npr--2020-03-10--Biden And Sanders Cancel Election Night Events Due To Coronavirus Concerns

Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden have canceled their respective rallies tonight in Cleveland , Ohio , with the campaigns citing public health concerns amid the coronavirus outbreak .
`` Out of concern for public health and safety , we are canceling tonight 's rally in Cleveland , '' Mike Casca , Sanders ' communications director , said in a statement .
`` We are heeding the public warnings from Ohio state officials , who have communicated concern about holding large , indoor events during the coronavirus outbreak .
Sen. Sanders would like to express his regret to the thousands of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event tonight . ''
Added Kate Bedingfield , the Biden campaign 's deputy campaign manager and communications director : `` In accordance with guidance from public officials and out of an abundance of caution , our rally in Cleveland , Ohio tonight is cancelled .
We will continue to consult with public health officials and public health guidance and make announcements about future events in the coming days .
Vice President Biden thanks all of his supporters who wanted to be with us in Cleveland this evening . ''
The decisions come as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. continues to climb .
Packed public gatherings such as political rallies could pose a particular risk of virus transmission , although so far there 's no sign that 's taken place .
When asked Monday during a White House briefing whether campaigns should cancel big events , Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , said the answer depended on the prevalence of the coronavirus in the community .
`` If you 're talking about a campaign rally tomorrow , in a place where there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the judgment to have it might be a good judgment , '' Fauci said .
`` If you want to talk about large gatherings in a place where you have community spread , I think that 's a judgment call .
And if someone decides they want to cancel it , I would n't publicly criticize them . ''
Ohio reported its first confirmed coronavirus cases a day before Sanders and Biden cancelled their campaign events .
On Monday , Rep. Jackie Speier , D-Calif. , said all presidential campaigns should call off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and `` lead by example ! ''
Even before the election night rallies were cancelled , the major presidential campaigns were changing some practices in response to the coronavirus .
At a Biden event in Michigan , NPR observed that campaign staff were squirting hand sanitizer on the hands of everyone entering the rally .
Biden told NBC News on Monday that he was changing his behavior .
`` If you notice in here , we did a fist bump , we did n't shake hands , '' he said .
President Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his campaign plans .
`` We 'll hold tremendous rallies , '' Trump said over the weekend .
`` I 'm not concerned at all '' about the risk of coronavirus being transmitted at the events , he added .
But until now , Trump has held election eve rallies to grab attention away from Democrats in the days immediately before a primary .
This week , his campaign did n't schedule a rally before Tuesday 's elections .
Trump 's campaign also does n't have a rally scheduled before next week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballots , including three — Arizona , Florida and Ohio — that are central to his reelection .
Over the weekend , Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh said , `` We do more than just rallies .
And we announce new events when they are ready to be announced . ''
The Democratic National Committee says it does not currently plan to cancel next weekend 's presidential debate between Sanders and Biden .
`` We are in touch with local officials and will follow their guidance , '' DNC spokeswoman Xochitl Hinojosa told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no plans to cancel the debate . ''
In Michigan , which votes Tuesday , the secretary of state 's office is emphasizing to voters that there are no known cases of the disease in the state and is sharing health recommendations with local officials who run the state 's 5,000 precincts .
`` We 're really just working with them to make sure that they have the CDC recommendations , that they know that they can maintain hygiene in their polling places while also still encouraging people to vote and without spreading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Jake Rollow , the office 's communications director .
His office told local precincts to regularly clean voting machines , pencils and other high-touch surfaces with alcohol and disinfectant wipes to ensure the risk of virus transmission is low while also reassuring voters .
The state is also encouraging voters to `` increase social distances '' while standing in line and casting ballots .
Last week , Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs recommended that voters request absentee ballots for next week 's primary there .
In Washington state , which votes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an absentee ballot seal their envelopes using a wet sponge rather than licking the envelopes .
Other states have offered similar guidance about absentee ballots .
One concern for election officials is that poll workers will either get sick or wo n't show up for fear of possible exposure .
During last week 's Super Tuesday elections , some election workers did n't show up in Travis County , Texas , citing fears of the outbreak .
Those no-shows led to some disruptions and delays in opening polling sites .
Michigan said election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' notice if they ca n't serve but also told local officials that unexpected cancellations by poll workers were likely .
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose announced Tuesday that he 's directed the state 's 88 counties to relocate any voting sites that had been planned to be in senior living facilities for the state 's primary March 17 .
The decision affects more than 125 locations , and officials say they 're trying to identify new sites quickly so they can inform poll workers and voters of the change as soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state 's voters to cast their ballots early or by mail .
He said county election offices will have curbside drop-off points available so voters can return their absentee ballots without getting out of their cars .
The state is also encouraging more residents to serve as poll workers because of concerns that some might not to show up .
LaRose said state agencies will be sending e-mails to their employees suggesting that they consider taking the day off to serve .
He insisted that it was still safe to work at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other precautions will be taken .
But LaRose urged any poll workers having second thoughts to let their local election offices know as soon as possible .
`` The reality is that we expect that some may choose not to work on election day , '' he said .

Biden And Sanders Cancel Election Night Events Due To Coronavirus Concerns
Enlarge this image toggle caption John Moore/Getty Images John Moore/Getty Images
Updated at 5:05 p.m. ET
Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden have canceled their respective rallies tonight in Cleveland, Ohio, with the campaigns citing public health concerns amid the coronavirus outbreak.
"Out of concern for public health and safety, we are canceling tonight's rally in Cleveland," Mike Casca, Sanders' communications director, said in a statement. "We are heeding the public warnings from Ohio state officials, who have communicated concern about holding large, indoor events during the coronavirus outbreak. Sen. Sanders would like to express his regret to the thousands of Ohioans who had planned to attend the event tonight."
Added Kate Bedingfield, the Biden campaign's deputy campaign manager and communications director: "In accordance with guidance from public officials and out of an abundance of caution, our rally in Cleveland, Ohio tonight is cancelled. We will continue to consult with public health officials and public health guidance and make announcements about future events in the coming days. Vice President Biden thanks all of his supporters who wanted to be with us in Cleveland this evening."
The decisions come as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.S. continues to climb. Packed public gatherings such as political rallies could pose a particular risk of virus transmission, although so far there's no sign that's taken place.
When asked Monday during a White House briefing whether campaigns should cancel big events, Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said the answer depended on the prevalence of the coronavirus in the community.
"If you're talking about a campaign rally tomorrow, in a place where there is no community spread, I think the judgment to have it might be a good judgment," Fauci said. "If you want to talk about large gatherings in a place where you have community spread, I think that's a judgment call. And if someone decides they want to cancel it, I wouldn't publicly criticize them."
Ohio reported its first confirmed coronavirus cases a day before Sanders and Biden cancelled their campaign events.
On Monday, Rep. Jackie Speier, D-Calif., said all presidential campaigns should call off large events until the coronavirus threat subsides and "lead by example!"
Even before the election night rallies were cancelled, the major presidential campaigns were changing some practices in response to the coronavirus.
At a Biden event in Michigan, NPR observed that campaign staff were squirting hand sanitizer on the hands of everyone entering the rally.
Biden told NBC News on Monday that he was changing his behavior. "If you notice in here, we did a fist bump, we didn't shake hands," he said.
President Trump said the virus wasn't changing any of his campaign plans.
"We'll hold tremendous rallies," Trump said over the weekend. "I'm not concerned at all" about the risk of coronavirus being transmitted at the events, he added.
But until now, Trump has held election eve rallies to grab attention away from Democrats in the days immediately before a primary. This week, his campaign didn't schedule a rally before Tuesday's elections.
Trump's campaign also doesn't have a rally scheduled before next week's primaries when four big states cast ballots, including three — Arizona, Florida and Ohio — that are central to his reelection.
Over the weekend, Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh said, "We do more than just rallies. And we announce new events when they are ready to be announced."
The Democratic National Committee says it does not currently plan to cancel next weekend's presidential debate between Sanders and Biden.
"We are in touch with local officials and will follow their guidance," DNC spokeswoman Xochitl Hinojosa told The Arizona Republic. "There are no plans to cancel the debate."
Polling places
In Michigan, which votes Tuesday, the secretary of state's office is emphasizing to voters that there are no known cases of the disease in the state and is sharing health recommendations with local officials who run the state's 5,000 precincts.
"We're really just working with them to make sure that they have the CDC recommendations, that they know that they can maintain hygiene in their polling places while also still encouraging people to vote and without spreading fear before it's due," said Jake Rollow, the office's communications director.
His office told local precincts to regularly clean voting machines, pencils and other high-touch surfaces with alcohol and disinfectant wipes to ensure the risk of virus transmission is low while also reassuring voters. The state is also encouraging voters to "increase social distances" while standing in line and casting ballots.
Last week, Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs recommended that voters request absentee ballots for next week's primary there.
In Washington state, which votes Tuesday, officials recommend that anyone casting an absentee ballot seal their envelopes using a wet sponge rather than licking the envelopes. Other states have offered similar guidance about absentee ballots.
One concern for election officials is that poll workers will either get sick or won't show up for fear of possible exposure. During last week's Super Tuesday elections, some election workers didn't show up in Travis County, Texas, citing fears of the outbreak. Those no-shows led to some disruptions and delays in opening polling sites.
Michigan said election workers should give at least three days' notice if they can't serve but also told local officials that unexpected cancellations by poll workers were likely.
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose announced Tuesday that he's directed the state's 88 counties to relocate any voting sites that had been planned to be in senior living facilities for the state's primary March 17. The decision affects more than 125 locations, and officials say they're trying to identify new sites quickly so they can inform poll workers and voters of the change as soon as possible.
LaRose also encouraged the state's voters to cast their ballots early or by mail. He said county election offices will have curbside drop-off points available so voters can return their absentee ballots without getting out of their cars.
The state is also encouraging more residents to serve as poll workers because of concerns that some might not to show up. LaRose said state agencies will be sending e-mails to their employees suggesting that they consider taking the day off to serve. He insisted that it was still safe to work at the polls, where disinfectants will be used and other precautions will be taken.
But LaRose urged any poll workers having second thoughts to let their local election offices know as soon as possible. "The reality is that we expect that some may choose not to work on election day," he said.
NPR's Scott Detrow, Tamara Keith and Monika Evstatieva contributed reporting.


