npr--2020-03-18--Immigration Grinds To A Halt As President Trump Shuts Borders

President Trump plans to seal off the U.S-Mexico border to migrants under a law intended to protect the country from communicable disease — a move that comes as the U.S. immigration system grinds to a halt in response to the growing coronavirus pandemic .
At a press conference Wednesday , Trump said the southern border would not close completely .
But the move would allow the administration to quickly deport asylum-seekers and other migrants who cross the U.S.-Mexico border illegally without due process .
Meanwhile , the U.S. and Canada have agreed to close their mutual border to all `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imposed by the Trump administration on travel from Europe and China .
The dramatic developments on the northern and southern borders come as immigration is being curtailed in other ways , too .
U.S. Immigration and Citizenship Services , the agency in charge of processing green card and citizenship applications as well as conducting asylum interviews , is closing its field offices to the public .
Immigrants fighting deportation are having their cases postponed as some immigration courts are limiting dockets and others are closing .
Refugee resettlement is temporarily suspended as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of the Coronavirus pandemic .
There are about 100 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Mexico , and about 600 in Canada , compared to nearly 8,000 cases in the United States .
Immigrant advocates accuse the Trump administration of exploiting the pandemic to advance its crackdown on asylum-seekers , and the partial closure of the southern border where thousands have amassed in Mexico is sure to draw legal challenges .
`` President Trump has been falsely scapegoating immigrant communities in the name of public safety since he came into office , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Refugee Commission .
`` This rule would unquestionably violate both domestic and international law and is an abdication of our moral responsibility to protect vulnerable people . ''
In addition , immigrant advocates and physicians who study detention facilities are calling on U.S. authorities to release detained immigrants who pose no threat to public safety — starting with detainees who have medical conditions that put them at high risk for severe complications from COVID-19 .
In immigration detention , there 's no such thing as social distancing .
Detainees often live together , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Immigrant advocates say that makes detention centers ideal breeding grounds for the virus .
`` It is a disaster that is waiting to happen , '' said Eunice Cho , a lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union , which filed a lawsuit this week seeking the release of immigrants with a range of medical conditions who are detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Tacoma , Wash. '' Medical [ problems ] in ICE detention facilities are inadequate in normal times , '' Cho said .
`` These are not normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stock of that . ''
ICE is currently holding more than 37,000 immigrants in its detention centers .
Nearly half have been accused of no crime other than civil immigration violations , and many probably would not have been held under previous administrations .
Court cases involving ICE detainees will continue , despite calls to suspend all hearings from the union representing immigration judges , prosecutors and immigration attorneys .
Hearings for immigrants who are not in detention have been postponed until April .
Immigration courts in New York , Atlanta , Houston @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement , ICE says it is taking precautions to protect detainees .
The agency has temporarily suspended social visits at all of its detention centers .
As of Tuesday , ICE says , there were no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in its detention facilities .
But in New Jersey , one staffer at the Elizabeth Detention Center has voluntarily self-quarantined after feeling ill , and has been tested for the COVID-19 .
`` It would seem to be only a matter of time before the virus makes its way into these particular settings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attorney with the nonprofit Human Rights First who represents immigrants being held in Elizabeth .
`` There 's the opposite of social distancing '' at the facility , Hughes said .
`` It 's like social piling on . ''
It 's not just immigrant advocates who want to see ICE detainees released .
`` A lot of people think that , well , these are , you know , controlled locked facilities and you just lock them up and seal them off and the virus is n't going to get in .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said Dr. Josiah Rich , an epidemiologist at Brown University who studies infectious disease in correctional facilities .
It 's not just the detainees who are at risk if there 's an outbreak , Rich says , because an influx of sick detainees could overwhelm local medical facilities .
`` So you 'll have a whole group of people that are going to be infected because of rapid spread in that correctional and detention facility , '' he said .
`` And then all of sudden , those people will get @ @ @ @ @ @

Immigration Grinds To A Halt As President Trump Shuts Borders
Enlarge this image toggle caption Jeffrey T. Barnes/AP Jeffrey T. Barnes/AP
Updated at 9:57 p.m. ET
President Trump plans to seal off the U.S-Mexico border to migrants under a law intended to protect the country from communicable disease — a move that comes as the U.S. immigration system grinds to a halt in response to the growing coronavirus pandemic.
At a press conference Wednesday, Trump said the southern border would not close completely. But the move would allow the administration to quickly deport asylum-seekers and other migrants who cross the U.S.-Mexico border illegally without due process.
Meanwhile, the U.S. and Canada have agreed to close their mutual border to all "non-essential" traffic, following earlier restrictions imposed by the Trump administration on travel from Europe and China.
The dramatic developments on the northern and southern borders come as immigration is being curtailed in other ways, too.
U.S. Immigration and Citizenship Services, the agency in charge of processing green card and citizenship applications as well as conducting asylum interviews, is closing its field offices to the public. Immigrants fighting deportation are having their cases postponed as some immigration courts are limiting dockets and others are closing. Refugee resettlement is temporarily suspended as well, according to the United Nations, because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
There are about 100 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Mexico, and about 600 in Canada, compared to nearly 8,000 cases in the United States.
Immigrant advocates accuse the Trump administration of exploiting the pandemic to advance its crackdown on asylum-seekers, and the partial closure of the southern border where thousands have amassed in Mexico is sure to draw legal challenges.
"President Trump has been falsely scapegoating immigrant communities in the name of public safety since he came into office," said Michelle Brané at the Women's Refugee Commission. "This rule would unquestionably violate both domestic and international law and is an abdication of our moral responsibility to protect vulnerable people."
In addition, immigrant advocates and physicians who study detention facilities are calling on U.S. authorities to release detained immigrants who pose no threat to public safety — starting with detainees who have medical conditions that put them at high risk for severe complications from COVID-19.
In immigration detention, there's no such thing as social distancing. Detainees often live together, in large rooms with rows of cots. Immigrant advocates say that makes detention centers ideal breeding grounds for the virus.
"It is a disaster that is waiting to happen," said Eunice Cho, a lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union, which filed a lawsuit this week seeking the release of immigrants with a range of medical problems who are detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Tacoma, Wash.
"Medical conditions in ICE detention facilities are inadequate in normal times," Cho said. "These are not normal times, and ICE needs to take stock of that."
ICE is currently holding more than 37,000 immigrants in its detention centers. Nearly half have been accused of no crime other than civil immigration violations, and many probably would not have been held under previous administrations.
ICE is scaling back its enforcement activities. In a statement, the agency says it will stop making arrests except in "mission critical" criminal cases. The agency says it will focus on individuals who pose a public safety risk and delay other enforcement actions.
Court cases involving ICE detainees will continue, despite calls to suspend all hearings from the union representing immigration judges, prosecutors and immigration attorneys. Hearings for immigrants who are not in detention have been postponed until April. Immigration courts in New York, Atlanta, Houston and elsewhere will close.
In a statement, ICE says it is taking precautions to protect detainees. The agency has temporarily suspended social visits at all of its detention centers. As of Tuesday, ICE says, there were no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in its detention facilities.
But in New Jersey, one staffer at the Elizabeth Detention Center has voluntarily self-quarantined after feeling ill, and has been tested for the COVID-19.
"It would seem to be only a matter of time before the virus makes its way into these particular settings," said Anwen Hughes, an attorney with the nonprofit Human Rights First who represents immigrants being held in Elizabeth.
"There's the opposite of social distancing" at the facility, Hughes said. "It's like social piling on."
It's not just immigrant advocates who want to see ICE detainees released.
"A lot of people think that, well, these are, you know, controlled locked facilities and you just lock them up and seal them off and the virus isn't going to get in. Well, it's not that simple," said Dr. Josiah Rich, an epidemiologist at Brown University who studies infectious disease in correctional facilities.
It's not just the detainees who are at risk if there's an outbreak, Rich says, because an influx of sick detainees could overwhelm local medical facilities.
"So you'll have a whole group of people that are going to be infected because of rapid spread in that correctional and detention facility," he said. "And then all of sudden, those people will get sick all at once."


npr--2020-03-18--Amid Coronavirus, San Francisco, New York, Deem Marijuana Businesses 'Essential'

