online , according to the Chronicle of Higher Education , which is tracking the reopening plans of more than 1,000 U.S. colleges .
Sixty percent are planning for in-person instruction , and 23 % are proposing a hybrid model , with a combined 8.5 % undecided or considering a range of scenarios .
Harvard University is one of the latest institutions to unveil its plans , announcing on Monday that all undergraduate and graduate course instruction for the academic year will be held online .
Nevertheless , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of undergraduates , including all freshmen , onto campus .
Harvard President Larry Bacow said in a statement emailed to NPR that the ICE policy is `` a blunt , one-size-fits-all approach to a complex problem . ''
`` We must do all that we can to ensure that our students can continue their studies without fear of being forced to leave the country mid-way through the year , disrupting their academic progress and undermining the commitments—and sacrifices—that many of them have made to advance their education , '' the statement said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ change because of the evolving nature of the pandemic , especially with daily case totals continuing to break records in parts of the country .
In acknowledgment , the agency instructs schools to update their information in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System within 10 days of making the switch to online-only classes .
Immigration lawyer McEntee , a former international student herself , said leaving for school can be challenging enough , not to mention during a pandemic and in a landscape of near-constant immigration restrictions .
She called the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , `` not right . ''
`` This is not the America that I think foreign students come to live in , '' she said .
The American Council on Education , a higher education lobbying group , also condemned the rule change in a statement issued Monday afternoon .
ACE President Ted Mitchell said the guidance `` provides confusion and complexity rather than certainty and clarity '' and called on ICE to rethink its position .
`` At a time when institutions are doing everything they can to help reopen our country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big step in the wrong direction , '' he wrote .
`` ICE should allow any international student with a valid visa to continue their education regardless of whether a student is receiving his or her education online , in person , or through a combination of both , whether in the United States or in their home country , during this unprecedented global health crisis . ''

ICE: Foreign Students Must Leave The U.S. If Their Colleges Go Online-Only This Fall
Enlarge this image toggle caption Eva Hambach/AFP via Getty Images Eva Hambach/AFP via Getty Images
Foreign students attending U.S. colleges that will operate entirely online this fall semester cannot remain in the country to do so, according to new regulations released Monday by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
As college students across the United States and around the world contemplate what their upcoming semester might look like, the federal guidance limits options for international students and leaves them with an uncomfortable choice: attend in-person classes during a pandemic or take them online from another country.
And for students enrolled in schools that have already announced plans to operate fully online, there is no choice. Under the new rules, the State Department will not issue them visas, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection will not allow them to enter the country.
"Active students currently in the United States enrolled in such programs must depart the country or take other measures, such as transferring to a school with in-person instruction to remain in lawful status," read a release from ICE's Student and Exchange Visitor Program. "If not, they may face immigration consequences including, but not limited to, the initiation of removal proceedings."
The agency said students already in the country and faced with a fully online course of study may take alternative measures to maintain their nonimmigrant status, "such as a reduced course load or appropriate medical leave."
The rule applies to holders of F-1 and M-1 nonimmigrant visas, which allow nonimmigrant students to pursue academic and vocational coursework, respectively.
More than 1 million of the country's higher education students come from overseas, according to the nonprofit Institute of International Education.
Typically, foreign students are limited in how many online courses they can take and are required to do the majority of their learning in the classroom, according to immigration lawyer Fiona McEntee. Once the pandemic struck, students were given flexibility to take more online classes — but only for the spring and summer semesters.
"It's an unprecedented public health crisis, and I don't think it's too much to ask for the allowances that they made to continue, especially given the fact that we clearly, quite clearly do not have a handle on the pandemic here right now, unlike other countries that have," McEntee said. "This makes no sense."
McEntee said the decision is especially puzzling given the value of foreign students, which is quantifiable economically.
According to an economic analysis by NAFSA: Association of International Educators, international students studying at U.S. colleges and universities contributed $41 billion and supported 458,290 jobs during the 2018-2019 academic year.
McEntee added that losing foreign students is a huge blow to university budgets, something that will impact domestic students as well. Similarly, the decision to attend classes in person impacts all students present.
"If students can study online successfully from an academic point of view, why are we forcing them to come into a situation where they could put their health at risk and also the health of their classmates at risk?" she asked.
Students attending schools operating as usual will remain bound by existing federal regulations that permit them to take a maximum of one class or three credit hours online.
Students attending schools implementing a hybrid model can take more online classes or credits, though their school must certify "that the program is not entirely online, that the student is not taking an entirely online course load this semester, and that the student is taking the minimum number of online classes required to make normal progress in their degree program."
The announcement comes as higher education institutions are releasing frameworks for reopening in the fall semester. Schools are preparing to offer in-person instruction, online classes or a mix of both.
Eight percent of colleges are planning to operate online, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education, which is tracking the reopening plans of more than 1,000 U.S. colleges. Sixty percent are planning for in-person instruction, and 23% are proposing a hybrid model, with a combined 8.5% undecided or considering a range of scenarios.
Harvard University is one of the latest institutions to unveil its plans, announcing on Monday that all undergraduate and graduate course instruction for the academic year will be held online. Nevertheless, the university plans to bring 40% of undergraduates, including all freshmen, onto campus.
Harvard President Larry Bacow said in a statement emailed to NPR that the ICE policy is "a blunt, one-size-fits-all approach to a complex problem."
"We must do all that we can to ensure that our students can continue their studies without fear of being forced to leave the country mid-way through the year, disrupting their academic progress and undermining the commitments—and sacrifices—that many of them have made to advance their education," the statement said.
School reopening plans may be subject to change because of the evolving nature of the pandemic, especially with daily case totals continuing to break records in parts of the country.
In acknowledgment, the agency instructs schools to update their information in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System within 10 days of making the switch to online-only classes.
Immigration lawyer McEntee, a former international student herself, said leaving for school can be challenging enough, not to mention during a pandemic and in a landscape of near-constant immigration restrictions. She called the new rule, both in substance and timing, "not right."
"This is not the America that I think foreign students come to live in," she said.
The American Council on Education, a higher education lobbying group, also condemned the rule change in a statement issued Monday afternoon. ACE President Ted Mitchell said the guidance "provides confusion and complexity rather than certainty and clarity" and called on ICE to rethink its position.
"At a time when institutions are doing everything they can to help reopen our country, we need flexibility, not a big step in the wrong direction," he wrote. "ICE should allow any international student with a valid visa to continue their education regardless of whether a student is receiving his or her education online, in person, or through a combination of both, whether in the United States or in their home country, during this unprecedented global health crisis."


npr--2020-07-06--Aerosols, Droplets, Fomites: What We Know About Transmission Of COVID-19