npr--2020-03-12--Maryland And Ohio To Close Schools Statewide Due To Coronavirus

Maryland And Ohio To Close Schools Statewide Due To Coronavirus Maryland and Ohio officials have announced that schools in their states will be closed for several weeks amid concerns about the coronavirus .
The statewide closures come after many school districts and dozens of colleges and universities have temporarily closed because of the disease .
According to an analysis from Education Week , as of Thursday evening , `` at least 10,600 schools have been closed or are scheduled to close , affecting at least 4.9 million students . ''
That is a small but quickly growing fraction of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and private schools in the U.S. Twelve people have tested positive for the virus in Maryland , though according to state officials , three have already made a full recovery .
Five have tested positive in Ohio .
In Maryland , the decision to close public schools for two weeks was prompted by a patient in his 60s outside Washington , D.C. , who tested positive for the disease with no known exposure to it from travel or a previously known infected individual .
That suggests it is spreading within the community .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we are entering a new phase of this crisis in our state , '' Maryland Gov .
Larry Hogan told reporters .
`` We should expect the number of cases to dramatically and rapidly rise .
Our primary focus is now turning from containment to aggressively working to mitigate and limit the spread of the virus . ''
The school closures in that state are scheduled from March 16 to 27 .
Karen Salmon , State Superintendent of Schools , told reporters that school buildings and buses will be thoroughly cleaned during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working to make sure that students are still able to access meals during that time , which for many children are a crucial source of nutrition .
Hogan said state officials are also taking a range of other measures , including requiring some state employees to telework , limiting public access to state buildings , prohibiting gatherings of over 250 people , and readying the National Guard .
This comes on the same day that many other governors across the country announced a wide range of measures to contain the spread of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gov .
Mike DeWine announced that the state 's kids would have `` an extended spring break of 3 weeks '' starting on Monday .
That includes public , private and charter K-12 schools .
`` During this extended period of closure , schools should work to provide education through alternative means and school district leadership may make decisions on whether to use their school buildings , '' the governor 's office said in a statement .
The state 's Department of Education is also working on a strategy to continue providing meals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to close many schools across the state .
`` Effective Monday , March 16 , [ Gov .
Andy ] Beshear is suggesting Kentucky 's schools suspend in-person classes for at least two weeks , '' according to the state 's Education Department .
School closures are even affecting whole countries .
On Thursday evening , Belgium and Portugal announced that schools nationwide would be shutting down due to the coronavirus .

States Begin Widespread School Closures To Fight Coronavirus
Enlarge this image toggle caption The Washington Post via Getty Images The Washington Post via Getty Images
Updated at 12:41 p.m. ET Friday
Officials in Maryland, Michigan, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon and the District of Columbia have announced that schools in their states will be closed for several weeks amid concerns about the coronavirus. The statewide closures come after many school districts and dozens of colleges and universities have temporarily closed because of the COVID-19 disease.
On Friday, school districts in Southern California became the latest to announce closures, with the Los Angeles Unified School District and the San Diego Unified School District closing for two weeks beginning Monday. They are the two largest districts in California, with more than 750,000 students combined.
According to an analysis from Education Week, as of Friday morning, "at least 18,700 schools have been closed or are scheduled to close, affecting at least 8.1 million students." That is a small but quickly growing fraction of the approximately 50 million students in K-12 public and private schools in the United States.
Twelve people have tested positive for the virus in Maryland, though according to state officials, three have already made a full recovery. Five have tested positive in Ohio.
In Maryland, the decision to close public schools for two weeks was prompted by a patient in his 60s outside Washington, D.C., who tested positive for the disease with no known exposure to it from travel or a previously known infected individual. That suggests it is spreading within the community.
"The circumstances of this case indicate that we are entering a new phase of this crisis in our state," Maryland Republican Gov. Larry Hogan told reporters Thursday. "We should expect the number of cases to dramatically and rapidly rise. Our primary focus is now turning from containment to aggressively working to mitigate and limit the spread of the virus."
The school closures in Maryland are scheduled from March 16 to 27. Karen Salmon, state superintendent of schools, told reporters that school buildings and buses will be thoroughly cleaned during the break.
Maryland state officials are working to make sure that during this time, students will still be provided meals, given that school meals are a crucial source of nutrition for many children.
Hogan said state officials are also taking a range of other measures, including requiring some state employees to telework, limiting public access to state buildings, prohibiting gatherings of more than 250 people and readying the National Guard for possible deployment.
This comes on the same day that many other governors across the country announced a wide range of measures to contain the spread of the virus.
Earlier on Thursday, Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine announced that the state's kids would have "an extended spring break of 3 weeks" starting on Monday. That includes public, private and charter K-12 schools.
"During this extended period of closure, schools should work to provide education through alternative means and school district leadership may make decisions on whether to use their school buildings," the governor's office said in a statement. The state's Department of Education is also working on a strategy to continue providing meals for children.
In Oregon, Democratic Gov. Kate Brown made clear that closing schools was a difficult decision that poses its own public health risks: "Schools are critical institutions that provide important services for all our students, but especially our most vulnerable. ... So many of our families depend on school in order for parents to go to their jobs, and for students to access health care and receive nutrition assistance."
But Brown conceded that so many students and school staff across the state were opting to stay home from school that "it has now become impossible to functionally operate schools due to workforce issues and student absences. Schools are experiencing critical shortages in staff, and superintendents are concerned for school personnel who are at elevated risk such as those over age 60 and those with underlying medical issues."
In announcing the closure of schools across Michigan, Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer tweeted: "I know this will be a tough time, but we're doing this to keep the most people we can safe. I urge everyone to make smart choices during this time and to do everything they can to protect themselves and their families."
"This is a proactive measure to limit the potential community spread of COVID-19," said New Mexico Education Secretary Ryan Stewart, whose state had six confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Thursday night. "We have seen other states take this measure after they have experienced community spread of this virus. New Mexico is going to be proactive and do everything we can to prevent the potential spread of the virus.
In Washington, D.C., Lewis Ferebee, the public schools chancellor, announced early Friday that the District would shift its April spring break to next week and then practice distance learning through the end of March. Ferebee said schools would reopen April 1.
Kentucky also appears poised to close many schools across the state. "Effective Monday, March 16, [Democratic Gov. Andy] Beshear is suggesting Kentucky's schools suspend in-person classes for at least two weeks," according to the state's Education Department.
In a move to relieve pressure on state school leaders, the U.S. Department of Education announced several measures Thursday that would temporarily loosen federal accountability standards as states head into annual testing season. The department announced "[it] would consider a targeted one-year waiver of the assessment requirements for those schools impacted by the extraordinary circumstances." States could also get a free pass for absentee rates that have skyrocketed because of the coronavirus outbreak.
The Education Department held firm though on federal protections for students with disabilities, saying that if a school plans to provide students with distance instruction during a closure, perhaps online, "the school must ensure that students with disabilities also have equal access to the same opportunities."
School closures are even affecting whole countries. On Thursday evening, Belgium and Portugal announced that schools nationwide would be shutting down because of the coronavirus.


npr--2020-03-12--FBI Surveillance Measures Appear Likely To Expire With GOP Opposition

