npr--2020-03-16--Coronavirus: U.S. Urges Americans To Home-School; The WHO Says: 'Test, Test, Test'

Coronavirus : U.S. Urges Americans To Home-School ; The WHO Says : 'Test , Test , Test' The United States has now begun its first week of widespread school closures and restrictions on restaurants , bars and other businesses , with the COVID-19 pandemic remaking daily life for millions of Americans .
And the White House added new recommendations Monday , calling for millions of people to work from home and to home-school their children if that 's possible .
People who work in service industries now face the prospect of weeks without pay , while others are working from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effects of unexpected slowdowns and cancellations — and hoping to weather what will likely be a prolonged disruption to normal life .
`` This is the defining global health crisis of our time , '' World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Monday .
`` The days , weeks and months ahead will be a test of our resolve , a test of our trust in science and a test of solidarity . ''
Tedros added , `` Crises like COVID-19 tend to bring out the best and worst in humanity .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ several new recommendations for dealing with the coronavirus Monday , calling on families to keep their children home from school if they can and urging people not to congregate in groups larger than 10 people .
The new guidelines also urge people nationwide to avoid eating and drinking in restaurants and bars , and to cut out discretionary travel .
Unlike a similar news conference on Friday , Trump 's appearance did not spark a rally in U.S. stock markets .
Several key indexes endured losses of more than 10 % on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days on Wall Street in years .
The White House guidelines are to be in effect for 15 days .
As he unveiled them , Trump stressed that they apply to everyone — even young and healthy people who are n't the most at-risk for complications from the virus .
`` If everyone makes this change , or these critical changes and sacrifices now , we will rally together as one nation , '' Trump said in a news conference at the White House .
He added , `` And we will defeat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a big celebration all together . ''
`` With several weeks of focused action , we can turn the corner and turn it quickly , '' the president said , adding , `` A lot of progress has been made . ''
The work to develop a vaccine , he added , is ongoing , with clinical trials now under way .
After Trump announced the guidelines , he was asked how long it would be until the U.S. turns a corner in controlling COVID-19 .
Trump said he has frequently asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It seems to me that if we do a really good job ... people are talking about July , August – something like that .
So it could be right in that period of time , where it , I say it washes through , '' he said , making a wave gesture with his hand .
When the president was asked if the restrictions on public life will remain in place until mid-summer , he replied , `` We 'll see what happens , but they think August — could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The New York Stock Exchange plummeted minutes after opening for business Monday , as the Dow Jones Industrial Average felly by more than 2,000 points and triggered automatic circuit breakers that halted trading for 15 minutes .
The Dow did even worse later , closing at a loss of 2,997.20 points , or about 13 % .
The Nasdaq Composite index lost more than 12 % , narrowly better than the S & P 500 index , which was down by nearly 12 % .
Millions of students are idled for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kept away from their schools in a bid to slow the spread of the virus .
In areas where schools are on hiatus , parents are scrambling to find child care and figure out ways to keep up with their kids ' educations .
Counties and schools are rushing to provide food for children to ease the burden on families whose schools are shut down .
On Sunday , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised an eight-week halt to gatherings of more than 50 people , targeting `` conferences , festivals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , weddings , and other types of assemblies . ''
The advisory does not apply to the daily operation of schools or businesses , the CDC said .
The hashtag # QuarantineLife was trending on Twitter on Monday , as Americans share their take on a new normal .
The tag was used for everything from sharing tips on working from home to acknowledging the difficulties of staying productive while in isolation .
British actor Idris Elba is the latest celebrity to announce a positive coronavirus test , issuing a tweet Monday that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I feel ok , I have no symptoms so far but have been isolated since I found out about my possible exposure to the virus , '' Elba said .
Urging people to stay home and `` be pragmatic , '' the actor concluded a video message that accompanied the tweet by saying , `` Stay positive .
And do n't freak out . ''
The revelation comes days after Tom Hanks and his wife , Rita Wilson , also tested positive for the coronavirus .
The couple is currently in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been visiting as Hanks , 63 , prepared to perform in an as-yet untitled film about Elvis Presley .
Hanks was signed to play Presley 's manager , Colonel Tom Parker .
U.S. guidelines 'well thought-out , ' Fauci says The Trump administration 's new guidelines might be inconvenient or seem like an overreaction to some , said Dr. Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases .
But he added , `` They were well thought-out . ''
`` When you 're dealing with an emerging infectious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where you think you are , if you think that today reflects where you really are , '' Fauci said .
Because of the lag in getting results that show the true spread of a disease , Fauci added , the new policies are commensurate with what is `` actually going on in reality . ''
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says his country 's borders will be closed to nearly all non-Canadians , with the exception of U.S. citizens .
`` We will be denying entry to Canada to people who are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trudeau said at a briefing outside his house in Ottawa .
Exceptions will be made , he added , `` for air crews , diplomats , immediate family members of Canadian citizens , and , at this time , U.S .
citizens . ''
Trudeau is currently observing a 14-day period of self-isolation , after his wife , Sophie Grégoire Trudeau , tested positive for the coronavirus .
President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador is being criticized for his response to the COVID-19 pandemic – including his continued practice of embracing and even kissing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large rallies and posted videos of himself hugging people , despite international health experts ' advice to avoid large public gatherings due to the coronavirus pandemic .
His government has also held off on trying to restrict social contacts .
`` Attributing the criticism to political adversaries , Lopez Obrador says taking drastic measures now in Mexico is not necessary since , unlike other countries Mexico is still in an early phase of the pandemic , '' NPR 's Carrie Kahn reports .
She adds , `` A huge musical festival drew more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the weekend .
The government says it will not implement more restrictive policies to control the virus until next week . ''
Mexico currently has at least 53 coronavirus cases ; no one in the country has died from the respiratory disease .
`` I wish with all my soul that the coronavirus does n't affect us , I want that , '' President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said at a news conference Monday .
`` They are going to say that I 'm an idealist , a romantic dreamer , a Quixote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warned that if he were to say Mexico 's economy would be harmed by COVID-19 , his country would be harmed .
`` I want the dreams to turn into reality and I dream that our people will not suffer ... this is what I want , for this to become reality , I want our people to be happy , happy , happy . ''
The WHO 's Tedros praised public officials Monday for escalating social distancing policies , through closing schools and canceling many public gatherings .
But he also urged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the backbone of the response to COVID-19 : testing , isolation and contact tracing .
Those elements are at the heart of any response that can prevent infections and break the chains of transmission , he said .
`` You can not fight a fire blindfolded .
And we can not stop this pandemic if we do n't know who is infected , '' Tedros said at a briefing in Geneva .
He added , `` We have a simple message for all countries : test , test , test .
Test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the virus that causes COVID-19 are in high demand ; the WHO has sent nearly 1.5 million of them to some 120 countries , Tedros said .
Reiterating his call to test anyone suspected of having the coronavirus , the WHO leader said , `` This is a serious disease .
Although the evidence we have suggests that those over 60 are at highest risk , young people , including children , have died . ''
Maryland Gov .
Larry Hogan is ordering restaurants , bars , gyms and movie theaters statewide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ p.m .
ET Monday .
For restaurants , only drive-thru , delivery and takeout service will be allowed , he said .
The state is also forbidding any gathering of 50 or more people , in line with CDC guidelines .
The emergency orders will be `` strictly enforced , '' Hogan said .
Maryland currently has at least 37 coronavirus cases , the state health department says .
Twenty-five of those cases are in Montgomery and Prince George 's counties , which abut Washington , D.C. '' We should continue to expect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rapidly rise .
We have never faced anything like this before , '' Hogan said .
`` This is going to be much harder , take much longer , and be much worse than almost anyone is currently understanding . ''
Hogan added that `` far too many people '' have ignored warnings against crowding into bars and restaurants , putting themselves and their wider communities at risk .
The deadly COVID-19 disease requires leaders at every level to take `` drastic actions right now that may seem scary , they may sound @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Hogan said .
`` But they are also absolutely necessary to save the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans . ''
Hogan sought to maintain social distancing as he announced the order , holding a briefing outside of Maryland 's Government House and with a small media contingent present .
Late last week , Maryland began requiring thousands of state employees to telework .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell some 2,250 points minutes after trading began , as more dire signs of the coronavirus ' economic impact emerge .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ The S & P 500 index has fallen by nearly 11 % Monday — far surpassing the 7 % increment that triggers a pause in trading .
Oil prices also continued their dive , crossing below the $ 30 level .
The market is staggering despite the Fed 's aggressive move to cut interest rates to near zero , in an emergency rate cut that was announced late Sunday .
`` This decision , taken together with announcements by other central banks , indicates that global monetary authorities will try to do everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Moody 's Associate Managing Director Elena Duggar and Vice President Madhavi Bokil said in a statement sent to NPR .
`` Nevertheless , the ability of central banks to carry the day is quite constrained compared to a decade ago . ''
Beyond rate policy , Duggar and Bokil say , the business world is seeking `` effective communication on other policy measures , including fiscal measures , to offset the health , economic and financial blow that the coronavirus pandemic has dealt . ''
Colorado : anyone who skied at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerns that community transmission is increasing , the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment says anyone who visited areas that include the state 's most popular ski resorts , such as Vail , Aspen and Breckenridge , should self-isolate whether or not they have COVID-19 symptoms .
The recommendation applies to the counties of Eagle , Summit , Pitkin and Gunnison .
`` We 're seeing extensive outbreaks in these communities , '' said Rachel Herlihy , state epidemiologist .
Colorado has at least 131 coronavirus cases ; the state says its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started testing on Feb. 28 .
Colorado is one of the few places in the U.S. where people who are concerned about COVID-19 can get a drive-up test for the virus that causes the disease .
But because of high demand , that service is shut down Monday ; the state says a similar service will open Tuesday and will require appointments .
There are currently more than 4,000 cases of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 in the U.S. , according to a dashboard created by the Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only a fraction of the total number of sick Americans , and the figure is expected to rise as more cities and states gain the ability to test for the virus .
More than 70 people have died from COVID-19 in the U.S. , including 42 in Washington state , eight in New York and six in California .
Florida is reporting five deaths .
At least 17 people in the U.S. have now recovered from the viral disease .
The Johns Hopkins dashboard tracks coronavirus data nearly in real time .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public tally kept by the CDC , which updates its national map at noon ET each day — using numbers from 4 p.m. the previous afternoon .
The CDC maintains a separate count for the nearly 50 infected Americans who were repatriated to the U.S. from Wuhan , China , and Yokohama , Japan .
COVID-19 cases outside China now outnumber those inside With China reporting 81,000 of nearly 175,000 coronavirus cases globally , the rest of the world now has more cases of the respiratory virus than the country where it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inversion comes less than three weeks after the number of new coronavirus cases in the rest of the world first outnumbered the number of new cases in China .
The epicenter of the disease has now shifted to Europe , the World Health Organization says .
`` More cases are now being reported [ in Europe ] every day than were reported in China at the height of its epidemic , '' WHO Director-General Tedros said .
The virus has spread most rapidly in Italy , which is now reporting some 25,000 cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in the country have recovered from COVID-19 .
The Senate will convene Monday afternoon to consider a coronavirus relief bill that the House approved late last week , aiming to give new benefits to American workers '' The U.S. Capitol complex is closed to the public .
A chief of staff for a Democratic senator told NPR that each office is making up its own policies for how to protect staff , '' NPR 's Susan Davis , Kelsey Snell and Claudia Grisales report .
To prevent the coronavirus from spreading , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and water for at least 20 seconds or using a hand sanitizer if a sink is n't available .
The WHO says people should wear face masks only if they 're sick or caring for someone who is .
`` For most people , COVID-19 infection will cause mild illness ; however , it can make some people very ill and , in some people , it can be fatal , '' the WHO says .
`` Older people , and those with preexisting medical conditions ( such as cardiovascular disease , chronic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk for severe disease . ''
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 , according to the WHO : fever ( in 88 % of cases ) , dry cough ( 68 % ) , fatigue ( 38 % ) and sputum/phlegm production ( 33 % ) .
Shortness of breath occurred in nearly 20 % of cases , and about 13 % had a sore throat or headache , the WHO said in a report drawing on more than 70,000 cases in China .