Aerosols , Droplets , Fomites : What We Know About Transmission Of COVID-19 By now , it 's common knowledge that the coronavirus can be spread by being in close contact with someone who 's infected and then breathing in their respiratory droplets .
Or by touching a contaminated surface and rubbing your eyes , nose or mouth .
An open letter signed by 239 researchers addressed to the World Health Organization , published Monday in Clinical Infectious Diseases , calls for attention and guidance around a third route of transmission : tiny respiratory particles that float in the air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be responsible for infecting someone who comes along and breathes them in .
Researchers are actively debating the importance of aerosol transmission and whether precautionary approaches should be taken even without clear answers about its role in the spread of the coronavirus .
`` The ratio is something we need to figure out , '' says Kimberly Prather , an atmospheric chemist at Scripps Institution of Oceanography , who signed the letter to WHO .
Here 's what we know about the different modes of transmission : What it is : A microscopic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around 5 to 10 microns — about the size of a red blood cell — that comes out of the nose or mouth of an infected individual when they breathe , speak , cough or sneeze .
Droplets generally fall to the ground within a few feet of the person who expels them .
How a virus could spread this way : Through what researchers call `` the respiratory route . ''
Virus-laden droplets are expelled from the nose or mouth of an infected person and find their way into nearby eyes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you 're standing next to your kid and they cough in your face , '' says Seema Lakdawala , a flu researcher at the University of Pittsburgh .
How much does it contribute to the spread ?
Directly coming into contact with respiratory droplets is currently considered the most frequent mode of transmission , according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and WHO .
What it is : A virus-packed particle , smaller than 5 microns , that 's also expelled from an infected person 's mouth when breathing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a droplet , smaller aerosol particles can remain suspended in the air .
`` They 'll continue to float and follow the air streams in a room , '' Prather says .
How a virus could spread this way : Through the respiratory route in which a person breathes in clouds of tiny virus particles that have accumulated and may be traveling on air currents .
How much does it contribute to the spread ?
It 's an open question that begs more research .
`` Aerosols probably have some contribution toward spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what extent and what situations are most relevant , '' says Abraar Karan , a physician at Harvard Medical School who treats coronavirus patients .
Viral spread via air currents has been documented in certain indoor environments : at a restaurant in Guangzhou , China , where people sitting downstream from an air conditioner caught COVID-19 , and at a March choir practice in Washington state , where many choir members got sick with coronavirus after likely breathing in tiny airborne particles generated by individuals who were infected but symptom-free at the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long the virus lingers in the air , how far it travels ( possibly through a room but not down the street ) and how commonly it spreads this way .
What it is : An object covered with virus particles , possibly because someone recently sneezed or coughed respiratory droplets onto it , or swiped a germ-covered hand on it .
A countertop or a phone could become a fomite in that same manner .
The particles could survive from several hours to several days .
How a virus could spread this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touch the surface of a virus-covered object , pick up the virus on their hands and then introduce the virus to their eyes , nose or mouth .
How much does it contribute to the spread ?
: The CDC describes this as a `` possible '' route of coronavirus transmission but maintains that close contact between people is thought to be responsible for most new infections .

Aerosols, Droplets, Fomites: What We Know About Transmission Of COVID-19
Enlarge this image toggle caption Peter Dazeley/Getty Images Peter Dazeley/Getty Images
This story was updated on July 7 at 1:54 p.m. to include WHO's response to the letter.
By now, it's common knowledge that the coronavirus can be spread by being in close contact with someone who's infected and then breathing in their respiratory droplets. Or by touching a contaminated surface and rubbing your eyes, nose or mouth.
An open letter signed by 239 researchers addressed to the World Health Organization, published Monday in Clinical Infectious Diseases, calls for attention and guidance around a third route of transmission: tiny respiratory particles that float in the air and are called aerosols and that, the researchers state, could be responsible for infecting someone who comes along and breathes them in.
"Most public health organizations, including the WHO, do not recognize airborne transmission except for aerosol-generating procedures performed in healthcare settings," the letter states, "Hand-washing and social distancing are appropriate, but in our view, insufficient to provide protection from virus-carrying respiratory microdroplets released into the air by infected people."
WHO's response, at a press conference Tuesday, was measured. "There is some evidence emerging but is not definitive," said Dr. Benedetta Allegranzi, WHO's technical lead for infection prevention and control. "The possibility of airborne transmission in public settings, especially in very specific conditions — crowded, closed, poorly ventilated settings — cannot be ruled out. However, the evidence needs to be gathered and interpreted."
WHO officials say they've working for weeks on a brief that summarizes evidence on the various modes of transmission and will publish it in the coming days.
In the meantime, here's what we know about the different modes of transmission:
Droplet
What it is: A virus-filled particle of breath or spittle that comes out of the nose or mouth of an infected individual when they breathe, speak, cough or sneeze. Droplets generally fall to the ground within a few feet of the person who expels them.
How a virus could spread this way: "A large droplet flies through the air and lands on your body," says Linsey Marr, a professor of civil and environmental engineering who researches airborne transmission at Virginia Tech. "And that could be your eyes, nostrils or mouth." For instance, "if you're standing next to your kid and they cough in your face," says Seema Lakdawala, a flu researcher at the University of Pittsburgh.
How much does it contribute to the spread? Directly coming into contact with respiratory droplets is currently considered the most frequent mode of transmission, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and WHO.
Aerosol
What it is: A microscopic virus-packed particle that's also expelled from an infected person's mouth when breathing, speaking, coughing or sneezing. Unlike a droplet, smaller aerosol particles can remain suspended in the air.
"They'll continue to float and follow the air streams in a room," says Kimberly Prather, an atmospheric chemist at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, who signed the letter to WHO.
How a virus could spread this way: Through the respiratory route in which a person breathes in clouds of tiny virus particles that have accumulated and may be traveling on air currents.
How much does it contribute to the spread? It's an open question that begs more research. "Aerosols probably have some contribution toward spread, but we don't know to what extent and what situations are most relevant," says Abraar Karan, a physician at Harvard Medical School who treats coronavirus patients. Viral spread via air currents has been documented in certain indoor environments: at a restaurant in Guangzhou, China, where people sitting downstream from an air conditioner caught COVID-19, and at a March choir practice in Washington state, where many choir members got sick with coronavirus after likely breathing in tiny airborne particles generated by individuals who were infected but symptom-free at the time. What's still unclear is how long the virus lingers in the air, how far it travels (possibly through a room but not down the street) and how commonly it spreads this way.
Fomite
What it is: An object covered with virus particles, possibly because someone recently sneezed or coughed respiratory droplets onto it, or swiped a germ-covered hand on it. A countertop or a phone could become a fomite in that same manner. The particles could survive from several hours to several days.
How a virus could spread this way: Through indirect transmission if people touch the surface of a virus-covered object, pick up the virus on their hands and then introduce the virus to their eyes, nose or mouth.
How much does it contribute to the spread?: The CDC describes this as a "possible" route of coronavirus transmission but maintains that close contact between people is thought to be responsible for most new infections.


npr--2020-07-06--Trump Calls For NASCAR Driver Bubba Wallace To Apologize Over Noose 'Hoax'

