npr--2020-11-19--COVID-19 Denial Still Rampant In Some Virus Hotspots

COVID-19 Denial Still Rampant In Some Virus Hotspots Signs posted at the entrance to the grocery store in northwest Montana told customers to wear a mask .
Public health officials in Flathead County urged the same .
Infection rates here are among the highest in the state .
Infection rates in the state are among the highest in the country .
And still , Craig Mann , walked out of the grocery store , past the signs and toward his truck , maskless and resolute .
`` It 's absolute garbage , '' he said .
`` There has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ' if you will , links back to Communist China .
It 's communist Marxism that they 're trying to push on this country . ''
As healthcare professionals grapple with soaring numbers of COVID-19 sickened people around the country , they 're also combatting another quick-spreading and frustrating contagion : misinformation .
`` I do n't know , I ca n't decide if it 's a conspiracy theory or not , '' said shopper Shauna Unger , outside of the same grocery store .
`` I do n't known what 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like it 's as critical as everyone 's making it out to be . ''
A few cars down , Marvin Loftis removed his mask to say that he thinks the virus is a joke .
`` It 's just another cold , '' he said .
A survey by the Pew Research Center earlier this year found that a quarter of U.S. adults believe that there 's at least some truth to a conspiracy theory , which alleges the coronavirus pandemic was intentionally started .
Others allege that the outbreak is n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarter million Americans have n't died .
Official narratives and figures are questioned .
`` These conspiracy theorists and these groups who are against [ masks ] have been so vocal on social media that at some point , it starts to resonate with people and starts to have as big of a voice as the medical community - if not more , '' said Anita Kisseé , the public relations manager for St. Luke 's , the largest hospital network in Idaho , where coronavirus cases are also surging .
The confusion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the city council recently voted to table an ordinance requiring people to wear masks after four hours of heated testimony , despite public health officials warnings .
In Flathead County , the public health board has twice voted down proposals to limit indoor gatherings at 500 people .
Randy Zuckerman , chair of surgery at Kalispell Regional Hospital , said the vast majority of the people he interacts with in the community and hospital are taking the virus seriously .
A small , vocal , minority are not .
`` The whole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this , '' Zuckerman said .
`` The trouble is it 's here .
It 's not going anywhere quickly , so we need to get back to the basics : social distancing , washing your hands , wearing a mask .
We need to get back on that train . ''
For healthcare workers dealing with misinformation , it can start to feel like they 're living in `` two different realities , '' said Joy Prudek , who works for St. Luke 's .
At work , they 're seeing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 .
They 're seeing people die .
`` And then they walk outside and they go to the store and have people look at them with disbelief and anger for wearing a mask , '' Prudek said .
The disconnect is frustrating , she said , and disheartening .
To try and address conspiracy theories and doubts in the community about the virus 's threat , St. Luke 's is using every tool at its disposal .
Employees are speaking at public hearings .
They 're pushing out new numbers and information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On social media , they 've posted accounts from frontline workers about what it 's like to deal with COVID-19 patients .
Healthcare workers in other parts of the country are taking a similar tack .
In South Dakota , which recently led the nation for most deaths and new cases per capita , emergency room nurse Jodi Doering went viral after posting on Twitter that she has dealt with dying patients who still believe COVID-19 is n't real .
In Nebraska , more than 1,700 healthcare workers signed a letter posted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asking people to limit their travel and wear a mask .
`` Your frontline health care workers are exhausted .
We are scared that the hospitals wo n't have the space and people to meet the ever-growing demand , '' the letter said .
`` We call on Nebraskans to rise up once again to do everything we can for our state 's health and safety . ''
Back in northwest Montana , public relations workers at Kalispell Regional Hospital are distributing flyers to local businesses , buying print and radio advertising and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as part of a broader `` Stop the Surge '' campaign .
The hope , said Mellody Sharpton , the hospital 's executive director of communications , is that by repeating the same message on multiple platforms , it will rise above all of the misinformation swirling below .
Public health experts say the need for clear , consistent messaging from frontline workers to national leaders has never been greater .
Ruth Parker , a professor at the Emory University School of Medicine , who studies health literacy , said that part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of content , '' the nation is experiencing is the politicization of maskwearing and the virus ' origins by President Donald Trump , among others , and the fact that public health officials did n't adequately express the uncertainty of COVID-19 in the early days of the pandemic .
`` We missed an opportunity to to really take advantage of trying to work with people to understand what happens when something is new and you do n't know much about it , '' she said .
`` You have to learn as you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a good example .
Scientists now know that wearing a mask protects the wearer , not just others .
That point was only emphasized by the Centers for Disease Control last week .
For those in the general public who are already skeptical of the government narrative , Parker said , shifting messages without clear explanation only breeds more uncertainty into a moment already loaded with it .
`` It 's such a scary time and I think the climate is so ripe for being frustrated , being confused and probably not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ navigate it , '' she said .
It makes sense that people are downplaying or denying the virus ' existence , Parker said .
It 's a coping mechanism .

COVID-19 Denial Still Rampant In Some Coronavirus Hot Spots
Enlarge this image toggle caption Robert F. Bukaty/AP Robert F. Bukaty/AP
Signs posted at the entrance to the grocery store in northwest Montana told customers to wear a mask. Public health officials in Flathead County urged the same. Coronavirus infection rates here are among the highest in the state. Infection rates in the state are among the highest in the United States.
And still, Craig Mann walked out of the grocery store, past the signs and toward his truck, maskless and resolute.
The pandemic that everyone's talking about?
"It's absolute garbage," he said. "There has been plenty of proof that the coronavirus 'pandemic,' if you will, links back to communist China. It's communist Marxism that they're trying to push on this country."
As health care professionals grapple with soaring numbers of COVID-19 cases across the country, they're also combatting another quick-spreading and frustrating contagion: misinformation.
"I don't know; I can't decide if it's a conspiracy theory or not," said shopper Shauna Unger, outside the same grocery store. "I don't know what's really happening. It doesn't seem like it's as critical as everyone's making it out to be."
A few cars down, Marvin Loftis removed his mask to say that he thinks the virus is a joke. "It's just another cold," he said.
A survey by the Pew Research Center found that a quarter of U.S. adults believe that there's at least some truth to a conspiracy theory that the coronavirus pandemic was intentionally started. Others allege that the outbreak isn't as bad as reported, that a quarter-million Americans haven't died. Official narratives and figures are questioned.
"These conspiracy theorists and these groups who are against [masks] have been so vocal on social media that at some point, it starts to resonate with people and starts to have as big of a voice as the medical community — if not more," said Anita Kisseé, the public relations manager for St. Luke's, the largest hospital network in Idaho, where coronavirus cases are also surging.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Nathan Rott/NPR Nathan Rott/NPR
The confusion has consequences. In one Idaho town, the city council recently voted to table an ordinance requiring people to wear masks after four hours of heated testimony, despite public health officials' warnings. In Flathead County, the public health board has twice voted down proposals to limit indoor gatherings to 500 people.
Dr. Randy Zuckerman, chair of surgery at Kalispell Regional Hospital, said the vast majority of the people he interacts with in the community and hospital are taking the virus seriously. A small, vocal minority is not.
"The whole country has fatigue. Everyone is tired of this," Zuckerman said. "The trouble is it's here. It's not going anywhere quickly, so we need to get back to the basics: social distancing, washing your hands, wearing a mask. We need to get back on that train."
"Two different realities"
For health care workers dealing with misinformation, it can start to feel like they're living in "two different realities," said Joy Prudek, who works for St. Luke's.
At work, they're seeing community members and colleagues get sick with COVID-19. They're seeing people die.
"And then they walk outside and they go to the store and have people look at them with disbelief and anger for wearing a mask," Prudek said.
The disconnect is frustrating, she said, and disheartening.
To try to address conspiracy theories and doubts in the community about the virus's threat, St. Luke's is using every tool at its disposal. Employees are speaking at public hearings. They're pushing out new numbers and information as soon as they get them. On social media, they've posted accounts from front-line workers about what it's like to deal with COVID-19 patients.
Health care workers in other parts of the country are taking a similar tack.
In South Dakota, which recently led the nation for most deaths and new cases per capita, emergency room nurse Jodi Doering went viral after posting on Twitter that she has dealt with dying patients who still believe COVID-19 isn't real.
In Nebraska, more than 1,700 health care workers signed a letter posted to health network Nebraska Medicine's website asking people to limit their travel and wear a mask.
"Your frontline health care workers are exhausted. We are scared that the hospitals won't have the space and people to meet the ever-growing demand," the letter said. "We call on Nebraskans to rise up once again to do everything we can for our state's health and safety."
Back in northwest Montana, public relations workers at Kalispell Regional Hospital are distributing flyers to local businesses, buying print and radio advertising and holding Facebook Live sessions with front-line workers as part of a broader "Stop the Surge" campaign.
The hope, said Mellody Sharpton, the hospital's executive director of communications, is that by repeating the same message on multiple platforms, it will rise above all of the misinformation swirling below.
toggle caption Kalispell Regional Hospital
Clear, consistent messaging
Public health experts say the need for clear, consistent messaging from front-line workers to national leaders has never been greater.
Dr. Ruth Parker, a professor at the Emory University School of Medicine, who studies health literacy, said that part of what has fed into the "chaos of content" the nation is experiencing is the politicization of mask-wearing and the virus's origins by President Trump, among others, and the fact that public health officials didn't adequately express the uncertainty of COVID-19 in the early days of the pandemic.
"We missed an opportunity to really take advantage of trying to work with people to understand what happens when something is new and you don't know much about it," she said. "You have to learn as you go."
The effectiveness of masks is a good example. Scientists now know that wearing a mask protects the wearer, not just others. That point was only emphasized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week.
For those in the public who are already skeptical of the government narrative, Parker said, shifting messages without clear explanation only breeds more uncertainty into a moment already loaded with it.
"It's such a scary time, and I think the climate is so ripe for being frustrated, being confused and probably not knowing what to do or how to navigate it," she said.
It makes sense that people are downplaying or denying the virus's existence, Parker said. It's a coping mechanism.