When San Francisco announced its `` shelter in place '' order this week , it said only `` essential businesses '' could remain open to support the public 's needs , such as grocery stores and gas stations .
Missing from that list were marijuana dispensaries .
But a day after residents were told to stay home , the city revised its position and deemed cannabis `` an essential medicine , '' allowing stores to open .
Mayor London Breed announced `` adjustments '' to the city 's public health order issued the previous day .
It originally said essential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could remain open while residents were required to stay in their homes .
Now dispensaries and marijuana deliveries are deemed critical .
`` We know this is an evolving situation , '' Breed said at the Tuesday evening press conference .
`` In terms of the cannabis dispensaries , the Department of Public Health today clarified that since cannabis has medical uses , dispensaries will be allowed to operate as essential businesses , just as pharmacies are allowed to do , '' she added .
After the city 's initial announcement ordering residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exception being for essential needs , '' officials from both the city 's health department and its Office of Cannabis got in contact with local marijuana industry leaders , according to SFGate .
The news site notes that city leaders acknowledged `` the situation is fluid '' and city officials were working to `` craft a strategy '' to allow marijuana businesses to support residents who needed access to their products .
By Tuesday evening , the San Francisco Department of Health tweeted dispensaries can `` operate as essential businesses '' while also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday announced an executive order directing the state 's non-essential businesses to put in place telework policies by this Friday .
Businesses exempt from the list include grocery stores , media , banks and other financial institutions .
Reached for clarification , a spokesperson for the governor tells NPR , `` registered organizations in the State 's Medical Marijuana Program are essential medical providers and will allowed to remain open . ''
This comes as the governor and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in place '' order should be put into effect .
The mayor said on Tuesday , `` New Yorkers should be prepared right now for the possibility of a shelter in place order . ''
But on Wednesday , the governor reiterated his unease about issuing such an order , saying , `` you close down businesses when you do shelter in place , so that does n't make sense to me . ''
Also , the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has issued new , temporary guidelines , relaxing where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order to to `` help reduce contact between individuals . ''
The state will now `` permit the dispensary to sell medical cannabis on the dispensary 's property or on a public walkway or curb adjacent to the dispensary , '' the state announced Tuesday .
Before the `` shelter in place in '' order in San Francisco was set to go into effect midnight Tuesday , there were reports of long lines outside of dispensaries .
Other counties across the state have also announced sweeping restrictions .
Some U.S. dispensaries have decided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crisis .
Organic Alternatives , in Fort Collins , Colo. , said it was attempting to stem gatherings at its shop and has temporarily shut down operations `` until further notice , '' citing `` the lack of availability of testing for COVID-19 to our community . ''
`` As a long standing business in this community , we feel it is our responsibility to do what we can to help stop the spread of this virus , '' the dispensary said on its Facebook page .

Amid Coronavirus, San Francisco, New York, Deem Marijuana Businesses 'Essential'
Enlarge this image toggle caption Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg via Getty Images Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg via Getty Images
When San Francisco announced its "shelter in place" order this week, it said only "essential businesses" could remain open to support the public's needs, such as grocery stores and gas stations. Missing from that list were marijuana dispensaries.
But a day after residents were told to stay home, the city revised its position and deemed cannabis "an essential medicine," allowing stores to open.
Mayor London Breed announced "adjustments" to the city's public health order issued the previous day. It originally said essential businesses, including banks and pharmacies, could remain open while residents were required to stay in their homes.
Now dispensaries and marijuana deliveries are deemed critical.
"We know this is an evolving situation," Breed said at the Tuesday evening press conference.
"In terms of the cannabis dispensaries, the Department of Public Health today clarified that since cannabis has medical uses, dispensaries will be allowed to operate as essential businesses, just as pharmacies are allowed to do," she added.
After the city's initial announcement ordering residents to remain inside "with the only exception being for essential needs," officials from both the city's health department and its Office of Cannabis got in contact with local marijuana industry leaders, according to SFGate.
The news site notes that city leaders acknowledged "the situation is fluid" and city officials were working to "craft a strategy" to allow marijuana businesses to support residents who needed access to their products.
By Tuesday evening, the San Francisco Department of Health tweeted dispensaries can "operate as essential businesses" while also suggesting social distancing recommendations be followed.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday announced an executive order directing the state's non-essential businesses to put in place telework policies by this Friday. Businesses exempt from the list include grocery stores, media, banks and other financial institutions.
Reached for clarification, a spokesperson for the governor tells NPR, "registered organizations in the State's Medical Marijuana Program are essential medical providers and will allowed to remain open."
This comes as the governor and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio are at odds at whether a "shelter in place" order should be put into effect. The mayor said on Tuesday, "New Yorkers should be prepared right now for the possibility of a shelter in place order." But on Wednesday, the governor reiterated his unease about issuing such an order, saying, "you close down businesses when you do shelter in place, so that doesn't make sense to me."
Also, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has issued new, temporary guidelines, relaxing where medical marijuana sales can take place in order to to "help reduce contact between individuals."
The state will now "permit the dispensary to sell medical cannabis on the dispensary's property or on a public walkway or curb adjacent to the dispensary," the state announced Tuesday.
Before the "shelter in place in" order in San Francisco was set to go into effect midnight Tuesday, there were reports of long lines outside of dispensaries. Other counties across the state have also announced sweeping restrictions.
Some U.S. dispensaries have decided to close their doors in light of the crisis. Organic Alternatives, in Fort Collins, Colo., said it was attempting to stem gatherings at its shop and has temporarily shut down operations "until further notice," citing "the lack of availability of testing for COVID-19 to our community."
"As a long standing business in this community, we feel it is our responsibility to do what we can to help stop the spread of this virus," the dispensary said on its Facebook page.


npr--2020-03-18--Senate Passes Coronavirus Emergency Aid, Sending Plan To President

The Senate approved a new round of emergency funding to address the coronavirus pandemic , sending the legislation to President Trump , who is expected to sign it soon .
The economic relief bill marks the second such aid package in a matter of weeks .
The legislation passed Wednesday provides paid sick and family leave for some for U.S. workers impacted by the illness , expands unemployment assistance , includes nutrition assistance and increases resources for testing .
Efforts are already underway to put together a third , larger relief measure that could total $ 1 trillion .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House approved it early Saturday morning , and some Republican senators have raised concerns about its provisions .
However , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , urged its passage and said members could address those concerns in the next wave of legislation .
`` This is a time for urgent bipartisan action , and in this case , I do not believe we should let perfection be the enemy of something that will help even a subset of workers , '' McConnell said ahead of the vote .
The chamber overwhelmingly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 90-8 .
The Senate also approved the House package while some members practiced new social distancing efforts .
McConnell set the new parameters , extending the chamber 's usual 15-minute vote period to 30 minutes so members could spread out during their votes .
He also told senators not to gather on the floor and to vote and quickly leave the chamber — though some resisted that advice .
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer lauded the move to approve the second wave of economic aid to address the ongoing pandemic .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free testing and treatment , '' Schumer , D-N.Y. said ahead of the vote .
`` We can send this bill to the president and begin work on the next phase , phase three . ''
Earlier this month , Trump signed into law a $ 8 billion in coronavirus response package , the first congressional measure to address the coronavirus .
It boosted funding for testing of the virus and lower costs for related medical treatments .
Now , the Trump administration is asking Congress for roughly $ 1 trillion in new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next phase .
And there 's growing consensus among Republicans and Democrats that direct payments to Americans will be needed , but how much and when that could happen remains to be seen .
On Tuesday , Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin met with Republican senators and said he was working with Trump on the economic package .
They are discussing payments to small businesses , loan guarantees for industries like airlines and hotels , and a stimulus package for workers .
Mnuchin was also in talks with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the latest plans .
So far , McConnell has said he will draft a plan with the White House that represents a GOP consensus before looping Democrats into the discussions .
Members of Pelosi 's top leadership and a small group of committee chairs held a call Wednesday to discuss a path forward on the next phase of relief .
Pelosi told members on the call that the fastest way to finish the third aid package by the end of next week is to have Democratic leaders involved in the talks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Treasury proposal is being cautiously embraced on Capitol Hill , where lawmakers are clear-eyed about the need for swift action .
A senior Republican congressman who spoke to NPR on the condition of anonymity said the White House plan was `` a measured response . ''
The lawmaker conceded that `` the most difficult piece '' will be how to structure direct payments to Americans but said he was confident payments would happen .
`` It 's just the mechanism that 's the question , '' he said .
The GOP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill through quick , it would have to be a deal cut by all four top leaders in Congress and the White House .
With their collective endorsement , it would be virtually impossible to block passage through Congress considering the national crisis .
The concerns touch on one complaint from Senate Democrats , who say that the leaders from both parties should already be involved in the talks , and the move could cause some delays to approving a plan .
`` For the Republicans to first stick together and put together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the White House , and then come to us and then after that go to the House , will just slow things down , '' Schumer said earlier on Tuesday .
Staying until the job is done McConnell and other Senate Republicans maintain the chamber wo n't leave on an extended recess until the third relief plan is approved .
McConnell directed several task forces among his Republican members to tackle the new proposal .
Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley , who chairs the Finance Committee , will lead the charge on developing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McConnell said .
Tennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander , who chairs the health panel , would focus on the public health fight against the virus .
And Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker is weighing potential relief for key industries hit hardest by the pandemic .
Meanwhile two Republicans — Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Maine Sen. Susan Collins — are unveiling new plans to assist small businesses .
`` We are crafting bold and significant legislation to meet this crisis head-on and strengthen our nation , '' McConnell said .
Lawmakers continue to call on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to respond to needs from health community outside of legislation .
On Wednesday , Trump said he was invoking the Defense Production Act to direct private firms to produce the critical goods in response to national emergencies .
The act allows the speeding up of the production of the critical medical supplies like masks , ventilators and diagnostic test kits .
Democrats had been calling on Trump to use those executive powers to fill the supply gaps before a dangerous shortage .
For example , many Democrats have raised concerns in recent days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supply .
The Defense Production Act `` is used in times of war , '' Schumer said earlier on the Senate floor .
`` But we must mobilize as if it were a time of war when it comes to hospitals , beds , supplies equipment . ''
A group of 27 Senate Democrats had sent a letter to Trump on Tuesday outlining ways Trump could use the powers , which Congress expanded in 2009 .