Trump Calls For NASCAR Driver Bubba Wallace To Apologize Over Noose 'Hoax' President Trump followed up a pair of divisive speeches over the holiday weekend on Monday by castigating NASCAR for banning the Confederate flag and calling on its only African American driver to apologize for `` a hoax '' involving a rope fashioned into a noose that the FBI later determined was n't a hate crime .
The comments — in a tweet about NASCAR and driver Bubba Wallace — were the latest in a series of inflammatory statements Trump has made that seem aimed at stoking his base @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hovered at their lowest level amid racial tensions over George Floyd 's death and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic .
`` Has @ BubbaWallace apologized to all of those great NASCAR drivers & officials who came to his aid , stood by his side , & were willing to sacrifice everything for him , only to find out that the whole thing was just another HOAX ?
That & Flag decision has caused lowest ratings EVER ! ''
the president tweeted Monday morning .
Last month , members of Wallace 's team discovered the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ door of an infield garage stall assigned to the driver at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama .
The following day , in a show of solidarity with Wallace , NASCAR drivers and teams pushed his No .
43 car down pit road at the speedway .
However , FBI investigators later announced that the noose had been hanging in the garage since the last big race at the speedway in October , well before it was assigned to Wallace , and that the incident did not constitute a hate crime .
Wallace , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black Lives Matter protest movement and had called for banning the Confederate flag from NASCAR events , has accepted the FBI 's conclusions .
Later Monday Wallace tweeted to `` the next generation and little ones following my footsteps ... always deal with the hate being thrown at you with LOVE !
...
Even when it 's hate from the POTUS . ''
Also following Trump 's tweet on Monday , NASCAR reiterated its support for Wallace , saying on Twitter : `` We are proud to have Bubba Wallace in the NASCAR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership .
NASCAR continues to stand tall with Bubba , our competitors and everyone who makes our sport welcoming and inclusive for all racing fans . ''
Despite Trump 's tweet , White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said the president was not taking a position on NASCAR 's removal of the Confederate flag , but she defended his call for an apology from Wallace .
`` The FBI ... has concluded that this was not a hate crime , and he believes it would go a long way if Bubba came out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she told reporters .

Trump Calls For NASCAR Driver Bubba Wallace To Apologize Over Noose 'Hoax'
Enlarge this image toggle caption Darron Cummings/AP Darron Cummings/AP
Updated at 9:23 p.m. ET
President Trump followed up a pair of divisive speeches over the holiday weekend on Monday by castigating NASCAR for banning the Confederate flag and calling on its only Black driver to apologize for "a hoax" involving a rope fashioned into a noose that the FBI later determined wasn't a hate crime.
The comments — in a tweet about NASCAR and driver Bubba Wallace — were the latest in a series of inflammatory statements Trump has made that seem aimed at stoking his base, even as his job approval numbers hovered at their lowest level amid racial tensions over George Floyd's death and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
"Has @BubbaWallace apologized to all of those great NASCAR drivers & officials who came to his aid, stood by his side, & were willing to sacrifice everything for him, only to find out that the whole thing was just another HOAX? That & Flag decision has caused lowest ratings EVER!" the president tweeted Monday morning.
Later in the day, Wallace tweeted a response with the hashtag #LoveWins. He addressed it to "the next generation and little ones following my footsteps ... always deal with the hate being thrown at you with LOVE! ... Even when it's hate from the POTUS."
Last month, members of Wallace's team discovered the noose, which was found on the door of an infield garage stall assigned to the driver at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama.
The following day, in a show of solidarity with Wallace, NASCAR drivers and teams pushed his No. 43 car down pit road at the speedway.
YouTube
However, FBI investigators later announced that the noose had been hanging in the garage since the last big race at the speedway in October, well before it was assigned to Wallace, and that the incident did not constitute a hate crime.
Wallace, who has been a vocal supporter of the Black Lives Matter protest movement and had called for banning the Confederate flag from NASCAR events, has accepted the FBI's conclusions.
Also following Trump's tweet on Monday, NASCAR reiterated its support for Wallace, saying on Twitter: "We are proud to have Bubba Wallace in the NASCAR family and we commend his courage and leadership. NASCAR continues to stand tall with Bubba, our competitors and everyone who makes our sport welcoming and inclusive for all racing fans."
Despite Trump's tweet, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said the president was not taking a position on NASCAR's removal of the Confederate flag, but she defended his call for an apology from Wallace.
"The FBI ... has concluded that this was not a hate crime, and he believes it would go a long way if Bubba came out and acknowledged this as well," she told reporters.


npr--2020-07-06--Being Black In America Today: Share Your Experience

Being Black In America Today : Share Your Experience Across the country , a national reckoning with race has sparked wide-ranging debates on defunding police , racial profiling , public monuments and systemic racism .
This comes as protests continue nationwide , sparked by high-profile deaths of African Americans .
Many of them have become household names : George Floyd , Elijah McClain , Rayshard Brooks , Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor , to name a few .
Meanwhile , polls show a majority of Americans support the Black Lives Matter movement .
But divisions are emerging among politicians .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ racial tensions , calling the Black Lives Matter slogan a `` symbol of hate . ''
And former Vice President Joe Biden , the Democratic challenger , has called the protests a wake-up call but stopped short of supporting defunding police .
NPR would like to hear about your personal experience as a black person in America .
Please share your story , and a reporter might contact you .
Your submission will be governed by our general Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .
As the Privacy Policy says , we want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be circumstances in which the exemptions provided under law for journalistic activities or freedom of expression may override privacy rights you might otherwise have .
This page was first published May 31 , 2020 .

Being Black In America Today: Share Your Experience
Enlarge this image toggle caption Eze Amos/Getty Images Eze Amos/Getty Images
Across the country, a national reckoning with race has sparked wide-ranging debates on defunding police, racial profiling, public monuments and systemic racism. This comes as protests continue nationwide, sparked by high-profile deaths of African Americans. Many of them have become household names: George Floyd, Elijah McClain, Rayshard Brooks, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, to name a few.
Meanwhile, polls show a majority of Americans support the Black Lives Matter movement. But divisions are emerging among politicians. President Trump has been accused of stoking racial tensions, calling the Black Lives Matter slogan a "symbol of hate." And former Vice President Joe Biden, the Democratic challenger, has called the protests a wake-up call but stopped short of supporting defunding police.
NPR would like to hear about your personal experience as a black person in America. Please share your story, and a reporter might contact you.
Your submission will be governed by our general Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. As the Privacy Policy says, we want you to be aware that there may be circumstances in which the exemptions provided under law for journalistic activities or freedom of expression may override privacy rights you might otherwise have.
This page was first published May 31, 2020.


npr--2020-07-06--Australia Closes Interstate Border Because Of Coronavirus Outbreak

The border between Australian states Victoria and New South Wales will close because of a spike in coronavirus cases , officials announced on Monday .
Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews said the closure is for an undetermined period .
Victoria , whose capital city is Melbourne , has logged 127 confirmed cases in the last 24 hours , which accounts for more than 90 % of Australia 's infections during that period , according to national data .
New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian said that the border would first shut down to residents of Melbourne , where the outbreak has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to all residents of Victoria on Wednesday .
Police and health officials will monitor 55 ground crossings — including highways , bridges and waterways — as well as airports and rail stations according to a report from ABC Australia .
`` We would n't have taken this step unless we absolutely had to , '' Berejiklian said .
`` Please know this is not a decision we take lightly , but during the pandemic I have always said New South Wales will have a no-regrets policy . ''
Several public housing projects have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreaks around Melbourne .
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that residents of nine public housing towers in the suburbs have been put on a lockdown after a spike in coronavirus cases .
Andrews promised to protect residents from financial hardship .
The decision to shut the border marks the first time since the 1919 Spanish Flu outbreak that officials have blocked movement between the two states .
Victoria 's other border , with the state of South Australia , is already closed .