Coronavirus: U.S. Urges Americans To Home-School; The WHO Says: 'Test, Test, Test'
Enlarge this image toggle caption Susan Walsh/AP Susan Walsh/AP
Updated at 5 p.m. ET
The United States has now begun its first week of widespread school closures and restrictions on restaurants, bars and other businesses, with the COVID-19 pandemic remaking daily life for millions of Americans. And the White House added new recommendations Monday, calling for millions of people to work from home and to home-school their children if that's possible.
People who work in service industries now face the prospect of weeks without pay, while others are working from home. Businesses are watching for ripple effects of unexpected slowdowns and cancellations — and hoping to weather what will likely be a prolonged disruption to normal life.
"This is the defining global health crisis of our time," World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Monday. "The days, weeks and months ahead will be a test of our resolve, a test of our trust in science and a test of solidarity."
Tedros added, "Crises like COVID-19 tend to bring out the best and worst in humanity."
Trump announces new guidelines
President Trump's administration laid out several new recommendations for dealing with the coronavirus Monday, calling on families to keep their children home from school if they can and urging people not to congregate in groups larger than 10 people. The new guidelines also urge people nationwide to avoid eating and drinking in restaurants and bars, and to cut out discretionary travel.
Unlike a similar news conference on Friday, Trump's appearance did not spark a rally in U.S. stock markets. Several key indexes endured losses of more than 10% on Monday, making it one of the worst days on Wall Street in years.
The White House guidelines are to be in effect for 15 days. As he unveiled them, Trump stressed that they apply to everyone — even young and healthy people who aren't the most at-risk for complications from the virus.
"If everyone makes this change, or these critical changes and sacrifices now, we will rally together as one nation," Trump said in a news conference at the White House. He added, "And we will defeat the virus and we're going to have a big celebration all together."
"With several weeks of focused action, we can turn the corner and turn it quickly," the president said, adding, "A lot of progress has been made."
The work to develop a vaccine, he added, is ongoing, with clinical trials now under way.
After Trump announced the guidelines, he was asked how long it would be until the U.S. turns a corner in controlling COVID-19. Trump said he has frequently asked health experts that question, himself.
"It seems to me that if we do a really good job... people are talking about July, August – something like that. So it could be right in that period of time, where it, I say it washes through," he said, making a wave gesture with his hand.
When the president was asked if the restrictions on public life will remain in place until mid-summer, he replied, "We'll see what happens, but they think August — could be July, could be longer than that."
Quick coronavirus updates
The New York Stock Exchange plummeted minutes after opening for business Monday, as the Dow Jones Industrial Average felly by more than 2,000 points and triggered automatic circuit breakers that halted trading for 15 minutes. The Dow did even worse later, closing at a loss of 2,997.20 points, or about 13%. The Nasdaq Composite index lost more than 12%, narrowly better than the S&P 500 index, which was down by nearly 12%.
Millions of students are idled for weeks in districts across the nation, kept away from their schools in a bid to slow the spread of the virus. In areas where schools are on hiatus, parents are scrambling to find child care and figure out ways to keep up with their kids' educations. Counties and schools are rushing to provide food for children to ease the burden on families whose schools are shut down.
On Sunday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised an eight-week halt to gatherings of more than 50 people, targeting "conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies." The advisory does not apply to the daily operation of schools or businesses, the CDC said.
The hashtag #QuarantineLife was trending on Twitter on Monday, as Americans share their take on a new normal. The tag was used for everything from sharing tips on working from home to acknowledging the difficulties of staying productive while in isolation.
Idris Elba announces positive coronavirus test
British actor Idris Elba is the latest celebrity to announce a positive coronavirus test, issuing a tweet Monday that set off thousands of replies of support.
"I feel ok, I have no symptoms so far but have been isolated since I found out about my possible exposure to the virus," Elba said.
Urging people to stay home and "be pragmatic," the actor concluded a video message that accompanied the tweet by saying, "Stay positive. And don't freak out."
The revelation comes days after Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, also tested positive for the coronavirus. The couple is currently in isolation in Australia, where they had been visiting as Hanks, 63, prepared to perform in an as-yet untitled film about Elvis Presley. Hanks was signed to play Presley's manager, Colonel Tom Parker.
U.S. guidelines 'well thought-out,' Fauci says
The Trump administration's new guidelines might be inconvenient or seem like an overreaction to some, said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. But he added, "They were well thought-out."
"When you're dealing with an emerging infectious diseases outbreak, you are always behind where you think you are, if you think that today reflects where you really are," Fauci said.
Because of the lag in getting results that show the true spread of a disease, Fauci added, the new policies are commensurate with what is "actually going on in reality."
Canada closes border; U.S. citizens exempted
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says his country's borders will be closed to nearly all non-Canadians, with the exception of U.S. citizens.
"We will be denying entry to Canada to people who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents," Trudeau said at a briefing outside his house in Ottawa.
Exceptions will be made, he added, "for air crews, diplomats, immediate family members of Canadian citizens, and, at this time, U.S. citizens."
Trudeau is currently observing a 14-day period of self-isolation, after his wife, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, tested positive for the coronavirus.
Mexico's president embraces supporters, despite warnings
President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador is being criticized for his response to the COVID-19 pandemic – including his continued practice of embracing and even kissing his supporters. The president has held large rallies and posted videos of himself hugging people, despite international health experts' advice to avoid large public gatherings due to the coronavirus pandemic. His government has also held off on trying to restrict social contacts.
"Attributing the criticism to political adversaries, Lopez Obrador says taking drastic measures now in Mexico is not necessary since, unlike other countries Mexico is still in an early phase of the pandemic," NPR's Carrie Kahn reports. She adds, "A huge musical festival drew more than 100,000 people in the capital over the weekend. The government says it will not implement more restrictive policies to control the virus until next week."
Mexico currently has at least 53 coronavirus cases; no one in the country has died from the respiratory disease.
"I wish with all my soul that the coronavirus doesn't affect us, I want that,"President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said at a news conference Monday. "They are going to say that I'm an idealist, a romantic dreamer, a Quixote, irresponsible."
López Obrador also warned that if he were to say Mexico's economy would be harmed by COVID-19, his country would be harmed.
"I want the dreams to turn into reality and I dream that our people will not suffer ... this is what I want, for this to become reality, I want our people to be happy, happy, happy."