President Trump Signs Coronavirus Emergency Aid Package
Enlarge this image toggle caption Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images
Updated at 8:34 p.m. ET
President Trump signed the latest coronavirus aid package into law Wednesday evening.
The Senate approved the new round of emergency funding earlier Wednesday.
The economic relief bill marks the second such aid package in a matter of weeks. The legislation passed Wednesday provides paid sick and family leave for some for U.S. workers impacted by the illness, expands unemployment assistance, includes nutrition assistance and increases resources for testing. Efforts are already underway to put together a third, larger relief measure that could total $1 trillion.
The second bill faced some delays since the House approved it early Saturday morning, and some Republican senators have raised concerns about its provisions. However, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., urged its passage and said members could address those concerns in the next wave of legislation.
"This is a time for urgent bipartisan action, and in this case, I do not believe we should let perfection be the enemy of something that will help even a subset of workers," McConnell said ahead of the vote.
The chamber overwhelmingly approved the relief bill by a vote of 90-8.
The Senate also approved the House package while some members practiced new social distancing efforts. McConnell set the new parameters, extending the chamber's usual 15-minute vote period to 30 minutes so members could spread out during their votes. He also told senators not to gather on the floor and to vote and quickly leave the chamber — though some resisted that advice.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer lauded the move to approve the second wave of economic aid to address the ongoing pandemic.
"It allows, for instance, for free testing and treatment," Schumer, D-N.Y. said ahead of the vote. "We can send this bill to the president and begin work on the next phase, phase three."
A $1 trillion proposal
Earlier this month, Trump signed into law a $8 billion in coronavirus response package, the first congressional measure to address the coronavirus. It boosted funding for testing of the virus and lower costs for related medical treatments.
Now, the Trump administration is asking Congress for roughly $1 trillion in new economic relief as lawmakers begin work on the next phase. And there's growing consensus among Republicans and Democrats that direct payments to Americans will be needed, but how much and when that could happen remains to be seen.
On Tuesday, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin met with Republican senators and said he was working with Trump on the economic package. They are discussing payments to small businesses, loan guarantees for industries like airlines and hotels, and a stimulus package for workers.
Mnuchin was also in talks with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.; the two spoke late Tuesday on the latest plans. So far, McConnell has said he will draft a plan with the White House that represents a GOP consensus before looping Democrats into the discussions.
Members of Pelosi's top leadership and a small group of committee chairs held a call Wednesday to discuss a path forward on the next phase of relief. Pelosi told members on the call that the fastest way to finish the third aid package by the end of next week is to have Democratic leaders involved in the talks, according to an aide on the call.
The Treasury proposal is being cautiously embraced on Capitol Hill, where lawmakers are clear-eyed about the need for swift action.
A senior Republican congressman who spoke to NPR on the condition of anonymity said the White House plan was "a measured response." The lawmaker conceded that "the most difficult piece" will be how to structure direct payments to Americans but said he was confident payments would happen.
"It's just the mechanism that's the question," he said.
The GOP lawmaker said in order to get a bill through quick, it would have to be a deal cut by all four top leaders in Congress and the White House. With their collective endorsement, it would be virtually impossible to block passage through Congress considering the national crisis.
The concerns touch on one complaint from Senate Democrats, who say that the leaders from both parties should already be involved in the talks, and the move could cause some delays to approving a plan.
"For the Republicans to first stick together and put together their plan, then work it out with the White House, and then come to us and then after that go to the House, will just slow things down," Schumer said earlier on Tuesday.
Staying until the job is done
McConnell and other Senate Republicans maintain the chamber won't leave on an extended recess until the third relief plan is approved. McConnell directed several task forces among his Republican members to tackle the new proposal.
Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley, who chairs the Finance Committee, will lead the charge on developing plans for direct payments to Americans, McConnell said. Tennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander, who chairs the health panel, would focus on the public health fight against the virus. And Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker is weighing potential relief for key industries hit hardest by the pandemic.
Meanwhile two Republicans — Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Maine Sen. Susan Collins — are unveiling new plans to assist small businesses.
"We are crafting bold and significant legislation to meet this crisis head-on and strengthen our nation," McConnell said.
Lawmakers continue to call on the Trump administration to boost its actions to respond to needs from health community outside of legislation.
On Wednesday, Trump said he was invoking the Defense Production Act to direct private firms to produce the critical goods in response to national emergencies. The act allows the speeding up of the production of the critical medical supplies like masks, ventilators and diagnostic test kits.
Democrats had been calling on Trump to use those executive powers to fill the supply gaps before a dangerous shortage. For example, many Democrats have raised concerns in recent days that ventilators in particular are in short supply.
The Defense Production Act "is used in times of war," Schumer said earlier on the Senate floor. "But we must mobilize as if it were a time of war when it comes to hospitals, beds, supplies equipment."
A group of 27 Senate Democrats had sent a letter to Trump on Tuesday outlining ways Trump could use the powers, which Congress expanded in 2009.


npr--2020-03-18--Ford, GM, FCA Suspending Production At North American Plants

Ford , General Motors and Fiat Chrysler are suspending production at their North American plants at least through March 30 @ @ @ @ @ spread of the coronavirus .
The United Auto Workers , the autoworkers union , had @ @ @ @ @ shutdown because of worker safety concerns .
After talks , the Big Three carmakers initially @ @ @ @ @ deep cleanings at their plants .
Those partial measures were in place for less than @ @ @ @ @ announcements went out .
Fiat Chrysler and GM will begin shutting down Wednesday , while @ @ @ @ @ evening .
UAW workers will receive unemployment and supplemental pay , as negotiated under their @ @ @ @ @ .
Honda is also shutting down production at its North American facilities beginning next week @ @ @ @ @ during the closure .
Meanwhile , electric automaker Tesla has been ordered by local authorities @ @ @ @ @ Fremont , Calif. , plant .
It 's not clear if the company will comply @

Ford, GM, FCA Suspending Production At North American Plants
Enlarge this image toggle caption Jim Young/AFP via Getty Images Jim Young/AFP via Getty Images
Updated at 8:51 p.m. ET
Ford, General Motors and Fiat Chrysler are suspending production at their North American plants at least through March 30, to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.
The United Auto Workers, the autoworkers union, had been pushing for a two-week shutdown because of worker safety concerns.
After talks, the Big Three carmakers initially announced rotating partial shutdowns and deep cleanings at their plants. Those partial measures were in place for less than 24 hours before the closure announcements went out.
Fiat Chrysler and GM will begin shutting down Wednesday, while Ford will go dark Thursday evening.
UAW workers will receive unemployment and supplemental pay, as negotiated under their contract, during the shutdown.
Honda is also shutting down production at its North American facilities beginning next week, and will pay employees during the closure.
Nissan announced it would halt U.S. manufacturing as well.
Meanwhile, electric automaker Tesla has been ordered by local authorities to suspend production at its Fremont, Calif., plant. It's not clear if the company will comply.


npr--2020-03-18--Coronavirus Forces Bureau To Suspend Census Field Operations Until April 1

The coronavirus pandemic is forcing the U.S. Census Bureau to temporarily suspend all field operations for the 2020 census for two weeks until April 1 , the agency announced Wednesday in a statement on its website .
As the country continues to bunker down in response to the spread of COVID-19 , the bureau 's director , Steven Dillingham , says it is making the change `` to help protect the health and safety of the American public , Census Bureau employees , and everyone going through the hiring process for temporary census taker positions . ''
Many census advocates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis could jeopardize the bureau 's ability to accurately count the U.S. population this year as required by the Constitution .
All U.S. households , however , can continue to respond to the census on their own either online at my2020census.gov , over the phone or by paper form , if they receive one .
Official letters with instructions on how to participate in the national head count are expected to arrive at most homes by Friday .
The announcement comes days after the bureau confirmed to NPR on Saturday that it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until April 23 and waiting until early April to start sending out census workers with computer tablets to help people complete online forms .
Still , there has been a lot of uncertainty about how the bureau plans to protect early rounds of census workers expected to go door to door to count residents in remote parts of Alaska and Maine , and in some American Indian tribal territories .
Other workers were set to leave paper questionnaires in Puerto Rico and other places recovering from natural disasters .
The bureau had also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people experiencing homelessness .
Recently hired enumerators , also known as door knockers , and other field staff have been gathering around the country for training sessions .
The bureau confirmed to NPR on Saturday that at least one employee , who was hired to be census field supervisor , has tested positive for COVID-19 and is in quarantine .
`` The employee is following guidance of the Iowa Department of Public Health , '' Michael Cook , a spokesperson for the bureau , said in a follow-up email on Sunday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public on behalf of the bureau , the census field supervisor was in contact with a `` very limited number of employees '' at a training session , and all of them are in self-quarantine , Cook said on Saturday .
The latest state population counts are due to the president by December 31 , according to federal law .
The numbers of every person living in the U.S. determine each state 's share of congressional seats and Electoral College votes for the next decade .
They also guide how as much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal funding for Medicare , Medicaid and other public services are divided up among local communities .
In the written statement , Dillingham said that as of Wednesday morning , more than 11 million households have submitted a census response on their own through the Internet since March 9 , when the online form at my2020census.gov was soft launched .
Rep. Carolyn Maloney ( D-N.Y. ) , who helps oversee the 2020 census as the chair of the House Oversight and Reform Committee , says she hopes more households will continue to find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the temporary pause in field operations .
`` Every American should know that this does not affect your ability to self-respond , '' Maloney said in a statement .
`` By responding now , you will ensure that the Census Bureau does not need to send a census worker to your door . ''