Australia Closes Interstate Border Because Of Coronavirus Outbreak
Enlarge this image toggle caption James D. Morgan/Getty Images James D. Morgan/Getty Images
The border between Australian states Victoria and New South Wales will close because of a spike in coronavirus cases, officials announced on Monday.
Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews said the closure is for an undetermined period.
Victoria, whose capital city is Melbourne, has logged 127 confirmed cases in the last 24 hours, which accounts for more than 90% of Australia's infections during that period, according to national data.
New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian said that the border would first shut down to residents of Melbourne, where the outbreak has been concentrated, and then will extend to all residents of Victoria on Wednesday. Police and health officials will monitor 55 ground crossings — including highways, bridges and waterways — as well as airports and rail stations according to a report from ABC Australia.
"We wouldn't have taken this step unless we absolutely had to," Berejiklian said. "Please know this is not a decision we take lightly, but during the pandemic I have always said New South Wales will have a no-regrets policy."
Several public housing projects have been put on lockdown because of the outbreaks around Melbourne. The Sydney Morning Herald reported that residents of nine public housing towers in the suburbs have been put on a lockdown after a spike in coronavirus cases.
Andrews promised to protect residents from financial hardship.
The decision to shut the border marks the first time since the 1919 Spanish Flu outbreak that officials have blocked movement between the two states. Victoria's other border, with the state of South Australia, is already closed.


npr--2020-07-06--Survey: 3% Of Americans Moved Due To The Pandemic

Survey : 3 % Of Americans Moved Due To The Pandemic As the coronavirus has spread to communities across the U.S. , among its effects has been physical upheaval .
People have moved from one place to another , or welcomed new members into their households , because of either the virus or its economic impacts .
There have been many stories of young people moving back in with their parents , new couples moving in together , and New Yorkers leaving apartments for homes in the suburbs or countryside .
But how common are such moves , really ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ survey , 3 % of U.S. adults moved permanently or temporarily due to the pandemic , and 6 % had someone move into their household because of it .
Among the young , the numbers shot way up : 9 % of adults age 18-29 have moved due to the coronavirus .
`` But many more knew someone else who had moved , '' says D'Vera Cohn , a senior writer and editor at Pew who authored the study .
`` So if you add up the number of adults who either knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about one in five U.S. adults did . ''
Asian and Hispanic respondents were more likely – at 7 % and 6 % — than Black or white respondents – at 4 % and 2 % — to have moved .
People had different reasons moving : some were pushed , some pulled .
For 28 % , reducing their risk of contracting the virus was the most important reason for the move .
Another 23 % were uprooted when their college campus closed .
A fifth of movers wanted to be with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job loss , and another 10 % had other financial reasons .
Cohn says there was a small indication that education and income were a factor in whether someone moved , but the effect was more striking if you asked about knowing someone who moved .
Those with more education and higher incomes tended to be more likely to know someone who had moved , and young adults knew more movers than older people did .
But if evictions rise , that may affect the income levels of those moving in the months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conducted in early June , did n't ask where people moved to or from , so the geographical result of so many moves is still unclear .
U.S .
Postal Service data from March and April showed that the New York City residents who submitted mail-forwarding requests had decamped for places like South Florida , Connecticut and Southern California .
But the Pew survey does give some insight into the housing situations people are seeking amid the virus .
About 61 % of the adults moved in with a family member , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or a vacation home .
Others shelled out for a new spot : 9 % rented or bought a place .
It 's too soon to tell , she says , just how many of these moves will be permanent .
`` It may be that some people do n't know yet because of the uncertainties about school and job work-from-home arrangements , '' says Cohn .

Survey: 3% Of Americans Moved Due To The Pandemic
Enlarge this image toggle caption Sandy Huffaker/AFP via Getty Images Sandy Huffaker/AFP via Getty Images
As the coronavirus has spread to communities across the U.S., among its effects has been physical upheaval. People have moved from one place to another, or welcomed new members into their households, because of either the virus or its economic impacts.
There have been many stories of young people moving back in with their parents, new couples moving in together, and New Yorkers leaving apartments for homes in the suburbs or countryside.
But how common are such moves, really?
According to a new Pew Research Center survey, 3% of U.S. adults moved permanently or temporarily due to the pandemic, and 6% had someone move into their household because of it.
Among the young, the numbers shot way up: 9% of adults age 18-29 have moved due to the coronavirus.
"But many more knew someone else who had moved," says D'Vera Cohn, a senior writer and editor at Pew who authored the study. "So if you add up the number of adults who either knew someone who moved or moved themselves, about one in five U.S. adults did."
Asian and Hispanic respondents were more likely – at 7% and 6% — than Black or white respondents – at 4% and 2% — to have moved.
People had different reasons moving: some were pushed, some pulled. For 28%, reducing their risk of contracting the virus was the most important reason for the move. Another 23% were uprooted when their college campus closed. A fifth of movers wanted to be with family. Eight percent moved due to job loss, and another 10% had other financial reasons.
Cohn says there was a small indication that education and income were a factor in whether someone moved, but the effect was more striking if you asked about knowing someone who moved.
Those with more education and higher incomes tended to be more likely to know someone who had moved, and young adults knew more movers than older people did.
But if evictions rise, that may affect the income levels of those moving in the months ahead.
The survey, which was conducted in early June, didn't ask where people moved to or from, so the geographical result of so many moves is still unclear. U.S. Postal Service data from March and April showed that the New York City residents who submitted mail-forwarding requests had decamped for places like South Florida, Connecticut and Southern California.
But the Pew survey does give some insight into the housing situations people are seeking amid the virus.
About 61% of the adults moved in with a family member, while 13% moved to a second home or a vacation home. Others shelled out for a new spot: 9% rented or bought a place.
It's too soon to tell, she says, just how many of these moves will be permanent.
"It may be that some people don't know yet because of the uncertainties about school and job work-from-home arrangements," says Cohn.


