npr--2020-04-22--Washington State Builds Coronavirus Contact Tracing 'Fire Brigade'

If life is going to return to anything like normal in the next few months , experts say we 're going to need a lot more `` contact tracers . ''
Those are the public health workers who get in touch with someone who 's tested positive for a disease , to find out who else he or she might have been in contact with .
It 's a long-standing practice for illnesses such as tuberculosis and AIDS , and now , as states re-open , it 'll be a crucial tool for keeping a lid on the coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ up contact tracing , '' says former CDC director Tom Frieden .
`` Ten or one hundred-fold more .
It needs to be extremely proactive and complete . ''
That 's a tall order for a public health system that 's been `` under-funded for years and years , '' according to Washington State Secretary of Health John Wiesman .
`` We 're starting from a system that was not robust in the first place , and now we are trying now to play catch-up . ''
Washington was the first state where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try to box in the coronavirus , in January .
That effort grew more intensive at the end of February , with the first reports of COVID-19 deaths .
But by mid-March , as the cases ballooned , the sheer numbers forced public health departments to abandon most contact tracing .
Now that numbers of hospitalizations and new cases are dropping , Washington is preparing to restart rigorous contact tracing — but on a dramatic new scale .
`` We expect roughly 1,500 workers focused solely on contact tracing by the second week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Inslee said in a televised speech Tuesday .
`` This workforce will be rapid-response , something like a fire brigade . ''
There are already about 700 contact tracers available , state and local public health employees .
More will be hired , and Wiesman says the state will also draw 500 from the National Guard .
Even with reinforcements , the state expects contact tracers to be busy .
`` We estimate that [ each case investigator ] can interview in a day seven cases , '' Wiesman says .
And for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to reach out to that person 's contacts .
`` We think that generally , on average , an interviewer can reach out to about 21 contacts a day . ''
Washington considers a `` contact '' to be anyone with whom the infected person spent at least 10 minutes , at a distance of less than 6 feet .
Some of the contact-searching will be streamlined with software , such as online contact questionnaires .
But Wiesman says it 's still a lot of work : `` It is , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developing a rapport so that people will share that information . ''
One problem , he says , is simply reaching people who might not be inclined to answer a call from an unknown number .
Another challenge is convincing someone to self-isolate at home for two weeks , especially if the symptoms are mild .
Tom Frieden says the best approach for contact tracers is to present themselves as an ally in a worthy cause .
`` In most states there already are laws that ensure that people ca n't knowingly infect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` But I do n't think that 's what 's needed here .
What 's needed here is a recognition that the patient and the contact are the VIP 's of the program , and that there 's a role for the entire community in finding wrap-around services for people ... in home quarantine . ''
Washington State is still determining what services to offer those who self-isolate , but the goal is to stay in touch and periodically inquire about the person 's symptoms , possibly via automatic text messages .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ monitoring .
Doctors in New York have noticed that home-bound COVID-19 patients sometimes become hypoxic without realizing the severity of their condition until it 's too late .
It 's a danger that can be averted with a pulse-oximiter , a simple device for measuring oxygen levels in the blood .
The devices are relatively cheap , but they 've disappeared from pharmacy shelves .
Wiesman says that 's something Washington 's isolation plan has n't taken into consideration .
`` At this point that is not part of our tool kit , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' says Wiesman , though he adds the state might still consider whether to include the devices Ultimately , officials say none of this will work until coronavirus tests become more available .
There 's little point in warning people they 've been in contact with an infected person if they ca n't get tested .
Gov .
Inslee says Washington 's contact tracing plan will require between 20,000 and 30,000 tests a day .
At the moment , the state ca n't do more than 4,000 , and on Tuesday he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeating his calls for more federal help to ramp up the supply .

Washington State Builds Coronavirus Contact Tracing 'Fire Brigade'
Enlarge this image toggle caption Elaine Thompson/AP Elaine Thompson/AP
If life is going to return to anything like normal in the next few months, experts say we're going to need a lot more "contact tracers."
Those are the public health workers who get in touch with someone who's tested positive for a disease, to find out who else he or she might have been in contact with. It's a long-standing practice for illnesses such as tuberculosis and AIDS, and now, as states reopen, it'll be a crucial tool for keeping a lid on the coronavirus.
"We're now needing to scale up contact tracing," says former CDC director Dr. Tom Frieden. "Ten or one hundred-fold more. It needs to be extremely proactive and complete."
That's a tall order for a public health system that's been "under-funded for years and years," according to Washington State Secretary of Health John Wiesman. "We're starting from a system that was not robust in the first place, and now we are trying now to play catch-up."
Washington was the first state where public health departments used contact tracing to try to box in the coronavirus, in January. That effort grew more intensive at the end of February, with the first reports of COVID-19 deaths. But by mid-March, as the cases ballooned, the sheer numbers forced public health departments to abandon most contact tracing.
Now that numbers of hospitalizations and new cases are dropping, Washington is preparing to restart rigorous contact tracing — but on a dramatic new scale.
"We expect roughly 1,500 workers focused solely on contact tracing by the second week of May," Gov. Jay Inslee said in a televised speech Tuesday. "This workforce will be rapid-response, something like a fire brigade."
There are already about 700 contact tracers available, state and local public health employees. More will be hired, and Wiesman says the state will also draw 500 from the National Guard.
Even with reinforcements, the state expects contact tracers to be busy.
"We estimate that [each case investigator] can interview in a day seven cases," Wiesman says. And for each of those COVID-19 cases, they have to reach out to that person's contacts. "We think that generally, on average, an interviewer can reach out to about 21 contacts a day."
Washington considers a "contact" to be anyone with whom the infected person spent at least 10 minutes, at a distance of less than 6 feet.
Some of the contact-searching will be streamlined with software, such as online contact questionnaires. But Wiesman says it's still a lot of work: "It is, in part, that human touch, about developing a rapport so that people will share that information."
One problem, he says, is simply reaching people who might not be inclined to answer a call from an unknown number.
Another challenge is convincing someone to self-isolate at home for two weeks, especially if the symptoms are mild. Frieden says the best approach for contact tracers is to present themselves as an ally in a worthy cause.
"In most states there already are laws that ensure that people can't knowingly infect others without consequences," says Frieden. "But I don't think that's what's needed here. What's needed here is a recognition that the patient and the contact are the VIPs of the program, and that there's a role for the entire community in finding wrap-around services for people ... in home quarantine."
Washington State is still determining what services to offer those who self-isolate, but the goal is to stay in touch and periodically inquire about the person's symptoms, possibly via automatic text messages.
There are some dangers in this long-distance monitoring. Doctors in New York have noticed that homebound COVID-19 patients sometimes become hypoxic without realizing the severity of their condition until it's too late. It's a danger that can be averted with a pulse oximeter, a simple device for measuring oxygen levels in the blood. The devices are relatively cheap, but they've disappeared from pharmacy shelves. Wiesman says that's something Washington's isolation plan hasn't taken into consideration.
"At this point that is not part of our tool kit, as we ramp up the case-management piece," says Wiesman, though he adds the state might still consider whether to include the devices.
Ultimately, officials say none of this will work until coronavirus tests become more available. There's little point in warning people they've been in contact with an infected person if they can't get tested.
Inslee says Washington's contact tracing plan will require between 20,000 and 30,000 tests a day. At the moment, the state can't do more than 4,000, and on Tuesday he sent a letter to Vice President Pence repeating his calls for more federal help to ramp up the supply.


npr--2020-04-23--Nursing Homes Ask States For Immunity From Civil Suits Amid COVID-19

Nursing Homes Ask States For Immunity From Civil Suits Amid COVID-19 The people most vulnerable to the coronavirus are older adults with underlying health conditions .
And that perfectly describes the residents of nursing homes .
There are no authoritative numbers on fatalities , but estimates are in the thousands .
A report by The Wall Street Journal this week said more than 10,000 nursing home residents have died of COVID-19 .
So , fearing a flood of lawsuits , nursing homes and other health care facilities have been seeking , and gaining , temporary immunity from potential civil suits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It 's unprecedented times that we 're dealing with , '' says Cory Kallheim , the vice president of Legal Affairs and Social Accountability for LeadingAge , an organization representing non-profit nursing homes and assisted living facilities .
`` So it puts ( nursing homes ) in a really , really difficult spot .
They 're doing the best they can in the difficult circumstances . ''
But those calls for immunity also raise questions about accountability and whether poorly run nursing homes are being given a pass .
`` Providing blanket @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of substandard care , abuse , or neglect is an extremely poor and dangerous idea anytime , and particularly so in regard to COVID-19 , '' says Richard Mollot , executive director of the Long Term Care Community Coalition , which advocates for nursing home residents .
`` Nursing homes are themselves more strained , more understaffed than they are on a usual basis , '' he says , leaving residents even more vulnerable to infection and neglect .
But Kallheim says that health care facilities need immunity from civil suits , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing and personal protective equipment ( PPE ) .
Nursing homes do n't want to be held legally responsible for a bad outcome that was beyond their control to prevent .
Another reason these protections are necessary , Kallheim says , is that the guidance from the federal government , as well as the understanding of the virus itself , are constantly changing .
`` We do n't have an understanding of how this ( virus ) is spread , '' he says .
`` We 're getting more information as we move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And it 's putting a real tax on what our providers are able to do . ''
Some of these legal immunity measures have been approved by executive order , others by legislation .
The states include Connecticut , Illinois , Massachusetts , Michigan , New Jersey and New York .
In some states , Louisiana for example , legal immunity is already on the books in case of natural disasters , when health care facilities might be overwhelmed .
The measures kick in as soon as the governor declares a state of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have sent letters urging the adoption of legal immunity measures to governors in Pennsylvania , California , and Florida .
There are some differences between the existing measures .
While most states focus on civil suits , New York also a protects health facilities and personnel from criminal complaints .
But none of the immunity measures offer protection in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct .
Nursing homes have been ground zero for COVID-19 .
The awareness of the grave dangers of the disease began with an outbreak at the Life Care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where at least 37 people have died .
Since then , the stories of the rapid spread of infection and death in nursing homes have been staggering : at the Andover Subacute and Rehab Center I and II in New Jersey , at least 70 residents died and police found 17 bodies piled up in a make shift morgue .
In California , at least 33 staff and 69 residents have been infected and more than a dozen have died at the Gateway Rehabilitation and Care Center , based on news reports and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these nursing homes - and many others with major COVID-19 outbreaks - were cited during their most recent health inspections for failing to implement a plan for infection control , as required .
Which is why advocate Richard Mollot thinks these legal immunity provisions increase the risks for nursing home residents .
The nursing homes are getting `` total carte blanche to do as much or as little or whatever they want to do , '' he says .
`` For the most part , it 'll be as little .
And there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abject neglect . ''
The immunity protections for health care providers and personnel will only last as long as the COVID-19 emergency lasts .
But no one knows how long that will be .