npr--2020-11-19--Climate Activists Want Biden To Bar Appointees With Fossil Fuel Ties

Climate Activists Want Biden To Bar Appointees With Fossil Fuel Ties Climate activists have set a high bar for President-elect Joe Biden 's staff picks , asking that he exclude anyone with ties to fossil fuel industries .
They 've already been disappointed .
Biden faced backlash this week after naming Louisiana Rep. Cedric Richmond to lead the Office of Public Engagement .
Varshini Prakash , executive director of the Sunrise Movement , said it `` feels like a betrayal '' because Richmond `` has taken more donations from the fossil fuel industry during his Congressional career than nearly any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gas industry has been among Richmond 's top campaign contributors over his career in Congress , according to Center for Responsive Politics .
Prakash called Richmond 's appointment `` an affront to young people who made President-Elect Biden 's victory possible . ''
The Biden transition office defended Richmond 's appointment and reaffirmed the incoming administration 's commitment to addressing climate change .
A House colleague of Richmond 's also pointed out that the he co-sponsored legislation calling for `` a 100 percent clean economy '' by 2050 .
In a statement provided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald McEachin said Richmond `` is committed to serving the President-elect 's vision to meet this moment by prioritizing both an inclusive , clean energy future and federal investment in transitional communities , creating millions of good-paying jobs and protecting our planet for generations to come . ''
Last Monday , Sunrise Movement protesters marched to Biden 's Philadelphia headquarters office chanting `` Biden , be brave , '' The group also issued its own list of suggestions for key cabinet appointments .
Biden has let the Sunrise Movement down before .
Instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he campaigned on his own climate plan that calls for a slower transition away from coal , oil and gas .
He has not committed to barring people with fossil fuel ties from his administration .
A major problem with such a litmus test is that Biden wo n't govern alone .
The U.S. Senate could remain under Republican leadership , depending on the outcome of two run-off races in Georgia .
That means passing legislation would require compromise .
`` Americans voted for divided government and as part of that I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think they voted for common sense , '' says Anne Bradbury , CEO of the American Exploration and Production Council .
Bradbury sees a future for fossil fuels even under Biden 's ambitious plan for the U.S. to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 .
Conservatives worried about climate change say there are issues Republicans and Democrats likely can agree on , such as economic stimulus legislation that boosts clean energy .
Heather Reams , executive director of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions , says climate activists should focus on `` the art @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today , rather than arguing about the position on one 's resume . ''
Among the names on the Biden transition 's agency review teams a few have limited ties to fossil fuel , but more are from environmental groups .
`` When I look at that list I think the clear message is the Biden team wants good people in place , right from the start , who have experience in these agencies and are not wasting any time , '' says Jody Freeman , director of the Environmental and Energy Law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a former counselor on energy and climate change in the Obama White House .
Freeman is a good example of those who could be excluded if a Biden administration rejected people connected to fossil fuel companies .
She sits on the board of oil company Conoco-Phillips , but she also led Obama 's effort to double car fuel-efficiency standards .
Freeman is also an expert on using presidential powers to address climate change , knowledge that likely will be necessary if both parties ca n't agree on new climate legislation when Biden @ @ @ @ @ @

Climate Activists Want Biden To Bar Appointees With Fossil Fuel Ties
Enlarge this image toggle caption Bloomberg/Bloomberg via Getty Images Bloomberg/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Climate activists have set a high bar for President-elect Joe Biden's staff picks, asking that he exclude anyone with ties to fossil fuel industries. They've already been disappointed.
Biden faced backlash this week after naming Louisiana Rep. Cedric Richmond to lead the Office of Public Engagement.
Varshini Prakash, executive director of the Sunrise Movement, said it "feels like a betrayal" because Richmond "has taken more donations from the fossil fuel industry during his Congressional career than nearly any other Democrat."
The oil and gas industry has been among Richmond's top campaign contributors over his career in Congress, according to Center for Responsive Politics.
Prakash called Richmond's appointment "an affront to young people who made President-Elect Biden's victory possible."
The Biden transition office defended Richmond's appointment and reaffirmed the incoming administration's commitment to addressing climate change. A House colleague of Richmond's also pointed out that the he co-sponsored legislation calling for "a 100 percent clean economy" by 2050.
In a statement provided by the transition office, Rep. A. Donald McEachin said Richmond "is committed to serving the President-elect's vision to meet this moment by prioritizing both an inclusive, clean energy future and federal investment in transitional communities, creating millions of good-paying jobs and protecting our planet for generations to come."
Last Monday, Sunrise Movement protesters marched to Biden's Philadelphia headquarters office chanting "Biden, be brave." The group also issued its own list of suggestions for key cabinet appointments.
Biden has let the Sunrise Movement down before. Instead of backing the Green New Deal, he campaigned on his own climate plan that calls for a slower transition away from coal, oil and gas. He has not committed to barring people with fossil fuel ties from his administration.
A major problem with such a litmus test is that Biden won't govern alone.
The U.S. Senate could remain under Republican leadership, depending on the outcome of two runoff races in Georgia. That means passing legislation would require compromise.
"Americans voted for divided government and as part of that I think they voted for moderation, and I think they voted for common sense," says Anne Bradbury, CEO of the American Exploration and Production Council.
Bradbury sees a future for fossil fuels even under Biden's ambitious plan for the U.S. to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Conservatives worried about climate change say there are issues Republicans and Democrats likely can agree on, such as economic stimulus legislation that boosts clean energy.
Heather Reams, executive director of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions, says climate activists should focus on "the art of possible with getting climate action done today, rather than arguing about the position on one's resume."
Among the names on the Biden transition's agency review teams a few have limited ties to fossil fuel, but more are from environmental groups.
"When I look at that list I think the clear message is the Biden team wants good people in place, right from the start, who have experience in these agencies and are not wasting any time," says Jody Freeman, director of the Environmental and Energy Law Program at Harvard Law School. She was a former counselor on energy and climate change in the Obama White House.
Freeman is a good example of those who could be excluded if a Biden administration rejected people connected to fossil fuel companies. She sits on the board of oil company Conoco-Phillips, but she also led Obama's effort to double car fuel-efficiency standards.
Freeman is also an expert on using presidential powers to address climate change, knowledge that likely will be necessary if both parties can't agree on new climate legislation when Biden is sworn in next year.