npr--2020-07-06--Uber Gobbles Up Postmates In $2.65 Billion Bet On Food Delivery

Uber Gobbles Up Postmates In $ 2.65 Billion Bet On Food Delivery Uber is buying the delivery app Postmates , bolstering its food-delivery business at a time when few people are hailing rides .
The $ 2.65 billion all-stock deal is a sign of how Uber 's business model has been turned upside down as customers have stayed home during the coronavirus pandemic .
Demand for rides — by far Uber 's biggest business — plunged 75 % in the second quarter from a year ago , CEO Dara Khosrowshahi told Wall Street analysts in a conference call on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ orders for its Uber Eats food delivery service doubled during the same three-month period .
`` Consumers and restaurants have been shifting towards delivery before COVID-19 , '' Khosrowshahi said .
`` But the pandemic has accelerated these trends , rapidly attracting new customers and restaurants . ''
While Uber Eats is already the second-largest food delivery service in the US , according to data from Edison Trends , Postmates has a strong hold in major Western markets , including Los Angeles , Phoenix and Las Vegas .
Combined , Uber Eats and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ share — narrowing in but still clearly behind the biggest app , DoorDash .
It has 45 % of the U.S. market .
In a written announcement , Uber noted Postmates had strong relationships with small- and medium-sized restaurants .
It said it will keep the Postmates app running even after the purchase is finalized .
Khosrowshahi said Uber is looking to capitalize on surging demand for delivery of all kinds , noting that Postmates has pushed into delivering items such as alcohol , groceries and pharmacy items .
`` The vision for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
But the deal will not stop Uber , which continues to report large losses , from bleeding cash .
It and rival food-delivery apps spend a lot on discounts to attract customers .
The tough conditions in the food-delivery market have spurred a race for scale .
Last month , Grubhub , the U.S. 's third-largest delivery app , was snapped up by Just Eat Takeaway , a European company , for $ 7.3 billion .
Uber had considered buying Grubhub itself .
Less than a year ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Caviar .
`` There 's a battle royale going on in food delivery , '' said Dan Ives , an analyst at Wedbush Securities .
That battle , he added , is good news for customers ' wallets , as the apps compete to offer lower prices .
But some restaurants say they have been more hurt than helped by the growing popularity of delivery .
Apps charge between 20 % to 40 % in commission per order .
To help restaurants , several cities , from New York to Seattle , have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can charge to deliver meals .
The impact on Uber drivers is not clear .
Many have turned to food delivery during the pandemic to make up for the loss of rides , said Harry Campbell , a driver who runs the popular blog The Rideshare Guy .
`` Our top content on the blog and on the YouTube channel is all food delivery , '' he said .
`` Everyone is signing up or trying to understand it and the earnings potential . ''
Uber says the Postmates deal will help drivers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money when ride-hailing is slow .
The company says drivers also can combine multiple deliveries in a single trip , increasing efficiency and earning more money per trip .
But Campbell cautioned that the delivery boom is not a panacea for drivers whose income has been decimated by the pandemic .
Many drivers are already feeling squeezed , he said , because transporting food brings in less money than transporting people .
`` When you can go work for Uber Eats or DoorDash or Caviar or Postmates , you can kind of compare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who 's offering the best bonuses ... And you can kind of hold each company accountable , '' Campbell said .
Consolidation `` means there will just be less options for [ drivers ] and likely earnings will suffer because of that , '' he added .
Editor 's note : Uber is among NPR 's financial supporters .

Uber Gobbles Up Postmates In $2.65 Billion Bet On Food Delivery
Enlarge this image toggle caption Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images
Uber is buying the delivery app Postmates, bolstering its food-delivery business at a time when few people are hailing rides.
The $2.65 billion all-stock deal is a sign of how Uber's business model has been turned upside down as customers have stayed home during the coronavirus pandemic.
Demand for rides — by far Uber's biggest business — plunged 75% in the second quarter from a year ago, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi told Wall Street analysts in a conference call on Monday discussing the deal.
In contrast, orders for its Uber Eats food delivery service doubled during the same three-month period.
"Consumers and restaurants have been shifting towards delivery before COVID-19," Khosrowshahi said. "But the pandemic has accelerated these trends, rapidly attracting new customers and restaurants."
While Uber Eats is already the second-largest food delivery service in the US, according to data from Edison Trends, Postmates has a strong hold in major Western markets, including Los Angeles, Phoenix and Las Vegas. Combined, Uber Eats and Postmates will have a 37% market share — narrowing in but still clearly behind the biggest app, DoorDash. It has 45% of the U.S. market.
Loading...
In a written announcement, Uber noted Postmates had strong relationships with small- and medium-sized restaurants. It said it will keep the Postmates app running even after the purchase is finalized.
Khosrowshahi said Uber is looking to capitalize on surging demand for delivery of all kinds, noting that Postmates has pushed into delivering items such as alcohol, groceries and pharmacy items.
"The vision for us is to become an everyday service," he said.
But the deal will not stop Uber, which continues to report large losses, from bleeding cash. It and rival food-delivery apps spend a lot on discounts to attract customers.
The tough conditions in the food-delivery market have spurred a race for scale. Last month, Grubhub, the U.S.'s third-largest delivery app, was snapped up by Just Eat Takeaway, a European company, for $7.3 billion. Uber had considered buying Grubhub itself. Less than a year ago, DoorDash bought another smaller app, Caviar.
"There's a battle royale going on in food delivery," said Dan Ives, an analyst at Wedbush Securities. That battle, he added, is good news for customers' wallets, as the apps compete to offer lower prices.
But some restaurants say they have been more hurt than helped by the growing popularity of delivery. Apps charge between 20% to 40% in commission per order. To help restaurants, several cities, from New York to Seattle, have set caps on how much the apps can charge to deliver meals.
The impact on Uber drivers is not clear. Many have turned to food delivery during the pandemic to make up for the loss of rides, said Harry Campbell, a driver who runs the popular blog The Rideshare Guy.
"Our top content on the blog and on the YouTube channel is all food delivery," he said. "Everyone is signing up or trying to understand it and the earnings potential."
Uber says the Postmates deal will help drivers by giving them another way to earn money when ride-hailing is slow. The company says drivers also can combine multiple deliveries in a single trip, increasing efficiency and earning more money per trip.
But Campbell cautioned that the delivery boom is not a panacea for drivers whose income has been decimated by the pandemic. Many drivers are already feeling squeezed, he said, because transporting food brings in less money than transporting people.
"When you can go work for Uber Eats or DoorDash or Caviar or Postmates, you can kind of compare the various offers. You can see who's offering the best bonuses ... And you can kind of hold each company accountable," Campbell said.
Consolidation "means there will just be less options for [drivers] and likely earnings will suffer because of that," he added.
Editor's note: Uber is among NPR's financial supporters.


npr--2020-07-06--Supreme Court Prohibits Mobile Phone Robocalls To Collect Federal Debt

The Supreme Court ruled Monday that a 2015 law allowing federal debt collectors to make robocalls violates the Constitution .
That 's because those debt collectors were allowed to make automated calls while other groups were n't given the same treatment .
Congress generally is n't allowed to favor certain speech over others , but that 's precisely what Congress did , wrote Justice Brett Kavanaugh for the six-member majority .
`` A robocall that says , 'Please pay your government debt ' is legal , '' Kavanaugh wrote .
`` A robocall that says , 'Please donate to our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is about as content-based as it gets .
`` Congress has impermissibly favored debt-collection speech over political and other speech , in violation of the First Amendment , '' Kavanaugh wrote .
Political groups `` still may not make political robocalls to cell phones , but their speech is now treated equally with debt-collection speech . ''
For nearly 30 years , robocalls have generally been prohibited under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act .
But in 2015 , Congress passed the Bipartisan Budget Act , amending the law to let debt collectors make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the federal government , including many student loan and mortgage debts .
The Supreme Court challenge was brought by political advocacy groups who did n't think it was fair that only those debt collectors could make robocalls to cellphones .
The groups , including the American Association of Political Consultants , wanted to make robocalls to discuss candidates and issues , solicit donations , and encourage voter participation .
So they tried to argue that the entire robocall ban was invalid , a suppression of otherwise permissible speech .
The court allowed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2015 exception for debt collectors was a violation of the First Amendment , the court said .
`` Although collecting government debt is no doubt a worthy goal , the Government concedes that it has not sufficiently justified the differentiation between government-debt collection speech and other important categories of robocall speech , such as political speech , charitable fundraising , issue advocacy , commercial advertising , and the like , '' Kavanaugh wrote .
Justices Stephen Breyer , Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Elena Kagan dissented , saying they thought the government had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The speech-related harm at issue here — and any related effect on the marketplace of ideas — is modest , '' Breyer wrote for the dissenters .
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai commended the court 's ruling .
`` Thanks to the Supreme Court , the carve-out is no more , '' he said in a statement .
`` Today , the Court found that the last Administration 's attempt to create a special exemption for favored debt collectors was not only bad policy but unconstitutional .
I am glad to hear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tired of unwanted robocalls , will now get the relief from federal-debt-collector robocalls they have long deserved . ''