Nursing Homes Ask States For Immunity From Civil Suits Amid COVID-19
Enlarge this image toggle caption Ted Shaffrey/AP Ted Shaffrey/AP
The people most vulnerable to the coronavirus are older adults with underlying health conditions. And that perfectly describes the residents of nursing homes.
There are no authoritative numbers on fatalities, but estimates are in the thousands. A report by The Wall Street Journal this week said more than 10,000 nursing home residents have died of COVID-19. So, fearing a flood of lawsuits, nursing homes and other health care facilities have been seeking, and gaining, temporary immunity from potential civil suits in several states across the country.
"It's unprecedented times that we're dealing with," says Cory Kallheim, the vice president of Legal Affairs and Social Accountability for LeadingAge, an organization representing non-profit nursing homes and assisted living facilities. "So it puts (nursing homes) in a really, really difficult spot. They're doing the best they can in the difficult circumstances."
But those calls for immunity also raise questions about accountability and whether poorly run nursing homes are being given a pass.
"Providing blanket immunity to nursing homes for any kind of substandard care, abuse, or neglect is an extremely poor and dangerous idea anytime, and particularly so in regard to COVID-19," says Richard Mollot, executive director of the Long Term Care Community Coalition, which advocates for nursing home residents.
"Nursing homes are themselves more strained, more understaffed than they are on a usual basis," he says, leaving residents even more vulnerable to infection and neglect.
But Kallheim says that health care facilities need immunity from civil suits, in part, because of the shortage of testing and personal protective equipment (PPE). Nursing homes don't want to be held legally responsible for a bad outcome that was beyond their control to prevent.
Another reason these protections are necessary, Kallheim says, is that the guidance from the federal government, as well as the understanding of the virus itself, are constantly changing.
"We don't have an understanding of how this (virus) is spread," he says. "We're getting more information as we move forward each day, each week. And it's putting a real tax on what our providers are able to do."
Some of these legal immunity measures have been approved by executive order, others by legislation. The states include Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey and New York.
In some states, Louisiana for example, legal immunity is already on the books in case of natural disasters, when health care facilities might be overwhelmed. The measures kick in as soon as the governor declares a state of emergency.
Health care trade organizations also have sent letters urging the adoption of legal immunity measures to governors in Pennsylvania, California, and Florida.
There are some differences between the existing measures. While most states focus on civil suits, New York also a protects health facilities and personnel from criminal complaints. But none of the immunity measures offer protection in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Nursing homes have been ground zero for COVID-19. The awareness of the grave dangers of the disease began with an outbreak at the Life Care Center nursing home in Kirkland, Wash. where at least 37 people have died.
Since then, the stories of the rapid spread of infection and death in nursing homes have been staggering: at the Andover Subacute and Rehab Center I and II in New Jersey, at least 70 residents died and police found 17 bodies piled up in a make shift morgue. In California, at least 33 staff and 69 residents have been infected and more than a dozen have died at the Gateway Rehabilitation and Care Center, based on news reports and state and local figures.
All of these nursing homes - and many others with major COVID-19 outbreaks - were cited during their most recent health inspections for failing to implement a plan for infection control, as required. Which is why advocate Richard Mollot thinks these legal immunity provisions increase the risks for nursing home residents.
The nursing homes are getting "total carte blanche to do as much or as little or whatever they want to do," he says. "For the most part, it'll be as little. And there'll be no repercussions for even significant abject neglect."
The immunity protections for health care providers and personnel will only last as long as the COVID-19 emergency lasts. But no one knows how long that will be.


npr--2020-04-23--Congress Passes Latest Economic Relief Package to Confront Coronavirus

The House approved the latest measure to prop up the U.S. economy and provide aid to the health care system after deploying an elaborate voting system to allow lawmakers to vote while practicing social distancing .
The measure passed overwhelmingly — 388-5 , with one lawmaker voting present .
The five lawmakers who voted against the package included one Democrat — Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York — and four Republicans — Reps. Andy Biggs of Arizona , Jody Hice of Georgia , Ken Buck of Colorado and Thomas Massie of Kentucky .
The Senate approved the legislation on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who has said he will sign it .
`` We have our differences , but we are coming together on this particular bill , and I am proud of that , '' said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif , who made the case for ongoing , robust federal intervention as the only way out of the crisis .
Pelosi wore a white scarf to cover her face , but lowered it to speak on the House floor .
`` I think that we have to do whatever we can to recognize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that governance carries with it responsibilities and opportunity and results and progress for the American people , '' she said , `` And that science and governance are the answers to meeting the health care needs and meeting the needs of our economy as we go forward . ''
The $ 484 billion package includes an additional $ 321 billion for the newly created Paycheck Protection Program , a lending program designed to help small businesses stay afloat with forgivable loans during the crisis .
PPP was popular and ran out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in just two weeks .
It is likely the program will need additional funding .
Republicans have criticized Democrats for holding up the bill — initially a stand alone $ 250 billion request to fund PPP .
`` It 's unfortunate that Speaker Pelosi decided to hold up this bill more than a week while small businesses and their workers desperately fought to hold on , especially minority-owned businesses in underserved communities , '' said Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady , R-Texas , `` They suffered , and during this unnecessary delay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million . ''
Speaking to reporters on Thursday during the daily White House coronavirus task force briefing , Trump commended the Congress for reaching an agreement on the additional relief .
`` I 'm grateful that Congress is answering my calls to deliver these additional $ 320 billion in relief for the American worker and small businesses , '' Trump said .
In the end , Democrats secured an additional $ 60 billion carve out for smaller banks to assist businesses , many minority-owned , that have struggled to borrow from bigger lenders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats sought for hospitals and more testing .
The House debate included stark images reflective of the time : House Chaplain Patrick Conroy delivered the opening prayer wearing a yellow mask , as did most lawmakers and aides who appeared in the chamber .
The visitors ' galleries , normally open to the public , were closed .
It was the first roll call vote in the House since it approved a prior coronavirus relief bill on March 14 .
After that vote , two lawmakers fell ill and about a dozen others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those quarantined members , Rep. Joe Cunningham , D-S.C. , later tested positive for COVID-19 .
House leaders installed more aggressive social distancing guidelines for today 's votes .
`` We should be mindful of the people surrounding us , '' said House Rules Chairman Jim McGovern , D-Mass.
, who is leading an ongoing effort to find ways to allow lawmakers to vote and hold hearings remotely .
Members were directed to vote in smaller groups broken down by alphabetical order for each vote .
Between floor speeches and votes , lawmakers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And members were asked to vote by machine and not a manual card that requires more contact .
Short recesses were held between debates and votes to clean the chamber .
This is the fourth measure Congress has approved since March 1 to confront coronavirus and the economic fallout .
While all four enjoyed fast , bipartisan support , there are signals that the parties are retreating to more familiar partisan lines for an anticipated fifth package .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , has said he wants a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and that it is unlikely additional measures will be able to pass the Senate by unanimous consent , which is generally reserved for non-controversial bills .
He has also indicated he will oppose any no-strings-attached funding for states and that he supports a new legal channel for states to declare bankruptcy to address their fiscal woes .
Among the measures Congress is expected to debate for inclusion in future legislation is funding for state and local governments to make up for budget shortfalls , additional cash payments to American workers and families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S .
Postal Service and first responders , and new infrastructure spending .
The pandemic also continues to affect lawmakers directly .
Financial Services Chairwoman Maxine Waters , D-Calif. , announced on the House floor that her sister is hospitalized with coronavirus .
Sen. Elizabeth Warren , D-Mass.
, announced that her eldest brother died from the virus on Tuesday .