FBI Surveillance Measures Appear Likely To Expire With GOP Opposition Three surveillance provisions used by the FBI in counterterrorism investigations look all but certain to expire at least temporarily after a handful of senators delayed a vote ahead of their expiration this weekend .
The authorities , which the intelligence community says are critical to national security , are set to lapse on Sunday without action by Congress .
The Senate adjourned on Thursday evening until Monday without resolving the matter , making it appear likely that the existing authorities will expire .
The political impasse over the Foreign Intelligence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in part because of anger by President Trump and some of his allies over the Russia investigation .
Other members of Congress and Attorney General Bill Barr had hoped that last-minute revisions could have prevented a lapse in the surveillance authorities , which must be reauthorized from time to time as part of past congressional compromises .
The House took the first step on Wednesday by passing a bipartisan measure that reauthorizes the provisions but also implements changes , including adding new privacy protections .
To become law it still must be passed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president — but Trump said on Thursday he was n't happy with the state of play surrounding the legislation and then the Senate adjourned before final resolution .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , meanwhile , has said he supports the House measure and wanted to pass it .
Barr , who made an earlier visit to a Senate Republican meeting to try to sell the importance of FISA , says the current legislation has new requirements that `` will protect against abuse and misuse in the future while ensuring that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to protect the safety of the American people . ''
But the bill faces stiff opposition from several senators , including Utah 's Mike Lee and Kentucky 's Rand Paul , two Republicans with longstanding concerns about government surveillance .
Speaking on the Senate floor Thursday , Lee said the House bill `` does n't cut the mustard — it does n't do the job . ''
He said that he and his fellow senators who have concerns about the bill are seeking `` a few modest reforms to make sure that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this law . ''
Lee proposed a 45 day extension to allow senators to examine the House bill , debate it and offer amendments .
The Republican chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee , Richard Burr , blocked that effort .
Sen. John Cornyn of Texas , a member of Republican leadership and supporter of the bill , says Lee 's roadblock could delay a vote until after Sunday 's deadline , which would allow the surveillance authorities to temporarily lapse .
If that happens , the Senate would likely vote on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Senate were to pass the compromise bill , it 's unclear whether Trump would sign it into law .
Trump has repeatedly voiced deep skepticism about government surveillance under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act , or FISA .
`` Many Republican Senators want me to Veto the FISA Bill until we find out what led to , and happened with , the illegal attempted 'coup ' of the duly elected President of the United States , and others ! ''
Trump wrote on Twitter on Thursday .
Cornyn was asked about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president 's advisers would get through to him : `` I hope he follows the advice of his own attorney general and signs it , '' Cornyn said .
The three authorities up for renewal are called the business records provision , the roving wiretap provision and the lone wolf provision .
Law enforcement officials say they 're an important part of the legal toolkit they need to monitor or intercept would-be terrorists .
The House bill , which would reauthorize them until Dec. 2023 , was hammered out in compromise among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by a 2-1 margin despite opposition from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle who say it did n't go far enough to protect civil liberties .
The compromise legislation includes several changes , including the addition of new privacy protections and the scrapping of a controversial phone metadata program .
Some of the changes aim to address problems identified by the Justice Department inspector general in his report about FBI surveillance of former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page in the early days of the Russia investigation .
The bill would , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lie to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court , the secret court that oversees domestic national security surveillance and approved the FBI 's wiretapping of Page .

FBI Surveillance Measures Appear Likely To Expire With GOP Opposition
Enlarge this image toggle caption J. Scott Applewhite/AP J. Scott Applewhite/AP
Updated at 7:40 p.m. ET
Three domestic surveillance tools used by the FBI in counterterrorism investigations look all but certain to lapse--at least temporarily--after the Senate failed to vote to renew them before they expire this weekend.
The authorities, which the intelligence community says are critical to national security, are set to lapse on Sunday without action by Congress. The Senate adjourned on Thursday evening until Monday without resolving the matter, signaling that the surveillance tools will likely expire.
The political impasse over government spying and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act has been intensifying for months in part because of anger by President Trump and some of his allies over the Russia investigation.
Other members of Congress and Attorney General Bill Barr had hoped that last-minute revisions could have prevented a lapse in the surveillance authorities, which must be occasionally reauthorized by lawmakers.
The House took the first step on Wednesday by passing a bipartisan measure that reauthorizes the provisions but also implements changes, including adding new privacy protections.
To become law it still must be passed by the Senate and signed by the president — but Trump said on Thursday he wasn't happy with the state of play surrounding the legislation and then the Senate adjourned before taking a vote on the matter.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., meanwhile, has said he supports the House measure and wanted to pass it.
Barr, who made an earlier visit to a Senate Republican meeting to try to sell the importance of FISA, says the current legislation has new requirements that "will protect against abuse and misuse in the future while ensuring that this critical tool is available when appropriate to protect the safety of the American people."
Blockage
But the bill faces stiff opposition from several senators, including Utah's Mike Lee and Kentucky's Rand Paul, two Republicans with longstanding concerns about government surveillance.
Speaking on the Senate floor Thursday, Lee said the House bill "doesn't cut the mustard — it doesn't do the job."
He said that he and his fellow senators who have concerns about the bill are seeking "a few modest reforms to make sure that it's a little bit harder to abuse this law."
Lee proposed a 45-day extension to allow senators to examine the House bill, debate it and offer amendments. The Republican chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Richard Burr, blocked that effort.
Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, a member of Republican leadership and supporter of the bill, says Lee's roadblock could delay a vote until after Sunday's deadline, which would allow the surveillance authorities to temporarily lapse.
If that happens, the Senate would likely vote on the measure early next week.
Skeptic-in-chief
Even if the Senate were to pass the compromise bill, it's unclear whether Trump would sign it into law.
Trump has repeatedly voiced deep skepticism about government surveillance under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA.
"Many Republican Senators want me to Veto the FISA Bill until we find out what led to, and happened with, the illegal attempted 'coup' of the duly elected President of the United States, and others!" Trump wrote on Twitter on Thursday.
Cornyn was asked about the president's statement and said he hoped the president's advisers would get through to him: "I hope he follows the advice of his own attorney general and signs it," Cornyn said.
The three authorities up for renewal are called the business records provision, the roving wiretap provision and the lone wolf provision. Law enforcement officials say they're an important part of the toolkit they need to monitor or intercept would-be terrorists.
The House bill, which would reauthorize them until Dec. 2023, was hammered out in compromise among Democratic and Republican leadership. It passed by a 2-1 margin despite opposition from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle who say it didn't go far enough to protect civil liberties.
The compromise legislation includes several changes, including the addition of new privacy protections and the scrapping of a controversial phone metadata program.
Some of the changes aim to address problems identified by the Justice Department inspector general in his report about FBI surveillance of former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page in the early days of the Russia investigation.
The bill would, for example, impose penalties on officials who lie to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, the secret court that oversees domestic national security surveillance and approved the FBI's wiretapping of Page.
NPR congressional reporter Claudia Grisales contributed to this report.


npr--2020-03-12--Broadway Shutters Its Stages Amid Coronavirus Threat

To stem the spread of coronavirus , New York 's major cultural institutions announced they would be suspending performances or closing their doors , beginning Thursday .
Citing the need for `` drastic measures , '' Gov .
Andrew Cuomo ordered an end to all gatherings of 500 or more people , effectively shutting down Broadway and all of the major nonprofit performing arts venues , including Carnegie Hall , the New York Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera .
The Metropolitan Museum of Art announced it would be closing on Friday .
Peter Gelb , the Metropolitan Opera 's general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities urging social distancing with greater emphasis , it is simply untenable for us to continue to perform , as it puts our artists , staff , and audiences at risk . ''
Most of the nonprofits announced they would be closed until March 31 , but Broadway 's theaters do n't plan to reopen until April 12 .
The economic impact will be widespread : In addition to ticket receipts of $ 1.8 billion last season , Broadway is the largest tourist attraction in New York , with thousands of businesses relying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to taxicabs .
And the closing could n't come at a busier time of the year .
Six shows were to open before the end of March , while nine others were scheduled to open before April 23 , the deadline to qualify for Tony Awards .
Some shows , which have been struggling at the box office , may not reopen .
According to Deadline , a monthlong shutdown could see Broadway losing more than $ 100 million .
Theaters and concert halls are offering ticket exchanges or refunds or accepting donations @

Broadway Shutters Its Stages Amid Coronavirus Threat
Enlarge this image toggle caption Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images
To stem the spread of coronavirus, New York's major cultural institutions announced they would be suspending performances or closing their doors, beginning Thursday.
Citing the need for "drastic measures," Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered an end to all gatherings of 500 or more people, effectively shutting down Broadway and all of the major nonprofit performing arts venues, including Carnegie Hall, the New York Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera. The Metropolitan Museum of Art announced it would be closing on Friday.
Peter Gelb, the Metropolitan Opera's general manager, wrote, "With health authorities urging social distancing with greater emphasis, it is simply untenable for us to continue to perform, as it puts our artists, staff, and audiences at risk."
Most of the nonprofits announced they would be closed until March 31, but Broadway's theaters don't plan to reopen until April 12.
The economic impact will be widespread: In addition to ticket receipts of $1.8 billion last season, Broadway is the largest tourist attraction in New York, with thousands of businesses relying on it – from restaurants to hotels to taxicabs.
And the closing couldn't come at a busier time of the year. Six shows were to open before the end of March, while nine others were scheduled to open before April 23, the deadline to qualify for Tony Awards. Some shows, which have been struggling at the box office, may not reopen. According to Deadline, a monthlong shutdown could see Broadway losing more than $100 million.
Theaters and concert halls are offering ticket exchanges or refunds or accepting donations.


npr--2020-03-12--Stocks Enter Bear Market. What Does It Mean?