WHO Urges: 'Test, Test, Test'
The WHO's Tedros praised public officials Monday for escalating social distancing policies, through closing schools and canceling many public gatherings. But he also urged them not to ignore what he says is the backbone of the response to COVID-19: testing, isolation and contact tracing. Those elements are at the heart of any response that can prevent infections and break the chains of transmission, he said.
"You cannot fight a fire blindfolded. And we cannot stop this pandemic if we don't know who is infected," Tedros said at a briefing in Geneva. He added, "We have a simple message for all countries: test, test, test. Test every suspected case."
Testing kits for the virus that causes COVID-19 are in high demand; the WHO has sent nearly 1.5 million of them to some 120 countries, Tedros said.
Reiterating his call to test anyone suspected of having the coronavirus, the WHO leader said, "This is a serious disease. Although the evidence we have suggests that those over 60 are at highest risk, young people, including children, have died."
Maryland shuts down restaurants and bars
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan is ordering restaurants, bars, gyms and movie theaters statewide to cease nearly all operations at 5 p.m. ET Monday. For restaurants, only drive-thru, delivery and takeout service will be allowed, he said. The state is also forbidding any gathering of 50 or more people, in line with CDC guidelines.
The emergency orders will be "strictly enforced," Hogan said.
Maryland currently has at least 37 coronavirus cases, the state health department says. Twenty-five of those cases are in Montgomery and Prince George's counties, which abut Washington, D.C.
"We should continue to expect the number of cases to dramatically and rapidly rise. We have never faced anything like this before," Hogan said. "This is going to be much harder, take much longer, and be much worse than almost anyone is currently understanding."
Hogan added that "far too many people" have ignored warnings against crowding into bars and restaurants, putting themselves and their wider communities at risk.
The deadly COVID-19 disease requires leaders at every level to take "drastic actions right now that may seem scary, they may sound extreme; they will be terribly disruptive," Hogan said. "But they are also absolutely necessary to save the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans."
Hogan sought to maintain social distancing as he announced the order, holding a briefing outside of Maryland's Government House and with a small media contingent present. Late last week, Maryland began requiring thousands of state employees to telework.
Stock prices tank immediately after open
The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell some 2,250 points minutes after trading began, as more dire signs of the coronavirus' economic impact emerge. Prices sank more after trading resumed.
The S&P 500 index has fallen by nearly 11% Monday — far surpassing the 7% increment that triggers a pause in trading. Oil prices also continued their dive, crossing below the $30 level.
The market is staggering despite the Fed's aggressive move to cut interest rates to near zero, in an emergency rate cut that was announced late Sunday.
"This decision, taken together with announcements by other central banks, indicates that global monetary authorities will try to do everything in their power to arrest financial stress," Moody's Associate Managing Director Elena Duggar and Vice President Madhavi Bokil said in a statement sent to NPR. "Nevertheless, the ability of central banks to carry the day is quite constrained compared to a decade ago."
Beyond rate policy, Duggar and Bokil say, the business world is seeking "effective communication on other policy measures, including fiscal measures, to offset the health, economic and financial blow that the coronavirus pandemic has dealt."
Colorado: anyone who skied at resorts in past week should self-isolate
Citing concerns that community transmission is increasing, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment says anyone who visited areas that include the state's most popular ski resorts, such as Vail, Aspen and Breckenridge, should self-isolate whether or not they have COVID-19 symptoms.
The recommendation applies to the counties of Eagle, Summit, Pitkin and Gunnison.
"We're seeing extensive outbreaks in these communities," said Rachel Herlihy, state epidemiologist.
Colorado has at least 131 coronavirus cases; the state says its lab has completed 758 tests since it started testing on Feb. 28.
Colorado is one of the few places in the U.S. where people who are concerned about COVID-19 can get a drive-up test for the virus that causes the disease. But because of high demand, that service is shut down Monday; the state says a similar service will open Tuesday and will require appointments.
U.S. coronavirus cases rise
There are currently more than 4,000 cases of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 in the U.S., according to a dashboard created by the Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering. That number is believed to reflect only a fraction of the total number of sick Americans, and the figure is expected to rise as more cities and states gain the ability to test for the virus.
More than 70 people have died from COVID-19 in the U.S., including 42 in Washington state, eight in New York and six in California. Florida is reporting five deaths. At least 17 people in the U.S. have now recovered from the viral disease.
The Johns Hopkins dashboard tracks coronavirus data nearly in real time. It has been more up to date than the public tally kept by the CDC, which updates its national map at noon ET each day — using numbers from 4 p.m. the previous afternoon. The CDC maintains a separate count for the nearly 50 infected Americans who were repatriated to the U.S. from Wuhan, China, and Yokohama, Japan.
COVID-19 cases outside China now outnumber those inside
With China reporting 81,000 of nearly 175,000 coronavirus cases globally, the rest of the world now has more cases of the respiratory virus than the country where it was first detected in December.
The inversion comes less than three weeks after the number of new coronavirus cases in the rest of the world first outnumbered the number of new cases in China.
The epicenter of the disease has now shifted to Europe, the World Health Organization says.
"More cases are now being reported [in Europe] every day than were reported in China at the height of its epidemic," WHO Director-General Tedros said.
The virus has spread most rapidly in Italy, which is now reporting some 25,000 cases and 1,800 deaths. More than 2,300 people in the country have recovered from COVID-19.
Congress considers emergency coronavirus measure
The Senate will convene Monday afternoon to consider a coronavirus relief bill that the House approved late last week, aiming to give new benefits to American workers
"The U.S. Capitol complex is closed to the public. A chief of staff for a Democratic senator told NPR that each office is making up its own policies for how to protect staff," NPR's Susan Davis, Kelsey Snell and Claudia Grisales report.
Coronavirus symptoms and prevention
To prevent the coronavirus from spreading, the CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using a hand sanitizer if a sink isn't available. The WHO says people should wear face masks only if they're sick or caring for someone who is.
"For most people, COVID-19 infection will cause mild illness; however, it can make some people very ill and, in some people, it can be fatal," the WHO says. "Older people, and those with preexisting medical conditions (such as cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease or diabetes) are at risk for severe disease."
The most common symptoms of COVID-19, according to the WHO: fever (in 88% of cases), dry cough (68%), fatigue (38%) and sputum/phlegm production (33%). Shortness of breath occurred in nearly 20% of cases, and about 13% had a sore throat or headache, the WHO said in a report drawing on more than 70,000 cases in China.


