npr--2020-03-21--'You Can't Put The Public In Danger': How The Coronavirus Has Changed Campaigning

'You Ca n't Put The Public In Danger ' : How The Coronavirus Has Changed Campaigning Brianna Wu is hoping for an upset .
The software engineer is looking to challenge incumbent Rep. Stephen Lynch ( D-Mass . )
for a second time .
But , before that , she has to get on the ballot for September 's primary .
For congressional candidates like Wu , that means collecting 2,000 signatures , no large number .
But with in-person contact several limited by the coronavirus outbreak , even that feels impossible now .
`` You ca n't ethically go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on people 's doors or have Democratic town halls , '' Wu said .
`` You ca n't put the public in danger by doing that . ''
In races up and down the ballot , in districts across the country , candidates have suspended canvassing because it 's too dangerous for candidates to ask volunteers to knock on doors .
In-person fundraisers have come to a full stop .
Staffers who once filled campaign offices and spilled into the street are now working from home .
It raises the question : When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` social distancing , '' how do candidates campaign ?
For her part , Wu is one of roughly a dozen candidates who signed on to a letter urging Massachusetts to delay the deadline to submit signatures by 30 days .
She argues that candidates facing tight deadlines to gain ballot access are stuck between two tough choices .
`` Do I just throw away all the work I 've done , or do I put the public in danger , '' she asked , rhetorically , having already made the decision for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of a series of challenges facing candidates who are figuring out how to run in an environment where many voters are more focused on their own well being than any upcoming election .
Wu 's calendar used to be full of engagements , town halls and volunteers knocking on doors .
Now , there 's virtual town halls and call time — hours spent huddling to call would-be supporters — but even the proposition of asking for money is fraught .
`` I had three different people just yesterday who had pledged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we got in touch with them , and they were like , ' I just lost my job , ' '' she said .
Candidates are facing a series of challenging choices , said Amanda Litman , a co-founder of Run For Something , which supports first-time candidates .
One of those is fulfilling the signature requirements to appear on the ballot to begin with .
`` If you ca n't leave your home then you definitely should n't be going up to strangers asking them to sign something to help you get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she said .
`` Challenge number two , we know that for these local candidates , for them the most effective way for them to win an election is to knock doors and personally connect with voters .
Obviously that 's not happening . ''
Instead , they 're turning to things like virtual phone banks , text messages , and digital advertising — in short , any tool at their disposal .
In Suffolk County , New York , Democrat Nancy Goroff is running to challenge Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1st congressional district .
Last week , the chemistry professor scrapped all of her in-person events and sent her staff home .
`` We switched from knocking on doors to calling and texting people because we did not want to be contributing to spreading the virus in any way , '' she said .
The primary is still months away on June 23 , but what primary day may look like is n't far from Goroff 's mind .
She hopes that if things have n't changed by June there will be easier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't know what 's going to come next , '' she said .
`` But we want to make sure first and foremost people are able to vote , and able to do so in safety and not have to worry about exposing themselves to infection by voting . ''
In Illinois ' 14th congressional district , state Sen. Jim Oberweis won a crowded , seven-way primary to take on incumbent Democratic Rep. Lauren Underwood in the fall .
Underwood flipped the traditionally Republican seat in a suburban Illinois district outside of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's one of the GOP 's top targets .
But in an interview , Oberweis says he 's not thinking much about that right now .
Oberweis , a businessman and a perennial candidate for office , said , `` We 're not really focusing right now on trying to win the election in November .
We 're focusing on how do we help people stay safe . ''
For Oberweis , the impact has also been personal .
`` I have a daughter and family out in California .
I 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FaceTime and she is concerned that their whole family has this virus , '' he said .
`` She ca n't get a test because their symptoms are not that serious . ''
Now , he said , his daughter is hoping that at least one member of the family can soon be tested for coronavirus so they 'll have a better sense of whether the whole household is affected .
Since he won his primary , Oberweis has been calling supporters who helped put him on top of a crowded field , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steady stream of resources over social media .
`` What we 're doing from a campaign standpoint is very limited , '' he said , when asked what his campaign may look like in the future .
`` It will be a virtual campaign , we 're talking to some people , we will be doing some tele-town halls , but even the town halls are going to be focused on how we help people . ''

'You Can't Put The Public In Danger': How The Coronavirus Has Changed Campaigning
Enlarge this image toggle caption Charles Rex Arbogast/AP Charles Rex Arbogast/AP
Brianna Wu is hoping for an upset.
The software engineer is looking to challenge incumbent Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.) for a second time. But, before that, she has to get on the ballot for September's primary.
For congressional candidates like Wu, that means collecting 2,000 signatures, no large number. But with in-person contact several limited by the coronavirus outbreak, even that feels impossible now.
"You can't ethically go out to shopping malls, or knock on people's doors or have Democratic town halls," Wu said. "You can't put the public in danger by doing that."
In races up and down the ballot, in districts across the country, candidates have suspended canvassing because it's too dangerous for candidates to ask volunteers to knock on doors. In-person fundraisers have come to a full stop. Staffers who once filled campaign offices and spilled into the street are now working from home. It raises the question: When Americans from coast to coast are practicing "social distancing," how do candidates campaign?
For her part, Wu is one of roughly a dozen candidates who signed on to a letter urging Massachusetts to delay the deadline to submit signatures by 30 days. She argues that candidates facing tight deadlines to gain ballot access are stuck between two tough choices.
"Do I just throw away all the work I've done, or do I put the public in danger," she asked, rhetorically, having already made the decision for her own campaign.
That deadline is one of a series of challenges facing candidates who are figuring out how to run in an environment where many voters are more focused on their own well being than any upcoming election.
Wu's calendar used to be full of engagements, town halls and volunteers knocking on doors. Now, there's virtual town halls and call time — hours spent huddling to call would-be supporters — but even the proposition of asking for money is fraught.
"I had three different people just yesterday who had pledged to donate to my campaign and then we got in touch with them, and they were like, 'I just lost my job,' " she said.
Candidates are facing a series of challenging choices, said Amanda Litman, a co-founder of Run For Something, which supports first-time candidates. One of those is fulfilling the signature requirements to appear on the ballot to begin with.
"If you can't leave your home then you definitely shouldn't be going up to strangers asking them to sign something to help you get on the ballot in the first place," she said. "Challenge No. 2, we know that for these local candidates, for them the most effective way for them to win an election is to knock doors and personally connect with voters. Obviously that's not happening."
Instead, they're turning to things like virtual phone banks, text messages and digital advertising — in short, any tool at their disposal.
In Suffolk County, New York, Democrat Nancy Goroff is running to challenge Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin for his seat in New York's 1st congressional district. Last week, the chemistry professor scrapped all of her in-person events and sent her staff home.
"We switched from knocking on doors to calling and texting people because we did not want to be contributing to spreading the virus in any way," she said.
The primary is still months away on June 23, but what primary day may look like isn't far from Goroff's mind. She hopes that if things haven't changed by June there will be easier access to absentee ballots.
"We don't know what's going to come next," she said. "But we want to make sure first and foremost people are able to vote, and able to do so in safety and not have to worry about exposing themselves to infection by voting."
In Illinois' 14th congressional district, state Sen. Jim Oberweis won a crowded, seven-way primary to take on incumbent Democratic Rep. Lauren Underwood in the fall. Underwood flipped the traditionally Republican seat in a suburban Illinois district outside of Chicago in 2018. This year, it's one of the GOP's top targets.
But in an interview, Oberweis says he's not thinking much about that right now. Oberweis, a businessman and a perennial candidate for office, said, "We're not really focusing right now on trying to win the election in November. We're focusing on how do we help people stay safe."
For Oberweis, the impact has also been personal.
"I have a daughter and family out in California. I've been able to talk to them with FaceTime and she is concerned that their whole family has this virus," he said. "She can't get a test because their symptoms are not that serious."
Now, he said, his daughter is hoping that at least one member of the family can soon be tested for coronavirus so they'll have a better sense of whether the whole household is affected.
Since he won his primary, Oberweis has been calling supporters who helped put him on top of a crowded field, and has been focused on providing a steady stream of resources over social media.
"What we're doing from a campaign standpoint is very limited," he said, when asked what his campaign may look like in the future. "It will be a virtual campaign, we're talking to some people, we will be doing some tele-town halls, but even the town halls are going to be focused on how we help people."


npr--2020-03-21--Elderly Couple Uses FaceTime To Stay Connected During Coronavirus Pandemic