npr--2020-11-19--Australian Special Forces Unlawfully Killed 39 In Afghanistan, New Report Says

Australian Special Forces Unlawfully Killed 39 In Afghanistan , New Report Says Members of the Australian special forces allegedly killed 39 people during operations in Afghanistan in violation of international law , according to the findings of a long-awaited report .
Results of the inquiry , which is the culmination of four years of work , were released by the country 's military chief Angus Campbell .
It found credible evidence of instances , at various points from 2009 to 2013 , of serious unlawful actions by members of the Australian Defence Force .
It also detailed other instances of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ findings showcase a `` disgraceful and a profound betrayal of the Australian Defence Force 's professional standards and expectations , '' Campbell said , according to the Sydney Morning Herald .
The report , containing large sections that are redacted , found that 25 current or former Australian Defence personnel were involved in the killing of 39 Afghan nationals or non-combatants considered captured or injured and no longer a threat .
Further , the investigation found credible evidence that members of the special forces group engaged in the `` cruel treatment '' of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also in violation of international law and considered a war crime .
`` None of these are incidents of disputable decisions made under pressure in the heat of battle , '' the report said .
It relied on interviews of more than 400 soldiers , officers , Afghan villagers , and others .
The damning report released in Australia may lead to the criminal prosecution of those , so far unnamed , soldiers involved .
It recommended that Campbell refer 36 incidences to the Australian Federal Police for criminal investigation , involving a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scott Morrison said last week that a special investigator would be appointed to consider next steps in possible prosecutions , according to the BBC .
Campbell emphasized cultural issues within the military were to blame for the allegations , he said in a speech ahead of the report 's release .
A `` misplaced focus '' on a `` distorted culture '' focusing on prestige , status , and power , are to blame , Campbell said .
This `` was embraced and amplified by some experienced , charismatic and influential non-commissioned officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excellence with ego , entitlement and exceptionalism , '' he said .
Changes are being implemented to prevent that from continuing , he said .
The Special Air Service Regiment 's second squadron , which was associated with several instances of wrongdoing mentioned in the report , will be struck off the Army 's order of battle , reformed and renamed , the Herald reported .
Some members of the Special Operations Task Group , which was responsible for several unlawful actions , took active steps to conceal their crimes , the report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as easily concealable pistols , hand-held radios , weapon magazines , or grenades on the bodies of those killed .
They took photos of the bodies to frame their victims as legitimate targets .
The investigation found that junior soldiers were also required by their patrol commanders to shoot a prisoner in order to achieve the soldier 's `` first kill '' in a practice known as `` blooding , '' according to the report .
`` While it would have been much easier to report that it was poor command and leadership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events disclosed in this Report , that would be a gross distortion , '' the report said .
`` But for a small number of patrol commanders , and their [ protégés ] , it would not have been thought of , it would not have begun , it would not have continued , and it would have been discovered .
It is overwhelmingly at that level that responsibility resides . ''
This is not the first time allegations of war crimes during the conflict Afghanistan have arisen .
In March , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the OK to begin an investigation into war crimes that may have been committed by U.S. soldiers and others in the war .

Australian Special Forces Unlawfully Killed 39 In Afghanistan, New Report Says
Enlarge this image toggle caption Quinn Rooney/Getty Images Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
Members of the Australian special forces allegedly killed 39 people during operations in Afghanistan in violation of international law, according to the findings of a long-awaited report.
Results of the inquiry, which is the culmination of four years of work, were released by the country's military chief Angus Campbell. It found credible evidence of instances, at various points from 2009 to 2013, of serious unlawful actions by members of the Australian Defence Force. It also detailed other instances of war crimes committed by soldiers.
The findings showcase a "disgraceful and a profound betrayal of the Australian Defence Force's professional standards and expectations," Campbell said, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
The report, containing large sections that are redacted, found that 25 current or former Australian Defence personnel were involved in the killing of 39 Afghan nationals or noncombatants considered captured or injured and no longer a threat.
Further, the investigation found credible evidence that members of the special forces group engaged in the "cruel treatment" of prisoners on at least two occasions, also in violation of international law and considered a war crime.
"None of these are incidents of disputable decisions made under pressure in the heat of battle," the report said.
It relied on interviews of more than 400 soldiers, officers, Afghan villagers and others.
The damning report released in Australia may lead to the criminal prosecution of those, so far unnamed, soldiers involved. It recommended that Campbell refer 36 incidences to the Australian Federal Police for criminal investigation, involving a total of 19 individuals.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said last week that a special investigator would be appointed to consider next steps in possible prosecutions, according to the BBC.
Campbell emphasized cultural issues within the military were to blame for the allegations, he said in a speech ahead of the report's release.
A "misplaced focus" on a "distorted culture" focusing on prestige, status and power, are to blame, Campbell said. This "was embraced and amplified by some experienced, charismatic and influential non-commissioned officers and their proteges, who fused military excellence with ego, entitlement and exceptionalism," he said.
Changes are being implemented to prevent that from continuing, he said.
The Special Air Service Regiment's second squadron, which was associated with several instances of wrongdoing mentioned in the report, will be struck off the Army's order of battle, reformed and renamed, the Herald reported.
Some members of the Special Operations Task Group, which was responsible for several unlawful actions, took active steps to conceal their crimes, the report indicated. They placed weapons — such as easily concealable pistols, handheld radios, weapon magazines or grenades — on the bodies of those killed. They took photos of the bodies to frame their victims as legitimate targets.
The investigation found that junior soldiers were also required by their patrol commanders to shoot a prisoner in order to achieve the soldier's "first kill" in a practice known as "blooding," according to the report.
"While it would have been much easier to report that it was poor command and leadership that was primarily to blame for the events disclosed in this Report, that would be a gross distortion," the report said. "But for a small number of patrol commanders, and their [protégés], it would not have been thought of, it would not have begun, it would not have continued, and it would have been discovered. It is overwhelmingly at that level that responsibility resides."
This is not the first time allegations of war crimes during the conflict Afghanistan have arisen. In March, the International Criminal Court (ICC) gave the OK to begin an investigation into war crimes that may have been committed by U.S. soldiers and others in the war.


npr--2020-11-18--Michigan 5th Deadliest State For COVID-19 And 6th Highest Coronavirus Cases In U.S.