Coronavirus Forces Bureau To Suspend Census Field Operations Until April 1
Enlarge this image toggle caption Amr Alfiky/NPR Amr Alfiky/NPR
Updated March 19 at 9:25 a.m. ET
The coronavirus pandemic is forcing the U.S. Census Bureau to temporarily suspend all field operations for the 2020 census for two weeks until April 1, the agency announced Wednesday in a statement on its website.
As the country continues to bunker down in response to the spread of COVID-19, the bureau's director, Steven Dillingham, says it is making the change "to help protect the health and safety of the American public, Census Bureau employees, and everyone going through the hiring process for temporary census taker positions."
For the next couple of weeks, the bureau is also reducing the number of on-site workers at two facilities in Jeffersonville, Ind., that process paper census forms, the bureau says in a separate statement on its website.
Another facility in Phoenix that also processes paper forms is "adopting social distancing practices in line with guidance from health authorities," Michael Cook, a spokesperson for the bureau, told NPR in a statement on Thursday.
Many census advocates are worried that the ongoing public health crisis could jeopardize the bureau's ability to accurately count the U.S. population this year as required by the Constitution.
All U.S. households, however, can continue to respond to the census on their own either online at my2020census.gov, over the phone or by paper form, if they receive one. Official letters with instructions on how to participate in the national head count are expected to arrive at most homes by Friday.
The announcement comes days after the bureau confirmed to NPR on Saturday that it is delaying deploying door knockers to college towns until April 23 and waiting until early April to start sending out census workers with computer tablets to help people complete online forms.
Still, there has been a lot of uncertainty about how the bureau plans to protect early rounds of census workers expected to go door to door to count residents in remote parts of Alaska and Maine, and in some American Indian tribal territories. Other workers were set to leave paper questionnaires in Puerto Rico and other places recovering from natural disasters. The bureau had also been preparing to conduct an in-person count of people experiencing homelessness.
Recently hired enumerators, also known as door knockers, and other field staff have been gathering around the country for training sessions. The bureau confirmed to NPR on Saturday that at least one employee, who was hired to be a census field supervisor, has tested positive for COVID-19 and is in quarantine.
"The employee is following guidance of the Iowa Department of Public Health," Michael Cook, a spokesperson for the bureau, said in a follow-up email on Sunday.
While that employee has not interacted with the public on behalf of the bureau, the census field supervisor was in contact with a "very limited number of employees" at a training session, and all of them are in self-quarantine, Cook said on Saturday.
The latest state population counts are due to the president by December 31, according to federal law.
The numbers of every person living in the U.S. determine each state's share of congressional seats and Electoral College votes for the next decade. They also guide how as much as $1.5 trillion a year in federal funding for Medicare, Medicaid and other public services are divided up among local communities.
In the written statement, Dillingham said that as of Wednesday morning, more than 11 million households have submitted a census response on their own through the Internet since March 9, when the online form at my2020census.gov was soft launched.
Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), who helps oversee the 2020 census as the chair of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, says she hopes more households will continue to find ways to respond to the census during the temporary pause in field operations.
"Every American should know that this does not affect your ability to self-respond," Maloney said in a statement. "By responding now, you will ensure that the Census Bureau does not need to send a census worker to your door."


npr--2020-03-18--Small Businesses To Washington: Please Send Money Soon Or We Won't Survive

Small Businesses To Washington : Please Send Money Soon Or We Wo n't Survive As the economy rapidly shuts down , many small businesses around the country are on the verge of collapsing .
They have a message for the federal government : Please send money fast or we 'll be out of business .
After the financial crisis hit in 2008 , millions of Americans who worked at small businesses lost their jobs .
It happened in just a matter of months .
That 's because many smaller businesses operate kind of like people who live paycheck to paycheck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , companies with fewer than 500 employees have less than a month of cash reserves , according to a study by the JPMorgan Chase Institute .
Smaller Main Street type businesses often have just a couple of weeks worth of cash to keep running .
And for many , business just ground to a halt as steps to curb the coronavirus took their toll .
`` Today , actually , we had zero clients , '' says Calvert Thompson , who runs a massage and spa business in Herndon , Va. `` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm definitely trying to figure out what I can do to help keep all of our heads above water during this . ''
But Thompson says she 's going to need help quickly .
`` This is my entire life 's work .
I 've been in business and really successful for going on 15 years now , '' she says .
But Thompson says she 's scared .
`` Really in a matter of weeks , we could reach a critical point . ''
Karen Mills , who headed the Small Business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , `` We need to think about how we make sure small businesses weather this storm . ''
She saw then how quickly business can go under and people can lose their jobs .
`` Half the people who work in this country work for or own a small business , '' Mills says .
Mills says emergency SBA `` economic injury '' loans could play a big role .
She says they have low interest rates and long payback terms that make them affordable .
`` We used them very effectively in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Mills says .
She says the loans were given to shrimp boat businesses that could n't bring in any money for a long time because of massive spill .
( The SBA is posting information for business owners here . )
But getting those loans can take time .
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is calling on the federal government to make SBA loans available to small businesses more quickly and easily by `` eliminating the complex and time-consuming local certification processes . ''
The Chamber also said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given the authority to streamline its disaster-loan approval process for amounts below $ 350,000 in order to provide emergency capital more quickly . ''
The group says urged removing a requirement that small businesses show they ca n't get credit elsewhere before turning to the SBA .
Given the unprecedented shutdown or slowdown in business across the country , it 's likely small businesses will need help beyond what the SBA is able to do .
Some experts are calling on the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve to work with thousands of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loans .
A third coronavirus bill taking shape in Washington could include an emergency small business interruption loan program .
For her part , Thompson says she 's trying to get a $ 40,000 SBA loan , though she 's not sure what the terms will be and she says the process has been confusing .
She does n't want to borrow more than she can pay back .
But she needs to pay rent on her location and her equipment .
And Thompson wants to help her employees who get paid by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they could stay in their apartments .
Just sort of dole it out . ''
She says she pictures doing that to help her workers like the scene in the movie It 's Wonderful Life , when George Bailey is handing out money to desperate townspeople .
`` At the end where he 's like , you know , how how much money do you really need for two weeks ? ''
Thompson says .
But to help her workers and keep her business from going under , Thompson says she needs help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ co-founder of Alignable , a networking site with 4 million small business owners as members .
Last week , it started to poll business owners about the coronavirus crisis ' impact on their businesses .
Nearly all of the thousands of business owners responding say their business is getting hurt .
`` In just the last couple of days that number has increased up to over 80 % are feeling that impact on their business , '' Groves says .
Nearly 1 in 5 U.S. households are experiencing a layoff or a cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll .

Small Businesses To Washington: Please Send Money Soon Or We Won't Survive
Enlarge this image toggle caption Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images
As the economy rapidly shuts down, many small businesses around the country are on the verge of collapsing. They have a message for the federal government: Please send money fast or we'll be out of business.
After the financial crisis hit in 2008, millions of Americans who worked at small businesses lost their jobs. It happened in just a matter of months. That's because many smaller businesses operate kind of like people who live paycheck to paycheck, without much savings.
On average, companies with fewer than 500 employees have less than a month of cash reserves, according to a study by the JPMorgan Chase Institute. Smaller Main Street type businesses often have just a couple of weeks worth of cash to keep running.
And for many, business just ground to a halt as steps to curb the coronavirus took their toll.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Mollie Tobias Photography/Courtesy of Calvert Tompson Mollie Tobias Photography/Courtesy of Calvert Tompson
"Today, actually, we had zero clients," says Calvert Thompson, who runs a massage and spa business in Herndon, Va. "We have 13 full-time W-2 employees and I'm definitely trying to figure out what I can do to help keep all of our heads above water during this."
But Thompson says she's going to need help quickly.
"This is my entire life's work. I've been in business and really successful for going on 15 years now," she says.
But Thompson says she's scared. "Really in a matter of weeks, we could reach a critical point."
Karen Mills, who headed the Small Business Administration after the financial crisis, says, "We need to think about how we make sure small businesses weather this storm."
She saw then how quickly business can go under and people can lose their jobs. "Half the people who work in this country work for or own a small business," Mills says.
Mills says emergency SBA "economic injury" loans could play a big role. She says they have low interest rates and long payback terms that make them affordable.
"We used them very effectively in the Gulf during the BP oil spill," Mills says. She says the loans were given to shrimp boat businesses that couldn't bring in any money for a long time because of massive spill. (The SBA is posting information for business owners here.)
But getting those loans can take time. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is calling on the federal government to make SBA loans available to small businesses more quickly and easily by "eliminating the complex and time-consuming local certification processes."
The Chamber also said in a statement, "the SBA also should be given the authority to streamline its disaster-loan approval process for amounts below $350,000 in order to provide emergency capital more quickly." The group says urged removing a requirement that small businesses show they can't get credit elsewhere before turning to the SBA.
Given the unprecedented shutdown or slowdown in business across the country, it's likely small businesses will need help beyond what the SBA is able to do.
Some experts are calling on the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve to work with thousands of banks around the country to issue emergency loans. A third coronavirus bill taking shape in Washington could include an emergency small business interruption loan program.
For her part, Thompson says she's trying to get a $40,000 SBA loan, though she's not sure what the terms will be and she says the process has been confusing. She doesn't want to borrow more than she can pay back. But she needs to pay rent on her location and her equipment.
And Thompson wants to help her employees who get paid by commission "to supplement them so that they could stay in their apartments. Just sort of dole it out."
She says she pictures doing that to help her workers like the scene in the movie It's Wonderful Life, when George Bailey is handing out money to desperate townspeople. "At the end where he's like, you know, how how much money do you really need for two weeks?" Thompson says.
But to help her workers and keep her business from going under, Thompson says she needs help very soon.
Eric Groves is a co-founder of Alignable, a networking site with 4 million small business owners as members. Last week, it started to poll business owners about the coronavirus crisis' impact on their businesses. Nearly all of the thousands of business owners responding say their business is getting hurt.
"In just the last couple of days that number has increased up to over 80% are feeling that impact on their business," Groves says.
Nearly 1 in 5 U.S. households are experiencing a layoff or a cut in work hours, according to a new NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll.