npr--2020-03-16--Here's What's Been Flying Off Store Shelves

We 've seen pictures of people lining up at grocery stores , Costco and other retailers looking for essential supplies @ @ @ @ @ .
Sure , hand sanitizer , spray disinfectant and cleaners are among the most popular @ @ @ @ @ shoppers .
But they 're also buying a lot more oat milk and canned goods @ @ @ @ @ grocery store in Washington , D.C. , security worker Brando Sterling said retailers can only @ @ @ @ @ up with the pandemic-driven demand , and he urged people to be thoughtful in their @ @ @ @ @ really need 18 24-packs of toilet paper while your neighbor has none ? ''
he @ @ @ @ @ all just do what we can in order to look out for each other ... @ @ @ @ @ house , person to person , neighbor to neighbor . ''
Here are some of @ @ @ @ @ big sales increases , according to Nielsen data for the week ended March 7 , @ @ @ @ @ a year earlier :

Here's What's Been Flying Off Store Shelves
Enlarge this image toggle caption Gregory Shamus/Getty Images Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Updated at 3:04 p.m. ET
We've seen pictures of people lining up at grocery stores, Costco and other retailers looking for essential supplies as the coronavirus crisis deepens. Sure, hand sanitizer, spray disinfectant and cleaners are among the most popular items sought out by panicked shoppers. But they're also buying a lot more oat milk and canned goods.
At a Harris Teeter grocery store in Washington, D.C., security worker Brando Sterling said retailers can only do so much to keep up with the pandemic-driven demand, and he urged people to be thoughtful in their purchases.
"Do you really need 18 24-packs of toilet paper while your neighbor has none?" he asked. "If we all just do what we can in order to look out for each other ... it just starts house to house, person to person, neighbor to neighbor."
Here are some of the items that have seen big sales increases, according to Nielsen data for the week ended March 7, compared to the same week a year earlier:
Health and safety products
Hand sanitizer: +470%
Aerosol disinfectants: +385.3%
Rubbing alcohol: +253.8%
Bath & shower wipes: +180%
Thermometers: +172.3%
Multipurpose cleaners: +148.2%
First aid kits: +111.9%
Hydrogen peroxide: +109.8%
Antiseptic: +80.7%
Bath & shower soap: +69.6%
Toilet paper: +60%
Cold & flu remedies: +55.5%
Facial tissue: +51.5%
Paper towels: +40.8%
Cough remedies: +37.1%
Antibiotics: +32.8%
Supplements: +35%
Vitamins: +32.3%
Pet medicine: +11.7%
Food, beverage and other products
Oat milk: +347.3%
Fresh meat alternatives: +206.4%
Powdered milk products: +126.3%
Dried beans: +62.9%
Canned meat: +57.9%
Rice: +57.5%
Chickpeas/garbanzos: +47.3%
Water: +42%
Black beans: +41%
Tuna: +31.2%
Pretzels: +14.8%
Kombucha: +10.1%
Fruits and vegetables saw decreases:
Celery: -18.7%
Papayas: -6.5%
Apples: -3.2%


npr--2020-03-17--Museum's Collection Of Purported Dead Sea Scroll Fragments Are Fakes, Experts Say

Museum 's Collection Of Purported Dead Sea Scroll Fragments Are Fakes , Experts Say A months-long analysis of alleged pieces of the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls that are on display at a privately funded museum in Washington , D.C. , has revealed them to be clever forgeries , according to a team of researchers examining the fragments .
Using 3-D and scanning electron microscopes and microchemical testing , a group of independent researchers concluded that all 16 fragments housed at the Museum of the Bible purported to be part of the collection of ancient Hebrew manuscripts were inscribed on leather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the authentic scrolls , which date within a few centuries of the birth of Jesus Christ .
`` After an exhaustive review of all the imaging and scientific analysis results , it is the unanimous conclusion of the Advisory Team that none of the textual fragments in the Museum of the Bible 's Dead Sea Scroll collection are authentic , '' the researchers commissioned by the museum wrote in their report dated November 2019 , but only made public in recent days .
`` Moreover , each exhibits characteristics that suggest they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the intent to mimic authentic Dead Sea Scroll fragments , '' they said .
The Museum of the Bible , funded by Steve Green , the billionaire president of Hobby Lobby , opened in 2017 , with the scroll fragments as its centerpiece .
However , questions about the authenticity of the artifacts quickly emerged .
In October 2018 , the museum acknowledged that five of the 16 fragments had been discredited as fakes by a team of German researchers , who concluded they had `` characteristics inconsistent with ancient origin .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the remaining 11 stayed on public display pending further investigation .
In the report , the investigators said that the ink used on the manuscripts and that used on authentic scrolls did not match and that `` [ m ] any anomalies observed in the application of the ink reinforce the theory that degraded fragments of archeological leather , most likely ancient and already covered with a variety of mineral deposits from the environment , were used as substrates for writing . ''
After discovering that the remaining fragments were fakes , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they might have been fabricated .
`` One interesting possibility is that pieces of Roman-era leather shoes , which have been found at a number of archeological sites from this period , might have served as the substrate for some of the forgeries , '' they said .
The first of the genuine Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947 in a cave in Qumran on the northwest shore of the Dead Sea , in what is now the Israeli-occupied West Bank .
More manuscripts were found in subsequent years .
The texts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Aramaic and Greek , have been of intense interest to scholars for their ability to shed light on the origins of the Hebrew Bible and the time period encompassing the emergence of Christianity in ancient Palestine .
Most of the authentic scroll fragments are housed at the Shrine of the Book at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem .
However , beginning in 2002 , some 70 additional fragments appeared on the antiquities market and were eagerly sought by collectors despite doubts about their provenance .
The Museum of the Bible 's collection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Through Hobby Lobby , Inc. , the family-owned craft store chain known for supporting conservative Christian causes , the Green family amassed some 40,000 biblical artifacts that became the foundation of the museum 's collection .
In 2017 , Hobby Lobby was found to have violated federal law when it purchased 5,500 objects from dealers in the United Arab Emirates and Israel that were later smuggled into the U.S .
In a settlement with the Department of Justice , Hobby Lobby agreed to forfeit the objects and pay a $ 3 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Bible 's CEO , said in commissioning the investigation into the suspect artifacts , the institution was `` trying to be as transparent as possible . ''
`` We 're victims — we 're victims of misrepresentation , we 're victims of fraud , '' he was quoted as saying by National Geographic .

Museum's Collection Of Purported Dead Sea Scroll Fragments Are Fakes, Experts Say
Enlarge this image toggle caption Courtesy of the Israel Antiquities Authority via AP Courtesy of the Israel Antiquities Authority via AP
A months-long analysis of alleged pieces of the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls that are on display at a privately funded museum in Washington, D.C., has revealed them to be clever forgeries, according to a team of researchers examining the fragments.
Using 3-D and scanning electron microscopes and microchemical testing, a group of independent researchers concluded that all 16 fragments housed at the Museum of the Bible purported to be part of the collection of ancient Hebrew manuscripts were inscribed on leather rather than the ancient parchment used in the authentic scrolls, which date within a few centuries of the birth of Jesus Christ.
"After an exhaustive review of all the imaging and scientific analysis results, it is the unanimous conclusion of the Advisory Team that none of the textual fragments in the Museum of the Bible's Dead Sea Scroll collection are authentic," the researchers commissioned by the museum wrote in their report dated November 2019, but made public only in recent days.
"Moreover, each exhibits characteristics that suggest they are deliberate forgeries created in the twentieth century with the intent to mimic authentic Dead Sea Scroll fragments," they said.
The Museum of the Bible, funded by Steve Green, the billionaire president of Hobby Lobby, opened in 2017 with the scroll fragments as its centerpiece. However, questions about the authenticity of the artifacts quickly emerged. In October 2018, the museum acknowledged that five of the 16 fragments had been discredited as fakes by a team of German researchers, who concluded they had "characteristics inconsistent with ancient origin."
While those fragments were removed, the remaining 11 stayed on public display pending further investigation.
In the report, the investigators said that ink used on the manuscripts did not match ink used on authentic scrolls and that "[m]any anomalies observed in the application of the ink reinforce the theory that degraded fragments of archeological leather, most likely ancient and already covered with a variety of mineral deposits from the environment, were used as substrates for writing."
After discovering that the remaining fragments were fakes, the investigators turned to the question of how they might have been fabricated.
"One interesting possibility is that pieces of Roman-era leather shoes, which have been found at a number of archeological sites from this period, might have served as the substrate for some of the forgeries," they said.
The first of the genuine Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947 in a cave in Qumran on the northwest shore of the Dead Sea, in what is now the Israeli-occupied West Bank. More manuscripts were found in subsequent years. The texts, mostly in Hebrew, but some in Aramaic and Greek, have been of intense interest to scholars for their ability to shed light on the origins of the Hebrew Bible and the time period encompassing the emergence of Christianity in ancient Palestine.
Most of the authentic scroll fragments are housed at the Shrine of the Book at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.
However, beginning in 2002, some 70 additional fragments appeared on the antiquities market and were eagerly sought by collectors despite doubts about their provenance. The Museum of the Bible's collection came from this "post-2002" lot.
Through Hobby Lobby Inc., the family-owned craft store chain known for supporting conservative Christian causes, the Green family amassed some 40,000 biblical artifacts that became the foundation of the museum's collection.
In 2017, Hobby Lobby was found to have violated federal law when it purchased 5,500 objects from dealers in the United Arab Emirates and Israel that were later smuggled into the U.S. In a settlement with the Department of Justice, Hobby Lobby agreed to forfeit the objects and pay a $3 million fine.
Harry Hargrave, the Museum of the Bible's CEO, said in commissioning the investigation into the suspect artifacts, the institution was "trying to be as transparent as possible."
"We're victims — we're victims of misrepresentation, we're victims of fraud," he was quoted as saying by National Geographic.