Michigan 5th Deadliest State For COVID-19 And 6th Highest Coronavirus Cases In U.S. Over the past week several states have obliterated coronavirus infection records , surpassing the peak in the spring , including Michigan which now ranks sixth nationally in coronavirus cases and fifth for the number of COVID-19-related deaths , according to state data released on Wednesday .
Sarah Lyon-Callo , director of the Bureau of Epidemiology and Population Health at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services , on Wednesday told reporters that cases and deaths across the state continue to increase at an exponential rate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate as percent of total beds occupied by COVID-19 patients , and the sixth highest number of COVID-19 patients in the ICU '' in the nation , Lyon-Callo said in a news conference , the Detroit Free Press reported .
State data show Michigan added 47,771 new confirmed cases over the last seven days .
As of Wednesday , 277,806 residents have contracted the virus and 8,190 have died .
The latest statewide report notes that there is likely a `` significant underreporting of outbreaks , '' due to an inability to conduct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As a result , the update does not provide a complete picture of outbreaks in Michigan .
`` Case investigation and contact tracing is becoming overwhelmed with the influx of new cases and contacts and is at or near all-time lows , '' the 33-page report states .
Lyon-Callo urged Michiganders to download a free and anonymous app called MI COVID Alert .
The app sends out notifications of close contacts who 've tested positive for the virus .
As of Wednesday , she said , more than 280,000 people have signed up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ translation are `` coming soon . ''
According to the update , coronavirus cases and deaths attributed to the pandemic are rising in all age groups , races and ethnicities .
Outbreaks are spiking , particularly in long-term care facilities , schools and sports , in-person workplaces , and restaurants and bars .
Among children , the virus spread most aggressively among high-schoolers in the week ending on Nov. 13 .
Of 144 cases identified in K-12 students , 101 are in high school .
In reported cases over all , nearly 900 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whitmer , whose life has been threatened over her handling of the pandemic , urged caution amid the alarming surge .

Michigan 5th Deadliest State For COVID-19 And 6th Highest Coronavirus Cases In U.S.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Carlos Osorio/AP Carlos Osorio/AP
Over the past week several states have obliterated coronavirus infection records, surpassing the peak in the spring, including Michigan which now ranks sixth nationally in coronavirus cases and fifth for the number of COVID-19-related deaths, according to state data released on Wednesday.
Sarah Lyon-Callo, director of the Bureau of Epidemiology and Population Health at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, on Wednesday told reporters that cases and deaths across the state continue to increase at an exponential rate.
"We have the 10th highest hospitalization rate as percent of total beds occupied by COVID-19 patients, and the sixth highest number of COVID-19 patients in the ICU" in the nation, Lyon-Callo said in a news conference, the Detroit Free Press reported.
State data show Michigan added 47,771 new confirmed cases over the last seven days.
As of Wednesday, 277,806 residents have contracted the virus and 8,190 have died.
The latest statewide report notes that there is likely a "significant underreporting of outbreaks," due to an inability to conduct effective contact tracing in some settings. As a result, the update does not provide a complete picture of outbreaks in Michigan.
"Case investigation and contact tracing is becoming overwhelmed with the influx of new cases and contacts and is at or near all-time lows," the 33-page report states.
Lyon-Callo urged Michiganders to download a free and anonymous app called MI COVID Alert. The app sends out notifications of close contacts who've tested positive for the virus. As of Wednesday, she said, more than 280,000 people have signed up, and officials said Spanish and Arabic translation are "coming soon."
According to the update, coronavirus cases and deaths attributed to the pandemic are rising in all age groups, races and ethnicities. Outbreaks are spiking, particularly in long-term care facilities, schools and sports, in-person workplaces, and restaurants and bars.
Among children, the virus spread most aggressively among high-schoolers in the week ending on Nov. 13. Of 144 cases identified in K-12 students, 101 are in high school. In reported cases over all, nearly 900 are students.
Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, whose life has been threatened over her handling of the pandemic, urged caution amid the alarming surge.
"Stay smart. Stay safe," she pleaded in a tweet.


npr--2020-11-20--Coronavirus World Map: Tracking The Spread Of The Outbreak

Coronavirus World Map : Tracking The Spread Of The Outbreak On Sept. 28 , the world marked a tragic milestone : 1 million deaths from COVID-19 .
That 's according to a tally maintained by Johns Hopkins University .
And public health experts believe the actual toll – the recorded deaths plus the unrecorded deaths – is much higher .
While the number of cases has slowed in many countries that were hit hard early on by coronavirus , the number of new cases continues to increase .
Since early July , new daily cases averaged over 200,000 worldwide .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ country-by-country breakdown of new and total cases since January .
At over 9 million cases , the United States leads the world 's COVID-19 crisis .
In late spring and early summer , new COVID-19 cases were largely driven by cases in the Americas .
While the U.S. has consistently had the most new daily cases of coronavirus in the region , Brazil 's new daily cases increased rapidly between May and August .
However , in September , several countries that had previously flattened their curve saw a resurgence in cases , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , daily case counts have risen swiftly since June , without signs of slowing down .
Explore how the number of coronavirus cases have shifted in different parts of the world over time .
The first chart compares each continent to each other , while the next charts highlight the number of cases in select countries by region .
To compare country outbreaks , the chart below graphs trend lines for average new daily cases and deaths against each country 's totals to date .
This type of visualization highlights a state 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overall size of its outbreak .
When both new and total case and death counts grow quickly , the curves bend upward .
As new cases and deaths slow , the curves level or bend down .
In countries like Israel , which is seeing a second wave of case growth after an initial wave in April , the line forms a V-shape , as the initially bent curve spikes upwards again .
Click here to see the state-by-state breakdown of cases in the United States .
This story was originally published on @ @ @ @ @

Coronavirus world map: We've now passed the 600 million mark for infections
Editor's note: This page is no longer being updated. The last update was Sept. 5, 2022. For current data about COVID-19 cases and deaths around the world, Johns Hopkins University and Our World in Data are useful resources.
In late January 2020 only a few dozen COVID-19 infections had been identified outside of China. A year later, the world tallied its first 100 million cases. It took the globe just 7 more months to pass the 200 million mark— then another 5 months to hit 300 million, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins University. Now the virus has spread to every corner of the globe and has been blamed for more than 6 million deaths.
The United States, India and Brazil in that order have had the most COVID cases and the three nations collectively account for almost half of all recorded infections so far in the pandemic.
Explore the chart below to find a country-by-country breakdown of new and total cases since January 2020.
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Explore how the number of coronavirus cases have shifted in different parts of the world over time. The first chart compares each continent to each other, while the next charts highlight the number of cases in select countries by region.
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This story was originally published on March 30, 2020.


npr--2020-11-20--Coronavirus Is Surging: How Severe Is Your State's Outbreak?