Trump Signs Latest Coronavirus Economic Relief Package, Aimed At Small Businesses
Enlarge this image toggle caption Evan Vucci/AP Evan Vucci/AP
Updated at on Friday at 1:30 p.m. ET
President Trump on Friday signed Congress' latest coronavirus economic relief package, which includes additional aid to small businesses and hospitals.
The measure passed overwhelmingly in the House on Thursday — 388-5, with one lawmaker voting present.
The five lawmakers who voted against the package included one Democrat — Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York — and four Republicans — Reps. Andy Biggs of Arizona, Jody Hice of Georgia, Ken Buck of Colorado and Thomas Massie of Kentucky.
"We have our differences, but we are coming together on this particular bill, and I am proud of that," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who made the case for ongoing, robust federal intervention as the only way out of the crisis. Pelosi on Thursday wore a white scarf to cover her face, but lowered it to speak on the House floor.
"I think that we have to do whatever we can to recognize that public policy has a role here, that governance carries with it responsibilities and opportunity and results and progress for the American people," she said. "And that science and governance are the answers to meeting the health care needs and meeting the needs of our economy as we go forward."
The Senate passed the measure by unanimous consent on Tuesday.
The details
The $484 billion package includes an additional $321 billion for the newly created Paycheck Protection Program, a lending program designed to help small businesses stay afloat with forgivable loans during the crisis. PPP was popular and ran out of its initial influx of $350 billion in just two weeks. It is likely the program will need additional funding. Republicans have criticized Democrats for holding up the bill — initially a stand-alone $250 billion request to fund PPP.
toggle caption Andrew Harnik/AP
In the end, Democrats secured an additional $60 billion carved out for smaller banks to assist businesses, many minority-owned, that have struggled to borrow from bigger lenders. It also includes $100 billion Democrats sought for hospitals and more testing.
They were unsuccessful, however, in their efforts to include additional resources for state and local governments — a fight they vowed to carry on to the next round of funding talks.
"There will not be another bill without state and local government" resources in it," Pelosi said on Friday.
Social distancing during votes
The House debate on Thursday included stark images reflective of the time: House Chaplain Patrick Conroy delivered the opening prayer wearing a yellow mask, as did most lawmakers and aides who appeared in the chamber. The visitors' galleries, normally open to the public, were closed.
It was the first roll call vote in the House since it approved a prior coronavirus relief bill on March 14. After that vote, two lawmakers fell ill and about a dozen others self-quarantined as a result. One of those quarantined members, Rep. Joe Cunningham, D-S.C., later tested positive for COVID-19. House leaders installed more aggressive social distancing guidelines for today's votes.
"We should be mindful of the people surrounding us," said House Rules Chairman Jim McGovern, D-Mass., who is leading an ongoing effort to find ways to allow lawmakers to vote and hold hearings remotely.
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Members were directed to vote in smaller groups broken down by alphabetical order for each vote. Between floor speeches and votes, lawmakers were asked to stay in their offices. And members were asked to vote by machine and not a manual card that requires more contact. Short recesses were held between debates and votes to clean the chamber.
The pandemic also continues to affect lawmakers personally. Financial Services Chairwoman Maxine Waters, D-Calif., announced on the House floor that her sister is hospitalized with COVID-19. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., announced that her eldest brother died from the virus on Tuesday.
Next up
This is the fourth measure Congress has approved since March 1 to confront coronavirus and the economic fallout. While all four enjoyed fast, bipartisan support, there are signals that the parties are retreating to more familiar partisan lines for an anticipated fifth package.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has said he wants a "pause" before Congress considers additional legislation, and that it is unlikely additional measures will be able to pass the Senate by unanimous consent, which is generally reserved for noncontroversial bills. He has also indicated he will oppose any no-strings-attached funding for states and that he supports a new legal channel for states to declare bankruptcy to address their fiscal woes.
Among the measures Congress is expected to debate for inclusion in future legislation is funding for state and local governments to make up for budget shortfalls, additional cash payments to American workers and families, extended unemployment benefits, aid for the U.S. Postal Service and first responders, and new infrastructure spending.


npr--2020-04-23--EU Leaders Fail To Agree On Coronavirus Economic Recovery Program

Divisions among European nations over the structure of an economic recovery program continue after European Union leaders again failed to reach an agreement .
But the group endorsed the recent recommendation of EU finance ministers for a short-term rescue package worth more than a half-trillion dollars .
The 27 EU leaders met via video conference on Thursday to discuss several proposals intended to stabilize the bloc 's economy and support the domestic economies of the countries hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic .
`` We have to design a common , future-proof answer to this to ensure the integrity and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shared prosperity , '' EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said during a press conference following the meeting .
The proposals to minimize the economic fallout of the COVID-19 crisis include increasing the EU 's common budget , issuing grants to stricken economies or selling bonds together to raise funds .
Von der Leyen advocated for a recovery fund linked to the EU 's upcoming seven-year budget in order to get the bloc through this crisis .
`` The next seven-year MFF budget has to adapt to the new circumstances , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase its firepower to be able to generate the necessary investment across the whole European Union . ''
`` We are not talking about billions , we are talking trillions , '' Von der Leyen said .
Despite not reaching an agreement , Italian Prime Minister Guiseppe Conte said EU leaders made significant progress toward a suitable economic solution .
`` We have made great progress , unthinkable until a few weeks ago , '' Conte said in a Facebook post .
Italy , France and Spain are among a group of countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bloc 's economic recovery , while others , including the Netherlands and Austria , insist that this should happen in the form of loans .
Von der Leyen said that there will be a `` sound balance '' of loans and grants , which will be determined through negotiations among the EU members .
`` Austria is also ready to show solidarity to support the # recovery of our economies , '' Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said in a statement .
`` We should do this through loans .
A mutualisation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We will continue to coordinate our position with like-minded countries . ''
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde reportedly addressed Europe 's leaders during Thursday 's meeting and told them that the EU 's economy could shrink by as much as 15 % this year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic .
French President Emmanuel Macron afterward warned that the European project had no future if member states failed to provide enough aid , Reuters reported .
Meanwhile , EU leaders endorsed a short-term 540 billion euro ( $ 590 billion ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and economies impacted by the crisis .
The Eurogroup , which consists of the 19 finance ministers of the eurozone countries , agreed to this stimulus package on April 9 .
European Council President Charles Michel announced that the package is set to be operational by June 1 .

EU Leaders Fail To Agree On Coronavirus Economic Recovery Program
Enlarge this image toggle caption Olivier Hoslet/EPA/AFP via Getty Images Olivier Hoslet/EPA/AFP via Getty Images
Divisions among European nations over the structure of an economic recovery program continue after European Union leaders again failed to reach an agreement. But the group endorsed the recent recommendation of EU finance ministers for a short-term rescue package worth more than a half-trillion dollars.
The 27 EU leaders met via video conference on Thursday to discuss several proposals intended to stabilize the bloc's economy and support the domestic economies of the countries hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic.
"We have to design a common, future-proof answer to this to ensure the integrity and cohesion of the single market and its shared prosperity," EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said during a press conference following the meeting.
The proposals to minimize the economic fallout of the COVID-19 crisis include increasing the EU's common budget, issuing grants to stricken economies or selling bonds together to raise funds.
Von der Leyen advocated for a recovery fund linked to the EU's upcoming seven-year budget in order to get the bloc through this crisis.
"The next seven-year MFF budget has to adapt to the new circumstances," she said. "We need to increase its firepower to be able to generate the necessary investment across the whole European Union."
"We are not talking about billions, we are talking trillions," Von der Leyen said.
Despite not reaching an agreement, Italian Prime Minister Guiseppe Conte said EU leaders made significant progress toward a suitable economic solution. "We have made great progress, unthinkable until a few weeks ago," Conte said in a Facebook post.
Italy, France and Spain are among a group of countries proposing the use of grants to fund the bloc's economic recovery, while others, including the Netherlands and Austria, insist that this should happen in the form of loans.
Von der Leyen said that there will be a "sound balance" of loans and grants, which will be determined through negotiations among the EU members.
"Austria is also ready to show solidarity to support the #recovery of our economies," Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said in a statement. "We should do this through loans. A mutualisation of debt or Eurobonds are not acceptable. We will continue to coordinate our position with like-minded countries."
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde reportedly addressed Europe's leaders during Thursday's meeting and told them that the EU's economy could shrink by as much as 15% this year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
French President Emmanuel Macron afterward warned that the European project had no future if member states failed to provide enough aid, Reuters reported.
Meanwhile, EU leaders endorsed a short-term 540 billion euro ($590 billion) rescue package to support workers, businesses and economies impacted by the crisis. The Eurogroup, which consists of the 19 finance ministers of the eurozone countries, agreed to this stimulus package on April 9.
European Council President Charles Michel announced that the package is set to be operational by June 1.