Elderly Couple Uses FaceTime To Stay Connected During Coronavirus Pandemic With elderly populations especially vulnerable to the coronavirus , nursing homes and assisted living centers in Vermont have drastically limited access for visitors .
For the Austins , a couple that began dating just after World War II , it 's the first time they 've been apart .
`` He was 20 and I was 16 when we met in church , '' said Marion Austin , who sat on the couch in her Rutland living room last Friday and looked through old photo albums .
`` We were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kind of chatted up during the service , and then afterwards went out for a soda .
It was probably six or eight months later that he asked me to go steady . ''
Marion is petite and lively , with short white hair and bright blue eyes .
As she showed a photo from her and John 's wedding , she said , `` That was who he was around the time when I met him : Johnny Austin .
He was so handsome . ''
The two were married when Marion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Oct. 7 , 1950 .
This year , in October , will mark their 70th wedding anniversary .
The Austins moved to Vermont with their three children in 1969 .
Marion was a housewife and John was a home builder .
When their kids were grown , Marion returned to school to get a master 's degree in counseling psychology and went to work .
For his part , John kept building houses until he retired in his 60s .
He stayed active by skiing and playing tennis , but Parkinson 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on him , and caring for him eventually became too much for Marion .
In July 2018 , John checked into The Pines , a nursing home in Rutland .
Marion began living by herself for the first time at age 86 .
`` Someone used the term 'ambiguous grieving ' because you 're grieving for someone who 's still here , '' said Marion of caring for John through his dementia .
`` It was beginning a series of letting go : First of all , letting go by letting someone else @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did his laundry .
Then finally , I let go of that . ''
However , she could n't let go of daily visits to see John , tell him she loved him and make sure he had whatever he needed .
`` This is where the 'for better or for worse ' comes in , you know ? ''
she said .
Marion said she visited John nearly every day until last week , when nursing homes everywhere began to limit outside visitors to protect their clients from the coronavirus and COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ awful , it 's just different , '' she said of the change .
She understands and appreciates the precautions and , having visited so often , she knows and trusts the staff at The Pines .
`` I do n't have any worries about his care .
I know the people who are going to be sure he 's OK , '' she said .
For example : `` There 's a gal in activities who always makes sure his hearing aids are in there ... and somebody else who makes sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ programs . ''
And now , staff at The Pines are also helping Marion FaceTime with John , since she ca n't be there to spend time with him in person .
On a recent day , she gave him a call .
`` Hi Honey !
Can you see me ? ''
she asked .
With the help of a nurse , John replied : `` Marion — yes , I 'm here . ''
Resting her phone on her lap , Marion relaxed , laughing with John and his nurse as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how he 'd laughed and joked through a dinner the night before with a friend named Lena at the nursing home .
`` But we 're still married right ? ''
Marion said with a smile .
`` I 'll find out when you get here , '' John said , laughing .
`` I 'll get there when I can , OK ? ''
Marion said .
`` I ca n't get there just yet , but I 'll get there sometime , OK ? ''
They talked like this for about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with John are always bittersweet .
Their conversations are n't real conversations anymore .
Even when she 'd see him in person at the nursing home , she admits she felt exhausted in the elevator , heading home .
But not being able to see him is harder .
She worries he 'll forget her .
`` I think the only way we 're going to know the full impact is by ... how long ... this will go on , '' Marion said .
`` If it goes on a week , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to go for a month , will he know me then ?
Maybe not . ''
The concerns over COVID-19 are real , and Marion appreciates that she and her husband are at high risk .
However , it 's been hard ; her caregivers support group has canceled its meetings and isolation looms .
`` I try not to be afraid .
I do n't want to live my life in fear , '' she said .
`` The two words that come to mind are trust and gratitude .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for what is . ''
And faith , she added , knowing the situation is out of her hands .
`` That 's why , from the day John went in that nursing home — even before — I have disciplined myself to take one day at a time .
I 'm still learning ; I have n't gotten there , '' she said with a laugh .
`` But if I can stay in the present , I 'm not thinking about how long this is going to go on .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , if all she has right now is FaceTime with her husband , she 'll be grateful for that .

Elderly Couple Uses FaceTime To Stay Connected During Coronavirus Pandemic
Enlarge this image toggle caption Nina Keck/VPR Nina Keck/VPR
With elderly populations especially vulnerable to the coronavirus, nursing homes and assisted living centers in Vermont have drastically limited access for visitors. For the Austins, a couple that began dating just after World War II, it's the first time they've been apart.
"He was 20 and I was 16 when we met in church," said Marion Austin, who sat on the couch in her Rutland living room last Friday and looked through old photo albums. "We were sitting in the balcony... and we kind of chatted up during the service, and then afterwards went out for a soda. It was probably six or eight months later that he asked me to go steady."
Marion is petite and lively, with short white hair and bright blue eyes. As she showed a photo from her and John's wedding, she said, "That was who he was around the time when I met him: Johnny Austin. He was so handsome."
The two were married when Marion was 19 and John was 23, on Oct. 7, 1950. This year, in October, will mark their 70th wedding anniversary.
The Austins moved to Vermont with their three children in 1969. Marion was a housewife and John was a home builder. When their kids were grown, Marion returned to school to get a master's degree in counseling psychology and went to work.
For his part, John kept building houses until he retired in his 60s. He stayed active by skiing and playing tennis, but Parkinson's disease and dementia slowly took their toll on him, and caring for him eventually became too much for Marion.
In July 2018, John checked into The Pines, a nursing home in Rutland. Marion began living by herself for the first time at age 86.
"Someone used the term 'ambiguous grieving' because you're grieving for someone who's still here," said Marion of caring for John through his dementia. "It was beginning a series of letting go: First of all, letting go by letting someone else take care of him — I still did his laundry. Then finally, I let go of that."
However, she couldn't let go of daily visits to see John, tell him she loved him and make sure he had whatever he needed.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Courtesy of Marion Austin Courtesy of Marion Austin
"This is where the 'for better or for worse' comes in, you know?" she said.
Marion said she visited John nearly every day until last week, when nursing homes everywhere began to limit outside visitors to protect their clients from the coronavirus and COVID-19.
"It's not terrible or awful, it's just different," she said of the change. She understands and appreciates the precautions and, having visited so often, she knows and trusts the staff at The Pines.
"I don't have any worries about his care. I know the people who are going to be sure he's OK," she said. For example: "There's a gal in activities who always makes sure his hearing aids are in there ... and somebody else who makes sure he gets to all of the musical programs."
And now, staff at The Pines are also helping Marion FaceTime with John, since she can't be there to spend time with him in person.
On a recent day, she gave him a call.
"Hi Honey! Can you see me?" she asked.
With the help of a nurse, John replied: "Marion — yes, I'm here."
Resting her phone on her lap, Marion relaxed, laughing with John and his nurse as she heard about his day, including how he'd laughed and joked through a dinner the night before with a friend named Lena at the nursing home.
"But we're still married right?" Marion said with a smile.
"Yeah, I hope so!" John said.
"We are, honey!"
"I'll find out when you get here," John said, laughing.
"I'll get there when I can, OK?" Marion said. "I can't get there just yet, but I'll get there sometime, OK?"
"Don't forget me," John said.
"I love you."
"I love you too... bye."
They talked like this for about three minutes.
For Marion, visits with John are always bittersweet. Their conversations aren't real conversations anymore. Even when she'd see him in person at the nursing home, she admits she felt exhausted in the elevator, heading home.
But not being able to see him is harder. She worries he'll forget her.
"I think the only way we're going to know the full impact is by... how long... this will go on," Marion said. "If it goes on a week, two weeks, if I'm not able to go for a month, will he know me then? Maybe not."
The concerns over COVID-19 are real, and Marion appreciates that she and her husband are at high risk. However, it's been hard; her caregivers support group has canceled its meetings and isolation looms.
"I try not to be afraid. I don't want to live my life in fear," she said. "The two words that come to mind are trust and gratitude. I have a lot of trust and gratitude for what is."
And faith, she added, knowing the situation is out of her hands.
"That's why, from the day John went in that nursing home — even before — I have disciplined myself to take one day at a time. I'm still learning; I haven't gotten there," she said with a laugh. "But if I can stay in the present, I'm not thinking about how long this is going to go on. I can't."
So, she said, if all she has right now is FaceTime with her husband, she'll be grateful for that.


npr--2020-03-21--Coronavirus Threatens Rural Hospitals Already At The Financial Brink

Coronavirus Threatens Rural Hospitals Already At The Financial Brink Rural hospitals may not be able to keep their doors open as the coronavirus pandemic saps their cash , their CEOs warn , just as communities most need them .
As the coronavirus sweeps across the United States , all hospitals are facing cancellations of doctor visits and procedures by a terrified populace — profitable services that usually help fund hospitals .
Meanwhile , the institutions also find themselves needing to pay higher prices for personal protective equipment such as face masks and other gear that 's in short supply .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ nationwide Wednesday to delay elective surgeries to free up capacity and resources for future coronavirus patients .
The American Hospital Association responded Thursday by asking Congress for $ 100 billion for all hospitals to offset coronavirus costs , citing rural hospitals ' inability to withstand huge losses for long .
`` If we 're not able to address the short-term cash needs of rural hospitals , we 're going to see hundreds of rural hospitals close before this crisis ends , '' warned Alan Morgan , the head of the National Rural Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ providers and hospitals .
`` This is not hyperbole . ''
Well before the COVID-19 threat , rural health care 's profitability had collapsed nationwide due to a combination of narrowing Medicare reimbursements , a larger share of patients lacking high-paying private insurance and the hollowing out of rural America .
Given such pressures , more than 120 rural hospitals have been forced to close over the past decade .
Those hospitals in small-town America that have survived rely heavily on moneymakers such as elective surgeries , physical therapy and lab tests to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to the Chicago-based Chartis Center for Rural Health , almost half of them still operate in the red .
So the added financial hit from the coronavirus outbreak could be the final straw for many rural hospitals — exposing the complicated business dynamics at play within the United States ' critical public health infrastructure .
`` This virus , and what it is causing for these hospitals , is the perfect storm that will close these hospitals at a time this country critically needs them , '' says Robin Rau , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Georgia .
`` This is going to be the death blow to them . ''
Two weeks ago , she started eliminating all medical services that were not urgent .
She estimates that has cut off at least half of the hospital 's revenue .
Other CEOs warned similar cuts at their hospitals mean they wo n't make payroll in the coming weeks .
The National Rural Health Association , along with many rural hospital executives , is lobbying for immediate cash assistance , no-interest loans , Medicare reimbursement adjustments and other suggestions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favors a bailout plan from Sens .
John Barrasso , R-Wyo.
, and Michael Bennet , D-Colo. , which in early drafts called for the equivalent of a three-month advance based on hospitals ' previous patient numbers , according to Bennet 's office .
`` Rural hospitals have already been closing their doors at startling rates , and this crisis will only exacerbate that fact , '' Bennet tells KHN in a written statement .
`` There is an incredible opportunity for rural hospitals to shoulder some of the burdens of caring for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shortages . ''
Still , many rural hospital CEOs worry any assistance may come too late .
`` And yet I hear they 're going to bail out the cruise lines ?
Really ? ''
Missouri 's Scotland County Hospital CEO Dr. Randy Tobler says .
As Tobler looks at his older , sicker , underinsured patient population , he says he is afraid the hospital , located on the state 's northeastern rural border , might last only until May before running out of money for payroll .
`` In the truly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to high duty , '' he says .
`` And we 're running on fumes . ''
Michael Purvis , CEO of Candler County Hospital in Metter , Ga. , says he 's already fallen into a negative cash flow situation in the past week .
The number of patients coming to his hospital , which is about 65 miles outside Savannah , for profitable outpatient procedures has dropped by half as people in droves have canceled their surgeries , MRIs and physical therapy .
Purvis has implemented fever checks of people at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that his billing staff could be forced to quarantine themselves if they fall ill — effectively shutting off the hospital 's revenue .
`` If my billers and coders stay healthy , I can make it to April , maybe end of June , '' Purvis says .
On top of the massive loss of revenue , Julie Jones , CEO at Community Hospital-Fairfax in northwestern Missouri , says she can only get specialty N95 respirator masks that offer critical protection for her front-line providers for about $ 5 each — more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cents .
Ashley Ammons , CEO of Clinch Memorial Hospital in Homerville , Ga. , says she has warned staff that if hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes continue to go missing , she 'll watch the video footage and fire on the spot anyone caught stealing supplies .
And she is so worried about running out of protective equipment , she 's asking any of her `` crafty '' staff with sewing machines to sew cotton masks .
`` I would rather staff go in with a fabric mask than no mask at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be sure , rural hospitals are not as equipped as larger hospital systems to handle the most serious coronavirus cases .
Many are not outfitted with ICUs or enough doctors and staff to handle multiple intensive care patients .
That means they have to transfer those patients to larger hospitals .
Still , rural experts argue that their bed and health care capacity can be leveraged to keep potential coronavirus cases out of the major hospitals .
Plus , rural facilities could be places for initial triage or eventual recovery care .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country is about to lose this critical public health infrastructure .
`` We can talk all we want about the cost of health care in this country in this ridiculous health care system we have , '' she says .
`` But at a time like this , who for a minute would think about getting rid of rural hospitals ? ''
Kaiser Health News is a nonprofit , editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation .
KHN is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente .

Coronavirus Threatens Rural Hospitals Already At The Financial Brink
Enlarge this image toggle caption Cavan Images/Getty Images Cavan Images/Getty Images
Rural hospitals may not be able to keep their doors open as the coronavirus pandemic saps their cash, their CEOs warn, just as communities most need them.
As the coronavirus sweeps across the United States, all hospitals are facing cancellations of doctor visits and procedures by a terrified populace — profitable services that usually help fund hospitals. Meanwhile, the institutions also find themselves needing to pay higher prices for personal protective equipment such as face masks and other gear that's in short supply. Vice President Mike Pence called on hospitals nationwide Wednesday to delay elective surgeries to free up capacity and resources for future coronavirus patients.
The American Hospital Association responded Thursday by asking Congress for $100 billion for all hospitals to offset coronavirus costs, citing rural hospitals' inability to withstand huge losses for long.
"If we're not able to address the short-term cash needs of rural hospitals, we're going to see hundreds of rural hospitals close before this crisis ends," warned Alan Morgan, the head of the National Rural Health Association, which represents 21,000 health care providers and hospitals. "This is not hyperbole."
Well before the COVID-19 threat, rural health care's profitability had collapsed nationwide due to a combination of narrowing Medicare reimbursements, a larger share of patients lacking high-paying private insurance and the hollowing out of rural America. Given such pressures, more than 120 rural hospitals have been forced to close over the past decade.
Those hospitals in small-town America that have survived rely heavily on moneymakers such as elective surgeries, physical therapy and lab tests to make their razor-thin margins work. But, according to the Chicago-based Chartis Center for Rural Health, almost half of them still operate in the red.
So the added financial hit from the coronavirus outbreak could be the final straw for many rural hospitals — exposing the complicated business dynamics at play within the United States' critical public health infrastructure.
"This virus, and what it is causing for these hospitals, is the perfect storm that will close these hospitals at a time this country critically needs them," says Robin Rau, CEO of Miller County Hospital in southwestern Georgia. "This is going to be the death blow to them."
Two weeks ago, she started eliminating all medical services that were not urgent. She estimates that has cut off at least half of the hospital's revenue. Other CEOs warned similar cuts at their hospitals mean they won't make payroll in the coming weeks.
The National Rural Health Association, along with many rural hospital executives, is lobbying for immediate cash assistance, no-interest loans, Medicare reimbursement adjustments and other suggestions to alleviate the pain. The association favors a bailout plan from Sens. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., and Michael Bennet, D-Colo., which in early drafts called for the equivalent of a three-month advance based on hospitals' previous patient numbers, according to Bennet's office.
"Rural hospitals have already been closing their doors at startling rates, and this crisis will only exacerbate that fact," Bennet tells KHN in a written statement. "There is an incredible opportunity for rural hospitals to shoulder some of the burdens of caring for patients and helping to meet possible bed shortages."
Still, many rural hospital CEOs worry any assistance may come too late.
"And yet I hear they're going to bail out the cruise lines? Really?" Missouri's Scotland County Hospital CEO Dr. Randy Tobler says.
As Tobler looks at his older, sicker, underinsured patient population, he says he is afraid the hospital, located on the state's northeastern rural border, might last only until May before running out of money for payroll.
"In the truly safety-net areas, we're being called to high duty," he says. "And we're running on fumes."
Michael Purvis, CEO of Candler County Hospital in Metter, Ga., says he's already fallen into a negative cash flow situation in the past week. The number of patients coming to his hospital, which is about 65 miles outside Savannah, for profitable outpatient procedures has dropped by half as people in droves have canceled their surgeries, MRIs and physical therapy. Purvis has implemented fever checks of people at the entrance. But he remains fearful that his billing staff could be forced to quarantine themselves if they fall ill — effectively shutting off the hospital's revenue.
"If my billers and coders stay healthy, I can make it to April, maybe end of June," Purvis says.
On top of the massive loss of revenue, Julie Jones, CEO at Community Hospital-Fairfax in northwestern Missouri, says she can only get specialty N95 respirator masks that offer critical protection for her front-line providers for about $5 each — more than 16 times the normal cost of 30 cents.
Angela Ammons, CEO of Clinch Memorial Hospital in Homerville, Ga., says she has warned staff that if hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes continue to go missing, she'll watch the video footage and fire on the spot anyone caught stealing supplies. And she is so worried about running out of protective equipment, she's asking any of her "crafty" staff with sewing machines to sew cotton masks.
"I would rather staff go in with a fabric mask than no mask at all," she says.
To be sure, rural hospitals are not as equipped as larger hospital systems to handle the most serious coronavirus cases. Many are not outfitted with ICUs or enough doctors and staff to handle multiple intensive care patients. That means they have to transfer those patients to larger hospitals.
Still, rural experts argue that their bed and health care capacity can be leveraged to keep potential coronavirus cases out of the major hospitals. Plus, rural facilities could be places for initial triage or eventual recovery care.
And if nothing changes, Rau worries, the country is about to lose this critical public health infrastructure.
"We can talk all we want about the cost of health care in this country in this ridiculous health care system we have," she says. "But at a time like this, who for a minute would think about getting rid of rural hospitals?"
Kaiser Health News is a nonprofit, editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation. KHN is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente.


npr--2020-03-21--Country Music Legend Kenny Rogers Dies At 81

Country music icon Kenny Rogers , whose hits included `` Lucille , '' `` Lady '' and `` The Gambler , '' died late Friday at his home in Sandy Springs , Ga. , his family said in a statement .
He was 81 .
The Houston-born country star had 20 No.-1 hits and three Grammys and performed for some 60 years before retiring from touring in 2017 at age 79 , according to the Associated Press .
Rogers did n't write most of his hits and often said he did n't consider himself much of a songwriter .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a knack for picking songs that could draw in the listener .
`` I 've always felt great songs put you in a spot , put you in a place — on a warm summer 's evening , on a train bound for nowhere , '' he said .
`` You know where you are , and from there the rest of the song plays out . ''
`` The Gambler '' would become a worldwide hit in 1978 and turn into Rogers ' calling card .
He always joked , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a gambler himself .
`` I learned a long time ago , I ca n't win enough money to excite me , but I can lose enough to depress me , '' he said told NPR 's Rachel Martin 2015 .
`` So I do n't gamble .
But you 're right , it 's been a career-identifying song . ''
Rogers was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame , in 2013 , but he always spanned genres .
His career really started with jazz , playing upright bass with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he grew up in public housing and became the first in his family to graduate from high school .
After a stint playing bass with the The New Christy Minstrels , he went on to co-found The First Edition .
Rogers would quickly become a solo artist , but he was always known for his collaborations — especially duets with Dolly Parton .
The story goes that Rogers was in his studio in Los Angeles for days trying to perfect the song `` Islands in the Stream '' by the Bee Gees .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Parton , '' and she happened to be in town .
They both recalled it being a magical studio moment .
`` Islands '' became a No.-1 hit in 1983 .
After that first chance encounter , Rogers and Parton performed together for decades .
They were often accused of carrying on a love affair , but both said it was just a special bond .
In 2017 , Dan Rather asked Parton to explain .
`` I love him to death , '' she told Rather .
`` He 's like a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ twin soul .
We just know each other .
We can see each other across the room and know what each other is thinking about , whatever else is going on in the room . ''
Their musical chemistry was so central to both of their careers that Don Schlitz , who wrote `` The Gambler , '' penned a song , `` You Ca n't Make Old Friends , '' based on their three-decade relationship .
The song will now be a poignant tribute .
But Parton once told Rogers she would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funeral .
Rogers ' family plans a private service `` out of concern for the national COVID-19 emergency , '' the statement posted early Saturday read .
The family plans to hold a public memorial at a later date .