npr--2020-03-18--U.S. Navy Hospital Ships To Deploy To New York, West Coast

U.S. Navy Hospital Ships To Deploy To New York , West Coast A pair of U.S. Navy hospital ships will be deployed to New York and on the West Coast , where medical workers are anxiously expecting a major influx of patients as the coronavirus spreads .
President Trump announced the plans for deployment during a news conference Wednesday , and New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo confirmed that he expects one of those ships — the USNS Comfort — to take up a position in New York Harbor , adjacent to New York City .
The USNS Mercy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coast and expected to deploy to coastal regions on that side of the country .
The Comfort `` has about 1,000 rooms on it .
It has operating rooms , '' Cuomo told reporters at a news conference Wednesday .
He said the ship 's presence will help take pressure off facilities and staff in New York state , which is expecting to need more than 50,000 new hospital beds and more than 30,000 new intensive care units as the coronavirus spreads .
New York has reported more than 2,300 confirmed cases across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spike significantly in the coming days .
`` It 's an extraordinary step , obviously , '' he added , referring to the Comfort 's expected deployment .
`` It 's literally a floating hospital , which will add capacity . ''
A U.S. defense official , who was not authorized to speak on the matter , told NPR 's Tom Bowman that the Mercy will need several days to deploy , while the Comfort — based in Norfolk , Va. — could take weeks to prepare for its assignment .
`` Both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintenance cycles and identify necessary medical staffing to deploy as soon as possible , '' the official said .
`` The Comfort and Mercy will not deploy to treat COVID patients , but will be made available to assist with treatment of other patients in coastal locations where local health professionals are necessarily focused on a large number of COVID cases . ''

U.S. Navy Hospital Ships To Deploy To New York, West Coast
Enlarge this image toggle caption Alex Wong/Getty Images Alex Wong/Getty Images
A pair of U.S. Navy hospital ships will be deployed to New York and on the West Coast, where medical workers are anxiously expecting a major influx of patients as the coronavirus spreads.
President Trump announced the plans for deployment during a news conference Wednesday, and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo confirmed that he expects one of those ships — the USNS Comfort — to take up a position in New York Harbor, adjacent to New York City.
The USNS Mercy, meanwhile, is based on the West Coast and expected to deploy to coastal regions on that side of the country.
The Comfort "has about 1,000 rooms on it. It has operating rooms," Cuomo told reporters at a news conference Wednesday.
He said the ship's presence will help take pressure off facilities and staff in New York state, which is expecting to need more than 50,000 new hospital beds and more than 30,000 new intensive care units as the coronavirus spreads. New York has reported more than 2,300 confirmed cases across the state and expects that number to spike significantly in the coming days.
"It's an extraordinary step, obviously," he added, referring to the Comfort's expected deployment. "It's literally a floating hospital, which will add capacity."
A U.S. defense official, who was not authorized to speak on the matter, told NPR's Tom Bowman that the Mercy will need several days to deploy, while the Comfort — based in Norfolk, Va. — could take weeks to prepare for its assignment.
"Both ships are currently working to complete scheduled maintenance cycles and identify necessary medical staffing to deploy as soon as possible," the official said.
"The Comfort and Mercy will not deploy to treat COVID patients, but will be made available to assist with treatment of other patients in coastal locations where local health professionals are necessarily focused on a large number of COVID cases."


npr--2020-03-18--Bonnaroo Postpones Festival Until September

The massive music festival based in Manchester , Tenn. , has joined the host of major events that have postponed @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
Organizers announced the delay Wednesday , saying they plan to reschedule the four-day @ @ @ @ @ from its original dates in late June .
`` Please continue to radiate positivity through @ @ @ @ @ world , '' organizers said on the festival 's website , adding that they look @ @ @ @ @ this coming fall .
The soldout festival is just the latest to postpone its event @ @ @ @ @ announced that it was bumping its usual April festivities back to October .
Other major @ @ @ @ @ quite so hopeful about resuming their plans this year — as South by Southwest in @ @ @ @ @ the 50-year-old Glastonbury festival in the U.K. recently announced their outright cancellation .

Bonnaroo Postpones Festival Until September
The massive music festival based in Manchester, Tenn., has joined the host of major events that have postponed their events due to the coronavirus. Organizers announced the delay Wednesday, saying they plan to reschedule the four-day festival to Sept. 24-27, from its original dates in late June.
"Please continue to radiate positivity through this uncharted time in our world," organizers said on the festival's website, adding that they look forward to seeing attendees still this coming fall.
The soldout festival is just the latest to postpone its event, after the California-based Coachella announced that it was bumping its usual April festivities back to October.
Other major musical events have not been quite so hopeful about resuming their plans this year — as South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, and the 50-year-old Glastonbury festival in the U.K. recently announced their outright cancellation.


npr--2020-03-19--PHOTOS: Life And Work Amid The Outbreak

PHOTOS: Life And Work Amid The Outbreak

As Americans shift their lives indoors and away from large public gatherings , people across the U.S. are grappling with basic questions about life , work and social distancing in the age of COVID-19 .
Schools have shut down or pivoted to online learning , restaurants have halted dine-in services , and businesses across the nation have altered their work hours or shuttered completely .
NPR checked in this week , with residents of three U.S. cities that have been among the first to face high numbers of cases and restrictions related to the outbreak .
In places that rely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City , the steady stream of visitors has slowed or even ground to a halt .
Nurettin Kirbiyik , one of the few horse-drawn carriage drivers on the street on Tuesday , says he 's lucky if he gets one paying customer .
`` Over the last couple days , cabs did n't get any rides , '' he says .
Maximo Valdez has been running a tire shop in Denver , Colo. , for the past 20 years .
`` Rent wo n't stop .
Bills wo n't stop .
If I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two months or three months at most and we go out of business , '' he says .
`` I do n't have the heart to tell my workers that there 's no work and 'Find something else . '
They 've been with me for six years . ''
Ten minutes down the road at a garden center , however , manager Trela Phelps says sales have been steady , as more customers have been stocking up on flowers to beautify their indoor spaces .
`` If they 're going to stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nice and they want to feel good about it , '' she says .
In Washington State , where the outbreak has more than 1,000 confirmed cases , Seattle is quieter than usual .
Danny Hanlon , co-owner of a coffee shop in the Capitol Hill neighborhood , says it 's difficult to anticipate changes from one week to the next , but he 's still serving customers takeout coffee — one small piece of normalcy in an uncertain time .
`` Even if this experience is not normal , it 's normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] I say , 'How are you doing ? '
and make a coffee for you .
And then you say , 'See you tomorrow . '
`` Those interactions , he says — people find them comforting .
From Seattle to Denver to New York City , here are some of those voices of people adapting to this new time amid the coronavirus outbreak .
Photographers Chona Kasinger in Seattle , Elias Williams in New York City and Theo Stroomer in Denver contributed reporting to this story .