npr--2020-04-23--Coronavirus Scrambles 2020 Fight For Congress

The coronavirus pandemic and related economic tailspin is expected to be the top issue that will determine how Americans vote this November , according to top party strategists working on 2020 races .
`` We all know that both the health crisis of coronavirus and the economic impact that 's followed will likely be the most dominant issue , perhaps the only issue , that voters will be thinking about when deciding who to support in the fall elections , '' Steven Law told NPR .
Law runs the Senate Leadership Fund , the top Republican super PAC aligned with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold the Senate 53-47 , but control of the chamber is in play this November .
Law says moments of national crisis can favor incumbents , which could benefit Senate GOP candidates in competitive races in Colorado , Maine , and Arizona , among others .
`` Well as we saw after [ the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 , 2001 ] , crises tend to advantage the incumbents if they rise to the occasion and do the jobs well , '' he said , `` You 've got responsibilities , voters expect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ importantly in a crisis they pay attention to what you 're doing . ''
Law said it 's much harder for non-incumbents ' message to break through to voters , and incumbents can benefit from more media coverage on their response to the crisis .
Something that could also benefit incumbents : there is some indication that a growing number of people think Congress is doing a good job .
A Gallup survey last week showed Congress 's still-low approval ratings jump by a net gain of 16 percentage points in the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — after Congress approved a $ 2 trillion plus aid package to address the pandemic .
If the political moment favors incumbents , that is also good news for House Democrats , who are currently favored to hold their majority .
`` This is a moment in history and how we as the majority in Congress , how we behave , how we campaign , how we treat people , how we fight for people , all of that will matter come November 2020 , '' said Rep. Cheri Bustos , D-Ill. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign operation .
Charlie Cook , a non-partisan election analyst , said the pandemic puts the impeachment of President Trump further out of voters ' minds , which benefits the House Democrats running in Trump-won districts who voted for it .
`` The more impeachment is in the rear view mirror , the better off they are , '' he said .
Democrats had already planned to make health care a central focus of all of their campaigns this fall .
J.B. Poersch runs Senate Majority PAC , a top Democratic Senate super @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said the pandemic has heightened the issue in voters ' minds and that will benefit Democratic candidates .
`` Coronavirus is showing the urgency of the health care debate in real time . ''
While Democrats have long believed they have the upper hand in elections if health care is a deciding issue , GOP strategist Dan Conston says his party will benefit if voters are focused on the economic turnaround come November .
`` A conversation about dollars and cents and economic growth is fundamentally a very good argument for Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Conston , who runs the Congressional Leadership Fund , the top super PAC for House Republicans .
He noted the public 's views on President Trump continue to track largely along familiar partisan lines , and while the president 's approval rating will surely be a factor in November , the calculations around it have n't shifted dramatically yet .
`` It 's remarkable just how consistent the political environment has stayed up til now , '' he said .
Tim Phillips , president of the the right-leaning advocacy group Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should rely on the usual election year metrics in this moment .
`` The old measurements : job approval , favorability ratings , the ballot question , people 's view on the economy : 'Is it good or bad right now ? '
I do n't think they 're going to hold water the way they used to , '' he said .
Phillips said moments of crisis can depolarize more voters .
He thinks the major impact for 2020 will be a much bigger pool of swing voters than strategists were betting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sheer scope of what they 're experience and the personal manner in which they are experiencing it , has made more Americans consider the parties , the candidates and also the issue approaches as well . ''
The result ?
`` This crisis will make this election cycle the most unpredictable election cycle in modern American history , '' Phillips said .

Coronavirus Scrambles 2020 Fight For Congress
Enlarge this image toggle caption Andrew Harnik/AP Andrew Harnik/AP
The coronavirus pandemic and related economic tailspin is expected to be the top issue that will determine how Americans vote this November, according to top party strategists working on 2020 races.
"We all know that both the health crisis of coronavirus and the economic impact that's followed will likely be the most dominant issue, perhaps the only issue, that voters will be thinking about when deciding who to support in the fall elections," Steven Law told NPR. Law runs the Senate Leadership Fund, the top Republican super PAC aligned with Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Republicans currently hold the Senate 53-47, but control of the chamber is in play this November. Law says moments of national crisis can favor incumbents, which could benefit Senate GOP candidates in competitive races in Colorado, Maine and Arizona, among others.
"As we saw after [the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001], crises tend to advantage the incumbents if they rise to the occasion and do the jobs well," he said. "You've got responsibilities, voters expect you to perform them, and most importantly in a crisis they pay attention to what you're doing." Law said it's much harder for non-incumbents' message to break through to voters, and incumbents can benefit from more media coverage on their response to the crisis.
Something that could also benefit incumbents: There is some indication that a growing number of people think Congress is doing a good job. A Gallup survey last week showed Congress's still-low approval ratings jump by a net gain of 16 percentage points in the past month — its highest point since 2009 — after Congress approved a $2 trillion-plus aid package to address the pandemic.
If the political moment favors incumbents, that is also good news for House Democrats, who are currently favored to hold their majority.
"This is a moment in history and how we as the majority in Congress, how we behave, how we campaign, how we treat people, how we fight for people, all of that will matter come November 2020," said Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Ill., who is running the Democrats' 2020 campaign operation.
Charlie Cook, a nonpartisan election analyst, said the pandemic puts the impeachment of President Trump further out of voters' minds, which benefits the House Democrats running in Trump-won districts who voted for it. "The more impeachment is in the rear view mirror, the better off they are," he said.
Democrats had already planned to make health care a central focus of all of their campaigns this fall. J.B. Poersch runs Senate Majority PAC, a top Democratic Senate super PAC working to flip the Senate. He said the pandemic has heightened the issue in voters' minds and that will benefit Democratic candidates. "Coronavirus is showing the urgency of the health care debate in real time."
While Democrats have long believed they have the upper hand in elections if health care is a deciding issue, GOP strategist Dan Conston says his party will benefit if voters are focused on the economic turnaround come November.
"A conversation about dollars and cents and economic growth is fundamentally a very good argument for Republicans to be running on this fall," said Conston, who runs the Congressional Leadership Fund, the top super PAC for House Republicans.
He noted the public's views on Trump continue to track largely along familiar partisan lines, and while the president's approval rating will surely be a factor in November, the calculations around it haven't shifted dramatically yet. "It's remarkable just how consistent the political environment has stayed up 'til now," he said.
Tim Phillips, president of the the right-leaning advocacy group Americans for Prosperity, cautions that no one should rely on the usual election year metrics in this moment. "The old measurements: job approval, favorability ratings, the ballot question, people's view on the economy: 'Is it good or bad right now?' I don't think they're going to hold water the way they used to," he said.
Phillips said moments of crisis can depolarize more voters. He thinks the major impact for 2020 will be a much bigger pool of swing voters than strategists were betting on just weeks ago. "Just the sheer scope of what they're experience and the personal manner in which they are experiencing it has made more Americans consider the parties, the candidates and also the issue approaches as well."
The result? "This crisis will make this election cycle the most unpredictable election cycle in modern American history," Phillips said.


npr--2020-04-23--8 In 10 Americans Support COVID-19 Shutdown, Kaiser Health Poll Finds

A majority of Americans — 8 in 10 — say strict shelter-in-place guidelines are worth it , to keep people safe from COVID-19 and control the spread of the virus , according to a new Kaiser Family Foundation tracking poll .
The same percentage , of around 80 % of Americans , also say they can follow the restrictions for at least one more month .
Only around 20 % of Americans say the broad shelter-in-place measures are an unnecessary burden that is `` causing more harm than good , '' the Kaiser Family Foundation reports .
One-third of respondents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an additional six months .
But 14 % of Americans in the poll say they can only observe the limitations for less than a month — and 3 % say they ca n't do it at all .
Most people in the poll also say they 've done a better job than their neighbors have at following physical distancing rules .
Majorities of all major political groups say they support the stay-at-home orders , although that sentiment is stronger among Democrats ( 94 % approve the idea ) and independents ( 84 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to the poll .
As of Thursday , the U.S. has confirmed more than 850,000 coronavirus cases , including more than 47,000 deaths , according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University .
Nearly 78,000 people have recovered from COVID-19 .
Public sentiment about the future of the COVID-19 pandemic 's toll on the U.S. has shifted markedly in the past few weeks , according to the poll .
Only about half of the respondents now say `` the worst is yet to come '' — compared with 74 % who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The shift could reflect glimmers of optimism , such as projection models that recently lowered death toll predictions as a result of social distancing and other measures .
But political groups are also more divided now than they were just several weeks ago , in how they view the pandemic .
The previous Kaiser tracking poll , from the last week of March , found a fairly united view that the worst effects of the coronavirus were yet to hit the U.S. , with all political groups being within 10 percentage points of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That picture has changed drastically , the Kaiser Family Foundation reports : The new poll was conducted over several days , including April 16 – the day President Trump laid out guidelines for states to reopen .
This week , the governors of several states have begun to relax some of the restrictions that have been put on businesses and citizens , hoping to breathe life into economies that have absorbed millions of job losses .
Reflecting the pandemic 's broad impact , 84 % of Americans said their lives have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give themselves and their households high marks for following social distancing guidelines in the past two weeks , with 53 % saying they would give themselves an `` A '' grade .
Just 35 % said they would give their neighbors an `` A '' — but another 35 % said their neighbors have earned a `` B . ''
The Kaiser poll was conducted from April 15 to 20 , through phone calls with 1,202 adults .
Interviews were conducted in English and Spanish ; all but 261 of the conversations took @ @ @ @