Coronavirus Is Surging : How Severe Is Your State 's Outbreak ?
More than 11 million people in the U.S. have had confirmed coronavirus infections and more than 245,000 have died of COVID-19 .
Tens of thousands of new cases are reported daily nationwide .
In the graphics below , explore the trends in your state .
View the data via a heat map ( immediately below ) , curve charts , a table of state-by-state trends over four weeks , or a map of total cases and deaths .
The map above shows the risk of infection in each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capita .
The consortium of researchers and public health experts who developed these risk levels advises states in the red category to issue stay-home orders .
They advise orange states to consider stay-home orders , along with increased testing and contact tracing .
Yellow states need to keep up social distancing and mask usage , and all states should continue testing and contact tracing .
To compare state outbreaks , the chart above graphs trend lines for average new daily cases and deaths against each state 's totals to date .
This type @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growth or decline relative to the overall size of its outbreak .
When both new and total case and death counts grow quickly , the curves bend upward .
As new cases and deaths slow , the curves level or bend down .
In New York , the curve rose sharply before reaching over 170,000 total cases in April .
New cases fell from about 10,000 per day in mid-April to under 900 a day most of the summer , before starting to rise in the fall .
Explore the map above to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country for both new confirmed cases and reported deaths from COVID-19 .
New York was the original epicenter of the pandemic in the U.S. As of mid October , California , Florida and Texas surpass New York for total cases to date , though New York still has the highest death total .
Click here to see a global map of confirmed cases and deaths .
To show trends , the table below shows the change in average new cases per day in each state , week over week for the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of red have growing outbreaks ; those in shades of green , are declining .
The graphics on this page pull from data compiled by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University from several sources , including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ; the World Health Organization ; national , state and local government health departments ; 1point3acres ; and local media reports .
The JHU team automates its data uploads and regularly checks them for anomalies .
This may result in occasional data discrepancies on this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and updates its feeds .
State-by-state recovery data are unavailable at this time .
There may be discrepancies between what you see here and what you see on your local health department 's website .
Figures shown do not include cases on cruise ships .
Fluctuations in the numbers may happen as health authorities review old cases and or update their methodologies .
For example , in early June , Michigan health authorities started including probable cases in its totals .
This resulted in a brief spike in the state 's daily numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reconcile the historical data .
On June 25 , New Jersey included 1,854 previously-unreported probable deaths in its totals , resulting in a spike in the state 's daily death numbers .
On Sept. 2 , Massachusetts changed its methodology for counting probable cases , which lowered its overall case and death numbers .
The JHU team maintains a list of such changes .
This story was originally published on March 16 , 2020 .
Elena Renken was a co-author on that version .
Sean McMinn and Audrey Carlsen contributed to this story @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Tracking the coronavirus around the U.S.: See how your state is doing
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Note: This page was last updated on Feb. 1, 2023. It will no longer be updated. For current data on COVID cases and deaths, demographics, and hospitalizations, consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As of Feb. 1, there have been more than 101 million confirmed coronavirus infections in the U.S. and more than 1 million people have died of COVID-19. In the graphics below, explore the trends in your state.
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The above charts show average new cases per 100,000 people for each state over the last 12 months.
Note: Actual cases may be substantially higher, since many who test positive with at-home tests don't report their cases.
For additional data about COVID-19 in the U.S, including cases and deaths, demographics, and hospitalizations, consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
To show trends, the table below shows the change in average new cases per day in each state, week over week for the last 28 days. States marked in shades of red have growing outbreaks; those in shades of green, are declining.
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Methodology
The graphics on this page pull from data compiled by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University from several sources, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; the World Health Organization; national, state and local government health departments; 1point3acres; and local media reports.
The JHU team automates its data uploads and regularly checks them for anomalies. This may result in occasional data discrepancies on this page as the JHU team resolves anomalies and updates its feeds. There may be discrepancies between what you see here and what you see on your local health department's website. Figures shown do not include cases on cruise ships.
Fluctuations in the numbers may happen as health authorities review old cases, process testing backlogs or update their methodologies. The JHU team maintains a list of such changes.
This story was originally published on March 16, 2020. Elena Renken was a co-author on that version. Sean McMinn and Audrey Carlsen contributed to this story. Carmel Wroth edited this story.


npr--2020-11-20--Two Rural States With GOP Governors And Very Different COVID-19 Results

Two Rural States With GOP Governors And Very Different COVID-19 Results One of America 's most COVID-19 skeptical governors has been South Dakota 's Kristi Noem .
She 's loudly refused to impose any shutdowns or a statewide mask mandate .
Noem 's devotion to keeping her state open has made her a celebrity in the Republican Party .
She campaigned for President Trump in 17 states , and touted her own record along the way .
`` What I did in South Dakota is what we say Republicans always believe , '' Noem says .
`` We just did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and look at what is happening in our state . ''
One of the things happening in South Dakota is an infection rate that 's among the worst in the nation , at about 8,000 cases per 100,000 people .
In Vermont , another small , rural state with a Republican governor , Gov .
Phil Scott has embraced safety measures , and the differences are pretty stark .
Like South Dakota , Vermont has fewer than a million residents , most of whom do n't live in cities .
It has about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's the lowest rate in the nation .
Scott has embraced statewide shutdowns and mandated masks .
When he reopened the state 's economy , he did it slowly .
`` My decisions throughout this pandemic , from the closures and other mitigation steps in March and April , to the methodical reopening of our economy , hospitals and schools has been based on the data , the science and the recommendations of our health experts , '' Scott said .
Vermont has recorded a total of 3,310 confirmed coronavirus infections since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more new COVID-19 infections than that so far this week , with 5,559 confirmed cases .
And South Dakota has more than 10 times as many total COVID-19 deaths .
`` We felt we could reopen the economy and do the appropriate public health measures for the pandemic in parallel , and that you did n't have to sacrifice one for the other , '' he said .
In September , South Dakota had the nation 's second lowest unemployment rate , Vermont 's was third .
When the pandemic began , both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months .
Over the summer , things changed in South Dakota .
Gov .
Noem repeatedly questioned the effectiveness of masks .
`` I 'm opposed to a statewide mask mandate , '' she 's said .
`` I 've been clear about that . ''
In July , she hosted President Trump for fireworks at Mount Rushmore ; 7,000 people attended .
In August , Noem welcomed hundreds of thousands of people to the annual Sturgis motorcycle rally in her state .
Around that same time in Vermont , Gov .
Scott @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away 300,000 cloth face coverings .
`` I 'm asking you to look at the data — the real data , not just something you see on Facebook — and realize that the science is real , '' Scott said , `` and that wearing a mask will not only protect the gains we 've made , but also help your family members and friends stay healthy . ''
Now South Dakota is suffering an extended COVID surge .
The number of COVID-19 patients in hospitals has quadrupled in the last two months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Noem 's outlook .
`` Business lockdowns have not slowed down infection spreads and increases in positive cases , '' she said , despite evidence to the contrary .
`` And even mask mandates [ have ] not slowed down the spread or prevented other states from becoming hotspots . ''
Noem said that on a day when South Dakota reported almost 1,400 new coronavirus infections .
Vermont recently had it 's first-ever day with more than 100 new cases .
Gov .
Scott responded with new mitigation measures .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , especially with the holidays right around the corner , '' Scott said .
`` But it 's necessary , and we need Vermonters ' help to get this back under control . ''
Vermont 's new measures limit social gatherings .
They restrict the operations of bars , social clubs and restaurants .
They suspend recreational sports .
And they mandate teleworking whenever possible .