Supreme Court Prohibits Mobile Phone Robocalls To Collect Federal Debt
Enlarge this image toggle caption Patrick Semansky/AP Patrick Semansky/AP
The Supreme Court ruled Monday that a 2015 law allowing federal debt collectors to make robocalls violates the Constitution. That's because those debt collectors were allowed to make automated calls while other groups weren't given the same treatment.
Congress generally isn't allowed to favor certain speech over others, but that's precisely what Congress did, wrote Justice Brett Kavanaugh for the six-member majority. "A robocall that says, 'Please pay your government debt' is legal," Kavanaugh wrote. "A robocall that says, 'Please donate to our political campaign' is illegal. That is about as content-based as it gets.
"Congress has impermissibly favored debt-collection speech over political and other speech, in violation of the First Amendment," Kavanaugh wrote. Political groups "still may not make political robocalls to cell phones, but their speech is now treated equally with debt-collection speech."
For nearly 30 years, robocalls have generally been prohibited under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. But in 2015, Congress passed the Bipartisan Budget Act, amending the law to let debt collectors make automated calls to collect money owed to the federal government, including many student loan and mortgage debts.
The Supreme Court challenge was brought by political advocacy groups who didn't think it was fair that only those debt collectors could make robocalls to cellphones. The groups, including the American Association of Political Consultants, wanted to make robocalls to discuss candidates and issues, solicit donations, and encourage voter participation. So they tried to argue that the entire robocall ban was invalid, a suppression of otherwise permissible speech.
The court allowed the general robocall ban to stand. But the 2015 exception for debt collectors was a violation of the First Amendment, the court said.
"Although collecting government debt is no doubt a worthy goal, the Government concedes that it has not sufficiently justified the differentiation between government-debt collection speech and other important categories of robocall speech, such as political speech, charitable fundraising, issue advocacy, commercial advertising, and the like," Kavanaugh wrote.
Justices Stephen Breyer, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Elena Kagan dissented, saying they thought the government had justified special treatment for federal debt collectors. "The speech-related harm at issue here — and any related effect on the marketplace of ideas — is modest," Breyer wrote for the dissenters.
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai commended the court's ruling. "Thanks to the Supreme Court, the carve-out is no more," he said in a statement. "Today, the Court found that the last Administration's attempt to create a special exemption for favored debt collectors was not only bad policy but unconstitutional. I am glad to hear that Americans, who are sick and tired of unwanted robocalls, will now get the relief from federal-debt-collector robocalls they have long deserved."


npr--2020-07-06--Georgia Governor Calls Up National Guard, Declares State Of Emergency Due To Violence

Georgia Governor Calls Up National Guard , Declares State Of Emergency Due To Violence Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp is activating up to 1,000 National Guard troops after a spate of shootings and protests in Atlanta over the weekend .
Five people died , including an 8-year-old girl , and at least 30 people were injured .
The Republican governor issued an executive order Monday that would send the National Guard to protect the state Capitol , the Governor 's Mansion and the Department of Public Safety 's headquarters , where close to 100 demonstrators set fire to part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the order , Kemp slammed Atlanta officials who `` have failed to quell ongoing violence '' over an especially turbulent few months that have seen the resignation of the police chief , increased sickouts of officers and two officers charged in connection with the killing of a Black man by law enforcement .
`` Peaceful protests were hijacked by criminals with a dangerous , destructive agenda , '' Kemp said .
`` Now , innocent Georgians are being targeted , shot and left for dead .
...
Enough with the tough talk — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of all Georgians . ''
The Atlanta Police Department is offering a reward in the killing of 8-year-old Secoriea Turner , who was shot Saturday night near the Wendy 's where Rayshard Brooks was killed by a white police officer on June 12 .
Sunday evening , a visibly frustrated Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms decried the violence that rocked the city over the Fourth of July weekend , asking for information about a group of armed individuals who blocked the road before firing into the car and striking Secoriea .
`` Enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We have talked about this movement that is happening across America at this moment in time when we have the ears and the interest of people across this country and across this globe who are saying they want to see change . ''
Less than 24 hours later , a 53-year-old man was also killed near where Secoriea died .
Bottoms , who is considered to be a contender as former Vice President Joe Biden 's running mate in this year 's presidential election , received praise for her earlier handling of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but now faces criticism for the increase in crime .
On Monday , Atlanta police erected concrete barriers around the burned-out restaurant and cleared out protesters and items left at a makeshift memorial .

Georgia Governor Calls Up National Guard, Declares State Of Emergency Due To Violence
Enlarge this image toggle caption Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp is activating up to 1,000 National Guard troops after a spate of shootings and protests in Atlanta over the weekend. Five people died, including an 8-year-old girl, and at least 30 people were injured. The Republican governor issued an executive order Monday that would send the National Guard to protect the state Capitol, the Governor's Mansion and the Department of Public Safety's headquarters, where close to 100 demonstrators set fire to part of the building early Sunday morning.
In the order, Kemp slammed Atlanta officials who "have failed to quell ongoing violence" over an especially turbulent few months that have seen the resignation of the police chief, increased sickouts of officers and two officers charged in connection with the killing of a Black man.
"Peaceful protests were hijacked by criminals with a dangerous, destructive agenda," Kemp said. "Now, innocent Georgians are being targeted, shot and left for dead. ... Enough with the tough talk — we must protect the lives and livelihoods of all Georgians."
The Atlanta Police Department is offering a reward in the killing of 8-year-old Secoriea Turner, who was shot Saturday night near the Wendy's where Rayshard Brooks was killed by a white police officer on June 12. Sunday evening, a visibly frustrated Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms decried the violence that rocked the city over the Fourth of July weekend, asking for information about a group of armed individuals who blocked the road before firing into the car and striking Secoriea.
"Enough is enough," Bottoms said. "We have talked about this movement that is happening across America at this moment in time when we have the ears and the interest of people across this country and across this globe who are saying they want to see change."
Less than 24 hours later, a 53-year-old man was also killed near where Secoriea died.
Bottoms, who is considered to be a contender as former Vice President Joe Biden's running mate in this year's presidential election, received praise for her earlier handling of protests following the death of George Floyd but now faces criticism for the increase in crime.
On Monday, Atlanta police erected concrete barriers around the burned-out restaurant and cleared out protesters and items left at a makeshift memorial.


npr--2020-07-06--In Miami, Rolling Back Openings To Contain The Coronavirus Surge