Country Music Legend Kenny Rogers Dies At 81
Enlarge this image toggle caption Charley Gallay/Getty Charley Gallay/Getty
Country music icon Kenny Rogers, whose hits included "Lucille," "Lady" and "The Gambler," died late Friday at his home in Sandy Springs, Ga., his family said in a statement. He was 81.
The Houston-born country star had 20 No.-1 hits and three Grammys and performed for some 60 years before retiring from touring in 2017 at age 79, according to the Associated Press.
Rogers didn't write most of his hits and often said he didn't consider himself much of a songwriter. But he told NPR in 2012 that he had a knack for picking songs that could draw in the listener.
"I've always felt great songs put you in a spot, put you in a place — on a warm summer's evening, on a train bound for nowhere," he said. "You know where you are, and from there the rest of the song plays out."
"The Gambler" would become a worldwide hit in 1978 and turn into Rogers' calling card. He always joked, however, that he wasn't much of a gambler himself.
"I learned a long time ago, I can't win enough money to excite me, but I can lose enough to depress me," he said told NPR's Rachel Martin 2015. "So I don't gamble. But you're right, it's been a career-identifying song."
Rogers was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, in 2013, but he always spanned genres. His career really started with jazz, playing upright bass with a trio in Houston, the city where he grew up in public housing and became the first in his family to graduate from high school. After a stint playing bass with the The New Christy Minstrels, he went on to co-found The First Edition.
Rogers would quickly become a solo artist, but he was always known for his collaborations — especially duets with Dolly Parton.
The story goes that Rogers was in his studio in Los Angeles for days trying to perfect the song "Islands in the Stream" by the Bee Gees. Someone suggested, "This needs Dolly Parton," and she happened to be in town. They both recalled it being a magical studio moment. "Islands" became a No.-1 hit in 1983.
toggle caption Rick Diamond/Getty Images
After that first chance encounter, Rogers and Parton performed together for decades. They were often accused of carrying on a love affair, but both said it was just a special bond. In 2017, Dan Rather asked Parton to explain.
"I love him to death," she told Rather. "He's like a brother to me, or like a twin soul. We just know each other. We can see each other across the room and know what each other is thinking about, whatever else is going on in the room."
Their musical chemistry was so central to both of their careers that Don Schlitz, who wrote "The Gambler," penned a song, "You Can't Make Old Friends," based on their three-decade relationship.
The song will now be a poignant tribute. But Parton once told Rogers she would never be able to sing at his funeral.
Rogers' family plans a private service "out of concern for the national COVID-19 emergency," the statement posted early Saturday read. The family plans to hold a public memorial at a later date.


npr--2020-03-20--Tracking The Money Race Behind The Presidential Campaign

Tracking The Money Race Behind The Presidential Campaign Raising money is n't just a necessity for candidates hoping to make it through the long and expensive presidential primary process — it 's a way to measure candidates ' credibility and staying power in a crowded field .
Democrats are dealing with their largest primary pool in at least 40 years , and how they fare in raking in cash could separate the candidates in the pack .
Here are the financial figures that the candidates , including President Trump , have reported to the Federal Election Commission , so far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that other committees , such as the Republican National Committee and the Trump Victory Committee , have transferred to him .
These numbers reflect the total amount raised through the fourth quarter of 2019 .
This includes , among other sources , money raised from individual contributions and money transferred from other campaign accounts , such as a candidate 's past Senate or House campaign : There are also more detailed fundraising metrics that give the public an idea about the priorities of the candidates and how they run their campaigns .
Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support from corporate political action committees .
While these committees have allowed businesses and trade groups in the past to funnel huge amounts of cash to eager candidates , Democrats have become increasingly worried about the appearance of businesses having undue influence over the political process .
Campaigns are also making a point of touting the amount they have raised from small donors ( those who give less than $ 200 ) .
These donors , who do n't have to disclose their names or information , can represent the measure of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of course , does n't always translate to primary delegates — as Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders learned during his unsuccessful bid for the presidency in 2016 — but it certainly gives candidates staying power .
Candidates are required to file quarterly reports with the Federal Election Commission through 2019 and then will switch to monthly reports if they 've raised or spent at least $ 100,000 .
Total money raised for each candidate includes the following : • Individual contributions : Donations from individuals — capped at $ 2,800 per donor for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaigns often advertise and is broken down into supporters who have given more than $ 200 and those who have given $ 200 or less .
• PACs and political committees : Transfers to the campaign from political action committees or another political committee , such as a candidate 's previous campaign from a different run for office .
• Self-funding , loans and other : Can include refunds , investments , etc .
This page will be updated as more fundraising numbers become available .
Ca n't see the graphics in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was originally published on April 16 , 2019 .

Tracking The Money Race Behind The Presidential Primary Campaign
Editor's Note on June 4: We're no longer updating this page. For the latest on the money race between President Trump and his challenger, Joe Biden, go here.
Raising money isn't just a necessity for presidential candidates — it can also be a way to measure candidates' credibility and staying power.
Though Democrats had their largest primary pool in at least 40 years, a candidate who never cracked the top tier of fundraising during that contest ended up on top. And a candidate who spent a billion dollars had virtually nothing to show for it.
Here are the financial figures that the candidates including President Trump and the presumptive Democratic nominee, former Vice President Joe Biden, have reported to the Federal Election Commission, so far. The president's totals include money that other committees, such as the Republican National Committee and the Trump Victory Committee, have transferred to him.
First, here's how Biden and Trump stack up:
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There are also more detailed fundraising metrics that give the public an idea about the priorities of the candidates and how they have run their campaigns.
Democrats have widely rejected, for example, support from corporate political action committees. While these committees have allowed businesses and trade groups in the past to funnel huge amounts of cash to eager candidates, Democrats have become increasingly worried about the appearance of businesses having undue influence over the political process.
Campaigns also make a point of touting the amount they have raised from small donors (those who give less than $200). These donors, who don't have to disclose their names or information, can represent the measure of a candidate's grassroots support. That, of course, doesn't always translate to primary delegates — as Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren learned during their unsuccessful — but it certainly gives candidates staying power.
And of course, much of the funding for Democrats during the 2020 primary came from the candidates themselves. Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg contributed more than $1 billion to his own bid for president, but dropped out the day after Super Tuesday without winning a single primary.
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Candidates were required to file quarterly reports with the Federal Election Commission through 2019 and then switched to monthly reports in 2020.
Total money raised for each candidate includes the following:
Individual contributions: Donations from individuals — capped at $2,800 per donor for the primaries. This is the top-line number campaigns often advertise and is broken down into supporters who have given more than $200 and those who have given $200 or less.
Donations from individuals — capped at $2,800 per donor for the primaries. This is the top-line number campaigns often advertise and is broken down into supporters who have given more than $200 and those who have given $200 or less. PACs and political committees: Transfers to the campaign from political action committees or another political committee, such as a candidate's previous campaign from a different run for office.
Transfers to the campaign from political action committees or another political committee, such as a candidate's previous campaign from a different run for office. Self-funding, loans and other: Can include refunds, investments, etc.
This page will be updated as more fundraising numbers become available.
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Can't see the graphics in this story? Click here.
This story was originally published on April 16, 2019.


npr--2020-03-20--N.C. Sheriffs Find 18,000 Pounds Of Toilet Paper And Other Products In Stolen Truck

N.C. Sheriffs Find 18,000 Pounds Of Toilet Paper And Other Products In Stolen Truck There 's hoarding and then there 's HOARDING .
Stealing a truck that 's hauling about 18,000 pounds of bathroom paper products during a global pandemic during which the commodity has become invaluable to the panicked public likely falls into the all-caps category .
On Wednesday , deputies from the Guilford County Sheriff 's office in North Carolina said they came across the 18-wheel tractor trailer as it was traveling on Interstate 40 in Whitsett .
It is unclear why they decided to follow the vehicle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off .
They followed the truck to a warehouse/dock facility near the interstate .
`` After further investigation , it was determined the 53 ' foot Hyundai dry-van trailer was reported stolen locally and was being utilized to transport nearly 18,000 pounds of commercial , bathroom paper products , '' the department said .
Officials said it is an ongoing investigation and that no arrests have yet been made .
News of the discovery comes as grocery stores , big box chains and other retailers are struggling to keep toilet paper stocked on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and lawmakers are trying to wipe out price gouging in cities across the country .
The AP reported , `` A convenience store touted toilet paper at $ 10 a roll next to a sign reading : 'This is not a joke . '
`` Not only is it not funny , the Justice Department has ordered U.S. attorneys to appoint specials coronavirus fraud coordinators .
The department also rolled out a central fraud hotline ( 1-866-720-5721 or disaster @ leo.gov ) to report consumer abuses .