Two Rural States With GOP Governors And Very Different COVID-19 Results
Enlarge this image toggle caption Alex Brandon/AP Alex Brandon/AP
One of America's governors most skeptical about COVID-19 has been South Dakota's Kristi Noem. She's loudly refused to impose any shutdowns or a statewide mask mandate.
Noem's devotion to keeping her state open has made her a celebrity in the Republican Party.
She campaigned for President Trump in 17 states, and touted her own record along the way.
National South Dakota Doctor On How His Hospital Is Strained As Coronavirus Cases Surge South Dakota Doctor On How His Hospital Is Strained As Coronavirus Cases Surge Listen · 4:26 4:26
"What I did in South Dakota is what we say Republicans always believe," Noem says. "We just did it. We just did it, and look at what is happening in our state."
One of the things happening in South Dakota is an infection rate that's among the worst in the nation, at about 8,000 cases per 100,000 people.
In Vermont, another small, rural state with a Republican governor, Gov. Phil Scott has embraced safety measures, and the differences are pretty stark. Like South Dakota, Vermont has fewer than 1 million residents, most of whom don't live in cities. It has about 500 cases per 100,000 people. That's the lowest rate in the nation.
Scott has embraced statewide shutdowns and mandated masks. When he reopened the state's economy, he did it slowly.
"My decisions throughout this pandemic, from the closures and other mitigation steps in March and April, to the methodical reopening of our economy, hospitals and schools has been based on the data, the science and the recommendations of our health experts," Scott said.
Vermont has recorded a total of 3,310 confirmed coronavirus infections since the pandemic began. South Dakota has recorded more new coronavirus infections than that so far this week, with 5,559 confirmed cases. And South Dakota has more than 10 times as many total COVID-19 deaths.
Vermont Health Commissioner Mark Levine says his state chose a balanced approach.
"We felt we could reopen the economy and do the appropriate public health measures for the pandemic in parallel, and that you didn't have to sacrifice one for the other," he said.
In September, South Dakota had the nation's second lowest unemployment rate. Vermont's was third.
When the pandemic began, both states had low infection numbers for several months.
Over the summer, things changed in South Dakota. Noem repeatedly questioned the effectiveness of masks.
"I'm opposed to a statewide mask mandate," she's said. "I've been clear about that."
In July, she hosted President Trump for fireworks at Mount Rushmore; 7,000 people attended.
In August, Noem welcomed hundreds of thousands of people to the annual Sturgis motorcycle rally in her state.
Around that same time in Vermont, Scott imposed a statewide mask mandate and gave away 300,000 cloth face coverings.
"I'm asking you to look at the data — the real data, not just something you see on Facebook — and realize that the science is real," Scott said, "and that wearing a mask will not only protect the gains we've made, but also help your family members and friends stay healthy."
Now South Dakota is suffering an extended COVID-19 surge. The number of COVID-19 patients in hospitals has quadrupled in the past two months. But that hasn't changed Noem's outlook.
"Business lockdowns have not slowed down infection spreads and increases in positive cases," she said, despite evidence to the contrary. "And even mask mandates [have] not slowed down the spread or prevented other states from becoming hot spots."
Noem said that on a day when South Dakota reported almost 1,400 new coronavirus infections.
Vermont recently had its first day with more than 100 new cases. Scott responded with new mitigation measures.
"I know this is incredibly difficult and frustrating, especially with the holidays right around the corner," Scott said. "But it's necessary, and we need Vermonters' help to get this back under control."
Vermont's new measures limit social gatherings. They restrict the operations of bars, social clubs and restaurants. They suspend recreational sports. And they mandate teleworking whenever possible.


npr--2020-11-20--India Confirms 9 Million Coronavirus Infections

India 's total reported coronavirus cases have surpassed 9 million – a milestone so far crossed only by the United States .
But new infections appear to be declining in India , with 45,882 new cases reported Friday , compared to daily tallies that were more than double that , in September .
Some scientists have questioned the reliability of India 's testing regime and kits .
India 's caseload reached 9,004,365 on Friday .
That 's the second-highest in the world , behind the U.S , which has confirmed 11,717,951 cases , according to Johns Hopkins University .
Brazil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases , but its death toll is higher than India 's .
Because India 's population is so large , nearly 1.4 billion , the country 's per capita infection rate remains much lower than those countries .
About 0.6 % of people in India have tested positive for the coronavirus since the pandemic began .
The Indian capital New Delhi remains a hotspot , along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi 's home state of Gujarat , where a weekend curfew has been called in the city of Ahmedabad .
In Delhi , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Hindu festival season , when families gather in large groups , and a subsequent spike in air pollution , which scientists say exacerbates the transmission and severity of COVID-19 .
Local authorities are flying in extra doctors from other states , and commandeering intensive-care beds at private hospitals , because government hospitals are nearly full .
On Friday , they quadrupled the fine levied on people caught not wearing a mask in public , to 2,000 rupees ( about US $ 27 ) .
But other restrictions have been lifted across India @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economy .
Most markets , cinemas , restaurants and gyms are open .
Schools remain closed in Delhi , but open in many other states .
Last March , India imposed the world 's biggest coronavirus lockdown , with just a few hours notice , when the country 's caseload was relatively low .
Modi credits that action with staunching the virus ' early spread .
But it left many Indians , particularly the working poor , in desperation , after factories and public transit shut .
Amid reports of starvation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown in early June .
India 's economy shrank nearly 24 % during that period .
Its central bank confirmed this month that the country has entered a recession , for the first time in its democratic history .

India Confirms 9 Million Coronavirus Infections
Enlarge this image toggle caption Punit Paranjpe/AFP via Getty Images Punit Paranjpe/AFP via Getty Images
India's total reported coronavirus cases have surpassed 9 million – a milestone so far crossed only by the United States.
But new infections appear to be declining in India, with 45,882 new cases reported Friday, compared to daily tallies that were more than double that, in September.
Some scientists have questioned the reliability of India's testing regime and kits.
India's caseload reached 9,004,365 on Friday. That's the second-highest in the world, behind the U.S, which has confirmed 11,717,951 cases, according to Johns Hopkins University. Brazil is third, with nearly 6 million cases, but its death toll is higher than India's.
Because India's population is so large, nearly 1.4 billion, the country's per capita infection rate remains much lower than those countries. About 0.6% of people in India have tested positive for the coronavirus since the pandemic began.
The Indian capital New Delhi remains a hotspot, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state of Gujarat, where a weekend curfew has been called in the city of Ahmedabad.
In Delhi, a spike in infections has coincided with the Hindu festival season, when families gather in large groups, and a subsequent spike in air pollution, which scientists say exacerbates the transmission and severity of COVID-19. Local authorities are flying in extra doctors from other states, and commandeering intensive-care beds at private hospitals, because government hospitals are nearly full. On Friday, they quadrupled the fine levied on people caught not wearing a mask in public, to 2,000 rupees (about US$27).
But other restrictions have been lifted across India, as the government struggles to revive the economy. Most markets, cinemas, restaurants and gyms are open. Schools remain closed in Delhi, but open in many other states.
Last March, India imposed the world's biggest coronavirus lockdown, with just a few hours notice, when the country's caseload was relatively low. Modi credits that action with staunching the virus' early spread.
But it left many Indians, particularly the working poor, in desperation, after factories and public transit shut. Amid reports of starvation, the government reversed course and lifted its lockdown in early June. India's economy shrank nearly 24% during that period. Its central bank confirmed this month that the country has entered a recession, for the first time in its democratic history.


npr--2020-11-20--News Brief: Michigan Election Results, Thanksgiving Travel, Pompeo In Israel

Two Republican Michigan lawmakers are invited to the White House as Trump contests election results .
We discuss if testing @ @ @ @ @ holiday travel .
And , Mike Pompeo visits Israel .