In Miami , Rolling Back Openings To Contain The Coronavirus Surge The mayor of Miami-Dade County has ordered a rollback of some reopening measures as Florida continues to see a surge in COVID-19 cases .
Florida 's Department of Health reported 6,336 new cases Monday , bringing the total to 206,447 people who have tested positive for the coronavirus .
While the number of new cases is lower than that seen over the weekend , fewer tests were also completed .
On Saturday , Florida set a new record with 11,458 positive cases out of more than 85,000 people tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 46-thousand people tested .
But , the percentage of people testing positive for the virus remains about the same as the past week , near 15 % .
In response , Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez announced a new emergency order Monday closing restaurants to all except takeout and delivery .
The order also closes gyms , fitness centers , party venues and short-term rentals .
The action comes less than three weeks after restaurants were allowed to resume serving customers on the premises with safety precautions in place .
In a statement , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because the county was seeing an increase in hospitalizations for COVID-19 .
He said , `` We want to ensure that our hospitals continue to have the staffing necessary to save lives . ''
It follows emergency orders issued in Miami-Dade County last week that imposed a 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew and which closed the beaches for the holiday weekend .
Gimenez says beaches will reopen Tuesday and outdoor activities , such as summer camps , can go forward with capacity limits and safety precautions in place .
Like many parts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a surge in the number of cases involving young people in their 20 's and 30 's .
In Miami-Dade County , Gimenez says too many young people are going to congested places without wearing face coverings or observing social distancing .
He says , `` Contributing to the positives in that age group , the doctors have told me , were graduation parties , gatherings at restaurants that turned into packed parties in violation of the rules and street protests where people could not maintain social distancing and where not everyone was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have increased in Florida , Governor Ron DeSantis has resisted calls for him to take a more aggressive approach such as imposing a statewide mandate to require face coverings .
On Monday , he downplayed concerns about the rising numbers .
`` We 've got all hands on deck .
And I think the people of Florida are responding positively , '' he said .
`` There 's no need to be fearful .
Let 's just focus on the facts . ''
DeSantis said his administration is focusing on protecting the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other long-term care facilities .
The state is now requiring workers at those facilities , nearly 200-thousand statewide , to be tested for the virus every two weeks .
More than half the COVID-19 fatalities in Florida have been among residents in long-term care facilities .
As for the surge in cases among young people , DeSantis asked that it be kept in perspective .
`` The number one age for cases in Florida is 21 , '' he said .
`` And if you 're 21 and you do n't have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pretty much zero . ''
The governor said , `` To me , that 's comforting to know ... that it 's affecting folks that are less likely to see clinical consequences . ''

In Miami, Rolling Back Openings To Contain The Coronavirus Surge
Enlarge this image toggle caption Joe Raedle/Getty Images Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Updated at 11:23 p.m. ET
The mayor of Miami-Dade County has ordered a rollback of some reopening measures as Florida continues to see a surge in COVID-19 cases. Florida's Department of Health reported 6,336 new cases Monday, bringing the total to 206,447 people who have tested positive for the coronavirus.
While the number of new cases is lower than that seen over the weekend, fewer tests were also completed. On Saturday, Florida set a new record with 11,458 positive cases out of more than 85,000 people tested. Monday's results show just over 46,000 people tested. But, the percentage of people testing positive for the virus remains about the same as the past week, near 15%.
In response, Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez announced a new emergency order Monday closing restaurants to all except takeout and delivery, although he later amended the plan to allow outdoor dining. The order also closes gyms, fitness centers, party venues and short-term rentals. The action comes less than three weeks after restaurants were allowed to resume serving customers on the premises with safety precautions in place.
In a statement, Gimenez said he was issuing the order because the county was seeing an increase in hospitalizations for COVID-19. He said, "We want to ensure that our hospitals continue to have the staffing necessary to save lives."
It follows emergency orders issued in Miami-Dade County last week that imposed a 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew and which closed the beaches for the holiday weekend. Gimenez says beaches will reopen Tuesday and outdoor activities, such as summer camps, can go forward with capacity limits and safety precautions in place.
Like many parts of the country, Florida is seeing a surge in the number of cases involving young people in their 20's and 30's. In Miami-Dade County, Gimenez says too many young people are going to congested places without wearing face coverings or observing social distancing. He says, "Contributing to the positives in that age group, the doctors have told me, were graduation parties, gatherings at restaurants that turned into packed parties in violation of the rules and street protests where people could not maintain social distancing and where not everyone was wearing facial coverings."
As cases have increased in Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis has resisted calls for him to take a more aggressive approach such as imposing a statewide mandate to require face coverings. On Monday, he downplayed concerns about the rising numbers. "We've got all hands on deck. And I think the people of Florida are responding positively," he said. "There's no need to be fearful. Let's just focus on the facts."
DeSantis said his administration is focusing on protecting the most vulnerable, namely people in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. The state is now requiring workers at those facilities, nearly 200,000 statewide, to be tested for the virus every two weeks. More than half the COVID-19 fatalities in Florida have been among residents in long-term care facilities.
As for the surge in cases among young people, DeSantis asked that it be kept in perspective. "The number one age for cases in Florida is 21," he said. "And if you're 21 and you don't have significant co-morbidities, your fatality rate is pretty much zero." The governor said, "To me, that's comforting to know...that it's affecting folks that are less likely to see clinical consequences."


npr--2020-07-06--Woman Who Called Police On Black Bird-Watcher In Central Park To Be Charged

Woman Who Called Police On Black Bird-Watcher In Central Park To Be Charged A white woman who called the police and claimed a Black man was threatening her after he asked her to put her dog on a leash in New York 's Central Park will be prosecuted over the incident , Manhattan 's district attorney said Monday .
`` Today our Office initiated a prosecution of Amy Cooper for Falsely Reporting an Incident in the Third Degree , '' Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance Jr. said in a statement .
If convicted of the Class A misdemeanor , Cooper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jail , a fine or both .
The woman 's behavior as she called the police has been widely criticized as racist at a time when the U.S. is facing a broader conversation over its legacy of racial injustice .
The incident between her and Christian Cooper , who is Black and not related , took place in a wooded area of the park that requires dogs to be leashed at all times .
Christian Cooper , an avid bird-watcher , recorded a portion of their interaction on his cellphone .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ viral .
The dispute prompted widespread discussion about incidents in which white people have called law enforcement to report people of color , and Black people in particular , for seemingly innocuous activities .
The encounter between two took place on May 25 , the same day that George Floyd was killed in Minneapolis .
Floyd , a Black man , died after a white officer knelt on his neck for several minutes .
Floyd 's death was also captured on cellphone video , and the now-former officer faces a second-degree murder charge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Amy Cooper is scheduled to be arraigned on Oct. 14 .
It did not immediately provide further information about the case .
`` I would like to encourage anyone who has been the target of false reporting to contact our Office , '' Vance said .
`` We are strongly committed to holding perpetrators of this conduct accountable . ''
In Christian Cooper 's video , Amy Cooper approaches him as she holds the dog 's leash in one hand and pulls her dog by the collar with the other .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , `` Please do n't come close to me . ''
She asks him to stop recording , and when he does not heed to that warning , she tells him that she 'll call the police on him .
`` Please call the cops , '' Christian Cooper says to her .
`` I 'm in the Ramble , and there 's a man , African American , he 's got a bicycle helmet .
He 's recording me and threatening me and my dog , '' she says .
Christian Cooper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After repeating herself to the emergency dispatch operator , Amy Cooper begins yelling in the phone with more panic in her voice .
`` I 'm sorry .
I ca n't hear .
Are you there ?
I 'm being threatened by a man into the Ramble .
Please send the cops immediately ! ''
she screams .
After the woman is seen putting her dog on its leash , the video ends .
Amy Cooper was fired from her job at the investment management firm Franklin Templeton after the video went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement , `` I 'm not a racist .
I did not mean to harm that man in any way . ''
She also said she did n't intend to hurt the African American community .
Christian Cooper told NPR in May that what she did was `` pretty crappy without a doubt . ''
But he said he was n't sure the response to her actions had been proportionate .
`` I 'm not sure that her one minute of poor decision-making , bad judgment and , without question , racist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