N.C. Sheriffs Find 18,000 Pounds Of Toilet Paper And Other Products In Stolen Truck
There's hoarding and then there's HOARDING.
Stealing a truck that's hauling about 18,000 pounds of bathroom paper products during a global pandemic during which the commodity has become invaluable to the panicked public likely falls into the all-caps category.
On Wednesday, deputies from the Guilford County Sheriff's office in North Carolina said they came across the 18-wheel tractor trailer as it was traveling on Interstate 40 in Whitsett.
It is unclear why they decided to follow the vehicle, but deputies said the excursion paid off. They followed the truck to a warehouse/dock facility near the interstate.
"After further investigation, it was determined the 53' foot Hyundai dry-van trailer was reported stolen locally and was being utilized to transport nearly 18,000 pounds of commercial, bathroom paper products," the department said.
Officials said it is an ongoing investigation and that no arrests have yet been made.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Charlie Riedel/AP Charlie Riedel/AP
News of the discovery comes as grocery stores, big box chains and other retailers are struggling to keep toilet paper stocked on shelves by limiting purchases per customer, and lawmakers are trying to wipe out price gouging in cities across the country.
The AP reported, "A convenience store touted toilet paper at $10 a roll next to a sign reading: 'This is not a joke.' "
Not only is it not funny, the Justice Department has ordered U.S. attorneys to appoint specials coronavirus fraud coordinators. The department also rolled out a central fraud hotline (1-866-720-5721 or disaster@leo.gov) to report consumer abuses.


npr--2020-03-20--Is Stay At Home Order in California "Too Little, Too Late," An E.R. Doctor Wonders

Is Stay At Home Order in California `` Too Little , Too Late , '' An E.R .
Doctor Wonders California Gov .
Gavin Newsom took the dramatic step this week of ordering the state 's nearly 40 million residents to stay at home .
That order on Thursday was followed by similar orders in states including New York , Illinois and Nevada .
These were actions welcomed by health care professionals who are trying to prepare hospitals even in the midst of the pandemic , as they watch the Italian hospitals buckle under the demand of the fast-spreading virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home order is necessary and I think it should be done across the nation , '' said Haig Aintablian , president of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine Resident and Student Association .
He 's a Southern California-based , emergency department resident .
`` But I wonder if that might be too little , too late .
Because this virus is showing symptoms so much later . ''
So , he says , it may have spread too widely already .
There is still a national shortage in testing so that 's an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country are sounding alarms about a shortage in personal protective gear for health care workers as the cases multiply .
Aintablian said he 's hearing from doctors and residents in California that supplies are low at some hospitals and in a few cases could be depleted in two weeks .
Meanwhile the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance keeps changing , including suggesting using a bandana or homemade mask in a crisis when no face mask is available .
`` It 's almost ridiculous from our perspective because we need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we get sick , we 're a hazard to our other patients because we could get them infected , '' Aintablian said .
`` If we 're not there to fight this battle , who is ? ''
Especially because , up to this point , he said , so many people have n't taken the quarantine seriously and the virus is spreading .
Until yesterday hiking trails and parks were crowded with people in the Los Angeles area and over the past week retail stores were generally open .
`` My biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us in the emergency department .
If one of us goes down , then it has a toppling effect on everyone else , and we 're not able to stop that unless we have really good protective gear on throughout our shifts , '' Aintablian said .
California is the country 's most populous state .
The governor says if the spread of the disease is left unchecked more than half of the state would be infected in two months based on certain models .
There are over 1,000 confirmed cases in California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state , municipalities , counties and hospitals are scrambling to ready themselves in the midst of a pandemic .
Newsom said the state has about 75,000 licensed hospital beds and he estimates at surge capacity it would have 88,000 .
Newsom also said the state has about 11,400 intensive-care unit beds , both for adults and children .
Other estimates put that lower .
But if the infection rate does meet that worst-case scenario projection , he said the hospitals will be nearly 20,000 beds short for the wave of people that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is working to get more beds .
It 's leasing a hospital in Northern California that was on the verge of closing , Seton Medical Center in Daly City .
It 's acquiring another hospital in southern California .
It 's also in talks to lease motels , hotels and university dormitories for use during the pandemic .
The state legislature passed an emergency funding bill of $ 1.1 billion earlier this week .
Individual hospitals and networks have been getting ready for weeks and are working in coordination with the wider city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spisso , the head of UCLA 's hospitals , said the system 's leaders started planning in January when they saw the spread begin .
The system contains an academic medical center and Level-1 trauma center with four hospitals and about 180 clinics .
They set up a command center that started meeting daily by February and they had tents pitched outside the medical center by the first week of March to screen patients .
They 've gone from doing 40 tests a day to 100 .
Next week Spisso hopes to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changes the FDA is making .
Not enough , she said , but better .
`` We definitely would like to be doing as many of the tests as possible here in Los Angeles .
We 're a big county , '' she said .
`` We have 10 million people .
So we want to make sure that we and other hospitals and health systems are really working together to make sure we can begin flattening the curve . ''
Now the system is looking at getting more ICU bed capacity by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less severe symptoms to other sites .
Administrators are trying to stock up on personal protective gear and ventilators , and train additional staff .
`` We feel that we are prepared .
You know , we 've all had some time to watch what was happening in other countries and kind of look to the future , '' she said .
The system is planning , she said , for the worst-case scenario , looking at where to put satellite tents to house patients , where buildings can be converted to hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are enough ventilators and staff , and how to work with other hospitals and health systems to get everyone what they need .
`` But we need everybody 's help .
We ca n't do it alone .
As the health system , we need the public to be strictly adhering to these guidelines , '' she said .
Because if the curve is n't flattened ?
`` The exponential increase is something that we ca n't get ahead of , '' Spisso said .

Is Stay-At-Home Order In California 'Too Little, Too Late,' An E.R. Doctor Wonders
Enlarge this image toggle caption Gregory Bull/AP Gregory Bull/AP
California Gov. Gavin Newsom took the dramatic step this week of ordering the state's nearly 40 million residents to stay at home. That order on Thursday was followed by similar orders in states including New York, Illinois and Nevada.
These were actions welcomed by health care professionals who are trying to prepare hospitals even in the midst of the pandemic, as they watch the Italian hospitals buckle under the demand of the fast-spreading virus.
"I think the stay at home order is necessary and I think it should be done across the nation," said Haig Aintablian, president of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine Resident and Student Association. He's a Southern California-based emergency department resident. "But I wonder if that might be too little, too late. Because this virus is showing symptoms so much later."
So, he says, it may have spread too widely already. There is still a national shortage in testing so that's an unknown.
Meanwhile health care workers across the country are sounding alarms about a shortage in personal protective gear for health care workers as the cases multiply.
Aintablian said he's hearing from doctors and residents in California that supplies are low at some hospitals and in a few cases could be depleted in two weeks. Meanwhile the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance keeps changing, including suggesting using a bandana or homemade mask in a crisis when no face mask is available.
"It's almost ridiculous from our perspective because we need to be the most protected, because if we get sick, we're a hazard to our other patients because we could get them infected," Aintablian said. "If we're not there to fight this battle, who is?"
Especially because, up to this point, he said, so many people haven't taken the quarantine seriously and the virus is spreading. Until yesterday hiking trails and parks were crowded with people in the Los Angeles area and over the past week retail stores were generally open.
"My biggest concern is the safety of all of us in the emergency department. If one of us goes down, then it has a toppling effect on everyone else, and we're not able to stop that unless we have really good protective gear on throughout our shifts," Aintablian said.
California is the country's most populous state. The governor says if the spread of the disease is left unchecked more than half of the state would be infected in two months based on certain models. There are over 1,000 confirmed cases in California and at least 20 deaths.
The state, municipalities, counties and hospitals are scrambling to ready themselves in the midst of a pandemic. Newsom said the state has about 75,000 licensed hospital beds and he estimates at surge capacity it would have 88,000. Newsom also said the state has about 11,400 intensive-care unit beds, both for adults and children. Other estimates put that lower.
But if the infection rate does meet that worst-case scenario projection, he said the hospitals will be nearly 20,000 beds short for the wave of people that will need to be hospitalized.
The state is working to get more beds. It's leasing a hospital in Northern California that was on the verge of closing, Seton Medical Center in Daly City. It's acquiring another hospital in Southern California. It's also in talks to lease motels, hotels and university dormitories for use during the pandemic. The state legislature passed an emergency funding bill of $1.1 billion earlier this week.
Individual hospitals and networks have been getting ready for weeks and are working in coordination with the wider city, county and state system.
Johnese Spisso, the head of UCLA's hospitals, said the system's leaders started planning in January when they saw the spread begin.
The system contains an academic medical center and Level-1 trauma center with four hospitals and about 180 clinics. They set up a command center that started meeting daily by February and they had tents pitched outside the medical center by the first week of March to screen patients.
They've gone from doing 40 tests a day to 100. Next week Spisso hopes to be up to 500 with federal support and changes the FDA is making. Not enough, she said, but better.
"We definitely would like to be doing as many of the tests as possible here in Los Angeles. We're a big county," she said. "We have 10 million people. So we want to make sure that we and other hospitals and health systems are really working together to make sure we can begin flattening the curve."
Now the system is looking at getting more ICU bed capacity by converting in-patient beds and moving patients with less severe symptoms to other sites. Administrators are trying to stock up on personal protective gear and ventilators, and train additional staff.
"We feel that we are prepared. You know, we've all had some time to watch what was happening in other countries and kind of look to the future," she said.
The system is planning, she said, for the worst-case scenario, looking at where to put satellite tents to house patients, where buildings can be converted to hospital use, and constantly assessing if there are enough ventilators and staff, and how to work with other hospitals and health systems to get everyone what they need.
"But we need everybody's help. We can't do it alone. As the health system, we need the public to be strictly adhering to these guidelines," she said.
Because if the curve isn't flattened?
"The exponential increase is something that we can't get ahead of," Spisso said.


npr--2020-03-20--United Airlines Threatens To Cut Jobs If Coronavirus Aid Package Isn't Passed

United Airlines is threatening massive employee layoffs , furloughs or pay cuts if Congress does n't pass a coronavirus economic relief package by the end of this month .
The air travel industry is suffering enormous financial losses because of the coronavirus outbreak as governments and businesses around the world restrict travel .
Thursday , the Transportation Security Administration reported screening the fewest number of airline passengers ever .
Only about 624,000 people passed through airport security checkpoints , compared to 2.4 million people on the same day last year .
In response , airlines are cutting most of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while waiting for travel demand to recover .
United has already eliminated 60 % of its flights and put a freeze on hiring , while slashing capital spending , cutting payments to vendors and contractors and chopping executive salaries in half .
But a letter to the airline 's 96,000 employees sent jointly by corporate and labor union leadership warns that as air travel demand continues to plummet , even more cost-cutting measures may be needed to keep the company afloat .
If Congress does n't act on an airline bailout plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letter warns payroll may be slashed by up to 60 % .
The airline industry is asking Congress for $ 25 billion in loans and loan guarantees , another $ 25 billion in direct financial aid , plus cuts in airline ticket taxes .
But the plan introduced by Senate Republicans Thursday night includes $ 50 billion for collateralized loans to airlines that must be paid back , and no cash assistance .
Both Republicans and Democrats have balked at providing airlines with such a bailout because while earning near-record profits over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been using their extra cash to buy back stock and boost their share prices instead of building up cash reserves .