PHOTOS: Life And Work Amid The Outbreak
Enlarge this image toggle caption Theo Stroomer/Redux for NPR Theo Stroomer/Redux for NPR
As Americans shift their lives indoors and away from large public gatherings, people across the U.S. are grappling with basic questions about life, work and social distancing in the age of COVID-19.
Schools have shut down or pivoted to online learning, restaurants have halted dine-in services, and businesses across the nation have altered their work hours or shuttered completely. NPR checked in this week, with residents of three U.S. cities that have been among the first to face high numbers of cases and restrictions related to the outbreak.
In places that rely heavily on tourism, like New York City, the steady stream of visitors has slowed or even ground to a halt. Nurettin Kirbiyik, one of the few horse-drawn carriage drivers on the street on Tuesday, says he's lucky if he gets one paying customer.
"Over the last couple days, cabs didn't get any rides," he says.
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Maximo Valdez has been running a tire shop in Denver, Colo., for the past 20 years.
"Rent won't stop. Bills won't stop. If I pull money out of my savings — two months or three months at most and we go out of business," he says. "I don't have the heart to tell my workers that there's no work and 'Find something else.' They've been with me for six years."
Ten minutes down the road at a garden center, however, manager Trela Phelps says sales have been steady, as more customers have been stocking up on flowers to beautify their indoor spaces. "If they're going to stay home, they want it to look nice and they want to feel good about it," she says.
In Washington State, where the outbreak has more than 1,000 confirmed cases, Seattle is quieter than usual. Danny Hanlon, co-owner of a coffee shop in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, says it's difficult to anticipate changes from one week to the next, but he's still serving customers takeout coffee — one small piece of normalcy in an uncertain time.
"Even if this experience is not normal, it's normal that you come in, [and] I say, 'How are you doing?' and make a coffee for you. And then you say, 'See you tomorrow.' "
Those interactions, he says — people find them comforting.
From Seattle to Denver to New York City, here are some of those voices of people adapting to this new time amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Elias Williams for NPR Elias Williams for NPR
toggle caption Elias Williams for NPR
toggle caption Elias Williams for NPR
Enlarge this image Beth LaBerge/KQED Beth LaBerge/KQED
toggle caption Beth LaBerge/KQED
toggle caption Theo Stroomer/Redux for NPR
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toggle caption Parker Miles Blohm/KNKX Public Radio
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Enlarge this image toggle caption Chona Kasinger for NPR Chona Kasinger for NPR
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toggle caption Chona Kasinger for NPR
Photographers Chona Kasinger in Seattle, Elias Williams in New York City and Theo Stroomer in Denver contributed reporting to this story.


npr--2020-03-19--Israel Begins Tracking And Texting Those Possibly Exposed To The Coronavirus

Israel Begins Tracking And Texting Those Possibly Exposed To The Coronavirus Hundreds of Israelis were startled Wednesday by an unsolicited text message .
`` Hello .
According to an epidemiological investigation , '' it began , addressing each recipient by name .
`` You were near someone sick with the coronavirus .
You must immediately isolate at home [ 14 days ] to protect your relatives and the public .
...
This information will be used only for this purpose and will be erased when no longer needed .
Sincerely , public health services . ''
It 's part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the country 's Shin Bet domestic spy agency , usually tasked with monitoring Palestinian and Israeli extremists , to launch the cellphone surveillance .
It locates people who could have the virus and messages them .
Meanwhile , late Thursday Israel 's Supreme Court stopped the police from using the data to enforce quarantines , which it had started doing .
The court also said it could scrap the program unless it goes through parliament or if the country is put on a total lockdown .
The court order appeared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people to stay at home , with some exceptions , late Thursday .
It 's unclear how that will affect the future of the surveillance program .
With more than 600 cases and tens of thousands quarantined , the country has closed all schools , restaurants and entertainment venues .
The moves come as Netanyahu struggles to stay in power after an election March 2 , which has so far failed to produce a winner .
The opposition leader is trying to gather the votes in parliament to unseat him .
Small protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency rules against gatherings — after the speaker of the parliament , a Netanyahu ally , shut down the chamber until next week .
Police broke up the crowds .
The phone surveillance has added to the fears among some about the country 's democracy .
`` Big Brother is here , '' wrote Omer , a young father , on Facebook , minutes after he received a text message that he 'd been close to a virus carrier the previous week .
`` I guess I can understand why they 're doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interview , withholding his last name due to , well , privacy concerns .
`` But it makes you think what other private personal information they have access to , and if it 's being used in the appropriate way . ''
Michal Rudnik , 22 , was recently driving her ill 20-year-old brother to the doctor when a police car pulled up next to her at a gas station in the southern Israeli town of Meitar .
She was driving her father 's car , and her parents are in quarantine after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The policeman asked me , 'Who is in the back seat ? '
So I said , 'It 's my brother . '
And he said , 'OK , I thought it was your father , who 's supposed to be in quarantine . '
And I was like , 'No , no , it 's my brother . '
`` She said the officer followed up by naming her father and asking if he was sticking to the quarantine .
`` I was in shock , '' Rudnik said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also the right thing to do , but it was n't a good feeling . ''
The country 's Health Ministry had already been publicizing the dates and times people with the virus had visited any locations , based on interviews .
Now , officials use cellphone tracking going back two weeks and send the text messages to people who crossed paths with the virus .
Netanyahu 's Cabinet approved the surveillance measures in the middle of the night Monday , circumventing a parliamentary oversight committee still debating whether they were justified .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said a lack of transparency about the surveillance program hurt public trust .
The Association for Civil Rights in Israel was among several groups that petitioned Israel 's Supreme Court Thursday to demand an end to the surveillance program .
`` I think that people in Israel in general are willing to limit their right of privacy to combat terrorism — Palestinians or other enemies , '' said Gil Gan-Mor , an attorney with the civil rights group .
`` Now people find out that the Shin Bet and the police know exactly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ People are awakening and understanding the problem of giving too much power to the government when it comes to our privacy . ''
It 's likely that Israelis who were not within 2 meters ( 6 feet ) of distance from a virus carrier will still be identified for quarantine .
Sharon Perry , a cellular tracing expert , said the GPS technology of civilian mobiles can pinpoint a person 's location only within 5 to 6 meters ' accuracy if the cellphone is outdoors , or 10 to 20 meters if the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the breach of privacy was justified .
`` In any case that someone can trace your route and location you should be concerned , but I guess that when you have a global pandemic happening in the world , there is a kind of justification for this move , '' Perry said .
Alon Hazay , a cybersecurity expert who used to do work for a national cyberdefense initiative connected to Shin Bet intelligence , said the trove of cellphone location data could get into the hands of hackers , private investigators or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is out there then other parties can try to take advantage and misuse this information , and create a huge problem for privacy of the citizens of Israel , '' Hazay said .
Anti-Netanyahu lawmakers — who are a slim majority in parliament following this month 's election — accuse caretaker Prime Minister Netanyahu of exploiting the coronavirus to barricade himself in office , harming Israel 's democratic institutions .
Netanyahu faces charges of bribery and fraud and his trial was supposed to start this week .
But his justice minister closed down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the trial .
Netanyahu said he requires maximum oversight for the surveillance program to protect Israelis ' private data .
`` While I 'm fighting the coronavirus war to save Israeli lives , giving my soul day and night , the opposition is trying to topple the prime minister who is navigating the boat during the corona storm , '' he said in an interview to Israeli Channel 12 TV .

Israel Begins Tracking And Texting Those Possibly Exposed To The Coronavirus
Enlarge this image toggle caption Oded Balilty/AP Oded Balilty/AP
Hundreds of Israelis were startled Wednesday by an unsolicited text message.
"Hello. According to an epidemiological investigation," it began, addressing each recipient by name. "You were near someone sick with the coronavirus. You must immediately isolate at home [14 days] to protect your relatives and the public. ... This information will be used only for this purpose and will be erased when no longer needed. Sincerely, public health services."
It's part of a sweeping new program. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the country's Shin Bet domestic spy agency, usually tasked with monitoring Palestinian and Israeli extremists, to launch the cellphone surveillance. It locates people who could have the virus and messages them.
Meanwhile, late Thursday Israel's Supreme Court stopped the police from using the data to enforce quarantines, which it had started doing. The court also said it could scrap the program unless it goes through parliament or if the country is put on a total lockdown.
The court order appeared to be written before the government required people to stay at home, with some exceptions, late Thursday. It's unclear how that will affect the future of the surveillance program.
With more than 600 cases and tens of thousands quarantined, the country has closed all schools, restaurants and entertainment venues.
The moves come as Netanyahu struggles to stay in power after an election March 2, which has so far failed to produce a winner. The opposition leader is trying to gather the votes in parliament to unseat him.
Small protests broke out Thursday — in defiance of emergency rules against gatherings — after the speaker of the parliament, a Netanyahu ally, shut down the chamber until next week. Police broke up the crowds.
The phone surveillance has added to the fears among some about the country's democracy.
"Big Brother is here," wrote Omer, a young father, on Facebook, minutes after he received a text message that he'd been close to a virus carrier the previous week.
"I guess I can understand why they're doing it," he said in an interview, withholding his last name due to, well, privacy concerns. "But it makes you think what other private personal information they have access to, and if it's being used in the appropriate way."
Michal Rudnik, 22, was recently driving her ill 20-year-old brother to the doctor when a police car pulled up next to her at a gas station in the southern Israeli town of Meitar. She was driving her father's car, and her parents are in quarantine after returning from a trip to London.
"The policeman asked me, 'Who is in the back seat?' So I said, 'It's my brother.' And he said, 'OK, I thought it was your father, who's supposed to be in quarantine.' And I was like, 'No, no, it's my brother.' "
She said the officer followed up by naming her father and asking if he was sticking to the quarantine. "I was in shock," Rudnik said. "I guess in a way it's also the right thing to do, but it wasn't a good feeling."
The country's Health Ministry had already been publicizing the dates and times people with the virus had visited any locations, based on interviews. Now, officials use cellphone tracking going back two weeks and send the text messages to people who crossed paths with the virus.
Netanyahu's Cabinet approved the surveillance measures in the middle of the night Monday, circumventing a parliamentary oversight committee still debating whether they were justified.
The Israeli Association of Public Health Physicians said a lack of transparency about the surveillance program hurt public trust. The Association for Civil Rights in Israel was among several groups that petitioned Israel's Supreme Court Thursday to demand an end to the surveillance program.
"I think that people in Israel in general are willing to limit their right of privacy to combat terrorism — Palestinians or other enemies," said Gil Gan-Mor, an attorney with the civil rights group. "Now people find out that the Shin Bet and the police know exactly where they are in any second. People are awakening and understanding the problem of giving too much power to the government when it comes to our privacy."
It's likely that Israelis who were not within 2 meters (6 feet) of distance from a virus carrier will still be identified for quarantine. Sharon Perry, a cellular tracing expert, said the GPS technology of civilian mobiles can pinpoint a person's location only within 5 to 6 meters' accuracy if the cellphone is outdoors, or 10 to 20 meters if the phone is indoors. But he argued the breach of privacy was justified.
"In any case that someone can trace your route and location you should be concerned, but I guess that when you have a global pandemic happening in the world, there is a kind of justification for this move," Perry said.
Alon Hazay, a cybersecurity expert who used to do work for a national cyberdefense initiative connected to Shin Bet intelligence, said the trove of cellphone location data could get into the hands of hackers, private investigators or criminal organizations. "When the data is out there then other parties can try to take advantage and misuse this information, and create a huge problem for privacy of the citizens of Israel," Hazay said.
Anti-Netanyahu lawmakers — who are a slim majority in parliament following this month's election — accuse caretaker Prime Minister Netanyahu of exploiting the coronavirus to barricade himself in office, harming Israel's democratic institutions.
Netanyahu faces charges of bribery and fraud and his trial was supposed to start this week. But his justice minister closed down the courts, leading judges to postpone the trial.
Netanyahu said he requires maximum oversight for the surveillance program to protect Israelis' private data.
"While I'm fighting the coronavirus war to save Israeli lives, giving my soul day and night, the opposition is trying to topple the prime minister who is navigating the boat during the corona storm," he said in an interview to Israeli Channel 12 TV.
Sami Sockol contributed reporting.