8 In 10 Americans Support COVID-19 Shutdown, Kaiser Health Poll Finds
Enlarge this image toggle caption Timothy Hiatt/Getty Images Timothy Hiatt/Getty Images
A majority of Americans — 8 in 10 — say strict shelter-in-place guidelines are worth it, to keep people safe from COVID-19 and control the spread of the virus, according to a new Kaiser Family Foundation tracking poll. The same percentage, of around 80% of Americans, also say they can follow the restrictions for at least one more month.
Only around 20% of Americans say the broad shelter-in-place measures are an unnecessary burden that is "causing more harm than good," the Kaiser Family Foundation reports.
One-third of respondents say they could obey the restrictions for an additional six months. But 14% of Americans in the poll say they can only observe the limitations for less than a month — and 3% say they can't do it at all.
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Most people in the poll also say they've done a better job than their neighbors have at following physical distancing rules.
Majorities of all major political groups say they support the stay-at-home orders, although that sentiment is stronger among Democrats (94% approve the idea) and independents (84%) than Republicans (61%), according to the poll.
As of Thursday, the U.S. has confirmed more than 850,000 coronavirus cases, including more than 47,000 deaths, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. Nearly 78,000 people have recovered from COVID-19.
Public sentiment about the future of the COVID-19 pandemic's toll on the U.S. has shifted markedly in the past few weeks, according to the poll. Only about half of the respondents now say "the worst is yet to come" — compared with 74% who held that opinion in late March.
The shift could reflect glimmers of optimism, such as projection models that recently lowered death toll predictions as a result of social distancing and other measures. But political groups are also more divided now than they were just several weeks ago, in how they view the pandemic.
The previous Kaiser tracking poll, from the last week of March, found a fairly united view that the worst effects of the coronavirus were yet to hit the U.S., with all political groups being within 10 percentage points of the 74% total for all respondents.
That picture has changed drastically, the Kaiser Family Foundation reports:
"Majorities of Democrats (64%) and independents (56%) continue to say the 'worst is yet to come,' but now one-fourth (27%) of Republicans say 'the worst is yet to come' (down 39 percentage points from the March 25-30 KFF Poll). A slight majority (53%) of Republicans say 'the worst is behind us,' " with smaller numbers of the other groups also expressing more optimism."
The new poll was conducted over several days, including April 16 – the day President Trump laid out guidelines for states to reopen. This week, the governors of several states have begun to relax some of the restrictions that have been put on businesses and citizens, hoping to breathe life into economies that have absorbed millions of job losses.
Reflecting the pandemic's broad impact, 84% of Americans said their lives have been disrupted by the coronavirus.
Most Americans give themselves and their households high marks for following social distancing guidelines in the past two weeks, with 53% saying they would give themselves an "A" grade. Just 35% said they would give their neighbors an "A" — but another 35% said their neighbors have earned a "B."
The Kaiser poll was conducted from April 15 to 20, through phone calls with 1,202 adults. Interviews were conducted in English and Spanish; all but 261 of the conversations took place via cellphones.


npr--2020-04-23--He Keeps Driving For Lyft 'Because People Need Us'

He Keeps Driving For Lyft 'Because People Need Us' Jerome Gage is one of those rare Lyft drivers still on the road these days , mask securely in place .
He says that surprises some passengers .
`` It 's kind of like the cliché of a Christmas shopper going into Macy 's at like 3 a.m. on Black Friday and saying , 'Wow , they have you working ? '
`` he said .
`` Yeah , I 'm working because people need us .
They do n't want to rely on public transportation . ''
Many Lyft and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , because they are n't making enough money to take the risk of potentially exposing themselves to the virus .
The companies have been slow to provide promised protective gear — even in cities like Los Angeles , where the mayor has ordered companies to supply essential workers with free masks .
`` What to say about a company that ignores the health and needs of its employees ? ''
says Gage , who has been joining protests urging the ride-hailing companies to treat workers better .
`` We 're potentially risking our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Gage has been driving full-time since 2018 .
Lately , though , he 's only getting paid for about 20 hours a week , because demand for rides has dropped so precipitously .
He says he spends a lot of the day `` pulled over to the side of a road waiting for my next pickup , '' watching YouTube or Netflix .
He 's making do for now , but he 's worried about his plans to pursue higher education and buy a house .
`` I 'm about to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I want to make things for myself ... so this crisis is definitely hurting me . ''

He Keeps Driving For Lyft 'Because People Need Us'
Enlarge this image toggle caption Courtesy of Jerome Gage Courtesy of Jerome Gage
Jerome Gage is one of those rare Lyft drivers still on the road these days, mask securely in place. He says that surprises some passengers.
"It's kind of like the cliché of a Christmas shopper going into Macy's at like 3 a.m. on Black Friday and saying, 'Wow, they have you working?' " he said. "Yeah, I'm working because people need us. They don't want to rely on public transportation.''
Many Lyft and Uber drivers have given up on driving, because they aren't making enough money to take the risk of potentially exposing themselves to the virus.
FACES OF THE CORONAVIRUS RECESSION Jobs lost. Businesses in peril. Meetings gone virtual. Faces Of The Coronavirus Recession offers snapshots of working Americans whose lives have been upended by the pandemic.
The companies have been slow to provide promised protective gear — even in cities like Los Angeles, where the mayor has ordered companies to supply essential workers with free masks.
"What to say about a company that ignores the health and needs of its employees?" says Gage, who has been joining protests urging the ride-hailing companies to treat workers better. "We're potentially risking our health and the health of others."
Gage has been driving full-time since 2018. Lately, though, he's only getting paid for about 20 hours a week, because demand for rides has dropped so precipitously. He says he spends a lot of the day "pulled over to the side of a road waiting for my next pickup," watching YouTube or Netflix.
He's making do for now, but he's worried about his plans to pursue higher education and buy a house. "I'm about to be in my 30s, you know, and I want to make things for myself ... so this crisis is definitely hurting me."
Read more stories in Faces Of The Coronavirus Recession.


npr--2020-04-23--With Campuses Closed, Columbia And Pace Students Sue For Refunds

With Campuses Closed , Columbia And Pace Students Sue For Refunds On Thursday , Columbia University and Pace University joined a growing number of colleges — including University of Miami , Drexel University and the University of Arizona — facing legal complaints aimed at their response to the coronavirus pandemic .
Thursday 's suits were filed in federal court on behalf of Xaviera Marbury , a student at Pace , and an unnamed student at Columbia .
Both complaints say students are owed reimbursement as well as damages for services that are no longer available now that campuses are closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include : Marbury 's complaint says her dorm rent costs $ 9,380 for the semester ; she lost access to her dorm for approximately half the semester , the complaint says , but Pace is only offering to reimburse $ 2,000 .
Similarly , the Columbia complaint says that the student was refunded just 11 % of their mandatory fees for the semester .
The complaints also claim that though classes continue , their degree will eventually be worth less on the job market .
Marie Boster , a spokeswoman for Pace University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still offering services like tutoring and counseling along with classes remotely .
`` The faculty , staff and leaders of Pace continue to work tirelessly to support our students during this challenging time , '' she says .
Columbia University had no comment on the suit .
The complaints , filed by a personal injury law firm in South Carolina , seek class action status on behalf of Columbia and Pace students .
That same firm , Anastopoulo Law Firm , is also behind the suits against the University of Miami and Drexel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services that students and their families have paid for , '' Anastopoulo attorney Roy T. Willey IV tells NPR .
`` It 's not fair for the universities with multi-million dollar endowments to keep all of the money that students and their families have paid . ''
If the suits gain traction , the resulting damages would be a further blow to colleges already reeling from the financial impacts of the coronavirus .
As NPR 's Elissa Nadworny has reported , college endowments have taken a hit , some schools have begun to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at merging or closing their doors .

With Campuses Closed, Columbia And Pace Students Sue For Refunds
Enlarge this image toggle caption Mark Lennihan/AP Mark Lennihan/AP
On Thursday, Columbia University and Pace University joined a growing number of colleges — including University of Miami, Drexel University and the University of Arizona — facing legal complaints aimed at their response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Thursday's suits were filed in federal court on behalf of Xaviera Marbury, a student at Pace, and an unnamed student at Columbia. Both complaints say students are owed reimbursement as well as damages for services that are no longer available now that campuses are closed. In both cases, those services include:
I. Face-to-face interaction with professors, mentors, and peers;
ii. Access to facilities such as computer labs, study rooms, laboratories, libraries, etc.;
iii. Student governance and student unions;
iv. Extra-curricular activities, groups, intramurals, etc.;
v. Student art, cultures, and other activities;
vi. Social development and independence;
vii. Hands-on learning and experimentation; and
viii. Networking and mentorship opportunities.
Marbury's complaint says her dorm rent costs $9,380 for the semester; she lost access to her dorm for approximately half the semester, the complaint says, but Pace is only offering to reimburse $2,000. Similarly, the Columbia complaint says that the student was refunded just 11% of their mandatory fees for the semester. The complaints also claim that though classes continue, their degree will eventually be worth less on the job market.
Marie Boster, a spokeswoman for Pace University, pointed out that the college is still offering services like tutoring and counseling along with classes remotely. "The faculty, staff and leaders of Pace continue to work tirelessly to support our students during this challenging time," she says. Columbia University had no comment on the suit.
The complaints, filed by a personal injury law firm in South Carolina, seek class action status on behalf of Columbia and Pace students. That same firm, Anastopoulo Law Firm, is also behind the suits against the University of Miami and Drexel.
"Universities are not delivering those services that students and their families have paid for," Anastopoulo attorney Roy T. Willey IV tells NPR. "It's not fair for the universities with multi-million dollar endowments to keep all of the money that students and their families have paid."
If the suits gain traction, the resulting damages would be a further blow to colleges already reeling from the financial impacts of the coronavirus. As NPR's Elissa Nadworny has reported, college endowments have taken a hit, some schools have begun to announce hiring freezes and others are looking at merging or closing their doors.


npr--2020-04-23--Supermarket Steps Up To Buy From Farmers, Dairies And Donate To Food Banks

Supermarket Steps Up To Buy From Farmers , Dairies And Donate To Food Banks Publix says it will buy fresh @ @ @ @ @ farmers and southeastern dairies and donate the staples to Feeding America-member food banks .
`` @ @ @ @ @ we have the unique opportunity to bridge the gap between the needs of families and @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , '' said Todd Jones , chief executive officer of the Lakeland , Fla. @ @ @ @ @ The effort is aimed at farmers and dairies that have been forced to discard produce @ @ @ @ @ demand from schools , restaurants and other closed businesses .
Meanwhile Feeding America estimates 17 @ @ @ @ @ food insecurity during the coronavirus pandemic and economic downturn .
Publix says the effort will @ @ @ @ @ The grocery chain announced in late March it would hire `` thousands of associates '' @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic and encouraged applications from those left jobless as businesses closed .