Woman Who Called Police On Black Bird-Watcher In Central Park To Be Charged
Enlarge this image toggle caption Christian Cooper/AP Christian Cooper/AP
A white woman who called the police and claimed a Black man was threatening her after he asked her to put her dog on a leash in New York's Central Park will be prosecuted over the incident, Manhattan's district attorney said Monday.
"Today our Office initiated a prosecution of Amy Cooper for Falsely Reporting an Incident in the Third Degree," Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance Jr. said in a statement.
If convicted of the Class A misdemeanor, Cooper could face up to one year in jail, a fine or both.
The woman's behavior as she called the police has been widely criticized as racist at a time when the U.S. is facing a broader conversation over its legacy of racial injustice.
The incident between her and Christian Cooper, who is Black and not related, took place in a wooded area of the park that requires dogs to be leashed at all times.
Christian Cooper, an avid bird-watcher, recorded a portion of their interaction on his cellphone. It was later posted to social media and went viral.
The dispute prompted widespread discussion about incidents in which white people have called law enforcement to report people of color, and Black people in particular, for seemingly innocuous activities.
The encounter between two took place on May 25, the same day that George Floyd was killed in Minneapolis. Floyd, a Black man, died after a white officer knelt on his neck for several minutes. Floyd's death was also captured on cellphone video, and the now-former officer faces a second-degree murder charge.
The Manhattan District Attorney's Office said Amy Cooper is scheduled to be arraigned on Oct. 14. It did not immediately provide further information about the case.
"I would like to encourage anyone who has been the target of false reporting to contact our Office," Vance said. "We are strongly committed to holding perpetrators of this conduct accountable."
The viral video
In Christian Cooper's video, Amy Cooper approaches him as she holds the dog's leash in one hand and pulls her dog by the collar with the other.
At one point Christian Cooper says to her, "Please don't come close to me."
She asks him to stop recording, and when he does not heed to that warning, she tells him that she'll call the police on him.
"Please call the cops," Christian Cooper says to her.
She obliges.
"I'm in the Ramble, and there's a man, African American, he's got a bicycle helmet. He's recording me and threatening me and my dog," she says.
Christian Cooper never appears to come closer to her. After repeating herself to the emergency dispatch operator, Amy Cooper begins yelling in the phone with more panic in her voice.
"I'm sorry. I can't hear. Are you there? I'm being threatened by a man into the Ramble. Please send the cops immediately!" she screams.
After the woman is seen putting her dog on its leash, the video ends.
Amy Cooper was fired from her job at the investment management firm Franklin Templeton after the video went viral.
She later told CNN in a statement, "I'm not a racist. I did not mean to harm that man in any way." She also said she didn't intend to hurt the African American community.
Christian Cooper told NPR in May that what she did was "pretty crappy without a doubt." But he said he wasn't sure the response to her actions had been proportionate.
"I'm not sure that her one minute of poor decision-making, bad judgment and, without question, racist response necessarily has to define her completely."


npr--2020-07-06--France's Louvre Reopens Most Of The Museum — Sans Big Crowds

France 's Louvre Reopens Most Of The Museum — Sans Big Crowds France 's Louvre Museum reopened on Monday after closing in March due to the coronavirus .
But things are far from business as usual .
The world 's most visited museum has implemented new measures , including a mask requirement and an online-only reservation system to protect art lovers from the virus .
One unintended consequence of these restrictions has been an experience devoid of the usual crowds of tourists , which normally reach up to 50,000 people a day .
Freddie Keen , visiting from London with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easy to take his time seeing some of the Louvre 's top attractions .
`` It was definitely a much more comfortable experience seeing the Mona Lisa without having any peer pressure from hundreds of people staring at you and waiting for you to move on , '' Keen said .
Floor markers in the Salle des Etats , where the Mona Lisa is held , have been put in place to ensure guests adhere to a physical distance of at least 3 feet .
Visitors must also follow a one-way path through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ museum is still closed to the public .
The Louvre said it expected 7,000 people on the first day of reopening .
International tourists made up around 70 % of the 9.6 million visitors in 2019 .
Museum Director Jean-Luc Martinez said he was hoping to attract more French tourists this summer because of the current travel restrictions .
`` We are going to be at best 20 to 30 % down on last summer , '' Martinez told Agence France-Presse , adding that the museum expects between 4,000 and 10,000 visitors a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the iconic art destination lost an equivalent of $ 45 million in ticket sales this year , the museum director was quoted as saying .
France 's tourism industry could soon get a much-needed boost .
Last week , the European Union lifted travel restrictions on visitors from more than a dozen countries considered low risk for spreading the coronavirus .
Because of the rising level of virus infections among Americans , the United States was not included on the list .
The EU says it will continue to reexamine the situation every @ @ @

France's Louvre Reopens Most Of The Museum — Sans Big Crowds
Enlarge this image toggle caption Chesnot/Getty Images Chesnot/Getty Images
France's Louvre Museum reopened on Monday after closing in March due to the coronavirus. But things are far from business as usual.
The world's most visited museum has implemented new measures, including a mask requirement and an online-only reservation system to protect art lovers from the virus.
One unintended consequence of these restrictions has been an experience devoid of the usual crowds of tourists, which normally reach up to 50,000 people a day.
Freddie Keen, visiting from London with some friends, told NPR it was easy to take his time seeing some of the Louvre's top attractions.
"It was definitely a much more comfortable experience seeing the Mona Lisa without having any peer pressure from hundreds of people staring at you and waiting for you to move on," Keen said.
Floor markers in the Salle des Etats, where the Mona Lisa is held, have been put in place to ensure guests adhere to a physical distance of at least 3 feet. Visitors must also follow a one-way path through the building. A third of the museum is still closed to the public.
The Louvre said it expected 7,000 people on the first day of reopening. International tourists made up around 70% of the 9.6 million visitors in 2019.
Museum Director Jean-Luc Martinez said he was hoping to attract more French tourists this summer because of the current travel restrictions.
"We are going to be at best 20 to 30% down on last summer," Martinez told Agence France-Presse, adding that the museum expects between 4,000 and 10,000 visitors a day.
During the four-month shutdown, the iconic art destination lost an equivalent of $45 million in ticket sales this year, the museum director was quoted as saying.
France's tourism industry could soon get a much-needed boost. Last week, the European Union lifted travel restrictions on visitors from more than a dozen countries considered low risk for spreading the coronavirus.
Because of the rising level of virus infections among Americans, the United States was not included on the list. The EU says it will continue to reexamine the situation every two weeks.