npr--2020-03-19--Brazil's Christ The Redeemer Lit Up With Flags Of Countries Battling Coronavirus

Brazil 's Christ The Redeemer Lit Up With Flags Of Countries Battling Coronavirus Brazil 's famed Christ the Redeemer statue was lit up with the flags of countries that have reported positive coronavirus tests , as cases of the virus spread around the world .
The giant statue of Jesus Christ , which stands nearly 100 feet tall and overlooks the city of Rio de Janeiro , also showed images of the continents afflicted .
Images of the words `` pray together '' in many languages were also projected onto the statue on Wednesday .
Earlier this week , Brazil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be closed to visitors for at least a week , as The Associated Press reported .
The statue is a popular destination for tourists looking for sweeping views of the city .
Brazil has at least 621 confirmed coronavirus cases , according to a dashboard created by the Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering .
And Brazil 's Health Minister , Luiz Henrique Mandetta , is warning that the virus is spreading `` en masse '' through much of the country , according to Reuters .
The government has been slow to acknowledge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NPR 's Philip Reeves reported from Rio .
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro had called the threat of the virus exaggerated and has recently shared handshakes and selfies with supporters .
On Wednesday , Bolsonaro seemed to change his tune , appearing on TV and warning Brazilians to brace for tough times ahead .
At least 18 Brazilian government officials have tested positive for the virus , Reeves added .

Brazil's Christ The Redeemer Lit Up With Flags Of Countries Battling Coronavirus
Enlarge this image toggle caption Silvia Izquierdo/AP Silvia Izquierdo/AP
Brazil's famed Christ the Redeemer statue was lit up with the flags of countries that have reported positive coronavirus tests, as cases of the virus spread around the world.
The giant statue of Jesus Christ, which stands nearly 100 feet tall and overlooks the city of Rio de Janeiro, also showed images of the continents afflicted. Images of the words "pray together" in many languages were also projected onto the statue on Wednesday.
Earlier this week, Brazil's government announced that the statue would be closed to visitors for at least a week, as The Associated Press reported. The statue is a popular destination for tourists looking for sweeping views of the city.
Brazil has at least 621 confirmed coronavirus cases, according to a dashboard created by the Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering. And Brazil's Health Minister, Luiz Henrique Mandetta, is warning that the virus is spreading "en masse" through much of the country, according to Reuters.
The government has been slow to acknowledge the threat of the virus, as NPR's Philip Reeves reported from Rio. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro had called the threat of the virus exaggerated and has recently shared handshakes and selfies with supporters.
On Wednesday, Bolsonaro seemed to change his tune, appearing on TV and warning Brazilians to brace for tough times ahead. At least 18 Brazilian government officials have tested positive for the virus, Reeves added.


npr--2020-03-19--Tesla Is Halting Production In California

Tesla is planning to suspend operations at its Fremont , Calif. , auto plant beginning Monday because of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ had continued to operate its production line , defying a shelter-in-place order from local authorities @ @ @ @ @ the Alameda County sheriff .
Tesla maintains that it was following all legal and safety @ @ @ @ @ because it was honoring `` the Federal Government 's direction to continue operating . ''
@ @ @ @ @ now changing course because continued operation was challenging for employees and suppliers .
Tesla is @ @ @ @ @ its New York solar panel factory .
While production will be halted temporarily , some @ @ @ @ @ to report to work in order to maintain Tesla 's supercharging network and other operations @ @ @ @ @ Motors and Fiat Chrysler are also suspending production at their North American plants , and @ @ @ @ @ production in the U.S .

Tesla Is Halting Production In California
Enlarge this image toggle caption Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Tesla is planning to suspend operations at its Fremont, Calif., auto plant beginning Monday because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The electric automaker had continued to operate its production line, defying a shelter-in-place order from local authorities despite a public rebuke from the Alameda County sheriff.
Tesla maintains that it was following all legal and safety guidelines, and was open because it was honoring "the Federal Government's direction to continue operating."
The company says it's now changing course because continued operation was challenging for employees and suppliers. Tesla is also shutting down production at its New York solar panel factory.
While production will be halted temporarily, some employees will need to continue to report to work in order to maintain Tesla's supercharging network and other operations infrastructure.
Ford, General Motors and Fiat Chrysler are also suspending production at their North American plants, and Honda and Nissan are pausing production in the U.S.


npr--2020-03-19--Supermarkets Add 'Senior Hours' For Vulnerable Shoppers

Special hours for seniors to shop are just one of the ways grocery stores across the U.S. are adjusting their operations during the coronavirus pandemic .
Supermarkets are restricting their opening hours to give workers time for cleaning and restocking .
They 're also limiting how many items people are allowed to buy .
And they 're adding special designated hours when only seniors and others most vulnerable to the coronavirus are invited to shop .
Health experts are still recommending against visiting public places unless absolutely necessary .
Federal officials advise against gatherings of 10 or more people .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrict the number of visitors to their stores .
Below are the latest changes at some of the most prominent supermarket chains .
All Target stores will reserve the first hour of shopping on Wednesdays for `` vulnerable guests — including elderly and those with underlying health concerns . ''
The company is encouraging others to shop outside of that time .
The retailer is also cutting its opening hours , closing all stores at 9 p.m. local time and is enforcing limits on how many items of particularly high-demand products one shopper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strongly encouraging '' shoppers who are not considered high-risk to avoid visiting stores during the first hour of opening , reserving that time for seniors .
Dollar General also will close all stores an hour early every day for cleaning , restocking and to give workers a bit of a break .
The largest U.S. retailer is adding a `` senior hour '' to every Tuesday from March 24 to April 28 .
This applies to customers 60 and older , who will have exclusive access to Walmart stores and pharmacies for an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in many cases will mean 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. Walmart says it 's temporarily closing Auto Care Centers and imposing per-person restrictions on paper products , milk , eggs , cleaning supplies , hand sanitizer , water , diapers , wipes , formula and baby food .
The stores are opening early to allow people over 60 and with weakened immune systems to shop from 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m .
The supermarkets will have shorter hours , opening from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m .
The company is also limiting per-person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , encouraging shoppers to `` buy just what you need . ''
The supermarkets owned by Albertsons plan to reserve every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. for vulnerable shoppers , including seniors , pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems .
The company is also `` asking customers to respect quantity limits of select , high-demand items ( like hand sanitizers and household cleaners ) to help ensure more of our neighbors can find the products they need . ''
Amazon 's retail chain is offering the hour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for people 60 and older .
Whole Foods also says its locations will close to shoppers `` up to two hours early , '' though they will remain open for pickup and Amazon Prime delivery .
Many retailers and malls also are restricting their hours or temporarily closing .
Trade publication Retail Dive is keeping a handy running list here .