Supermarket Steps Up To Buy From Farmers, Dairies And Donate To Food Banks
Enlarge this image toggle caption John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images
Publix says it will buy fresh produce and milk from Florida farmers and southeastern dairies and donate the staples to Feeding America-member food banks.
"As a food retailer, we have the unique opportunity to bridge the gap between the needs of families and farmers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic," said Todd Jones, chief executive officer of the Lakeland, Fla.,-based grocery chain.
The effort is aimed at farmers and dairies that have been forced to discard produce and milk because of reduced demand from schools, restaurants and other closed businesses.
As NPR reported earlier this month:
The country's food distribution system, in normal times, is a marvel, efficiently delivering huge amounts of food to consumers. But it relies on predictability, like a rail system that directs a stream of trains, on set schedules, toward their destinations. Now, some of the biggest destinations — chain restaurants, schools and workplace cafeterias — have disappeared, and supply chains are struggling to adapt.
Meanwhile Feeding America estimates 17 million additional people will experience food insecurity during the coronavirus pandemic and economic downturn.
Publix says the effort will last for several weeks.
The grocery chain announced in late March it would hire "thousands of associates" to meet unprecedented demand during the pandemic and encouraged applications from those left jobless as businesses closed.


npr--2020-04-23--President Trump Says Distancing Guidelines May Need To Be Extended

President Trump Says Distancing Guidelines May Need To Be Extended More than a dozen states have unveiled formal plans to move from coronavirus disaster response and toward reconstruction , the White House said Thursday — but officials also did n't rule out the need for more mitigation .
Vice President Mike Pence said that 16 states have released formal plans about progressing out of the crisis .
Many are pursuing a `` phased approach '' county by county , he said , pointing specifically to Missouri , Pennsylvania , Oregon and Idaho .
Pence and President Trump said on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread of the virus are working .
If they keep up , `` by early summer we could be in a much better place as a nation , '' Pence said .
All the same time , Trump and Pence did n't rule out the possibility that they might need to extend the federal guidelines for social distancing and other mitigation measures past their current expiration date on May 1 .
Thursday 's briefing followed a report that some 4 million more people have filed for unemployment , according to statistics released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approximate total of Americans out of work to around 26 million .
Although the rate at which jobs are being lost is slowing , the big picture is one of historic disruption following the imposition of social distancing , isolation and other countermeasures aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus .
Trump has sought to talk up the prospects that some parts of the nation could begin to get back to normal soon , citing the record unemployment as a key reason : America ca n't afford to stay closed , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forced to place sections of the economy in stasis in order to keep people apart to slow the explosive spread of the coronavirus .
Those measures were punishing for restaurants , brick-and-mortar retail , travel , energy and other sectors , prompting the vertiginous unemployment statistics .
The response also has been devastating to the fiscal health of state governments as they manage their responses .
That has brought calls for more federal funding in future relief legislation .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , has been cool about another batch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington already has committed .
He mused this week that a better strategy might be for states to declare `` bankruptcy . ''
Trump was asked about that idea on Thursday and declined to comment on McConnell 's comments .
`` We 'll be looking to do what 's right for the country , '' he said .
The president did say that he intended to sign the latest relief legislation , passed by the House on Thursday as Trump was talking , after his press conference .
Nearly 900,000 Americans have now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to researchers at Johns Hopkins University , and nearly 50,000 have been killed in the pandemic .
Trump and his aides have acknowledged the toll of the ordeal — he alluded to it several times as `` the plague '' on Thursday — but the White House says the peak of cases nationally has passed and the U.S. can begin to look ahead to reconstruction .
Even though the federal government has released guidelines for the way it recommends states attempt to navigate their way out of the crisis , authorities around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the ability to test for COVID-19 .
Testing is seen as a critical way to provide assurance to millions who 've spent the last six weeks or so isolating that if they begin to go about their routines again , they wo n't simply encounter virus-carriers and bring about a boomerang spike in infections .
Public health authorities need more tests , processing throughput and accessories in order to field enough materiel to verify which people are infection-free and which might be carrying the coronavirus without suffering any symptoms .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of tests , but the capacity to perform them , so that you do n't have a situation where you have a test but it ca n't be done because there is n't a swab , or because there is n't extraction media , or not the right vial , '' said Dr. Anthony Fauci , a top physician advising the White House , in an interview on Thursday with Time Magazine .
Continued Fauci : `` I am not overly confident right now at all that we have what it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing better , and I think we are going to get there , but we are not there yet . ''
One of the big unanswered questions about this stage in the disaster is the practical uncertainty about how — and how long — it may take to get from the current near-lockdown environment for many Americans and into one of the next `` phases '' in the federal guidelines .
Some states are going quicker than others .
Georgia , for example , is on the verge of permitting many now-closed businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Even Trump , the booster-in-chief for a return to normalcy , said on Thursday he thought that might be moving too fast , and he said he said as much to Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp .
`` I 'm not happy about it , '' Trump said .
Trump told reporters he 'd spoke with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson , who is recovering from COVID-19 , and said he thought the British leader sounded good .
`` He sounded incredible , '' Trump said .
`` He was ready to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was the old Boris — tremendous energy , tremendous drive .
I think he 's doing great , he was so sharp and incredible . ''
Johnson was hospitalized for a time in intensive care after falling ill as part of the pandemic 's spread in Great Britain .
Trump 's description suggested he was reengaged with his work .
In the past , Trump has said Johnson has asked for help with the British response to the pandemic , including with medical equipment such as ventilators .

President Trump Says Distancing Guidelines May Need To Be Extended
Enlarge this image toggle caption Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images
Updated at 7 p.m. ET
More than a dozen states have unveiled formal plans to move from coronavirus disaster response and toward reconstruction, the White House said Thursday, but officials also didn't rule out the need for more mitigation.
Vice President Pence said that 16 states have released formal plans about progressing out of the crisis. Many are pursuing a "phased approach" county by county, he said, pointing specifically to Missouri, Pennsylvania, Oregon and Idaho.
Pence and President Trump said Thursday that all the countermeasures and precautions to slow the spread of the virus are working. If they keep up, "by early summer we could be in a much better place as a nation," Pence said.
At the same time, Trump and Pence didn't rule out the possibility that they might need to extend the federal guidelines for social distancing and other mitigation measures past their current expiration date on May 1.
Economic calamity
Thursday's briefing followed a report that some 4 million more people have filed for unemployment, according to statistics released by the Labor Department, bringing the approximate total of Americans out of work to about 26 million.
Although the rate at which jobs are being lost is slowing, the big picture is one of historic disruption following the imposition of social distancing, isolation and other countermeasures aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus.
Trump has sought to talk up the prospects that some parts of the nation could begin to get back to normal soon, citing the record unemployment as a key reason: America can't afford to stay closed, he argues.
Authorities around the country felt forced to place sections of the economy in stasis to keep people apart and slow the explosive spread of the coronavirus.
Those measures were punishing for restaurants, brick-and-mortar retail, travel, energy and other sectors, prompting the vertiginous unemployment statistics.
The response also has been devastating to the fiscal health of state governments as they manage their responses. That has brought calls for more federal funding in future relief legislation.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has been cool about another batch of spending beyond the trillions of dollars Washington already has committed. He mused this week that a better strategy might be for states to declare "bankruptcy."
Trump was asked about that idea on Thursday and declined to comment on McConnell's comments.
"We'll be looking to do what's right for the country," he said.
The president did say that he intended to sign the latest relief legislation, passed by the House on Thursday as Trump was talking, after his press conference.
Nearly 900,000 Americans have now been diagnosed with the disease, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins University, and nearly 50,000 have been killed in the pandemic.
Trump and his aides have acknowledged the toll of the ordeal — he alluded to it several times as "the plague" on Thursday — but the White House says the peak of cases nationally has passed and the U.S. can begin to look ahead to reconstruction.
Testing concerns persist
Even though the federal government has released guidelines for the way it recommends states attempt to navigate their way out of the crisis, authorities around the country warn about consequential shortfalls that remain in the ability to test for COVID-19.
Testing is seen as a critical way to provide assurance to millions who've spent the past six weeks or so isolating that if they begin to go about their routines again, they won't simply encounter virus carriers and bring about a boomerang spike in infections.
Public health authorities need more tests, processing throughput and accessories to field enough materiel to verify which people are infection-free and which might be carrying the coronavirus without suffering any symptoms.
"We need to significantly ramp up not only the number of tests, but the capacity to perform them, so that you don't have a situation where you have a test but it can't be done because there isn't a swab, or because there isn't extraction media, or not the right vial," said Dr. Anthony Fauci, a top physician advising the White House, in an interview on Thursday with Time magazine.
Continued Fauci: "I am not overly confident right now at all that we have what it takes to do that. We are doing better, and I think we are going to get there, but we are not there yet."
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One of the big unanswered questions about this stage in the disaster is the practical uncertainty about how — and how long — it may take to get from the current near-lockdown environment for many Americans and into one of the next "phases" in the federal guidelines.
Some states are going faster than others. Georgia, for example, is on the verge of permitting many now-closed businesses to reopen, including gyms and tattoo parlors.
Even Trump, the booster-in-chief for a return to normalcy, said on Thursday he thought that might be moving too fast, and he said as much to Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp.
"I'm not happy about it," Trump said.
Trump: UK's Johnson doing well
Trump told reporters he'd spoken with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is recovering from COVID-19, and said he thought the British leader sounded good.
"He sounded incredible," Trump said. "He was ready to go. I'm very surprised. It was the old Boris — tremendous energy, tremendous drive. I think he's doing great, he was so sharp and incredible."
Johnson was hospitalized for a time in intensive care after falling ill. Trump's description suggested he was reengaged with his work.
In the past, Trump has said Johnson has asked for help with the British response to the pandemic, including with medical equipment such as ventilators.