Stocks Enter Bear Market .
What Does It Mean ?
Nothing lasts forever — not even a stock market that keeps going up , up and up .
This week , just days after its 11-year anniversary , investors unceremoniously said goodbye to the longest-running bull market in history .
Then the bears took over .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average entered bear market territory when it tumbled more than 20 % from the record it had just set on Feb. 12 .
And , as of Thursday , the blue chip index was down nearly 8,400 points — a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point .
A bear market is defined as a period in which the major stock indexes drop by 20 % or more from a recent high point and remain that low for at least a few months .
The two worst bear markets in history — during the Great Depression and the Great Recession — produced cumulative losses of 83 % and 51 % , respectively .
Analysts like to say that the stock market is not the economy .
But a bear market reflects concerns and anxieties about the economy , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by a recession .
A recession is when the economy experiences two or more consecutive quarters of decline .
As to the origin of bulls and bears when referring to the market , Invesopedia says : '' Historically , the middlemen in the sale of bearskins would sell skins they had yet to receive .
As such , they would speculate on the future purchase price of these skins from the trappers , hoping they would drop .
The trappers would profit from a spread — the difference between the cost price and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known as 'bears ' , short for bearskin jobbers , and the term stuck for describing a downturn in the market .
Conversely , because bears and bulls were widely considered to be opposites due to the once-popular blood sport of bull-and-bear fights , the term bull stands as the opposite of bears . ''

Stocks Enter Bear Market. What Does It Mean?
Enlarge this image Spencer Platt/Getty Images Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Nothing lasts forever — not even a stock market that keeps going up, up and up.
This week, just days after its 11-year anniversary, investors unceremoniously said goodbye to the longest-running bull market in history.
Then the bears took over.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average entered bear market territory when it tumbled more than 20% from the record it had just set on Feb. 12. And, as of Thursday, the blue chip index was down nearly 8,400 points — a stunning 28% — from that high point.
A bear market is defined as a period in which the major stock indexes drop by 20% or more from a recent high point and remain that low for at least a few months.
The two worst bear markets in history — during the Great Depression and the Great Recession — produced cumulative losses of 83% and 51%, respectively.
Analysts like to say that the stock market is not the economy. But a bear market reflects concerns and anxieties about the economy, and at times a bear market is accompanied by a recession. A recession is when the economy experiences two or more consecutive quarters of decline.
As to the origin of bulls and bears when referring to the market, Invesopedia says:


npr--2020-03-12--No March Madness: NCAA Cancels Men's And Women's Basketball Tournaments

The NCAA has announced that it is canceling its Division I men 's and women 's college basketball tournaments .
This year , there will be no March Madness .
`` This decision is based on the evolving COVID-19 public health threat , our ability to ensure the events do not contribute to spread of the pandemic , and the impracticality of hosting such events at any time during this academic year given ongoing decisions by other entities , '' the NCAA said in a statement Thursday .
The decision followed earlier decisions by college basketball 's major conferences to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that they were suspending all athletic competitions indefinitely ; the ACC conference did the same .
The NCAA had previously announced that the basketball tournaments would take place only in front of essential staff and limited family members — no crowds .
Basketball is n't the only sport affected : the NCAA 's decision to cancel all remaining winter and spring tournaments means there also wo n't be championships in hockey , softball , baseball or lacrosse .
SEC conference commissioner Greg Sankey noted that some of those other events were months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made a decision now in mid-March to not play baseball or softball national championship events [ scheduled to happen in June ] .
So I look forward to learning what informed that decision , '' he told ESPN .
Announcements from across the American sports landscape fell on sports fans on Thursday : Most everything is canceled or at least postponed .
Major League Baseball halted spring training and delayed the start of the regular season for two weeks .
The National Hockey League told its teams to chill for 30 days .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next month .
And the NBA announced Wednesday night that it has called off the entire rest of its season , after Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19 .
The game was called off moments before tip-off as word came in about Gobert 's test result .
The entire team , as well as some staff members and beat reporters were then tested for the virus — a second Jazz player , Donovan Mitchell , tested positive .
Four teams that recently played the Jazz — the Detroit Pistons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Toronto Raptors — said that they have some players and staff in quarantine .
The cancellations and postponements reflect concerns for the health of players , staff and fans amid the coronavirus outbreak , as well as new restrictions being enacted in a growing number of U.S. cities and states that discourage or ban large gatherings of people .
In its statement announcing the delay of opening day , Major League Baseball referred to the coronvirus as a national emergency : `` This action is being taken in the interests of the safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and our millions of loyal fans . ''

No March Madness: NCAA Cancels Men's And Women's Basketball Tournaments
Enlarge this image toggle caption Mitchell Layton/Getty Images Mitchell Layton/Getty Images
Updated at 6:08 p.m. ET
The NCAA has announced that it is canceling its Division I men's and women's college basketball tournaments. This year, there will be no March Madness.
"This decision is based on the evolving COVID-19 public health threat, our ability to ensure the events do not contribute to spread of the pandemic, and the impracticality of hosting such events at any time during this academic year given ongoing decisions by other entities," the NCAA said in a statement Thursday.
The decision followed earlier decisions by college basketball's major conferences to cancel their tournaments. Duke and Kansas said that they were suspending all athletic competitions indefinitely; the ACC conference did the same.
The NCAA had previously announced that the basketball tournaments would take place only in front of essential staff and limited family members — no crowds.
Basketball isn't the only sport affected: the NCAA's decision to cancel all remaining winter and spring tournaments means there also won't be championships in hockey, softball, baseball or lacrosse.
SEC conference commissioner Greg Sankey noted that some of those other events were months away. "Surprised that we've made a decision now in mid-March to not play baseball or softball national championship events [scheduled to happen in June]. So I look forward to learning what informed that decision," he told ESPN.
Announcements from across the American sports landscape fell on sports fans on Thursday: Most everything is canceled or at least postponed.
Major League Baseball halted spring training and delayed the start of the regular season for two weeks. The National Hockey League told its teams to chill for 30 days. Major League Soccer won't play for the next month.
And the NBA announced Wednesday night that it has called off the entire rest of its season, after Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19. The game was called off moments before tip-off as word came in about Gobert's test result. The entire team, as well as some staff members and beat reporters were then tested for the virus — a second Jazz player, Donovan Mitchell, tested positive.
Four teams that recently played the Jazz — the Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards and Toronto Raptors — said that they have some players and staff in quarantine.
The cancellations and postponements reflect concerns for the health of players, staff and fans amid the coronavirus outbreak, as well as new restrictions being enacted in a growing number of U.S. cities and states that discourage or ban large gatherings of people.
In its statement announcing the delay of opening day, Major League Baseball referred to the coronvirus as a national emergency: "This action is being taken in the interests of the safety and well-being of our players, Clubs and our millions of loyal fans."


npr--2020-03-12--Survey: White Evangelicals See Trump As 'Honest' And 'Morally Upstanding'

Survey : White Evangelicals See Trump As 'Honest ' And 'Morally Upstanding' White evangelicals in the United States , the core of President Donald Trump 's political base , have far more positive views of his personal conduct and character than other U.S. adults .
By a nearly 2-to-1 margin , white evangelicals are more likely than other Americans to say the terms `` morally upstanding '' and `` honest '' describe Trump at least `` fairly well , '' according to a new survey from the Pew Research Center .
The evangelical assessment does come with some reservations .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for example , say `` morally upstanding '' describes Trump `` very well , '' while another 45 % say the term applies to Trump `` fairly well . ''
Two-thirds of U.S. adults as a whole say that characterization fits him `` not too well '' or `` not at all well . ''
The evangelical view of Trump stands out not just by its divergence from the broader U.S. opinion , but by its apparent disconnect from conventional standards .
Almost two-thirds of white evangelicals see Trump as at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ profanity , his sporadic church attendance , and his evident unfamiliarity with the Bible .
One explanation for white evangelicals ' attachment to Trump is that they see him as a political ally .
The Pew survey found that 63 % of white evangelical Protestants believe their side has been `` winning politically '' under the Trump presidency .
That 's a dramatic turnaround from 2016 , when less than one in four white evangelicals saw themselves as on the winning side .
The Pew results also show white evangelical Christians as showing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
More than 90 % say they want their president to stand up not only for religious beliefs in general , but for their religious beliefs in particular , including biblical teaching .
Nine in 10 white evangelicals say they want the Bible to have `` at least some influence '' on U.S. laws , according to the Pew findings .
`` Two-thirds of them go a step further , '' notes Greg Smith , the associate director of religion research at Pew .
`` They say that if and when the Bible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people , the Bible should have more influence on the laws of the land . ''

Survey: White Evangelicals See Trump As 'Honest' And 'Morally Upstanding'
Enlarge this image toggle caption Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images
White evangelicals in the United States, the core of President Donald Trump's political base, have far more positive views of his personal conduct and character than other U.S. adults.
Politics President Launches 'Evangelicals For Trump' Coalition President Launches 'Evangelicals For Trump' Coalition Listen · 4:02 4:02
By a nearly 2-to-1 margin, white evangelicals are more likely than other Americans to say the terms "morally upstanding" and "honest" describe Trump at least "fairly well," according to a new survey from the Pew Research Center.
The evangelical assessment does come with some reservations. Only about 15% of white evangelicals, for example, say "morally upstanding" describes Trump "very well," while another 45% say the term applies to Trump "fairly well." Two-thirds of U.S. adults as a whole say that characterization fits him "not too well" or "not at all well."
The evangelical view of Trump stands out not just by its divergence from the broader U.S. opinion, but by its apparent disconnect from conventional standards. Almost two-thirds of white evangelicals see Trump as at least "somewhat religious," despite his profanity, his sporadic church attendance, and his evident unfamiliarity with the Bible.
Religion 'Who Is An Evangelical?' Looks At History Of Evangelical Christians And The GOP 'Who Is An Evangelical?' Looks At History Of Evangelical Christians And The GOP Listen · 7:57 7:57
One explanation for white evangelicals' attachment to Trump is that they see him as a political ally. The Pew survey found that 63% of white evangelical Protestants believe their side has been "winning politically" under the Trump presidency. That's a dramatic turnaround from 2016, when less than one in four white evangelicals saw themselves as on the winning side.
The Pew results also show white evangelical Christians as showing support for a version of Judeo-Christian nationalism. More than 90% say they want their president to stand up not only for religious beliefs in general, but for their religious beliefs in particular, including biblical teaching.
Religion Pastors Debate Evangelical Community's Support For Trump Pastors Debate Evangelical Community's Support For Trump Listen · 11:07 11:07
Nine in 10 white evangelicals say they want the Bible to have "at least some influence" on U.S. laws, according to the Pew findings.
"Two-thirds of them go a step further," notes Greg Smith, the associate director of religion research at Pew. "They say that if and when the Bible conflicts with the will of the American people, the Bible should have more influence on the laws of the land."