News Brief: Michigan Election Results, Thanksgiving Travel, Pompeo In Israel
Two Republican Michigan lawmakers are invited to the White House as Trump contests election results. We discuss if testing is a safe strategy for holiday travel. And, Mike Pompeo visits Israel.
NOEL KING, HOST:
After six days of recounting ballots by hand, election officials in Georgia confirmed last night that President-elect Joe Biden won the state of Georgia.
RACHEL MARTIN, HOST:
Yes. Joe Biden also won the state of Michigan by more than 150,000 votes, in fact. But that has not stopped President Trump from trying to overturn that result. The president and his lawyers tried to sue Michigan over the vote, but it didn't go anywhere. So the president appears to be taking things into his own hands. Today, he has reportedly invited two Republican state lawmakers from Michigan to the White House.
KING: Rick Pluta of Michigan Public Radio is following this one. Good morning, Rick.
RICK PLUTA, BYLINE: Good morning.
KING: OK. So Biden is leading in Michigan by about 150,000 votes, as Rachel said, and yet President Trump is disputing. Why?
PLUTA: Well, he's hanging it on the fact that the result is not official yet. The statewide vote has not been officially counted and confirmed, and it can't be without the results from Detroit and Wayne County. And the Wayne County board of canvassers deadlocked Tuesday night on certifying that vote based on returns from Detroit. That's because a bipartisan vote is required. And there was this blowback during the public comment period, and it was fierce. And so the Republicans on the board reversed themselves, and then they voted to approve it. And now they want to reverse it again - a double reversal and uncertify what they've already certified.
KING: OK. That is a lot happening in Michigan. The Trump campaign has filed lawsuits in multiple states. They have mostly imploded, but the campaign actually dropped its lawsuit in Michigan. Why is that?
PLUTA: Well, Rudy Giuliani, the president's lawyer, seemed to suggest that the lawsuit was dropped because certification of the election in Wayne County is blocked, which is not true. The state can't simply ignore voters in the state's largest county. It includes the state's largest city, Detroit. And we should note, Detroit is largely African American. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat, we should mention, says they can't do that.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
JOCELYN BENSON: It's clear that the voters of Wayne County and Michigan have spoken and they've made a choice. And there's no legal or factual basis for anyone to question that choice or challenge it. And so we accept the Wayne County certification, just as we accepted every one of our 83 county certification, as it was properly made in a public vote in a public meeting.
KING: OK. So you have the secretary of state saying it's all good, and then you have the president reportedly inviting Michigan Republicans to the White House today. Do you know what that meeting is supposed to be about?
PLUTA: Well, what possibly could it be about? The two Michigan Republican leaders - and they run the House and the Senate - are apparently going to meet with the president today. That's Michigan Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey and the Statehouse speaker, Lee Chatfield. And they've both said the state's electoral votes will reflect the popular vote, and they're not even sharing or officially confirming that this meeting is happening. But Michigan and its 16 electoral votes are very important to Republicans, and they're critical to President-elect Joe Biden if his victory is going to be made official. I mean, I can't imagine that the subject of the election won't come up.
KING: Yeah, sure enough. What is the next step in Michigan?
PLUTA: Well, the Michigan Board of State Canvassers is supposed to meet Monday to certify the statewide results. It's also a two-two Republican-Democrat board that requires bipartisan approval to certify the results. And if they can't agree, it goes to court.
KING: Rick Pluta of Michigan Public Radio. Thanks, Rick.
PLUTA: A pleasure.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
KING: The CDC's advice to Americans is incredibly simple.
MARTIN: Right. The agency said yesterday, quote, "the safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving is to celebrate at home with the people you live with." Even so, many Americans are planning to travel. And for some of them, the plan is to just get tested before they go. Is that a safe strategy?
KING: NPR health correspondent Rob Stein has been looking into that. Good morning, Rob.
ROB STEIN, BYLINE: Morning, Noel.
KING: All right. Let me ask you big picture. I stood on line on Tuesday for about 90 minutes waiting to get a test here in D.C., but I did get one. Does the country have enough tests at this point?
STEIN: Well, glad to hear you got your test, Noel. You know, the testing situation has gotten a lot better. More than 171 million tests have now been done in the U.S. and it's gotten way easier to get a test, like you found eventually, anyway. More than 1.6 million tests are now being done every day. And there are several different kinds of tests available and, you know, new ones getting authorized all the time. That said, the U.S. still doesn't have nearly enough tests, really. The U.S. needs millions of tests every day at a minimum to try to get ahead of this virus. And this massive surge in infections going on right now is already starting to make things worse. You know, long lines like you found have started forming around the country, and supplies are running short, and it's taking longer to get results.
KING: A lot of people are rushing to get tests now so they can travel for Thanksgiving. What tests are available? What tests are fast?
STEIN: Yeah. So the main test that's out there is still the one known as a PCR test. It's the one that most people would probably get at, say, one of those drivethrough sites or their doctor's office. It's very accurate, but it requires sending samples off to a lab. So it usually takes at least a couple of days to get results. So there's also the one the White House used, you know, the Abbott ID NOW test. It's not quite as accurate, but it's pretty good, and it produces results in about 15 minutes. And, you know, you may have heard about another one that was authorized just this week by the FDA. It's the first test designed to let people test themselves in their own homes. You know, no need to wait in line somewhere, no need to even send a sample off in the mail. You could do the whole thing at home in about 30 minutes, but it requires a prescription, and it won't be widely available for quite a while.
KING: OK. So the home test is out for now. Is there something similar and just in terms of, like, the level of easiness that a home test would provide?
STEIN: Well, you know, there are these tests called antigen tests, and they're much cheaper and easier to make and use than those PCR tests. They're really fast. And they can tell you whether you're positive in minutes. And they're already available in the millions with, you know, millions more in the pipeline. And a lot of people think these could be game changers. They could be really huge for doing things like screening students and teachers and waiters and factory workers or keep schools and the economy open. But there's a big debate about these tests, about how reliable they are. But proponents say they're really good at spotting people when they're most contagious.
KING: OK. So there are lots of tests out there. There are lots more coming. I am compelled to ask, does this mean we can use tests to stop wearing masks all the time to know when it's safe to hang around our friends and family?
STEIN: Well, you know, unfortunately, here's the bottom line - none of these tests are 100% guaranteed, you know, get-out-of-jail-free cards. Even the most accurate tests can miss infected people. Plus, you know, it can only tell you whether or not you're infected at the moment you got the test. You could have caught that virus on your way home. So, you know, it's dangerous to rely on just one negative test, especially to do something like, you know, sit next to grandma at Thanksgiving dinner.
KING: Hence the CDC's advice. NPR health correspondent Rob Stein. Thanks, Rob.
STEIN: You bet, Noel.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
KING: Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has spent the past few days in Israel.
MARTIN: Yeah, he has traveled in areas that are under Israeli occupation, and he's been expressing U.S. support for Jewish settlements. Here he is talking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
MIKE POMPEO: For a long time, the State Department took the wrong view of settlements. It took a view that didn't recognize the history of this special place.
MARTIN: So how could Pompeo's words and actions just weeks before the Trump administration leaves - how could that complicate things for the incoming Biden administration?
KING: NPR's Daniel Estrin has been following this in Jerusalem. Hi, Daniel.
DANIEL ESTRIN, BYLINE: Hi, Noel.
KING: Where's Mike Pompeo been?
ESTRIN: Today, he was at a museum that's affiliated with U.S. evangelicals, and he's also made some unprecedented trips. He's the most senior U.S. official to visit the Golan Heights, which Israel annexed from Syria, which most countries do not recognize. He's also the most senior U.S. official to visit an Israeli settlement in the West Bank. And that was interesting. He visited an Israeli settler winery. He was presented a wine named Pompeo in his honor because Pompeo proclaimed that settlements are not an illegal enterprise. Now, that winery grows grapes on land that Palestinian landowners say is theirs. The Israeli settler who runs the winery actually built his own home on a Palestinian landowner's property, according to activists. And, you know, the bigger picture is that most countries say the very presence of Israeli settlements on occupied land violates international law and hurts the chances of a Palestinian state. But Pompeo sees this as the land of the Bible. And, you know, he might be thinking about a run for office in 2024. These photo ops can help him with evangelical voters.
KING: To that end, to the question of what he's thinking long term, Pompeo basically announced a new U.S. policy yesterday. Can you tell us about what that is?
ESTRIN: Right. Well, he made a declaration that a pro-Palestinian movement to boycott Israel is anti-Semitic. Now, many U.S. states have passed laws against Israel boycotts. Many say this kind of boycott is unacceptable because some boycott supporters say Israel should not exist as a Jewish state. Boycotters say calling them anti-Semitic is an attempt to, you know, delegitimize a nonviolent protest in support of Palestinian rights. There was another declaration Pompeo made as well, which is that when the U.S. imports products to the U.S. like wines from the Jewish settlements in the West Bank, they cannot be labeled made in the West Bank. They must be labeled as made in Israel. The West Bank is not Israel, right? Israel has not officially annexed those lands. And here again, Pompeo's siding with Israeli settler claims to those lands.
KING: All right. So Pompeo and President Trump, on their way out. President-Elect Biden, on his way in. What does this mean for his administration?
ESTRIN: Look, Pompeo's trying to lock in this approach on settlements before he leaves office. And it puts Biden in a very tough position. I mean, one Israeli settler leader who's close to the Trump administration told me Pompeo's playing chess here with Biden. And this is check. This is one step before checkmate, you know. But Biden has opposed settlement expansion. He has said that it harms the chances of creating a Palestinian state and bringing peace. So if he reverses Pompeo's moves, he will risk tensions with Israelis and some pro-Israel Americans.
KING: NPR's Daniel Estrin in Jerusalem. Daniel, thanks so much.
ESTRIN: You're welcome.
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npr--2020-11-20--Coronavirus Testing Has Gotten Better, But The U.S. Still Does Not Have Enough Tests