npr--2020-03-17--EU To Shut Borders As France, Germany Tighten Restrictions To Control Coronavirus

EU To Shut Borders As France , Germany Tighten Restrictions To Control Coronavirus With the number of coronavirus cases pushing past 180,000 worldwide , the European Union proposed the closure of its external borders for 30 days in a move to contain the spread of the pandemic , while Germany and France , among the hardest-hit countries in the region , imposed new restrictions on their citizens aimed at increasing social distancing .
If approved as expected , the EU 's extraordinary measure would reverse an earlier reluctance in European capitals and follow the example of the United States , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ban on entry of non-U.S. citizens from 26 EU countries .
Days later , Trump added the United Kingdom and Ireland to the travel-ban list .
Meanwhile , in China — the original epicenter of the epidemic which peaked there less than five weeks ago with a whopping 14,000 new infections reported in a single day — marked a milestone in its efforts to contain the virus , saying Tuesday that it had just one new case .
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that she would ask EU leaders to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bloc on Tuesday .
The EC is also asking the four non-EU member states which are part of the Schengen free-travel zone to participate .
`` The less travel , the more we can contain the virus , '' she said .
In a national television address on Monday , French President Emmanuel Macron said the move meant that all trips between EU and non-EU countries `` will be suspended . ''
Macron said the earlier closing of schools , cafes and non-essential shops had not been properly heeded by the French @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in France , which has seen more than 6,600 cornavirus infections and nearly 150 deaths in recent weeks , was unprecedented in peacetime , declaring , `` We are in a health war . ''
`` Even while medics were warning about the gravity of the situation , we saw people get together in the parks , busy markets and restaurants and bars that did not respect the order to close , '' he said .
He outlined stricter enforcement , warning that those who failed to comply would be punished with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 150 ) .
The tougher measures would be in place for at least 15 days , he said .
Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said 100,000 police would be charged with enforcing the crackdown .
`` I know what I am asking of you is unprecedented but circumstances demand it , '' Macron said .
`` We 're not up against another army or another nation .
But the enemy is right there : invisible , elusive , but it is making progress . ''
The French president said the government would introduce a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ euros in loans to prop up businesses hurt by the pandemic .
He said rent and utility bills owed by small businesses would be suspended .
`` No French company , whatever its size , will be exposed to the risk of collapse , '' Macron said .
Germany , which reported 1,000 new infections in a 24-hour period , bringing the total to more than 7,000 , with 17 deaths , announced Monday the closure of its borders with neighbors France , Austria , Luxembourg , Denmark and Switzerland .
Schools had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Angela Merkel on Monday ordered a ban on religious services and the closing of most shops other than grocery stores .
She told Germans to cancel their travel plans .
`` The better everyone sticks to these rules , the faster we 'll get through this phase , '' Merkel said at a news conference in Berlin , according to the BBC .
Government spokesperson Ulrike Demmer told reporters : `` We have a window of time at the moment to slow the spread of the virus . ''
In a further indication @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the global coronavirus pandemic , Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte appeared in a televised address to the nation , the first premier to do so since 1973 .
`` There is no easy or quick way out of this extremely difficult situation , '' he said .

EU Locks Down Borders As France, Germany Tighten Restrictions To Control Coronavirus
Enlarge this image toggle caption Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images
Updated at 5:52 p.m. ET
The European Union is locking down its borders, imposing a 30-day entry ban on nonessential travel for non-EU citizens to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced the measure Tuesday night, saying people in the member nations can still move freely between those countries.
The ban went into effect immediately.
While the primary goal is to contain the spread of the highly contagious coronavirus in both directions, officials also said it is aimed at reducing pressure on health systems.
There are to the ban a handful of exceptions, which include, citizens of Norway, Switzerland, Great Britain, and Andorra, as well as third-country nationals with long term residence rights in an EU country.
The move is the most draconian taken so far by the 27 EU nations in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the epicenter of which is now in Europe, according to the World Health Organization.
There are more than 76,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 inside Europe, with more than 3,000 people dead. Worldwide, the number of cases has pushed past 190,000 and the death toll is nearing 8,000.
EU leaders have also promised all available aid to the European economy. In a separate meeting with Turkish officials, Chancellor Merkel agreed to increase funds for the care of refugees in Turkey.
Germany and France, among the hardest-hit countries in the region, had already imposed new restrictions on their citizens aimed at increasing social distancing.
The EU's extraordinary measure reverses an earlier reluctance in European capitals and follow the example of the United States, where President Trump last week ordered a ban on entry of non-U.S. citizens from nearly all EU countries. Days later, Trump added Ireland and the United Kingdom to the travel-ban list.
Meanwhile, in China — the original epicenter of the epidemic which peaked there less than five weeks ago with a whopping 14,000 new infections reported in a single day — marked a milestone in its efforts to contain the virus, saying Tuesday that it had just one new case.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed the ban on unnecessary travel into the bloc on Tuesday. The EC is also asking the four non-EU member states which are part of the Schengen free-travel zone to participate.
"The less travel, the more we can contain the virus," she said.
In a national television address on Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron said the move meant that all trips between EU and non-EU countries "will be suspended."
Enlarge this image toggle caption Ludovic Marin/AFP via Getty Images Ludovic Marin/AFP via Getty Images
Macron said the earlier closing of schools, cafes and non-essential shops had not been properly heeded by the French people. He said the tougher measures in France, which has seen more than 6,600 cornavirus infections and nearly 150 deaths in recent weeks, was unprecedented in peacetime, declaring, "We are in a health war."
"Even while medics were warning about the gravity of the situation, we saw people get together in the parks, busy markets and restaurants and bars that did not respect the order to close," he said.
He outlined stricter enforcement, warning that those who failed to comply would be punished with a fine up to 135 euros ($150). The tougher measures would be in place for at least 15 days, he said. Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said 100,000 police would be charged with enforcing the crackdown.
"I know what I am asking of you is unprecedented but circumstances demand it," Macron said. "We're not up against another army or another nation. But the enemy is right there: invisible, elusive, but it is making progress."
The French president said the government would introduce a measure in parliament to guarantee 300 billion euros in loans to prop up businesses hurt by the pandemic. He said rent and utility bills owed by small businesses would be suspended.
"No French company, whatever its size, will be exposed to the risk of collapse," Macron said.
Germany, which reported 1,000 new infections in a 24-hour period, bringing the total to more than 7,000, with 17 deaths, announced Monday the closure of its borders with neighbors France, Austria, Luxembourg, Denmark and Switzerland.
Schools had already been shut down, but Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday ordered a ban on religious services and the closing of most shops other than grocery stores. She told Germans to cancel their travel plans.
"The better everyone sticks to these rules, the faster we'll get through this phase," Merkel said at a news conference in Berlin, according to the BBC.
Government spokesperson Ulrike Demmer told reporters: "We have a window of time at the moment to slow the spread of the virus."
In a further indication of the new and unprecedented nature of the global coronavirus pandemic, Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte appeared in a televised address to the nation, the first premier to do so since 1973.
"There is no easy or quick way out of this extremely difficult situation," he said.


npr--2020-03-17--Poll: Americans Don't Trust What They're Hearing From Trump On Coronavirus