npr--2020-03-12--Nice To Meet You, But How To Greet You? #NoHandshake Leaves Businesspeople Hanging

Nice To Meet You , But How To Greet You ?
# NoHandshake Leaves Businesspeople Hanging The handshake , a staple of business meetings , is under siege .
The coronavirus is reshaping social and workplace norms , so keeping one 's distance is now the polite thing to do .
Mike Sandifer , a Realtor based in Bethesda , Md.
, is practicing this new , emerging etiquette .
He typically offers an `` elbow bump , '' nudging people gently with his arm .
But Sandifer has to fight the deeply ingrained instinct to extend his hand .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ South are kind of touchy-feely .
That 's sort of our nature , '' he says .
Plus , he 's in real estate .
`` We are a handshaking crowd . ''
Hand-washing has become a global obsession , reminding Sandifer of his mother constantly telling him to sing the ABC 's while doing so to ensure they were sufficiently cleansed .
Virus and disease shaped Sandifer 's childhood .
In the 1960s , his father tended to polio patients in iron lungs , and his mother always wore gloves — for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Now , everyone 's preaching hand hygiene .
And that 's made the handshake taboo .
England 's Premier League has banned them during soccer matches .
German Prime Minister Angela Merkel was left hanging after her interior minister denied her outstretched hand .
This week , the Dutch prime minister announced a no-handshake rule , then promptly turned and shook a health official 's hand .
He then apologized .
So what replaces the handshake ?
That 's up for grabs , so to speak .
There 's the fist bump .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ prayer gesture , which Sandifer likes .
`` The namaste is sort of a nice ... .
I think that that 's multicultural , '' he says .
Asian cultures — which typically bow instead of handshake — also strike a humble and nice tone , he says .
But the lack of consensus has made greeting people bewildering and , frankly , a bit awkward , and etiquette experts agree .
Thomas Farley , a New York-based etiquette consultant , says he saw this in full effect over the weekend , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a birthday party where the host posted a sign reading : `` This is a hug and kiss-free zone . ''
That was a coronavirus first for Farley .
`` What I liked about it , honestly , was it took some of the awkwardness out of it so that the ground rules were there so that everybody could not feel like the bad person , '' he says .
At another party later that same day , people traded elbow bumps and foot shakes — known also as `` the Wuhan shake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That was weird , Farley says , because this was a house where shoes are left at the door .
`` That made foot-to-foot contact a little bit perhaps more intimate than might be if you were actually wearing shoes , '' he says .
The coronavirus culture is now forcing Farley to rethink how he teaches business etiquette .
One core element had been the perfect handshake : Not flimsy — but not a death grip — and certainly not clammy .
`` Now , of course , we 're suddenly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he says , although even the new era has its limits for Farley .
`` To elbow bump or chest bump .
It 's just ... it 's not professional , '' he says in a tone tinged with disdain .
His personal preference ?
`` As a Star Trek fan , I love the 'live long and prosper ' greeting with the split fingers . ''

Nice To Meet You, But How To Greet You? #NoHandshake Leaves Businesspeople Hanging
Enlarge this image toggle caption Remko de Waal /ANP/AFP via Getty Images Remko de Waal /ANP/AFP via Getty Images
The handshake, a staple of business meetings, is under siege. The coronavirus is reshaping social and workplace norms, so keeping one's distance is now the polite thing to do.
Mike Sandifer, a Realtor based in Bethesda, Md., is practicing this new, emerging etiquette. He typically offers an "elbow bump," nudging people gently with his arm. But Sandifer has to fight the deeply ingrained instinct to extend his hand.
"You know, people from the South are kind of touchy-feely. That's sort of our nature," he says. Plus, he's in real estate. "We are a handshaking crowd."
Hand-washing has become a global obsession, reminding Sandifer of his mother constantly telling him to sing the ABC's while doing so to ensure they were sufficiently cleansed.
Virus and disease shaped Sandifer's childhood. In the 1960s, his father tended to polio patients in iron lungs, and his mother always wore gloves — for fashion, but also for hygiene.
YouTube
Now, everyone's preaching hand hygiene. And that's made the handshake taboo. England's Premier League has banned them during soccer matches. German Prime Minister Angela Merkel was left hanging after her interior minister denied her outstretched hand. This week, the Dutch prime minister announced a no-handshake rule, then promptly turned and shook a health official's hand. He then apologized.
So what replaces the handshake? That's up for grabs, so to speak. There's the fist bump. Or the elbow bump. Or a prayer gesture, which Sandifer likes.
"The namaste is sort of a nice ... . I think that that's multicultural," he says. Asian cultures — which typically bow instead of handshake — also strike a humble and nice tone, he says.
But the lack of consensus has made greeting people bewildering and, frankly, a bit awkward, and etiquette experts agree.
Thomas Farley, a New York-based etiquette consultant, says he saw this in full effect over the weekend, when he attended several hands-free greetings, including a birthday party where the host posted a sign reading: "This is a hug and kiss-free zone."
That was a coronavirus first for Farley.
"What I liked about it, honestly, was it took some of the awkwardness out of it so that the ground rules were there so that everybody could not feel like the bad person," he says.
At another party later that same day, people traded elbow bumps and foot shakes — known also as "the Wuhan shake," after the virus's epicenter. That was weird, Farley says, because this was a house where shoes are left at the door. "That made foot-to-foot contact a little bit perhaps more intimate than might be if you were actually wearing shoes," he says.
The coronavirus culture is now forcing Farley to rethink how he teaches business etiquette. One core element had been the perfect handshake: Not flimsy — but not a death grip — and certainly not clammy.
"Now, of course, we're suddenly thrust into this new era," he says, although even the new era has its limits for Farley.
"To elbow bump or chest bump. It's just ... it's not professional," he says in a tone tinged with disdain.
His personal preference? "As a Star Trek fan, I love the 'live long and prosper' greeting with the split fingers."


npr--2020-03-12--Brazilian Official Who Met Trump Last Weekend Tests Positive For Coronavirus

Brazilian Official Who Met Trump Last Weekend Tests Positive For Coronavirus The Brazilian government says an official who met President Trump at the Mar-a-Lago resort last weekend has tested positive for the coronavirus .
Fábio Wajngarten , the communications director for Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro , was part of a delegation that traveled to the U.S. During that trip , Wajngarten posted a photo of himself on Instagram standing directly next to Trump and wearing a hat that says `` Make Brazil Great Again . ''
On Thursday , Trump said that he was aware the aide was being tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way : I 'm not concerned , '' he told reporters .
Later in the day , White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham stated that `` both the President and Vice President had almost no interactions with the individual who tested positive and do not require being tested at this time . ''
She added the exposures from the case are `` being assessed , which will dictate next steps . ''
`` There is currently no indication to test patients without symptoms , and only people with prolonged close exposure to confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Florida Sen. Rick Scott said Thursday that he has decided to self-quarantine because of possible contact with Wajngarten .
He said , `` While I do not believe I interacted with the infected person , that individual was in the same room as me . ''
Scott added that he is `` feeling healthy and not experiencing any symptoms at this time . ''
Bolsonaro 's office said Thursday that its medical services are `` taking all necessary preventative measures '' to keep the president and his staff healthy .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Two days ago , Bolsonaro questioned whether the danger posed by coronavirus is being overblown , saying it `` is not all the mainstream media makes it out to be . ''
According to the World Health Association , there are nearly 1,000 confirmed cases in the U.S. and 52 in Brazil .
To prevent the coronavirus from spreading , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using a hand sanitizer if a sink is n't available .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face masks only if they 're sick or caring for someone who is .
`` For most people , COVID-19 infection will cause mild illness ; however , it can make some people very ill and , in some people , it can be fatal , '' the WHO says .
`` Older people , and those with pre-existing medical conditions ( such as cardiovascular disease , chronic respiratory disease or diabetes ) are at risk for severe disease . ''
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 , according to the WHO : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , dry cough ( 68 % ) , fatigue ( 38 % ) and sputum/phlegm production ( 33 % ) .
Shortness of breath occurred in nearly 20 % of cases , and about 13 % had a sore throat or headache , the WHO said in a report drawing on more than 70,000 cases in China .