npr--2020-04-23--NFL Kicks Off Its First 'Fully Virtual' Draft Tonight

NFL Kicks Off Its First 'Fully Virtual ' Draft Tonight The NFL draft starts Thursday night , giving most sports fans their first glimpse of live action , sort of , in more than a month because of the coronavirus pandemic .
No glitzy affair in Las Vegas as originally planned .
But the 2020 draft will be historic — just without fans in attendance cheering or booing their beloved team 's picks .
No newly-minted NFL player holding up a jersey of the team that just selected them .
No draftees shaking hands with Commissioner Roger Goodell on stage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virtual '' as a memo from the NFL outlined earlier this month .
And Goodell , who typically emcees the event from behind a podium , will do so this year from the confines of his `` man cave '' as he called it on ABC 's Good Morning America .
`` We 've turned it into sort of a mini studio .
There will be three people in here with me , '' Goodell said .
`` It worked pretty well last night ; we were testing some of the technology .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
He later tweeted a video of him narrating a tour of his basement , including the area where an NFL staffer will receive the name of the player selected by each NFL team , and the bar table Goodell will be seated to announce the selection .
`` Draft day 2020 , much different than we ever imagined , but it 's going to be fun , '' he said .
While the draft may be virtual to ensure proper social distancing , how the draft has traditionally unfolded will remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over three days with the first round Thursday at 8 p.m .
ET .
Rounds 2 and 3 are on Friday and the final three rounds Saturday .
Each team will have 10 minutes to make their picks in the first round .
The allotted time to make a selection drops to seven minutes in round two , five minutes for rounds 3-6 and then four minutes for the final round .
To adhere to social distancing guidelines , but to ensure it puts on programming that will be carried live on three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NFL Network — the league sent out loads of equipment to nearly 60 top prospects to ensure reactions are captured .
`` One of the 58 prospects selected will appear on screen to exchange a few words with the league commissioner .
The NFL has dispatched iPhones , cameras , lights and microphones to each player to ensure their reactions to being drafted will be broadcast on TV , '' Newsweek reports .
Newsweek also reports league official Michelle McKenna said the NFL will be using `` 150 remote feeds at once , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would typically use .
During conventional drafts , team personnel , including coaches and general managers , would be together in a `` war room '' keeping track of all draft selections and perhaps working out deals for trades .
Now all that has to be done virtually as well .
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan gave fans a tour of his home office and said team officials `` completely pimped it out '' with additional monitors and tablets and desk phones .
He said through his set up he can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 people . ''
Baltimore Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta gave a similar tour of his home office that included at least eight devices , like laptops , phones and tablets for the draft .
At one point in his video tour he reflected on the extraordinary circumstances that brought the league , the nation and the world to this point .
He thanked the first responders for their help battling the virus while the league provides an escape for fans .
`` We 're lucky .
We 're so fortunate to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focus on something like this during this period , '' DeCosta said .
`` Hopefully , '' DeCosta said , `` we can provide you with a little bit of enjoyment during this really , really tough time . ''
The start of the season unclear The NFL draft is the only sure thing for the season .
League offices have been closed since March 13 .
The NFL ordered all club facilities shuttered on March 26 out of concern about to the spread of the virus .
That however did not prevent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton and two current players , Los Angeles Rams center Brian Allen and linebacker Von Miller of the Denver Broncos from contracting COVID-19 .
During his interview on ABC on Thursday , Goodell , the commissioner , could n't give a direct answer when asked if the season would start on time in the fall .
`` All our work is to continue to plan for the season and be ready for the season .
The draft is a great example of that , '' Goodell said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about what we 're going through as a country is you ca n't tell a week from now , much less three months from now .
So our job is to be ready . ''
The season is scheduled to start Sept. 10 .

NFL Kicks Off Its First 'Fully Virtual' Draft Tonight
Enlarge this image toggle caption Seth Wenig/AP Seth Wenig/AP
The NFL draft starts Thursday night, giving most sports fans their first glimpse of live action, sort of, in more than a month because of the coronavirus pandemic.
No glitzy affair in Las Vegas as originally planned.
But the 2020 draft will be historic — just without fans in attendance cheering or booing their beloved team's picks. No newly-minted NFL player holding up a jersey of the team that just selected them. No draftees shaking hands with Commissioner Roger Goodell on stage.
Sports NFL Draft Moves Online Amid Pandemic NFL Draft Moves Online Amid Pandemic Listen · 3:49 3:49
This draft will be "fully virtual" as a memo from the NFL outlined earlier this month. And Goodell, who typically emcees the event from behind a podium, will do so this year from the confines of his "man cave" as he called it on ABC's Good Morning America.
"We've turned it into sort of a mini studio. There will be three people in here with me," Goodell said. "It worked pretty well last night; we were testing some of the technology. So think we're ready to go."
He later tweeted a video of him narrating a tour of his basement, including the area where an NFL staffer will receive the name of the player selected by each NFL team, and the bar table Goodell will be seated to announce the selection.
"Draft day 2020, much different than we ever imagined, but it's going to be fun," he said.
The Logistics
While the draft may be virtual to ensure proper social distancing, how the draft has traditionally unfolded will remain the same.
It will take place over three days with the first round Thursday at 8 p.m. ET. Rounds 2 and 3 are on Friday and the final three rounds Saturday.
Each team will have 10 minutes to make their picks in the first round. The allotted time to make a selection drops to seven minutes in round two, five minutes for rounds 3-6 and then four minutes for the final round.
To adhere to social distancing guidelines, but to ensure it puts on programming that will be carried live on three networks — ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network — the league sent out loads of equipment to nearly 60 top prospects to ensure reactions are captured.
"One of the 58 prospects selected will appear on screen to exchange a few words with the league commissioner. The NFL has dispatched iPhones, cameras, lights and microphones to each player to ensure their reactions to being drafted will be broadcast on TV," Newsweek reports.
Newsweek also reports league official Michelle McKenna said the NFL will be using "150 remote feeds at once," instead of the 10 feeds it would typically use.
Team set ups
During conventional drafts, team personnel, including coaches and general managers, would be together in a "war room" keeping track of all draft selections and perhaps working out deals for trades.
Now all that has to be done virtually as well.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan gave fans a tour of his home office and said team officials "completely pimped it out" with additional monitors and tablets and desk phones.
He said through his set up he can be in touch with "probably about 30 people."
Baltimore Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta gave a similar tour of his home office that included at least eight devices, like laptops, phones and tablets for the draft.
At one point in his video tour he reflected on the extraordinary circumstances that brought the league, the nation and the world to this point. He thanked the first responders for their help battling the virus while the league provides an escape for fans.
"We're lucky. We're so fortunate to be in this position that we can actually focus on something like this during this period," DeCosta said.
"Hopefully," DeCosta said, "we can provide you with a little bit of enjoyment during this really, really tough time."
The start of the season unclear
The NFL draft is the only sure thing for the season.
League offices have been closed since March 13. The NFL ordered all club facilities shuttered on March 26 out of concern about to the spread of the virus.
That however did not prevent at least three active NFL personnel, New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton and two current players, Los Angeles Rams center Brian Allen and linebacker Von Miller of the Denver Broncos from contracting COVID-19.
During his interview on ABC on Thursday, Goodell, the commissioner, couldn't give a direct answer when asked if the season would start on time in the fall.
"All our work is to continue to plan for the season and be ready for the season. The draft is a great example of that," Goodell said.
"One thing I've learned about what we're going through as a country is you can't tell a week from now, much less three months from now. So our job is to be ready."
The season is scheduled to start Sept. 10.


npr--2020-04-23--Coronavirus Has Infected A 5th Of New York City, Testing Suggests