United Airlines Threatens To Cut Jobs If Coronavirus Aid Package Isn't Passed
Enlarge this image toggle caption David Zalubowski/AP David Zalubowski/AP
United Airlines is threatening massive employee layoffs, furloughs or pay cuts if Congress doesn't pass a coronavirus economic relief package by the end of this month.
The air travel industry is suffering enormous financial losses because of the coronavirus outbreak as governments and businesses around the world restrict travel.
Thursday, the Transportation Security Administration reported screening the fewest number of airline passengers ever. Only about 624,000 people passed through airport security checkpoints, compared to 2.4 million people on the same day last year.
In response, airlines are cutting most of their flights and parking many of their planes, while waiting for travel demand to recover.
United has already eliminated 60% of its flights and put a freeze on hiring, while slashing capital spending, cutting payments to vendors and contractors and chopping executive salaries in half.
But a letter to the airline's 96,000 employees sent jointly by corporate and labor union leadership warns that as air travel demand continues to plummet, even more cost-cutting measures may be needed to keep the company afloat.
If Congress doesn't act on an airline bailout plan by the end of March, the letter warns payroll may be slashed by up to 60%.
The airline industry is asking Congress for $25 billion in loans and loan guarantees, another $25 billion in direct financial aid, plus cuts in airline ticket taxes. But the plan introduced by Senate Republicans Thursday night includes $50 billion for collateralized loans to airlines that must be paid back, and no cash assistance.
Both Republicans and Democrats have balked at providing airlines with such a bailout because while earning near-record profits over the last several years, many U.S. airlines have been using their extra cash to buy back stock and boost their share prices instead of building up cash reserves.


npr--2020-03-20--Hollywood Reports Its Lowest Daily Box Office in Decades

On Wednesday , the day all three of the largest U.S. movie exhibitors — AMC , Regal and Cinemark — shut down operations , Hollywood reported the lowest box office figures since the industry began tabulating numbers independently decades ago .
With just 440 of the nation 's more than 5,500 theaters ( which account for some 40,000 screens ) open for business , North American cinemas took in less than $ 300,000 for all the movies currently in theaters , according to the Hollywood Reporter .
That 's down 97 % from the comparable date ( the third Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the lowest daily total in modern film history .
If there was a bright spot ( and it 's not very bright ) , it was provided by drive-in theaters .
Because audiences view movies from their cars , it 's still possible to watch a film with a crowd and practice social distancing .
A few drive-ins , notably in California and Texas , made as much as $ 1,000 for the night .
That 's maybe enough to make payroll .
But there are n't many drive-ins left — about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states are still closed at this time of year .
Moreover , with Hollywood studios delaying nearly all new films , including such potential blockbusters as Mulan , F9 , Marvel 's Black Widow , A Quiet Place Part II and the 007 thriller No Time To Die , even drive-ins that do manage to stay open wo n't be getting any new films anytime soon .

Hollywood Reports Its Lowest Daily Box Office In Decades
On Wednesday, the day all three of the largest U.S. movie exhibitors — AMC, Regal and Cinemark — shut down operations, Hollywood reported the lowest box office figures since the industry began tabulating numbers independently decades ago.
With just 440 of the nation's more than 5,500 theaters (which account for some 40,000 screens) open for business, North American cinemas took in less than $300,000 for all the movies currently in theaters, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
That's down 97% from the comparable date (the third Wednesday in March) last year, and is the lowest daily total in modern film history.
If there was a bright spot (and it's not very bright), it was provided by drive-in theaters. Because audiences view movies from their cars, it's still possible to watch a film with a crowd and practice social distancing. A few drive-ins, notably in California and Texas, made as much as $1,000 for the night. That's maybe enough to make payroll.
But there aren't many drive-ins left — about 300 nationally — and ones in northern states are still closed at this time of year.
Moreover, with Hollywood studios delaying nearly all new films, including such potential blockbusters as Mulan, F9, Marvel's Black Widow, A Quiet Place Part II and the 007 thriller No Time To Die, even drive-ins that do manage to stay open won't be getting any new films anytime soon.


npr--2020-03-20--Make That Quad Long Shot Grande In A Venti Cup To Go; Starbucks Responds To COVID-19

Make That Quad Long Shot Grande In A Venti Cup To Go ; Starbucks Responds To COVID-19 Starbucks says it @ @ @ @ @ cafes and is moving to drive-thru and delivery services in response to the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ on Friday and last for at least two weeks , the company said in a @ @ @ @ @ cafés located in or around hospitals and health care centers may remain open as part @ @ @ @ @ serve first responders and health care workers who are on the frontlines of battling the @ @ @ @ @ statement , workers who choose to stay home will be paid for the next 30 @ @ @ @ @ those who [ have ] been diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19 and those who @ @ @ @ @ precautions , such as those 60 years or older or who have underlying health conditions @ @ @ @ @ or feeling unsafe coming to work . ''

Make That Quad Long Shot Grande In A Venti Cup To Go; Starbucks Responds To COVID-19
Enlarge this image toggle caption Gene J. Puskar/AP Gene J. Puskar/AP
Starbucks says it is closing all U.S. company-operated cafes and is moving to drive-thru and delivery services in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The closures will start on Friday and last for at least two weeks, the company said in a statement.
However, some cafés located in or around hospitals and health care centers may remain open as part of Starbucks' effort to serve first responders and health care workers who are on the frontlines of battling the virus.
According to the statement, workers who choose to stay home will be paid for the next 30 days. "This includes those who [have] been diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19 and those who may need to take extra precautions, such as those 60 years or older or who have underlying health conditions, or are worried about or feeling unsafe coming to work."


npr--2020-03-20--Funeral Homes Change Their Practices In Reponse to Coronavirus

Funeral Homes Change Their Practices In Reponse to Coronavirus The novel coronavirus , which has hit the U.S. like a storm that no one saw coming , has taken a toll on schools , restaurants , bars , the airline industry , retail and other businesses .
Now , it 's affecting the funeral home industry .
Washington state officials this week banned funerals and memorial services until the end of the month , with that moratorium likely to be extended indefinitely .
Burials are now `` delivery only , '' meaning that only mortuary workers are allowed at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of people , '' says mortician Russ Weeks , who owns , along with his brother , eight funeral homes , four cemeteries and three crematories in the Seattle area .
Washington state has been the hardest hit in the U.S. so far : nearly 1,400 COVID-19 cases and 74 deaths .
New York is second with 39 deaths , followed by California with 19 , according to the Centers for Disease Control .
The pandemic has resulted in unprecedented challenges for funeral homes .
John Wenig , a spokesman for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of several funeral homes in Sheboygan Falls , Wisc.
, says while those who deal with the dead have been trained to take universal precautions , COVID-19 is unique .
`` The coronavirus is more mental than it is actual in terms of how we care for that body , '' he says .
`` We 're simply more aware .
It 's a sobering thing for everyone . ''
In Wisconsin and many other states , officials have mandated how many people can gather in one space at a time .
Last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's 10 , showing the unpredictability of the pandemic .
That has forced Wenig and others to hold viewings and funeral services in shifts , ask mourners to stand six feet apart and implore priests and other clergy to be brief .
Services that once spanned and hour or two are now over in mere minutes , Wenig says .
`` We 're encouraging brevity , '' he says .
`` It 's not ideal , but it 's the best we can offer to secure the safety and health of our community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treat funerals as celebrations with singing , eulogizing and fellowshipping , a few minutes to say goodbye is less than ideal .
`` We understand that grief needs closure , '' Wenig says .
`` Being deprived of that opportunity is a huge emotional blow . ''
The virus is also prompting funeral homes to rethink how they handle bodies .
In Seattle , Weeks says his staff now `` double bags '' every body they pick up and puts surgical masks on the deceased to capture any air that might be expelled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face shields .
`` It cuts down on the threat of infection , '' he says .
James Schwartz , general manager of the Cremation Society of Maryland and the MacNabb Funeral Home just outside of Baltimore , predicts a rise in cremations if the virus continues to spread and people are forced into isolation .
`` I think we will see more people being cremated because they ca n't have the viewings , and the services and people want to mourn and continue forward with their lives , '' Schwartz says .