Brazilian Official Who Met Trump Last Weekend Tests Positive For Coronavirus
Enlarge this image toggle caption Jim Watson /AFP via Getty Images Jim Watson /AFP via Getty Images
Updated at 10:26 p.m. ET
The Brazilian government says an official who met President Trump at the Mar-a-Lago resort last weekend has tested positive for the coronavirus.
Fábio Wajngarten, the communications director for Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, was part of a delegation that traveled to the U.S. During that trip, Wajngarten posted a photo of himself on Instagram standing directly next to Trump and wearing a hat that says "Make Brazil Great Again."
On Thursday, Trump said that he was aware the aide was being tested. "Let's put it this way: I'm not concerned," he told reporters.
Later in the day, White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham stated that "both the President and Vice President had almost no interactions with the individual who tested positive and do not require being tested at this time." She added the exposures from the case are "being assessed, which will dictate next steps."
"There is currently no indication to test patients without symptoms, and only people with prolonged close exposure to confirmed positive cases should self-quarantine," Grisham said.
Florida Sen. Rick Scott said Thursday that he has decided to self-quarantine because of possible contact with Wajngarten. He said, "While I do not believe I interacted with the infected person, that individual was in the same room as me." Scott added that he is "feeling healthy and not experiencing any symptoms at this time."
South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, who was at Mar-a-Lago last weekend, also said Thursday that he plans to self-quarantine as he waits for the results of a coronavirus test.
Bolsonaro's office said Thursday that its medical services are "taking all necessary preventative measures" to keep the president and his staff healthy. It said that Wajngarten is under home quarantine.
Two days ago, Bolsonaro questioned whether the danger posed by coronavirus is being overblown, saying it "is not all the mainstream media makes it out to be."
According to the World Health Organization, there are nearly 1,000 confirmed cases in the U.S. and 52 in Brazil.
Coronavirus symptoms and prevention
To prevent the coronavirus from spreading, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using a hand sanitizer if a sink isn't available. The World Health Organization says people should wear face masks only if they're sick or caring for someone who is.
"For most people, COVID-19 infection will cause mild illness; however, it can make some people very ill and, in some people, it can be fatal," the WHO says. "Older people, and those with pre-existing medical conditions (such as cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease or diabetes) are at risk for severe disease."
The most common symptoms of COVID-19, according to the WHO: fever (in 88% of cases), dry cough (68%), fatigue (38%) and sputum/phlegm production (33%). Shortness of breath occurred in nearly 20% of cases, and about 13% had a sore throat or headache, the WHO said in a report drawing on more than 70,000 cases in China.


npr--2020-03-12--Princess Cruises To Pause Trips For The Next Two Months Due To Pandemic

Princess Cruises To Pause Trips For The Next Two Months Due To Pandemic Thousands of people have been facing a difficult decision in recent weeks about whether to cancel or postpone an upcoming cruise vacation amid the global coronavirus pandemic .
Now , for many , the decision has been made for them .
Princess Cruises announced Thursday that it is voluntarily pausing its cruise operations for the next two months starting immediately .
And Viking Cruises made a similar announcement on Wednesday , saying it would stop cruises from embarking through the end of April .
Both are offering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cruises .
`` In the interest of doing what 's right and upholding our core values , I am regretfully announcing a 60 day pause of our Princess global ship operations , '' said Princess Cruises President Jan Swartz .
`` This is perhaps the most difficult decision in our history . ''
Two Princess cruises have faced high-profile difficulties because of the spread of the virus .
Last month , the Diamond Princess was held in port in Yokohama , Japan for weeks under a quarantine , and nearly 700 tested positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bill Chappell noted , `` the quarantine has been heavily criticized for failing to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 among passengers and crew . ''
Earlier this week , the Grand Princess cruise ship docked in Oakland , Calif. , after spending several days off the California coast .
More than 20 passengers tested positive for the virus .
The first person to die in California was traced to the Grand Princess .
Viking Cruises has also had to quarantine passengers who may have been exposed , but it did not say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Princess Cruises says it serves more than 50,000 people every day from 70 countries on its 18 cruise ships .
`` Perhaps the diverse mix of people on board our ships is reflecting what is going on in communities around the world , '' said the company 's president Jan Swartz .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , has discouraged people with underlying conditions from going on cruises .
`` You do n't travel .
You do n't go to very crowded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Particularly , you do n't get on a cruise ship because of what we 've seen what happened with a cruise ship .
That 's protecting the vulnerable . ''
The State Department has also discouraged all U.S. citizens from traveling by cruise ship , noting that health officials have noted the `` increased risk of infection of COVID-19 in a cruise ship environment . ''
Princess Cruises says that passengers now on cruises that are set to end in five days or less will finish the trips without changing the itinerary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period `` will be ended at the most convenient location for guests , factoring in operational requirements , '' the company says .
As NPR 's Chris Arnold has noted , cruise industry trade group Cruise Lines International Association said earlier this week that its member companies are adopting additional screening measures because of the virus .
Those include denying boarding to passengers coming in the last 14 days from countries with outbreaks such as South Korea , Iran , China , and parts of Italy .
The trade group also called for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all people aboard before the start of the cruise and provide additional medical assessment to anyone with a temperature at 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or above .

Princess Cruises To Pause Trips For The Next Two Months Due To Pandemic
Enlarge this image toggle caption Kazuhiro Nogi/AFP via Getty Images Kazuhiro Nogi/AFP via Getty Images
Thousands of people have been facing a difficult decision in recent weeks about whether to cancel or postpone an upcoming cruise vacation amid the global coronavirus pandemic.
Now, for many, the decision has been made for them.
Princess Cruises announced Thursday that it is voluntarily pausing its cruise operations for the next two months starting immediately. And Viking Cruises made a similar announcement on Wednesday, saying it would stop cruises from embarking through the end of April.
Both are offering refunds, or credit, for future cruises.
"In the interest of doing what's right and upholding our core values, I am regretfully announcing a 60 day pause of our Princess global ship operations," said Princess Cruises President Jan Swartz. "This is perhaps the most difficult decision in our history."
Two Princess cruises have faced high-profile difficulties because of the spread of the virus. Last month, the Diamond Princess was held in port in Yokohama, Japan for weeks under a quarantine, and nearly 700 tested positive for the virus. As NPR's Bill Chappell noted, "the quarantine has been heavily criticized for failing to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 among passengers and crew."
Earlier this week, the Grand Princess cruise ship docked in Oakland, Calif., after spending several days off the California coast. More than 20 passengers tested positive for the virus. The first person to die in California was traced to the Grand Princess.
Viking Cruises has also had to quarantine passengers who may have been exposed, but it did not say that any of them have tested positive.
Princess Cruises says it serves more than 50,000 people every day from 70 countries on its 18 cruise ships. "Perhaps the diverse mix of people on board our ships is reflecting what is going on in communities around the world," said the company's president Jan Swartz.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has discouraged people with underlying conditions from going on cruises.
"You don't travel. You don't go to very crowded places," he told NPR. "Particularly, you don't get on a cruise ship because of what we've seen what happened with a cruise ship. That's protecting the vulnerable."
The State Department has also discouraged all U.S. citizens from traveling by cruise ship, noting that health officials have noted the "increased risk of infection of COVID-19 in a cruise ship environment."
Princess Cruises says that passengers now on cruises that are set to end in five days or less will finish the trips without changing the itinerary. Cruises that end after that time period "will be ended at the most convenient location for guests, factoring in operational requirements," the company says.
As NPR's Chris Arnold has noted, cruise industry trade group Cruise Lines International Association said earlier this week that its member companies are adopting additional screening measures because of the virus. Those include denying boarding to passengers coming in the last 14 days from countries with outbreaks such as South Korea, Iran, China, and parts of Italy.
The trade group also called for its members to take the temperatures of all people aboard before the start of the cruise and provide additional medical assessment to anyone with a temperature at 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or above.


npr--2020-03-12--Trump Defends Travel Ban, Says Stock Market Will Bounce Back

President Trump on Thursday defended new restrictions on travelers from most parts of Europe , a decision that angered allies and trading partners , was questioned by some public health experts and sent stock markets reeling .
Trump told reporters that he viewed the ban as one way to protect Americans from the spreading virus , and he predicted the stock market would eventually bounce back .
`` It 's not important compared to life and death , '' Trump said in the Oval Office , where he met with the Irish prime minister , Leo Varadkar .
`` You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing takes longer to go away , '' he said .
Trump said he did n't warn European leaders before he made the decision because `` it takes a long time to make the individual calls '' but said he spoke to some leaders .
He said Americans returning from Europe would be tested for the virus and would not be allowed into the country if they had the virus .
The Department of Homeland Security has said Americans and permanent residents returning to the country who have traveled in the Schengen visa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be screened , but there are no announced plans to test them for the coronavirus .
`` We 're not putting them on planes if it shows positive , '' Trump said .
The returning travelers are being asked to self-quarantine for 14 days .
Trump said the United Kingdom was excluded from the ban because `` they 're doing a very good job '' controlling the virus .
`` They do n't have very much infection at this point , and hopefully they 'll keep it that way . ''
Johns Hopkins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently has 459 cases , compared with more than 1,300 in the United States and more than 12,000 in Italy .
Trump also said he would curb his own travel — a shift from last week , when he had brushed off suggestions that he cancel political rallies that draw thousands of supporters .
On Thursday , he said his travel would be postponed until the situation had improved .
Trump said he canceled three events in Nevada and said his campaign probably wo n't go ahead with a rally planned for Tampa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asked whether he would consider travel restrictions within the United States to prevent people from spreading the virus between regions , Trump said he could possibly consider that step `` if an area gets too hot . ''
Trump has been focused on measures to stimulate the economy .
He acknowledged that his preferred measure — a payroll tax cut — was unlikely to quickly advance .
Democrats and some Republicans have opposed that proposal .
He said he would work with Congress , where House Democrats were readying to vote on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats in Congress .
We 'll see what can be done , '' he said .
Trump said he did not fully support the Democratic bill , saying there were `` goodies '' included `` that have nothing to do with what we 're talking about , '' but he did not give details .
He declined to say whether he would declare a national emergency to free up Stafford Act funds .
`` If I need to do something , I 'll do it , '' he said .
Trump also talked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia over oil production , noting it would result in lower gasoline prices .
`` That 's like a tax cut , '' he said .
There were signs of other changes to respond to the growing risks of the coronavirus .
After insisting last week that he would continue shaking hands with people , Trump said that he did not shake hands with Varadkar at the White House on Thursday .
`` It 's a very strange feeling , '' Trump said .
Added Varadkar : `` It feels like you 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't afford to think like that for the next few weeks . ''