Coronavirus Has Infected A 5th Of New York City , Testing Suggests It was already clear that the coronavirus has the capacity to spread at an alarming rate — that , of course , is why states across the country implemented sweeping measures to slow the rate at which it was filling hospitals .
But new numbers released Thursday by New York , the state hardest hit by the virus so far , offered a startling glimpse of just how far the virus has spread there so far .
Based on the preliminary results of the first round of antibody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials estimate that 21.2 % of New York City residents have contracted the coronavirus .
Statewide , Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said an estimated 2.7 million residents — or 13.9 % of the state 's population — have been infected .
That tally vastly outpaces the officially confirmed number of cases in the state , which stood at more than 269,000 as of Thursday afternoon ET .
`` This basically quantifies what we 've been seeing anecdotally and what we have known , '' Cuomo told a news conference Thursday , `` but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Part of the difficulty with judging the pandemic only by the confirmed number of cases rests with the means of confirmation .
Supply shortages and limited access to testing centers have restricted the number of people who can get tested in the first place , often meaning that those with mild symptoms or no symptoms at all go undetected in the official numbers .
So , state officials undertook another way of collecting data about the virus 's spread .
They set up outside food markets and other essential stores in 19 counties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ random for the antibodies that indicate their bodies have fought off the virus , whether they ever knew they had it .
Then , those state officials extrapolated from the sample to estimate the number that reflects New York in general — and , in particular , New York City , the epicenter of the pandemic so far in the U.S .
The process is not perfect , Cuomo said , and he cautioned that the numbers should be treated as preliminary estimates , not concrete data .
Still , he said they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the virus .
`` It is vital for any state , I believe , to first get a baseline study of where you are on the infection rate , '' Cuomo explained .
`` All we know to date is the hospitalization rate .
How many people coming at hospitals ?
That is all we have been tracking . ''
Now , with the initial antibody test results , they have completed — in Cuomo 's words — `` the largest , most comprehensive study of New York state . ''
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rolling basis , with a particular emphasis on testing communities of color , which have been disproportionately affected by the virus .

Coronavirus Has Infected A 5th Of New York City, Testing Suggests
Enlarge this image toggle caption Johannes Eisele/AFP via Getty Images Johannes Eisele/AFP via Getty Images
It was already clear that the coronavirus has the capacity to spread at an alarming rate — that, of course, is why states across the country implemented sweeping measures to slow the rate at which it was filling hospitals. But new numbers released Thursday by New York, the state hardest hit by the virus so far, offered a startling glimpse of just how far the virus has spread there so far.
Based on the preliminary results of the first round of antibody testing conducted across New York, state officials estimate that 21.2% of New York City residents have contracted the coronavirus. Statewide, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said an estimated 2.7 million residents — or 13.9% of the state's population — have been infected.
That tally vastly outpaces the officially confirmed number of cases in the state, which stood at more than 269,000 as of Thursday afternoon ET.
"This basically quantifies what we've been seeing anecdotally and what we have known," Cuomo told a news conference Thursday, "but it puts numbers to it."
Part of the difficulty with judging the pandemic only by the confirmed number of cases rests with the means of confirmation. Supply shortages and limited access to testing centers have restricted the number of people who can get tested in the first place, often meaning that those with mild symptoms or no symptoms at all go undetected in the official numbers.
So, state officials undertook another way of collecting data about the virus's spread. They set up outside food markets and other essential stores in 19 counties, where they tested 3,000 people at random for the antibodies that indicate their bodies have fought off the virus, whether they ever knew they had it.
Then, those state officials extrapolated from the sample to estimate the number that reflects New York in general — and, in particular, New York City, the epicenter of the pandemic so far in the U.S. The process is not perfect, Cuomo said, and he cautioned that the numbers should be treated as preliminary estimates, not concrete data.
Still, he said they will better inform state efforts to respond to the virus.
"It is vital for any state, I believe, to first get a baseline study of where you are on the infection rate," Cuomo explained. "All we know to date is the hospitalization rate. How many people coming at hospitals? That is all we have been tracking."
Now, with the initial antibody test results, they have completed — in Cuomo's words — "the largest, most comprehensive study of New York state." And state authorities plan to complete more on a rolling basis, with a particular emphasis on testing communities of color, which have been disproportionately affected by the virus.


npr--2020-04-23--'Living Through A Nightmare': Brazil's Manaus Digs A Mass Grave As Deaths Mount

`` I just wish a helicopter would come and fly me away from here , '' says Manuel Viana , a Brazilian funeral director in the front line of the spiraling coronavirus crisis .
`` We are living through a nightmare . ''
Viana is among the citizens and officials struggling to cope with a tragedy under way in Manaus , a city of 2.2 million in the middle of the Amazon rainforest .
Cemeteries and hospitals have been overwhelmed by a surge in the number of deaths , most of which are not registered in official COVID-19 statistics because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delays .
Manaus , the capital of Amazonas state , is a bustling port where soybeans , timber , fish and other products are shipped down the Amazon River .
It 's also a major cocaine trafficking hub , notorious for daily homicides and prison massacres .
Yet the coronavirus has introduced a new kind of horror .
The Nossa Senhora Aparecida cemetery has begun using backhoes to dig mass graves .
This has become `` the only option '' because it is `` humanly impossible '' to dig the required number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a funeral company and is president of the Syndicate of Funeral Businesses in Amazonas .
According to Viana , the city 's daily average of deaths has risen from 30 to more than 100 .
The mayor 's office confirmed to NPR that there have been 340 burials just in the past three days .
In most cases , the cause of death was listed as unknown , said a city hall spokeswoman .
City authorities are in little doubt that COVID-19 victims account for most of the spike .
This means the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Manaus than the official count of 172 virus-related deaths suggests .
The reported death toll throughout Brazil is 3,313 .
Video footage has appeared online showing the collapse of Manaus ' burial services and public hospitals .
In one , corpses lie on beds in a hospital alongside live patients undergoing treatment .
Another shows a line of vans waiting to deliver bodies for burial at the Nossa Senhora Aparecida cemetery .
Viana says that in some cases — perhaps through fear of infection — families are not coming forward to claim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That is something I honestly have never seen in Manaus before , `` he says .
Often , those who do claim their dead are unable to mourn properly because of tight restrictions on the number of people at graveside gatherings .
`` Seeing those families being unable to come to bid farewell or pray is heartbreaking , '' says Viana .
`` I have been in this business for more than 30 years .
We never thought we would encounter a situation like this . ''
The city 's mayor , Arthur @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` a calamity . ''
He has appealed for help from Brazil 's federal government and leaders of the G-20 nations .
Fears are growing that deaths will surge next month when coronavirus infections are predicted to peak .
The governor of Amazonas has warned that the state could face `` a very serious problem in the next 10 to 15 days . ''

'Living Through A Nightmare': Brazil's Manaus Digs A Mass Grave As Deaths Mount
Enlarge this image toggle caption Edmar Barros/AP Edmar Barros/AP
"I just wish a helicopter would come and fly me away from here," says Manuel Viana, a Brazilian funeral director in the front line of the spiraling coronavirus crisis. "We are living through a nightmare."
Viana is among the citizens and officials struggling to cope with a tragedy under way in Manaus, a city of 2.2 million in the middle of the Amazon rainforest.
Cemeteries and hospitals have been overwhelmed by a surge in the number of deaths, most of which are not registered in official COVID-19 statistics because of a lack of testing and bureaucratic delays.
Manaus, the capital of Amazonas state, is a bustling port where soybeans, timber, fish and other products are shipped down the Amazon River. It's also a major cocaine trafficking hub, notorious for daily homicides and prison massacres.
Yet the coronavirus has introduced a new kind of horror. The Nossa Senhora Aparecida cemetery has begun using backhoes to dig mass graves.
This has become "the only option" because it is "humanly impossible" to dig the required number of graves, says Viana, who runs a funeral company and is president of the Syndicate of Funeral Businesses in Amazonas.
According to Viana, the city's daily average of deaths has risen from 30 to more than 100. The mayor's office confirmed to NPR that there have been 340 burials just in the past three days. In most cases, the cause of death was listed as unknown, said a city hall spokeswoman.
City authorities are in little doubt that COVID-19 victims account for most of the spike. This means the virus is taking a far deadlier toll on Manaus than the official count of 172 virus-related deaths suggests. The reported death toll throughout Brazil is 3,313.
Video footage has appeared online showing the collapse of Manaus' burial services and public hospitals. In one, corpses lie on beds in a hospital alongside live patients undergoing treatment. Another shows a line of vans waiting to deliver bodies for burial at the Nossa Senhora Aparecida cemetery.
Viana says that in some cases — perhaps through fear of infection — families are not coming forward to claim the bodies of their relatives.
"That is something I honestly have never seen in Manaus before, " he says.
Often, those who do claim their dead are unable to mourn properly because of tight restrictions on the number of people at graveside gatherings.
"Seeing those families being unable to come to bid farewell or pray is heartbreaking," says Viana. "I have been in this business for more than 30 years. We never thought we would encounter a situation like this."
The city's mayor, Arthur Virgílio Neto, says Manaus is experiencing "a calamity." He has appealed for help from Brazil's federal government and leaders of the G-20 nations.
Fears are growing that deaths will surge next month when coronavirus infections are predicted to peak. The governor of Amazonas has warned that the state could face "a very serious problem in the next 10 to 15 days."