Poll : Americans Do n't Trust What They 're Hearing From Trump On Coronavirus Americans have little trust in the information they are hearing from President Trump about the novel coronavirus , and their confidence in the federal government 's response to it is declining sharply , according to a new NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll .
Just 46 % of Americans now say the federal government is doing enough to prevent the spread of coronavirus , down from 61 % in February .
Just 37 % of Americans now say they had a good amount or a great deal of trust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president , while 60 % say they had not very much or no trust at all in what he 's saying .
Do n't see the graphic above ?
Click here .
The president rates worst of all groups tested , be it public health officials , state and local leaders or the news media .
And more Americans disapprove of the president 's handling of the pandemic than approve by a 49 % -44 % margin .
But that does not differ greatly from his overall job approval rating , which stands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unchanged from the last survey in February , and 51 % still said they approve of the president 's handling of the economy , despite the massive slides in the stock market related to the coronavirus of late .
Public health officials got the highest level of trust at 84 % , followed by those state and local leaders ( 72 % ) .
Americans were split 50 % to 47 % on whether they can trust information coming from the news media or not .
A sharp partisan divide on the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats and 34 % of independents said they trust the information coming from the president .
But three-quarters of Republicans said they do .
When it comes to the news media , two-thirds of Democrats trust the information they hear coming from them ; independents were split ; and Republicans overwhelmingly said they do not trust what they 're hearing from the media .
Having significant chunks of the country either not believing their president ( who controls the federal government 's response ) , the press ( which is a gatekeeper for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be dangerous in a pandemic .
Republicans think coronavirus is blown out of proportion Trump initially underplayed the threat of the novel coronavirus , and that appears to have affected how seriously some Americans , particularly Republicans , are taking the threat of the highly contagious virus .
Just 40 % of Republicans now say it is a real threat , down from 72 % in February .
A majority of Republicans ( 54 % ) said they think it 's been blown out of proportion , more than double what it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Do n't see the graphic above ?
Click here .
But it 's not just Republicans .
Half of independents see it as a real threat , down from two-thirds in February .
Democrats , on the other hand , have gone the opposite direction — 70 % in February said it was a real threat , and now it 's 76 % .
Since the last survey , much of the country has hit pause on regular daily life .
Many states have closed schools , many bars and restaurants have shut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep their distance from each other for an extended period until the pandemic is under control in the United States .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention implored Americans not to attend gatherings of 50 or more people for the next eight weeks .
On Monday , the president urged Americans not to be in groups of 10 or more .
His tone at that press conference was something of an about-face for the president , who appeared to be conveying the threat much more seriously .
`` These numbers speak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a unified message coming out of Washington or even from the White House , '' said Barbara Carvalho , director of the Marist poll , referring in particular to the partisan divide .
`` There was some confusion initially — if this was really a health crisis or an economic crisis . ''
She noted that the differences by party really `` speak to the fact of how we 're getting our information . ''
A lack of faith in the federal government Trump 's reversal appears warranted , given that Americans ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is on the decline .
Americans are split on whether they think the federal government is doing enough to prevent the spread of coronavirus .
Just 46 % say it is , down from 61 % in February .
Again , though , there 's a big political divide .
Many more Democrats now say the federal government is n't taking adequate steps , going from just 35 % in February to 70 % now .
Independents have also declined in their confidence with just 47 % now saying the federal government is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But more than three-quarters ( 77 % ) of Republicans say the Trump-led federal government is doing enough , which is actually a slight improvement from February .
Americans have more faith in their local governments , though , with two-thirds saying their state governments are doing enough .
This survey of 835 adults was conducted Friday and Saturday using live telephone callers via landline and cell phone .
It has a margin of error of +/- 4.8 percentage points .
The survey includes 784 registered voters .
Where registered voters are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is +/- 4.9 percentage points .

Poll: Americans Don't Trust What They're Hearing From Trump On Coronavirus
Enlarge this image toggle caption Win McNamee/Getty Images Win McNamee/Getty Images
Americans have little trust in the information they are hearing from President Trump about the novel coronavirus, and their confidence in the federal government's response to it is declining sharply, according to a new NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll.
Just 46% of Americans now say the federal government is doing enough to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, down from 61% in February.
Just 37% of Americans now say they had a good amount or a great deal of trust in what they're hearing from the president, while 60% say they had not very much or no trust at all in what he's saying.
Loading...
Don't see the graphic above? Click here.
The president rates worst of all groups tested, be it public health officials, state and local leaders or the news media. And more Americans disapprove of the president's handling of the pandemic than approve by a 49%-44% margin. But that does not differ greatly from his overall job approval rating, which stands at 43%.
That's largely unchanged from the last survey in February, and 51% still said they approve of the president's handling of the economy, despite the massive slides in the stock market of late related to the coronavirus.
Public health officials got the highest level of trust at 84%, followed by those state and local leaders (72%). Americans were split 50% to 47% on whether they can trust information coming from the news media or not.
A sharp partisan divide on the president and news media
Just 8% of Democrats and 34% of independents said they trust the information coming from the president. But three-quarters of Republicans said they do.
When it comes to the news media, two-thirds of Democrats trust the information they hear coming from them; independents were split; and Republicans overwhelmingly said they do not trust what they're hearing from the media.
Having significant chunks of the country either not believing their president (who controls the federal government's response), the press (which is a gatekeeper for information), or both, could be dangerous in a pandemic.
Republicans think coronavirus is blown out of proportion
Trump initially underplayed the threat of the novel coronavirus, and that appears to have affected how seriously some Americans, particularly Republicans, are taking the threat of the highly contagious virus.
Just 40% of Republicans now say it is a real threat, down from 72% in February. A majority of Republicans (54%) said they think it has been blown out of proportion, more than double what it was in February (23%).
Loading...
Don't see the graphic above? Click here.
But it's not just Republicans. Half of independents see it as a real threat, down from two-thirds in February. Democrats, on the other hand, have gone the opposite direction — 70% in February said it was a real threat, and now it's 76%.
Since the last survey, much of the country has hit pause on regular daily life. Many states have closed schools, many bars and restaurants have shut down, and Americans are being urged to keep their distance from each other for an extended period until the pandemic is under control in the United States.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Eric Gay/AP Eric Gay/AP
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention implored Americans not to attend gatherings of 50 or more people for the next eight weeks. On Monday, the president urged Americans not to be in groups of 10 or more. His tone at that press conference was something of an about-face for the president, who appeared to be conveying the threat much more seriously.
"These numbers speak to the fact that there was not a unified message coming out of Washington or even from the White House," said Barbara Carvalho, director of the Marist poll, referring in particular to the partisan divide. "There was some confusion initially — if this was really a health crisis or an economic crisis."
She noted that the differences by party really "speak to the fact of how we're getting our information."
A lack of faith in the federal government
Trump's reversal appears warranted, given that Americans' faith in the federal government's response is on the decline. Americans are split on whether they think the federal government is doing enough to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Just 46% say it is, down from 61% in February. Again, though, there's a big political divide. Many more Democrats now say the federal government isn't taking adequate steps, going from just 35% in February to 70% now. Independents have also declined in their confidence with just 47% now saying the federal government is doing enough, down from 69%.
But more than three-quarters (77%) of Republicans say the Trump-led federal government is doing enough, which is actually a slight improvement from February.
Americans have more faith in their local governments, though, with two-thirds saying their state governments are doing enough.
This survey of 835 adults was conducted Friday and Saturday using live telephone callers via landline and cellphone. It has a margin of error of +/- 4.8 percentage points. The survey includes 784 registered voters. Where registered voters are referred to, the margin of error is +/- 4.9 percentage points.


npr--2020-03-17--Poll: As Coronavirus Spreads, Fewer Americans See Pandemic As A Real Threat