Funeral Homes Change Their Practices In Response To Coronavirus
The novel coronavirus, which has hit the U.S. like a storm that no one saw coming, has taken a toll on schools, restaurants, bars, the airline industry, retail and other businesses.
Now, it's affecting the funeral home industry.
Washington state officials this week banned funerals and memorial services until the end of the month, with that moratorium likely to be extended indefinitely. Burials are now "delivery only," meaning that only mortuary workers are allowed at the grave site.
"It will affect a lot of people," says mortician Russ Weeks, who owns, along with his brother, eight funeral homes, four cemeteries and three crematories in the Seattle area.
Washington state has been the hardest hit in the U.S. so far: nearly 1,400 COVID-19 cases and 74 deaths. New York is second with 39 deaths, followed by California with 19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The pandemic has resulted in unprecedented challenges for funeral homes.
John Wenig, a spokesman for the National Funeral Directors Association and owner of several funeral homes in Sheboygan Falls, Wis., says while those who deal with the dead have been trained to take universal precautions, COVID-19 is unique.
"The coronavirus is more mental than it is actual in terms of how we care for that body," he says. "We're simply more aware. It's a sobering thing for everyone."
In Wisconsin and many other states, officials have mandated how many people can gather in one space at a time. Last week it was 50; now it's 10, showing the unpredictability of the pandemic. That has forced Wenig and others to hold viewings and funeral services in shifts, ask mourners to stand six feet apart and implore priests and other clergy to be brief. Services that once spanned an hour or two are now over in mere minutes, Wenig says.
"We're encouraging brevity," he says. "It's not ideal, but it's the best we can offer to secure the safety and health of our community."
But for some communities that treat funerals as celebrations with singing, eulogizing and fellowshipping, a few minutes to say goodbye is less than ideal.
"We understand that grief needs closure," Wenig says. "Being deprived of that opportunity is a huge emotional blow."
The virus is also prompting funeral homes to rethink how they handle bodies. In Seattle, Weeks says his staff now "double bags" every body they pick up and puts surgical masks on the deceased to capture any air that might be expelled from the lungs. They also use face shields.
"It cuts down on the threat of infection," he says.
James Schwartz, general manager of the Cremation Society of Maryland and the MacNabb Funeral Home just outside of Baltimore, predicts a rise in cremations if the virus continues to spread and people are forced into isolation.
"I think we will see more people being cremated because they can't have the viewings, and the services and people want to mourn and continue forward with their lives," Schwartz says.


npr--2020-03-20--Pence Aide Tests Positive For Coronavirus; Contact Tracing Ongoing

The White House disclosed its first case of the coronavirus on Friday night : a person who works in the office of Vice President Pence .
`` Neither President Trump nor Vice President Pence had close contact with the individual , '' Pence spokeswoman Katie Miller said in a statement .
She declined to give further details .
`` Further contact tracing is being conducted in accordance with CDC guidelines , '' Miller said .
The White House has stepped up measures this week to practice the kind of social distancing that Trump and Pence have urged the nation to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has their temperature taken .
There have been efforts to reduce the number of people coming into the crowded confines of the building .
Pence told reporters earlier this week that he has not been tested for the virus because the White House doctor had told him he did n't need to be .
Trump was tested a week ago and the White House physician said he tested negative .
Trump said he opted to do the test after facing a barrage of questions about a dinner he had with Brazilian President Jair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After that dinner , 23 members of Bolsonaro 's delegation tested positive for the virus .
Bolsonaro has said he twice tested negative .

Pence Aide Tests Positive For Coronavirus; Contact Tracing Ongoing
Enlarge this image toggle caption Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images
Updated at 8:03 p.m. ET
The White House disclosed its first case of the coronavirus on Friday night: a person who works in the office of Vice President Pence.
"Neither President Trump nor Vice President Pence had close contact with the individual," Pence spokeswoman Katie Miller said in a statement. She declined to give further details.
"Further contact tracing is being conducted in accordance with CDC guidelines," Miller said.
The White House has stepped up measures this week to practice the kind of social distancing that Trump and Pence have urged the nation to use. Anyone coming close to them has their temperature taken. There have been efforts to reduce the number of people coming into the crowded confines of the building.
Pence told reporters earlier this week that he has not been tested for the virus because the White House doctor had told him he didn't need to be.
Trump was tested a week ago and the White House physician said he tested negative. Trump said he opted to do the test after facing a barrage of questions about a dinner he had with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro in Florida two weeks ago. After that dinner, 23 members of Bolsonaro's delegation tested positive for the virus. Bolsonaro has said he twice tested negative.


npr--2020-03-21--FDA Approves First Rapid COVID-19 Test

FDA Approves First Rapid COVID-19 Test

The Food and Drug Administration has approved the first rapid point-of-care COVID-19 test , that can deliver results in less than an hour .
Cepheid , a Silicon Valley diagnostics company , made the announcement on Saturday , saying it has received emergency authorization from the government to use the test .
While the agency has approved about a dozen other COVID-19 tests in response to the public health emergency caused by the coronavirus pandemic , this is the first one that can be used at the point of care .
Cepheid said the test kits will be available by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , to get test result , a health care worker would take a swab from the back of a person 's nose , and send it off to a public health , commercial or hospital lab , or to a lab at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta .
The process can take days .
The newly approved test kit still involves taking a nasal swab , but the test can be done in a doctor 's office or clinic with a detection time of approximately 45 minutes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time of increased demand for hospital services , Clinicians urgently need an on-demand diagnostic test for real-time management of patients being evaluated for admission to health-care facilities , '' said Dr. David Persing , chief medical and technology officer at Cepheid .
He added : `` An accurate test delivered close to the patient can be transformative — and help alleviate the pressure that the emergence of the 2019-nCoV outbreak has put on healthcare facilities that need to properly allocate their respiratory isolation resources . ''
State and local government leaders have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus task force led by Vice President Mike Pence to address widespread testing shortages .
In response , the administration has turned to the private sector to help develop tests , vaccines and therapeutic medicines to help stem the pandemic .
On Saturday , Pence confirmed more than 195,000 people have been tested for the respiratory virus , not including those who were tested in county hospitals or health care labs around the nation .
Of those , roughly 19,350 have tested positive for the coronavirus .

FDA Approves First Rapid COVID-19 Test
The Food and Drug Administration has approved the first rapid point-of-care COVID-19 test, that can deliver results in less than an hour.
Cepheid, a Silicon Valley diagnostics company, made the announcement on Saturday, saying it has received emergency authorization from the government to use the test.
While the agency has approved about a dozen other COVID-19 tests in response to the public health emergency caused by the coronavirus pandemic, this is the first one that can be used at the point of care.
Cepheid said the test kits will be available by the end of the month.
Until now, to get test result, a health care worker would take a swab from the back of a person's nose, and send it off to a public health, commercial or hospital lab, or to a lab at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. The process can take days.
The newly approved test kit still involves taking a nasal swab, but the test can be done in a doctor's office or clinic with a detection time of approximately 45 minutes, according to Cepheid.
"During this time of increased demand for hospital services, Clinicians urgently need an on-demand diagnostic test for real-time management of patients being evaluated for admission to health-care facilities," said Dr. David Persing, chief medical and technology officer at Cepheid.
He added: "An accurate test delivered close to the patient can be transformative — and help alleviate the pressure that the emergence of the 2019-nCoV outbreak has put on healthcare facilities that need to properly allocate their respiratory isolation resources."
State and local government leaders have been putting pressure on the Trump administration and the coronavirus task force led by Vice President Mike Pence to address widespread testing shortages. In response, the administration has turned to the private sector to help develop tests, vaccines and therapeutic medicines to help stem the pandemic.
On Saturday, Pence confirmed more than 195,000 people have been tested for the respiratory virus, not including those who were tested in county hospitals or health care labs around the nation. Of those, roughly 19,350 have tested positive for the coronavirus.


npr--2020-03-21--Inspired By Italy, Dallas Residents Sing Together From Their Apartment Windows

Inspired By Italy , Dallas Residents Sing Together From Their Apartment Windows In these uncertain times , we all need somebody to lean on .
Or so felt the residents of South Side on Lamar , an apartment building in Dallas , Texas , where a group of residents stuck their heads out of windows in a chorus of quarantined voices .
Building resident and soulful tenor Danzel Barber led an apartment quarantine singalong to the popular Bill Withers song `` Lean on Me . ''
Little by little , other residents began to join Barber in his refrain , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out their windows or filming on phones .
Others came in a bit off-beat or off-key — the perils of cross-apartment singing .
North Texas member station KERA reported the story , and longtime contributor Mark Birnbaum , who lives in the building , caught the singalong on camera .
Another resident , radio host Bonnie Curry of Texas radio station KLTY , organized the singalong .
Curry said she was inspired by the videos she saw of Italians in quarantine singing to one another from the balconies of their buildings .
Since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the coronavirus outbreak , videos of quarantine singalongs have begun to circulate social media .
Italy now has more than 50,000 confirmed cases and nearly 5,000 deaths from COVID-19 .
`` When I saw the video of them singing from window to window to encourage each other , I realized I live in a building that has lots and lots of windows , '' said Curry .
`` I think we could all use a bit of encouragement right now . ''
So Curry decided to organize something similar at the South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former Sears warehouse .
She chose `` Lean on Me '' as the song for its universality and , of course , its timely message .
`` Everything about that song to me says what we all need to be doing right now , '' Curry said .
`` There are people all around us that need help . ''
When Barber , an experienced singer , saw a flyer advertising the singalong , he said he reached out to see what he could do to help .
`` I wanted to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spirits , '' Barber said .
Like many others , he 's been working remotely from his apartment to socially distance .
Curry suggested Barber start the singalong .
When it came time to start the song at 11 a.m. Friday , she sang along with her community , following Barber 's lead .
`` It 's an amazing moment of community , '' she said .
`` People coming together even though we have to stay apart . ''