Trump Defends Travel Ban, Says Stock Market Will Bounce Back
Enlarge this image toggle caption Evan Vucci/AP Evan Vucci/AP
President Trump on Thursday defended new restrictions on travelers from most parts of Europe, a decision that angered allies and trading partners, was questioned by some public health experts and sent stock markets reeling.
Trump told reporters that he viewed the ban as one way to protect Americans from the spreading virus, and he predicted the stock market would eventually bounce back. "It's not important compared to life and death," Trump said in the Oval Office, where he met with the Irish prime minister, Leo Varadkar.
"You have to have separation, or this thing takes longer to go away," he said.
Trump said he didn't warn European leaders before he made the decision because "it takes a long time to make the individual calls" but said he spoke to some leaders.
He said Americans returning from Europe would be tested for the virus and would not be allowed into the country if they had the virus. "We're not putting them on planes if it shows positive," Trump said.
The Department of Homeland Security has said Americans and permanent residents returning to the country who have traveled in the Schengen visa region in the past 14 days will be screened, but there are no announced plans to test them for the coronavirus. The returning travelers are being asked to self-quarantine for 14 days.
Trump said the United Kingdom was excluded from the ban because "they're doing a very good job" controlling the virus. "They don't have very much infection at this point, and hopefully they'll keep it that way."
Johns Hopkins University's tracking shows that the U.K. currently has 459 cases, compared with more than 1,300 in the United States and more than 12,000 in Italy.
Trump also said he would curb his own travel — a shift from last week, when he had brushed off suggestions that he cancel political rallies that draw thousands of supporters. On Thursday, he said his travel would be postponed until the situation had improved. Trump said he canceled three events in Nevada and said his campaign probably won't go ahead with a rally planned for Tampa, Fla., on March 25.
Asked whether he would consider travel restrictions within the United States to prevent people from spreading the virus between regions, Trump said he could possibly consider that step "if an area gets too hot."
Trump has been focused on measures to stimulate the economy. He acknowledged that his preferred measure — a payroll tax cut — was unlikely to quickly advance. Democrats and some Republicans have opposed that proposal.
He said he would work with Congress, where House Democrats were readying to vote on a package. "We're dealing with Democrats in Congress. We'll see what can be done," he said.
Trump said he did not fully support the Democratic bill, saying there were "goodies" included "that have nothing to do with what we're talking about," but he did not give details.
He declined to say whether he would declare a national emergency to free up Stafford Act funds. "If I need to do something, I'll do it," he said.
Trump also talked about the dispute between Saudi Arabia and Russia over oil production, noting it would result in lower gasoline prices. "That's like a tax cut," he said.
There were signs of other changes to respond to the growing risks of the coronavirus.
After insisting last week that he would continue shaking hands with people, Trump said that he did not shake hands with Varadkar at the White House on Thursday.
"It's a very strange feeling," Trump said.
Added Varadkar: "It feels like you're being rude, but we just can't afford to think like that for the next few weeks."


npr--2020-03-12--Judge Orders Chelsea Manning Released From Jail

A federal court on Thursday ordered Chelsea Manning , the former Army intelligence analyst who has jailed for refusing to testify to a grand jury investigating WikiLeaks and its founder Julian Assange , must be released .
Judge Anthony Trenga of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia said in court documents it was discharging the grand jury .
He noted that `` Ms. Manning 's appearance before the Grand Jury is no longer needed , in light of which her detention no longer serves any coercive purpose . ''
The court order also canceled a hearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The news comes a day after lawyers for Manning said she attempted to commit suicide while in federal custody .
`` On Wednesday , March 11 , 2020 , Chelsea Manning attempted to take her own life .
She was taken to a hospital and is currently recovering , '' Manning 's attorneys said in a statement .
Alexandria , Va. , Sheriff Dana Lawhorne confirmed that `` an incident '' took place at the adult detention center in Northern Virginia just after noon on Wednesday .
`` It was handled appropriately by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe , '' he said in a statement .
No other details were provided .
Manning 's lawyers said she has racked up more than half a million dollars in fines for her refusal to cooperate with the grand jury .
The now canceled hearing was to hear a motion to terminate the civil contempt charges she has incurred .
The judge also wrote that Manning 's request to vacate the fines was denied , meaning she 'll have to pay $ 256,000 , `` which is due and payable immediately , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported in May , Manning was sent back to jail and the court ordered her to pay fines of $ 500 for everyday she remained in custody .
The fines increased to $ 1,000 per day after 60 days .
Manning said at the time that prosecutors had put her in an untenable position even after the Department of Justice granted her immunity from self-incrimination .
A top United Nations official agreed , calling Manning 's treatment a `` deprivation of liberty . ''
Nils Melzer , the U.N. special rapporteur on torture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 but not made public until weeks later that `` the practice of coercive detention appears to be incompatible with the international human rights obligations of the United States . ''
Manning was arrested in 2010 for providing hundreds of thousands of military and diplomatic documents to WikiLeaks .
She was eventually convicted and sentenced to 35 years in prison in 2013 .
After the conviction , Manning , then known as Bradley , announced she was a transgender woman and was changing her name to Chelsea .
Former President Barack Obama shortened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2017 she was released from prison after serving seven years .
Her more recent legal troubles began in March 2019 when a judge found her in contempt for refusing to testify and ordered her back to jail .
A month later , the Justice Department unsealed charges against Assange , WikiLeaks founder , and alleged he tried to help Manning try to crack a password on Defense Department computers .
In early May 2019 , she was released from jail after the grand jury 's term expired .
Later that month , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to testify before another grand jury .
She refused and was sent back to jail where she has been ever since .

Judge Orders Chelsea Manning Released From Jail
Enlarge this image toggle caption Win McNamee/Getty Images Win McNamee/Getty Images
Updated 6:18 p.m. ET
A federal court on Thursday ordered Chelsea Manning, the former Army intelligence analyst who has jailed for refusing to testify to a grand jury investigating WikiLeaks and its founder Julian Assange, must be released.
Judge Anthony Trenga of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia said in court documents it was discharging the grand jury.
He noted that "Ms. Manning's appearance before the Grand Jury is no longer needed, in light of which her detention no longer serves any coercive purpose."
The court order also canceled a hearing on Manning scheduled for Friday afternoon.
The news comes a day after lawyers for Manning said she attempted to commit suicide while in federal custody.
"On Wednesday, March 11, 2020, Chelsea Manning attempted to take her own life. She was taken to a hospital and is currently recovering," Manning's attorneys said in a statement.
Alexandria, Va., Sheriff Dana Lawhorne confirmed that "an incident" took place at the adult detention center in Northern Virginia just after noon on Wednesday.
"It was handled appropriately by our professional staff and Ms. Manning is safe," he said in a statement.
No other details were provided.
Manning's lawyers said she has racked up more than half a million dollars in fines for her refusal to cooperate with the grand jury.
The now canceled hearing was to hear a motion to terminate the civil contempt charges she has incurred.
The judge also wrote that Manning's request to vacate the fines was denied, meaning she'll have to pay $256,000, "which is due and payable immediately," the court filings said.
As NPR reported in May, Manning was sent back to jail and the court ordered her to pay fines of $500 for everyday she remained in custody. The fines increased to $1,000 per day after 60 days.
Manning said at the time that prosecutors had put her in an untenable position even after the Department of Justice granted her immunity from self-incrimination.
A top United Nations official agreed, calling Manning's treatment a "deprivation of liberty." Nils Melzer, the U.N. special rapporteur on torture, wrote in a letter dated Nov. 1 but not made public until weeks later that "the practice of coercive detention appears to be incompatible with the international human rights obligations of the United States."
Manning was arrested in 2010 for providing hundreds of thousands of military and diplomatic documents to WikiLeaks. She was eventually convicted and sentenced to 35 years in prison in 2013. After the conviction, Manning, then known as Bradley, announced she was a transgender woman and was changing her name to Chelsea.
Former President Barack Obama shortened the sentence before leaving office, and in 2017 she was released from prison after serving seven years.
Her more recent legal troubles began in March 2019 when a judge found her in contempt for refusing to testify and ordered her back to jail.
A month later, the Justice Department unsealed charges against Assange, WikiLeaks founder, and alleged he tried to help Manning try to crack a password on Defense Department computers.
In early May 2019, she was released from jail after the grand jury's term expired. Later that month, prosecutors slapped her with a new subpoena to testify before another grand jury. She refused and was sent back to jail where she has been ever since.
Read the Manning release order here:


npr--2020-03-12--COMIC: I Spent A Day In Coronavirus Awareness Mode. Epidemiologists, How Did I Do?