Poll : As Coronavirus Spreads , Fewer Americans See Pandemic As A Real Threat In the face of the coronavirus worsening across the U.S. and reordering the daily life of millions of Americans , fewer people view the pandemic as a real threat , according to a new NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll .
Just about 56 % of Americans consider the coronavirus a `` real threat , '' representing a drop of 10 percentage points from last month .
At the same time , a growing number of Americans think the coronavirus is being `` blown out of proportion . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with a majority of Republicans saying it is overblown and the vast majority of Democrats considering it a legitimate threat .
`` Since the pandemic has taken root and grown in the United States , Democrats and Republicans are now poles apart , '' said Lee Miringoff , director of the Marist College Institute of Public Opinion .
`` The consequences of these differing perspectives are shaping how people are responding to calls for action . ''
Overall , less than half of national adults are changing behaviors such as eating from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid crowds , as recommended .
The poll was conducted Friday and Saturday , beginning the same day President Trump declared a national emergency , and before Tuesday 's stricter guidelines from the administration on social distancing .
Anthony Fauci , the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , has cautioned , `` The worst is yet ahead for us . ''
Public health and elected officials have been warning that Americans need to take steps to reduce the risk of spreading the disease .
In February , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adults believed the coronavirus was being blown out of proportion .
Now , that number has risen to nearly 40 % of respondents .
Pollsters found that both shifts are largely driven by changes in opinion by Republicans .
For instance , 72 % of Republicans saw the coronavirus as a real threat in early February , but that figure has now plummeted to 40 % of Republicans now believing the deadly virus is a serious menace .
And a majority of Republicans — 54 % — now say the response to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from last month , when about 23 % of Republicans held that view .
Fewer independents , too , see the coronavirus as a real threat .
Fifty percent of them view it as such now , compared to 64 % of independents last month who said the virus was legitimately threatening .
Democrats remained the most unchanged on this question .
An increasingly number of them — 76 % — now say the danger of the coronavirus is real , up from 70 % last month .
Poll respondent Patricia Bell , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the widespread closure of businesses and near-lockdowns in some cities are measures that she views as too extreme .
`` Obviously there 's a concern for the elderly , but do I agree with the reaction ?
I think it 's a serious issue , but I think to some extent , we 've overhyped it , '' the retired customer service employee told NPR in a follow-up interview .
`` I do n't know that what 's happening in Europe is necessarily going to happen in the United States , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ optimistic we 're going to nip it in the bud .
I 'm more concerned for the economy . ''
Respondent Harry Kenck , a 51-year-old securities trader living in Montana , echoed that view .
The self-identified conservative said he believes the hit to the economy is more unsettling than the public health repercussions .
`` This will do a lot more damage to our economy than it will do to our population , '' Kenck said .
He said the media 's focus on the rising count of reported coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stories of those who recovered from the respiratory disease and accounts of how communities are banding together to combat the crisis .
`` Is this a society-killer ?
Is it going to destroy entire countries , governments and economies ?
Is this the beginning of the end of the world ?
I do n't think so , '' he said .
But Democrat Anne Tendyke , 60 , said the threat needs to be taken seriously .
`` Just look at the numbers , look at the history , look at the data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who lives in Roxboro , N.C. '' We do n't have the infrastructure to manage this level of illness .
It 's not like the flu .
Because the flu comes and goes .
People have immunity to the flu .
Not everyone gets the flu .
There are immunizations for the flu , '' she said .
`` This is a whole different animal . ''
Changing your behavior ?
Depends on your party Despite a growing number of Americans dismissing the coronavirus as a serious threat , 7 in 10 national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very concerned about the spread of the coronavirus to their communities .
That 's a notable increase from last month 's figure , when 44 % expressed concern about the spread of the virus .
But how that apprehension impacts day-to-day life depends on political party affiliation , according to the poll .
Take canceling plans .
About 48 % of Americans said they or someone in their household have done so to avoid crowds .
Some 59 % of Democrats report they have made a point to dodge large gatherings , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of independents have not .
The same party division is illustrated in something as routine as choosing to eat at home versus dining out .
About 60 % of Democrats say they are eating in more often because of the virus , while 63 % of Republicans and 60 % of independents are not .
( A number of states have recently banned eating out , limiting restaurants to take-out to enforce social distancing . )
The poll also found that 42 % of Americans reported having stocked up on food or supplies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans and independents saying there is no need .
Democrats were essentially split on the topic .
Roughly a third of Americans have changed their travel plans because of the contagion .
Democrats ( 38 % ) are more likely to change their travel plans than Republicans and independents ( both 26 % ) .
As for working Americans , only about 1 in 3 reported changing their daily work routines because of the virus , with a majority of Democrats , Republicans and independents saying they had not made adjustments .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Saturday using live telephone callers via landline and cell phone .
It has a margin of error of +/- 4.8 percentage points .
The survey includes 784 registered voters .
Where registered voters are referred to , the margin of error is +/- 4.9 percentage points .

Poll: As Coronavirus Spreads, Fewer Americans See Pandemic As A Real Threat
Enlarge this image toggle caption Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images
In the face of the coronavirus worsening across the U.S. and reordering the daily life of millions of Americans, fewer people view the pandemic as a real threat, according to a new NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll.
Just about 56% of Americans consider the coronavirus a "real threat," representing a drop of 10 percentage points from last month. At the same time, a growing number of Americans think the coronavirus is being "blown out of proportion."
The differences between political parties are stark, with a majority of Republicans saying it is overblown and the vast majority of Democrats considering it a legitimate threat.
"Since the pandemic has taken root and grown in the United States, Democrats and Republicans are now poles apart," said Lee Miringoff, director of the Marist College Institute of Public Opinion. "The consequences of these differing perspectives are shaping how people are responding to calls for action."
Overall, fewer than half of U.S. adults are changing behaviors such as eating from home more often or canceling plans to avoid crowds, as recommended.
The poll was conducted Friday and Saturday, beginning the same day President Trump declared a national emergency, and before Tuesday's stricter guidelines from the administration on social distancing.
Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has cautioned, "The worst is yet ahead for us."
Public health and elected officials have been warning that Americans need to take steps to reduce the risk of spreading the disease.
Views on the threat level
In February, a little more than a quarter of U.S. adults believed the coronavirus was being blown out of proportion. Now, that number has risen to nearly 40% of respondents.
Pollsters found that both shifts are largely driven by changes in opinion by Republicans. For instance, 72% of Republicans saw the coronavirus as a real threat in early February, but that figure has now plummeted to 40% of Republicans now believing the deadly virus is a serious menace.
And a majority of Republicans — 54% — now say the response to the coronavirus is overblown, a significant jump from last month, when about 23% of Republicans held that view.
Fewer independents, too, see the coronavirus as a real threat. Fifty percent of them view it as such now, compared with 64% of independents last month who said the virus was legitimately threatening.
Democrats remained the most unchanged on this question. An increasing number of them — 76% — now say the danger of the coronavirus is real, up from 70% last month.
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Respondents' rationale
Poll respondent Patricia Bell, a 68-year-old Republican living outside Pittsburgh, said the widespread closure of businesses and near-lockdowns in some cities are measures that she views as too extreme.
"Obviously there's a concern for the elderly, but do I agree with the reaction? I think it's a serious issue, but I think to some extent, we've overhyped it," the retired customer service employee told NPR in a follow-up interview.
"I don't know that what's happening in Europe is necessarily going to happen in the United States," Bell said. "I'm cautiously optimistic we're going to nip it in the bud. I'm more concerned for the economy."
Respondent Harry Kenck, a 51-year-old securities trader living in Montana, echoed that view. The self-identified conservative said he believes the hit to the economy is more unsettling than the public health repercussions.
"This will do a lot more damage to our economy than it will do to our population," Kenck said.
He said the media's focus on the rising count of reported coronavirus cases and sweeping response from government agencies overshadows stories of those who recovered from the respiratory disease and accounts of how communities are banding together to combat the crisis.
"Is this a society-killer? Is it going to destroy entire countries, governments and economies? Is this the beginning of the end of the world? I don't think so," he said.
But Democrat Anne Tendyke, 60, said the threat needs to be taken seriously.
"Just look at the numbers, look at the history, look at the data," said Tendyke, a financial analyst who lives in Roxboro, N.C.
"We don't have the infrastructure to manage this level of illness. It's not like the flu. Because the flu comes and goes. People have immunity to the flu. Not everyone gets the flu. There are immunizations for the flu," she said. "This is a whole different animal."
Changing your behavior? Depends on your party
Despite a growing number of Americans dismissing the coronavirus as a serious threat, 7 in 10 U.S. adults said they were either concerned or very concerned about the spread of the coronavirus to their communities.
That's a notable increase from last month's figure, when 44% expressed concern about the spread of the virus.
But how that apprehension affects day-to-day life depends on political party affiliation, according to the poll.
Take canceling plans. About 48% of Americans said they or someone in their household have done so to avoid crowds.
Some 59% of Democrats report they have made a point to dodge large gatherings, while 60% of Republicans and 54% of independents have not.
The same party division is illustrated in something as routine as choosing to eat at home versus dining out. About 60% of Democrats say they are eating in more often because of the virus, while 63% of Republicans and 60% of independents are not. (A number of states have recently banned eating out, limiting restaurants to takeout to enforce social distancing.)
The poll also found that 42% of Americans reported having stocked up on food or supplies, with more than 6 in 10 Republicans and independents saying there is no need. Democrats were essentially split on the topic.
Roughly a third of Americans have changed their travel plans because of the contagion. Democrats (38%) are more likely to change their travel plans than Republicans and independents (both 26%).
As for working Americans, only about 1 in 3 reported changing their daily work routines because of the virus, with a majority of Democrats, Republicans and independents saying they had not made adjustments.
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This survey of 835 adults was conducted Friday and Saturday using live telephone callers via landline and cellphone. It has a margin of error of +/- 4.8 percentage points. The survey includes 784 registered voters. Where registered voters are referred to, the margin of error is +/- 4.9 percentage points.


npr--2020-03-17--Congress Weighs New, Massive Wave Of Emergency Funding To Address Coronavirus