Supermarkets Add 'Senior Hours' For Vulnerable Shoppers
toggle caption David Goldman/AP
Special hours for seniors to shop are just one of the ways grocery stores across the U.S. are adjusting their operations during the coronavirus pandemic.
Supermarkets are restricting their opening hours to give workers time for cleaning and restocking. They're also limiting how many items people are allowed to buy. And they're adding special designated hours when only seniors and others most vulnerable to the coronavirus are invited to shop.
Health experts are still recommending against visiting public places unless absolutely necessary. Federal officials advise against gatherings of 10 or more people. None of the retailers specified plans to restrict the number of visitors to their stores.
Below are the latest changes at some of the most prominent supermarket chains.
Target
All Target stores will reserve the first hour of shopping on Wednesdays for "vulnerable guests — including elderly and those with underlying health concerns." The company is encouraging others to shop outside of that time.
The retailer is also cutting its opening hours, closing all stores at 9 p.m. local time and is enforcing limits on how many items of particularly high-demand products one shopper can buy.
Dollar General
The retailer is "strongly encouraging" shoppers who are not considered high-risk to avoid visiting stores during the first hour of opening, reserving that time for seniors. Dollar General also will close all stores an hour early every day for cleaning, restocking and to give workers a bit of a break.
Walmart
The largest U.S. retailer is adding a "senior hour" to every Tuesday from March 24 to April 28. This applies to customers 60 and older, who will have exclusive access to Walmart stores and pharmacies for an hour before official opening time, which in many cases will mean 6 a.m. to 7 a.m.
Walmart says it's temporarily closing Auto Care Centers and imposing per-person restrictions on paper products, milk, eggs, cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, water, diapers, wipes, formula and baby food.
Stop & Shop
The stores are opening early to allow people over 60 and with weakened immune systems to shop from 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. The supermarkets will have shorter hours, opening from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. The company is also limiting per-person purchases of some cleaning and sanitizing products, encouraging shoppers to "buy just what you need."
Safeway, Albertsons
The supermarkets owned by Albertsons plan to reserve every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. for vulnerable shoppers, including seniors, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems.
The company is also "asking customers to respect quantity limits of select, high-demand items (like hand sanitizers and household cleaners) to help ensure more of our neighbors can find the products they need."
Whole Foods
Amazon's retail chain is offering the hour before each store's official opening time for people 60 and older. Whole Foods also says its locations will close to shoppers "up to two hours early," though they will remain open for pickup and Amazon Prime delivery.
Other stores
Many retailers and malls also are restricting their hours or temporarily closing. Trade publication Retail Dive is keeping a handy running list here.


npr--2020-03-19--Here's What Is In The 'Families First' Coronavirus Aid Package Trump Approved

Here 's What Is In The 'Families First ' Coronavirus Aid Package Trump Approved President Trump signed a second coronavirus emergency aid package into law Wednesday evening , after it passed with overwhelming support from the Senate .
The legislation follows a first emergency funding bill , which allocated roughly $ 8 billion for coronavirus prevention , preparation and response efforts .
The latest package , named the Families First Coronavirus Response Act , responds to the growing health and economic crises with provisions for paid sick leave , free testing and expanded unemployment benefits .
Each of the agencies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how the money has been used within the next month .
Here 's a breakdown of what the act includes .
The legislation seeks to make testing for the coronavirus free to the public ( without having to use deductibles or copayments ) .
It includes a variety of waivers in order for testing costs to be covered by either insurance or government programs .
Additionally , it includes a temporary 6.2 % increase in federal payments to Medicaid for states .
The Children 's Health Insurance Program , for low-income children , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
An additional $ 60 million will go to the Department of Veterans Affairs for testing veterans , $ 64 million to the Indian Health Service for testing members of Native American tribes and $ 1 billion to the National Disaster Medical System for reimbursing testing costs for those without health insurance .
The bill establishes a federal emergency paid-leave benefits program to provide payments to some employees .
It requires employers with fewer than 500 employees to provide two weeks ' worth of paid sick leave if employees are unable to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isolation , are experiencing symptoms of COVID–19 , are caring for someone who is in quarantine or isolation and/or have children in schools that have closed .
Employers themselves will receive tax credits to offset the costs of providing this paid leave .
Under the legislation , an employer can not require employees to find a replacement worker for themselves or require them to use other paid time off .
For those who are self-employed , there will be a tax credit equivalent to the sick leave amount .
The legislation also gives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and medical leave , equivalent to no less than two-thirds of the person 's pay .
The legislation boosts unemployment benefits , with nearly $ 1 billion in state grants to cover processing and paying unemployment insurance .
It also raises the amount of assistance to states with high unemployment for those who have exhausted benefits already .
Nearly a billion dollars is being given to provide access to meals for those without food security .
Half that amount will go toward funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women , Infants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WIC .
Another $ 400 million is allocated for an emergency food assistance program that will be available through Sept. 30 , 2021 .
Certain households will be eligible for help if a child 's school has been closed for at least five consecutive days because of the health crisis .
The legislation allows certain waivers in order to expand who qualifies for benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and suspends the program 's work requirements .
An additional $ 100 million will be set aside for nutrition assistance grants for U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rico and American Samoa ) .

Here's What Is In The 'Families First' Coronavirus Aid Package Trump Approved
Enlarge this image toggle caption Drew Angerer/Getty Images Drew Angerer/Getty Images
President Trump signed a second coronavirus emergency aid package into law Wednesday evening, after it passed with overwhelming support from the Senate.
The legislation follows a first emergency funding bill, which allocated roughly $8 billion for coronavirus prevention, preparation and response efforts.
The latest package, named the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, responds to the growing health and economic crises with provisions for paid sick leave, free testing and expanded unemployment benefits.
Each of the agencies getting funding must give a report on how the money has been used within the next month.
Here's a breakdown of what the act includes.
Free testing
The legislation seeks to make testing for the coronavirus free to the public (without having to use deductibles or copayments). It includes a variety of waivers in order for testing costs to be covered by either insurance or government programs.
Additionally, it includes a temporary 6.2% increase in federal payments to Medicaid for states.
The Children's Health Insurance Program, for low-income children, will include temporary coverage of diagnostic products.
An additional $60 million will go to the Department of Veterans Affairs for testing veterans, $64 million to the Indian Health Service for testing members of Native American tribes and $1 billion to the National Disaster Medical System for reimbursing testing costs for those without health insurance.
Paid sick leave
The bill establishes a federal emergency paid-leave benefits program to provide payments to some employees.
It requires employers with fewer than 500 employees to provide two weeks' worth of paid sick leave if employees are unable to work because they're subject to quarantine or isolation, are experiencing symptoms of COVID–19, are caring for someone who is in quarantine or isolation and/or have children in schools that have closed.
Employers themselves will receive tax credits to offset the costs of providing this paid leave.
Under the legislation, an employer cannot require employees to find a replacement worker for themselves or require them to use other paid time off.
For those who are self-employed, there will be a tax credit equivalent to the sick leave amount.
The legislation also gives up to three months of paid family and medical leave, equivalent to no less than two-thirds of the person's pay.
Unemployment aid
The legislation boosts unemployment benefits, with nearly $1 billion in state grants to cover processing and paying unemployment insurance.
It also raises the amount of assistance to states with high unemployment for those who have exhausted benefits already.
Nutrition assistance
Nearly a billion dollars is being given to provide access to meals for those without food security. Half that amount will go toward funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, also known as WIC.
Another $400 million is allocated for an emergency food assistance program that will be available through Sept. 30, 2021.
Certain households will be eligible for help if a child's school has been closed for at least five consecutive days because of the health crisis.
The legislation allows certain waivers in order to expand who qualifies for benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and suspends the program's work requirements.
An additional $100 million will be set aside for nutrition assistance grants for U.S. territories (Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and American Samoa).


npr--2020-03-19--Head Of National Guard Says Tens Of Thousands Could Be Called Up

Head Of National Guard Says Tens Of Thousands Could Be Called Up Tens of thousands of guardsmen could be called @ @ @ @ @ to combat the coronavirus in the coming weeks and months , the head of the @ @ @ @ @ At the moment , just over 2,000 members of the National Guard are assisting governors @ @ @ @ @ things such as helping with testing and transportation .
Lengyel said that number could double @ @ @ @ @ are some 450,000 Guardsmen in the Air Guard and National Guard .
Lengyel said he @ @ @ @ @ to federalize the guard , meaning it would come under control of the president .
@ @ @ @ @ efficient to leave it under state control .
On Thursday , President Trump appeared to @ @ @ @ @ with a group of governors , Gov .
Brian Kemp of Georgia told Trump to @ @ @ @ @ the National Guard with the governors . ''
`` That 's done .
I like @ @ @ @ @ .

Head Of National Guard Says Tens Of Thousands Could Be Called Up
Enlarge this image toggle caption Kathy Willens/AP Kathy Willens/AP
Tens of thousands of guardsmen could be called up to help state efforts to combat the coronavirus in the coming weeks and months, the head of the National Guard Bureau said.
"This could quickly blossom," Gen. Joseph Lengyel told Pentagon reporters Thursday.
At the moment, just over 2,000 members of the National Guard are assisting governors in 27 states, doing things such as helping with testing and transportation. Lengyel said that number could double by this weekend.
There are some 450,000 Guardsmen in the Air Guard and National Guard.
Lengyel said he doesn't see the need to federalize the guard, meaning it would come under control of the president. He said it's more efficient to leave it under state control.
On Thursday, President Trump appeared to agree. At a meeting with a group of governors, Gov. Brian Kemp of Georgia told Trump to "leave the directives for the National Guard with the governors."
"That's done. I like it," Trump responded.