COMIC : I Spent A Day In Coronavirus Awareness Mode .
Epidemiologists , How Did I Do ?
Can I protect myself from catching the coronavirus ?
That 's my question as cases mount in the United States .
So I spent one day last week trying to be aware of doing all the right things .
I mean , how hard can it be to wash your hands a lot and avoid crowds ?
I followed guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization .
Then I asked epidemiologists to grade me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comic to find out how I did .
What the epidemiologists said Melissa Nolan , a professor of epidemiology at the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina , says my effort to document my hygiene habits during the outbreak was a worthy endeavor .
`` This is a good exercise to make you notice your personal hygiene and have an appreciation for it , '' she says .
`` It can make you see how important it is to prevent exposure , especially around populations vulnerable to coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are sick .
After I recounted my day to Nolan , she gave me an `` A for effort , but a B- overall . ''
`` The most egregious things you did was being in close quarters with people , '' says Nolan — like eating at the salad bar , going to the movie theater and getting in a taxi or a ride share .
`` Be conscious of the potential ways you could get exposed and where there 's a high potential for transmission of the disease , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for example , even though workers may be wearing gloves , eventually the workers will use those gloved hands , out of habit , to touch their faces .
And while salad bars have splash guards on the side of the customer , there usually is n't one on the side of the worker interacting with the food .
Current evidence shows that the coronavirus can live on surfaces for hours to days .
And it does n't help that what are served at salad bars are moist , raw foods where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At the movies , Nolan said that no , breathing into my shirt would not have helped me prevent infection if the woman who sneezed behind me had the coronavirus : `` If she had high amounts of virus coming out of that sneeze — via aerosolized particles from your lungs being breathed out — you would have to be fitted with an N95 respirator to protect yourself . ''
Dr. Deliang Tang , a molecular epidemiologist at Columbia University 's Mailman School of Public Health , gave me an A- .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the movies was probably not a good idea ( although to be fair , lots of other people were unafraid — the theater was packed ) .
`` We are generally recommending the public to not go to any gathering places at this moment , '' he says .
`` It would have been better if you just stayed home . ''
CDC guidelines state that you can get COVID-19 from `` close contact '' with someone infected with the virus .
That means being within 6 feet of an infected individual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Being in an enclosed space with the driver of a ride share , for example , is considered `` close contact , '' says Nolan .
Nolan says I should have just walked .
( Although the 50-minute trek from the office to the salad place would have been one long walk ! )
Tang says I did a good job of assuming that every surface I touched at the coffee shop , at the office and in public was contaminated .
`` In lab practice , we consider every single biological sample @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect lab personnel , '' he explains .
`` So you considering every surface as dirty as a precautionary measure and washing your hands all the time — it 's good discipline . ''
And when I paused during the day to wipe down high-touch surfaces as the CDC recommends — objects such as your phone , your desk and the keyboard that you and others you work with touch every day — that was a smart move to get rid of pathogens , he says .
The epidemiologists shared some advice that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I asked Nolan about opening doors — especially handles that you have to pull .
How do you do that without contaminating your hands ?
Is there a better part of the handle to pull from ?
She says to use a paper towel .
She says that using an object like a pen to dial a phone or scratch my face was a good idea — unless I then put that pen in my mouth ( an unfortunate habit for many anxious souls ) .
I asked Nolan what to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — which was sold out at stores I visited .
Her alternative was simple : Just wash your hands with soap and water .
How about using my knuckles to touch things ?
Was that better than using my fingers ?
`` Hypothetically , your hands — the palm side — are more moist [ because of sweat ] , '' says Nolan .
`` It 's possible for viral particles to stay alive longer there .
And you do n't technically use your knuckles , which are drier , to touch your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senior research scientist in epidemiology at the Yale School of Public Health , gave me an A+ for `` making me laugh , '' he says .
`` How you touched the handle [ from the bottom ] , how you ate the muffin [ without hands ] — the general concepts are right . ''
`` I have to say , '' he adds , `` you 're describing exactly what I do . ''
Malaka Gharib is an NPR editor and the author and illustrator of I Was Their American Dream @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first-generation Filipino Egyptian American .

COMIC: I Spent A Day In Coronavirus Awareness Mode. Epidemiologists, How Did I Do?
Can I protect myself from catching the coronavirus? That's my question as cases mount in the United States.
So I spent one day last week trying to be aware of doing all the right things. I mean, how hard can it be to wash your hands a lot and avoid crowds?
I followed guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. Then I asked epidemiologists to grade me. Scroll to the end of the comic to find out how I did.
Malaka Gharib/NPR
Malaka Gharib/NPR
Malaka Gharib/NPR
Enlarge this image Malaka Gharib/NPR Malaka Gharib/NPR
Malaka Gharib/NPR
Malaka Gharib/NPR
Malaka Gharib/NPR
What the epidemiologists said
Melissa Nolan, a professor of epidemiology at the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina, says my effort to document my hygiene habits during the outbreak was a worthy endeavor.
"This is a good exercise to make you notice your personal hygiene and have an appreciation for it," she says. "It can make you see how important it is to prevent exposure, especially around populations vulnerable to coronavirus," including elderly people and those who are sick.
After I recounted my day to Nolan, she gave me an "A for effort, but a B- overall."
"The most egregious things you did was being in close quarters with people," says Nolan — like eating at the salad bar, going to the movie theater and getting in a taxi or a ride share.
Lessons Learned From My Day Assume every surface you touch is contagious. Use paper towels to open doors, wash your hands with soap and water frequently and carry hand sanitizer.
Use paper towels to open doors, wash your hands with soap and water frequently and carry hand sanitizer. Cut down on situations that will put you in close proximity to others. For me, that included eating at a salad bar, going to the movies and riding in a taxi.
For me, that included eating at a salad bar, going to the movies and riding in a taxi. Be conscious of your efforts. It will help you notice how often you're touching your face, washing your hands and interacting with others.
"Be conscious of the potential ways you could get exposed and where there's a high potential for transmission of the disease," she says. At the salad bar, for example, even though workers may be wearing gloves, eventually the workers will use those gloved hands, out of habit, to touch their faces. And while salad bars have splash guards on the side of the customer, there usually isn't one on the side of the worker interacting with the food. Current evidence shows that the coronavirus can live on surfaces for hours to days. And it doesn't help that what are served at salad bars are moist, raw foods where pathogens in general thrive, she says.
At the movies, Nolan said that no, breathing into my shirt would not have helped me prevent infection if the woman who sneezed behind me had the coronavirus: "If she had high amounts of virus coming out of that sneeze — via aerosolized particles from your lungs being breathed out — you would have to be fitted with an N95 respirator to protect yourself."
Dr. Deliang Tang, a molecular epidemiologist at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, gave me an A-. Like Nolan, he says that going to the movies was probably not a good idea (although to be fair, lots of other people were unafraid — the theater was packed). "We are generally recommending the public to not go to any gathering places at this moment," he says. "It would have been better if you just stayed home."
CDC guidelines state that you can get COVID-19 from "close contact" with someone infected with the virus. That means being within 6 feet of an infected individual for a prolonged period of time. Being in an enclosed space with the driver of a ride share, for example, is considered "close contact," says Nolan.
Nolan says I should have just walked. (Although the 50-minute trek from the office to the salad place would have been one long walk!)
Tang says I did a good job of assuming that every surface I touched at the coffee shop, at the office and in public was contaminated. "In lab practice, we consider every single biological sample as contagious — it's to help protect lab personnel," he explains. "So you considering every surface as dirty as a precautionary measure and washing your hands all the time — it's good discipline."
And when I paused during the day to wipe down high-touch surfaces as the CDC recommends — objects such as your phone, your desk and the keyboard that you and others you work with touch every day — that was a smart move to get rid of pathogens, he says.
The epidemiologists shared some advice that will help me in the weeks ahead. I asked Nolan about opening doors — especially handles that you have to pull. How do you do that without contaminating your hands? Is there a better part of the handle to pull from? She says to use a paper towel.
She says that using an object like a pen to dial a phone or scratch my face was a good idea — unless I then put that pen in my mouth (an unfortunate habit for many anxious souls).
I asked Nolan what to do if you don't have hand sanitizer — which was sold out at stores I visited. Her alternative was simple: Just wash your hands with soap and water.
How about using my knuckles to touch things? Was that better than using my fingers? "Hypothetically, your hands — the palm side — are more moist [because of sweat]," says Nolan. "It's possible for viral particles to stay alive longer there. And you don't technically use your knuckles, which are drier, to touch your face."
Peter Krause, a senior research scientist in epidemiology at the Yale School of Public Health, gave me an A+ for "making me laugh," he says. "How you touched the handle [from the bottom], how you ate the muffin [without hands] — the general concepts are right."
"I have to say," he adds, "you're describing exactly what I do."
Malaka Gharib is an NPR editor and the author and illustrator of I Was Their American Dream: A Graphic Memoir, about being first-generation Filipino Egyptian American.