Congress Weighs New , Massive Wave Of Emergency Funding To Address Coronavirus Even as Congress has yet to sign off on a second , major package to address the coronavirus crisis , lawmakers are starting talks on a new , massive emergency funding plan to address some of the country 's increasingly dire economic concerns .
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer jump started specifics for the new plan , proposing a $ 750 billion to raise funding for unemployment insurance , coronavirus treatment and emergency childcare assistance .
The plan also includes student loan and housing payment assistance , aid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and treatment capacity .
The price tag eclipses the first emergency coronavirus aid bill of roughly $ 8 billion approved earlier this month to address response efforts .
Late Monday , the House sent a second bill to address paid sick leave and testing to the Senate .
`` We need big , bold , immediate federal action to deal with the crisis .
The kinds of targeted measures we are putting together will mainline money into the economy and directly into the hands of families that need it most , '' Schumer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the plans .
`` Importantly , this proposal will ensure that our medical professionals have the resources — including physical space and equipment — they need to provide treatment and keep Americans safe . ''
The talks come the same day the stock market shed nearly 3,000 points in its biggest daily decline in more than 30 years and President Trump 's administration announced new , stringent guidelines to tighten public gatherings to 10 people or less .
The proposal also comes as the spreading virus continues to pose a direct threat to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offices remain closed as a result of at least two coronavirus cases among current , D.C-based Hill staffers .
The House , meanwhile , remains on a planned recess this week , which could be extended .
And House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Monday urged many of those staff workers to telecommute in the interim .
The Senate , however , cancelled its planned recess this week to take up the second coronavirus bill that addresses paid sick leave and a boost in testing .
Some Democratic senators expressed ire on Monday that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sooner in order to reduce risk of another gathering in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak .
`` What you see today on the floor of the United States Senate is exactly the opposite of what we are being advised as a nation we need to do , '' Democratic Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin said .
`` Most people are listening to the advice of the medical workers , but unfortunately we were required to come back today from across the United States . ''
So far , no elected member of Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the illness caused by rhw coronavirus .
However , at least two senators — GOP Sens .
Ted Cruz of Texas and Rick Scott of Florida — remain under self-quarantine after exposure to individuals who tested positive .
And over recent days , at least four lawmaker offices have disclosed coronavirus exposure .
However , meetings continued on Capitol Hill on Monday .
Among them , Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Chief White House Economic Advisor Larry Kudlow met with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to discuss coronavirus legislation , a senior congressional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senators on both sides have spent the last several days carefully studying the House proposal , '' McConnell said in a speech on the Senate floor Monday .
`` I know that all of us are eager to act quickly to support American workers , families , and small businesses . ''
McConnell has already said he is in communication with the chairmen of eight committees about additional legislation that will be required and bipartisanship will be key .
And the next steps entail additional legislation providing financial aid to individuals , shoring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care system .
Senators are also considering additional provisions .
For example , Utah Republican Sen. Mitt Romney says the government should immediately issue $ 1,000 to every American so families can manage short-term obligations .
He 's also proposing small business grants , aid for higher education students and deferring student loan payments for new graduates .
But Romney noted the Senate needs to approve the second aid package first .
`` I will be pushing these measures as Senate discussions continue about an additional relief package , '' he said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cotton also suggested it was time for `` extraordinary measures '' and said he was working on his own cash plan for families .
`` I 'm working on legislation to get cash stipends to affected workers and their families so they can buy food and pay the bills during this crisis , '' in addition to working on aid for businesses , Cotton said on Twitter .

White House Seeks $1 Trillion From Congress In Coronavirus Relief Push
Enlarge this image toggle caption Drew Angerer/Getty Images Drew Angerer/Getty Images
Updated at 3:46 p.m. ET
The Trump administration is asking Congress for roughly $1 trillion in new economic relief as lawmakers begin work on the next phase of coronavirus relief efforts.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told reporters that he worked with the president on the economic package. Their discussions included payments to small businesses, loan guarantees for industries like airlines and hotels, and a stimulus package for workers.
"We are looking at sending checks to Americans immediately," Mnuchin said at a press conference at the White House on Tuesday. "Americans need cash now, and the president wants to get cash now. And I mean now, in the next two weeks."
Mnuchin briefed Senate Republicans on the proposal Tuesday afternoon and has already spoken with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.
"This is a very unique situation in this economy. We've put a proposal on the table that would inject $1 trillion into the economy, that is on top of the $300 billion from the IRS deferrals. Now let me just say: This is a combination of loans, this is a combination of direct checks to individuals, this is a combination of creating liquidity for small businesses."
The request comes as a number of lawmakers call for a quick solution for some of the country's increasingly dire economic concerns. There is growing bipartisan agreement around the need to speed direct cash aid to individuals and families.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is calling for any new aid package to meet three criteria: assist individuals and families with financial challenges, secure the country's economy and economic foundation, and ready the health care system and support medical professionals.
"We're going to work here in warp speed for the Senate, which almost never does anything quickly," McConnell told reporters on Tuesday. "These are not ordinary times, this is not an ordinary situation, so it requires extraordinary measures."
McConnell said he plans to work with the White House to reach consensus among Republicans before turning to Democrats to ink a final deal.
The talks are expected to move swiftly. Mnuchin told reporters after a meeting with Senate Republicans that the first concern must be about speeding relief to individuals, families and businesses, and not about the deficit or other long-term issues.
"Congress right now should be concerned about the American workers," Mnuchin said. "In different times, we'll fix the deficit. This is not the time to worry about it."
Republican senators expressed widespread support for the concept of cash payments following the lunch with Mnuchin, but many critical details of how the money will be allocated and to whom still need to be addressed.
The Senate is preparing to vote first on a smaller relief bill that has already been approved in the House. That legislation includes paid sick and family leave for some workers, extended unemployment benefits, and emergency funds for food security programs.
There had been some discussion about holding up the House measure to wait until the broader economic stimulus plan was crafted, but McConnell said that won't be the case. He suggested that despite some unease among members of his party to approve the measure, it should be approved.
"Gag and vote for it anyways, even if you think there's some shortcomings," he said of his advice for those GOP members.
The top Senate Republican also committed to the Senate remaining in session to pass broader relief.
"It is my intention that the Senate will not adjourn until we have passed significant and bold new steps, above and beyond what the House passed, to help our strong nation and our strong underlying economy weather this storm," McConnell said.
House leaders were forced to approve a lengthy technical correction to its legislation Monday. McConnell has predicted bipartisan support to pass that bill in the Senate but noted on Tuesday the need for "a broader package that includes more and broader small business relief."
McConnell has already said that he is in touch with the chairmen of eight committees about additional legislation that will be required and that bipartisanship will be key. The next steps entail providing financial aid to individuals, shoring up small businesses and protecting the health care system.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., jump-started specifics for a comprehensive new plan, proposing a $750 billion to raise funding for unemployment insurance, coronavirus treatment and emergency child care assistance. The plan also includes student loan and housing payment assistance, aid to small businesses and expansion of hospital and treatment capacity.
The price tag eclipses the first emergency coronavirus aid bill of roughly $8 billion approved earlier this month to address response efforts. Late Monday, the House sent a second bill to address paid sick leave and testing to the Senate.
"We need big, bold, immediate federal action to deal with the crisis. The kinds of targeted measures we are putting together will mainline money into the economy and directly into the hands of families that need it most," Schumer said on the Senate floor in outlining the plans. "Importantly, this proposal will ensure that our medical professionals have the resources — including physical space and equipment — they need to provide treatment and keep Americans safe."
The talks came on the same day the stock market shed nearly 3,000 points in its biggest daily decline in more than 30 years and President Trump's administration announced stringent guidelines to tighten public gatherings to 10 people or less. After news of the latest proposals emerged the markets did rebound some.
Several senators had already released proposals for direct cash payments before the White House announcement. For example, Utah Republican Sen. Mitt Romney says the government should immediately issue $1,000 to every American so families can manage short-term obligations. He's also proposing small business grants, aid for higher education students and deferring student loan payments for new graduates.
Arkansas Republican Sen. Tom Cotton released a separate plan Tuesday modeled on economic relief that was approved in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks and the 2008 financial crisis.
His broader proposal includes a tax-rebate check of $1,000 for every adult tax filer making less than $100,000 per year and $500 for each dependent. Married couples making less than $200,000 per year would be eligible for a $2,000 rebate.
The House, meanwhile, remains on a planned recess this week, which could be extended. Pelosi, who returned to her home state of California on Saturday, urged members to allow as many staff as possible to telecommute in the interim.
The furious pace of proposals comes as the spreading virus continues to pose a direct threat to Capitol building operations, as several lawmakers' offices remain closed as a result of at least two coronavirus cases among current D.C-based Hill staffers.
So far, no elected member of Congress has disclosed testing positive for COVID-19, the illness caused by novel coronavirus. However, at least two Republican senators — Ted Cruz of Texas and Rick Scott of Florida — remain under self-quarantine after exposure to individuals who tested positive. And over recent days, at least four lawmaker offices have disclosed coronavirus exposure.
NPR's Ayesha Rascoe contributed to this report