Inspired By Italy, Dallas Residents Sing Together From Their Apartment Windows
In these uncertain times, we all need somebody to lean on.
Or so felt the residents of South Side on Lamar, an apartment building in Dallas, Texas, where a group of residents stuck their heads out of windows in a chorus of quarantined voices.
Building resident and soulful tenor Danzel Barber led an apartment quarantine singalong to the popular Bill Withers song "Lean on Me."
Little by little, other residents began to join Barber in his refrain, some adding harmonies, some just peering out their windows or filming on phones. Others came in a bit off-beat or off-key — the perils of cross-apartment singing.
North Texas member station KERA reported the story, and longtime contributor Mark Birnbaum, who lives in the building, caught the singalong on camera.
Another resident, radio host Bonnie Curry of Texas radio station KLTY, organized the singalong.
Curry said she was inspired by the videos she saw of Italians in quarantine singing to one another from the balconies of their buildings. Since Italy announced a country-wide lockdown in response to the coronavirus outbreak, videos of quarantine singalongs have begun to circulate social media. Italy now has more than 50,000 confirmed cases and nearly 5,000 deaths from COVID-19.
"When I saw the video of them singing from window to window to encourage each other, I realized I live in a building that has lots and lots of windows," said Curry. "I think we could all use a bit of encouragement right now."
So Curry decided to organize something similar at the South Side on Lamar apartment building, a former Sears warehouse. She chose "Lean on Me" as the song for its universality and, of course, its timely message.
"Everything about that song to me says what we all need to be doing right now," Curry said. "There are people all around us that need help."
When Barber, an experienced singer, saw a flyer advertising the singalong, he said he reached out to see what he could do to help.
"I wanted to be a part of something that could lift the spirits," Barber said. Like many others, he's been working remotely from his apartment to socially distance.
Curry suggested Barber start the singalong. When it came time to start the song at 11 a.m. Friday, she sang along with her community, following Barber's lead.
"It's an amazing moment of community," she said. "People coming together even though we have to stay apart."


npr--2020-03-21--Despite Lockdown, Italy's Coronavirus Cases Continue Dramatic Climb

The number of coronavirus cases in Italy continues to soar .
In what has become a grim daily ritual , Angelo Borelli , the chief of the country 's Civil Protection agency , announced that in the last 24 hours , the death toll from the virus had risen by nearly 800 to a total of 4,825 .
That is the largest daily increase since the outbreak was revealed a month ago today .
Italy has already surpassed China with the largest number of deaths from the pandemic .
It now has 55,578 cases of the coronavirus , up from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that too many citizens are flouting the lockdown measures put in place almost two weeks ago .
Earlier Saturday , Health Minister Roberto Speranza appealed to Italians to observe the lockdown rules which have been further tightened .
All parks and playgrounds are closed and people are forbidden to travel to weekend homes Friday through Monday .
In the northern region of Emilia Romagna , officials issued a decree that bans jogging , cycling and long walks with or without dogs .
The chief of the National Health Institute , Silvio Brusaferro , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lockdown rules that produces the latest nefarious body-counts .

Despite Lockdown, Italy's Coronavirus Cases Continue Dramatic Climb
The number of coronavirus cases in Italy continues to soar. In what has become a grim daily ritual, Angelo Borelli, the chief of the country's Civil Protection agency, announced that in the last 24 hours, the death toll from the virus had risen by nearly 800 to a total of 4,825.
That is the largest daily increase since the outbreak was revealed a month ago today. Italy has already surpassed China with the largest number of deaths from the pandemic. It now has 55,578 cases of the coronavirus, up from 47,021 on Friday.
Italian officials warn that too many citizens are flouting the lockdown measures put in place almost two weeks ago. Earlier Saturday, Health Minister Roberto Speranza appealed to Italians to observe the lockdown rules which have been further tightened.
All parks and playgrounds are closed and people are forbidden to travel to weekend homes Friday through Monday. In the northern region of Emilia Romagna, officials issued a decree that bans jogging, cycling and long walks with or without dogs.
The chief of the National Health Institute, Silvio Brusaferro, warned that it is the flouting of the lockdown rules that produces the latest nefarious body-counts.


npr--2020-03-21--Coronavirus Deaths Spike Abroad As New York City Becomes U.S. Virus Epicenter

Coronavirus Deaths Spike Abroad As New York City Becomes U.S .
Virus Epicenter The global death toll from COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , neared 13,000 Saturday , according to data from Johns Hopkins University , and by Saturday evening the global number of confirmed cases topped 300,000 .
Among the countries hit hardest recently are Italy , Iran and Spain , where the death toll is above 1,000 in each country , as of Saturday afternoon .
Italy has the highest death toll in the world , with nearly 5,000 , surpassing mainland China , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's death toll continued its spike Saturday with 793 deaths , setting a new record since Friday 's record 627 deaths , NPR 's Sylvia Poggioli reports .
Spain also faced a sharp increase , with 235 deaths in a single day on Friday .
The United States has also faced a major surge in cases in recent days .
As of Saturday , the country has more than 24,000 cases in total , a number that 's on the rise since testing capabilities expanded over the past week .
As of Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 182,000 tests total , yielding more than 23,000 confirmed positive results , according to the COVID Tracking Project .
As of a week ago , the number of tests conducted was just over 20,000 .
But NPR 's Rob Stein reports that the U.S. is still far behind other countries that have been testing more aggressively , like South Korea , which had tested more than 300,000 people as of Thursday .
In an attempt to enforce social distancing amid the lack of testing , New York , California and Illinois governors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' or similar orders to slow the spread of the virus .
New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo has ordered all nonessential businesses in the state to close by 8 p.m. Sunday , NPR 's Hansi Lo Wang reports .
Essential businesses that will remain open include grocery stores , pharmacies and public transit .
New York City is now in dire straits , with more than 7,500 confirmed cases in the city alone as of late Friday , according to the city 's Department of Health .
As of last week , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 800 cases .
`` I hate to say this , but it 's true : We are now the epicenter of this crisis , '' New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio said in a press conference Friday .
At the time of the press conference , the city had confirmed just over 5,000 cases .
Earlier this week , New York City University ordered its students to completely move out of university housing by Sunday to make dorm beds available in the likely case of a hospital bed shortage .
President Trump also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the country 's hospital ships would station itself in New York Harbor to assist with hospital capacity amid the outbreak .
The striking increase in case numbers is due to more widespread testing and could also signal that the virus is spreading .
Experts say that many cases likely remain unconfirmed because of a continued lack of testing availability .
NPR 's Geoff Brumfiel reports that COVID-19 spreads stealthily : It can take up to two weeks from contracting it to develop symptoms , and cases are often mild .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus without even realizing they have it .
Epidemiologists say the best known ways of combating the stealthy spread are social distancing , even among seemingly healthy people , and widespread testing .
`` You should be testing as much as possible , '' Columbia University researcher Jeffrey Shaman told Brumfiel .
`` Because that informs people to stay home .
If they are themselves infected and they 're mild symptomatic , you tell them , 'You 're staying home for the next 14 days or 21 days — and just do it @ @ @

Coronavirus Deaths Spike Abroad As New York City Becomes U.S. Virus Epicenter
Enlarge this image toggle caption John Minchillo/AP John Minchillo/AP
Updated at 6:12 p.m. ET
The global death toll from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, neared 13,000 on Saturday, according to data from Johns Hopkins University, and by Saturday evening the global number of confirmed cases topped 300,000.
Among the countries hit hardest recently are Italy, Iran and Spain, where the death toll was above 1,000 in each country as of Saturday afternoon. Italy has the highest death toll in the world, at nearly 5,000, surpassing mainland China, where the virus was first diagnosed.
Italy's death toll continued its spike Saturday with 793 deaths, setting a new record since Friday's record 627 deaths, NPR's Sylvia Poggioli reports. Spain also faced a sharp increase, with 235 deaths in a single day on Friday.
The United States has also faced a major surge in cases in recent days. As of Saturday, the country has more than 24,000 cases in total, a number that's on the rise since testing capabilities expanded over the past week.
As of Saturday evening, the U.S. had conducted more than 182,000 tests in total, yielding over 23,000 confirmed positive results, according to the COVID Tracking Project. As of a week ago, the number of tests conducted was just over 20,000.
But NPR's Rob Stein reports that the U.S. is still far behind other countries that have been testing more aggressively, such as South Korea, which had tested more than 300,000 people as of Thursday.
In an attempt to enforce social distancing amid the lack of testing, the governors of New York, California and Illinois all announced statewide "stay at home" or similar orders to slow the spread of the virus.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has ordered all nonessential businesses in the state to close by 8 p.m. Sunday, NPR's Hansi Lo Wang reports. Essential businesses that will remain open include grocery stores, pharmacies and public transit.
New York City is now in dire straits, with more than 7,500 confirmed cases in the city alone as of late Friday, according to the city's Department of Health. As of last week, the entire state had confirmed fewer than 800 cases.
"I hate to say this, but it's true: We are now the epicenter of this crisis," New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said at a news conference Friday. At the time of the news conference, the city had confirmed just over 5,000 cases.
This week, New York University ordered its students to completely move out of university housing by Sunday to make dorm beds available in the likely case of a hospital bed shortage.
President Trump also announced at a press briefing Wednesday that one of the country's hospital ships would station itself in New York Harbor to assist with hospital capacity amid the outbreak.
The striking increase in case numbers is because of more widespread testing and could also signal that the virus is spreading. Experts say that many cases likely remain unconfirmed because of a continued lack of testing availability.
NPR's Geoff Brumfiel reports that COVID-19 spreads stealthily: It can take up to two weeks from contracting it to develop symptoms, and cases are often mild. This means carriers can be out spreading the virus without even realizing they have it.
Epidemiologists say the best-known ways of combating the stealthy spread are social distancing, even among seemingly healthy people, and widespread testing.
"You should be testing as much as possible," Columbia University researcher Jeffrey Shaman told Brumfiel. "Because that informs people to stay home. If they are themselves infected and they're mild symptomatic, you tell them, 'You're staying home for the next 14 days or 21 days — and just do it.' "