Coronavirus Testing Has Gotten Better , But The U.S .
Still Does Not Have Enough Tests Demand for COVID-19 testing @ @ @ @ @ virus surges across the nation .
Luckily , testing has gotten better and people who @ @ @ @ @ options .

Coronavirus Testing Has Gotten Better, But The U.S. Still Does Not Have Enough Tests
Demand for COVID-19 testing has gone up as the virus surges across the nation. Luckily, testing has gotten better and people who want tests now have several options.
NOEL KING, HOST:
The CDC's advice to Americans right now is incredibly simple. The agency says, quote, "the safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving is to celebrate at home with the people you live with." Still, many Americans plan to travel, and for some of them, the plan is to get tested before they leave. Is that a safe strategy, though? NPR health correspondent Rob Stein has some answers. Good morning, Rob.
ROB STEIN, BYLINE: Good morning, Noel.
KING: There has been a chronic shortage of tests since the pandemic started. Where do we stand now?
STEIN: So, you know, testing has gotten a lot better in this country. More than 171 million tests have now been done. And it's, you know, way easier to get a test these days. More than 1.6 million tests are now being done every day, you know. And there are lots of different kinds of tests out there and new ones getting authorized all the time. All that said, the U.S. still really doesn't have nearly enough tests. U.S. really needs millions of tests every day to get ahead of this virus. And this massive surge of infections that's going on right now is making things worse again. Long lines have started forming again around the country. Supplies are running short. And it's taking longer to get results.
KING: Yes, I waited in a long line myself earlier this week. A lot of people are rushing to get tested right now so that they can travel. What are the options? What's available?
STEIN: So, you know, the main test that's out there is still the one known as a PCR test. It's the one most people would probably get at, say, you know, one of those drivethrough sites or at their doctor's offices. It's very accurate, but it requires sending samples off to a lab. So it usually takes at least a couple of days to get the results, if not more.
KING: And there have to be faster tests.
STEIN: Yeah, yeah. There's the one, you know, the White House used, the Abbott ID NOW. It's not quite as accurate, but it produces results in about 15 minutes. And the FDA authorized a new one just this week. You know, it's pretty cool. It's the first test designed to let people test themselves in their own homes. You know, no need to wait in line somewhere to get tested like you did or send the sample off in the mail. You can do the whole thing at home in about 30 minutes. The problem is right now, it still requires a prescription and it won't be widely available for quite some time.
KING: Can you tell me about something we've been hearing about - antigen tests? What are those? What does that mean?
STEIN: Yeah, yeah. These antigen tests, they're much cheaper and easier to make and to use than those other tests. And they're really fast. They can tell you whether you're positive in minutes and are available in the millions already with millions more in the pipeline. So, you know, a lot of people think they could be a real game changer for, you know, doing things like screening students and teachers and waiters and factory workers to keep our schools and our economy open. But there is a big debate about these tests, just about how reliable they are. But proponents say they're really good at spotting people when they're the most contagious, which is the most important thing.
KING: OK. So there are a lot of different testing options out there. Does this mean that we can use tests in order to get out of wearing masks and social distancing and all that?
STEIN: Well...
KING: No.
STEIN: Unfortunately - yeah. Here's the bottom line, Noel, I hate to say it, but none of these tests are 100% guaranteed get-out-of-jail-free cards. Even the most accurate tests can miss infected people. Plus, you know, it can only tell you whether or not you're infected at the moment you get tested. You could, you know, catch the virus on your way home. So it's kind of dangerous - it's actually really dangerous to just rely on one negative test, especially to do something like, you know, sit next to grandma at the Thanksgiving dinner table this year.
KING: Hence the CDC's advice to just stay home. NPR health correspondent Rob Stein. Thanks, Rob.
STEIN: You bet, Noel.
Copyright © 2020 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.


npr--2020-11-20--Sue Gordon On President Trump's Efforts To Fight Election Results

Sue Gordon , formerly the second highest ranking official in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence , talks @ @ @ @ @ about Trump 's efforts to overturn election results .

Sue Gordon On President Trump's Efforts To Fight Election Results
Sue Gordon, formerly the second highest ranking official in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, talks to NPR's Steve Inskeep about Trump's efforts to overturn election results.
NOEL KING, HOST:
It's not just Michigan. President Trump's campaign says it'll continue to fight election losses in other states, too. So far, the campaign has lost more than two dozen of the legal challenges it's filed since Election Day. Now, imagine all this was happening in some other country, how might we describe it? Our co-host, Steve, talked to someone who has some ideas.
STEVE INSKEEP, BYLINE: Sue Gordon was once the No. 2 official in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. She was a career intelligence official, appointed to her high position by President Trump and served until last year. Shortly before we spoke yesterday, the president's lawyer was promoting baseless conspiracy theories on TV. At the same time, more of the president's lawsuits were withdrawn. Lawyers cannot lie in court as easily as they can on television. Our discussion with Sue Gordon began with her former boss' effort to overturn a democratic election.
I'm thinking about the fact that you have briefed presidents. If this event were happening in a different country and you were briefing the president about it, what would you call it?
SUE GORDON: We would talk about it as basically - if it were a purported democracy, I think we would say the democracy's teetering on the edge. If I were briefing the president on this at this moment in time, and this White House were doing what this is doing and I happen to be in the Oval, I would say stop it.
INSKEEP: Why?
GORDON: Not that there aren't legitimate ways to ask questions about what's going on. We have laws for that. We have processes for that. But to openly suggest that our election process is illegitimate weakens our stature, opens us up to people using that against us, and lessens our moral authority to be the leader of the world that we have been for so many years and so important to the stability of free and open societies. So pursue what you must pursue within the context, but stop doing our adversaries' bidding.
INSKEEP: I guess we should emphasize here, everybody wants free and fair elections. Anybody would want to pursue fraud. But we're talking in reality where multiple opportunities have been given in court and no significant evidence has come up at all.
GORDON: Yeah, I would implore him to understand how it was being seen by our adversaries and allies and to pursue it differently.
INSKEEP: When you were inside the government, during the Trump administration, the intelligence community was preparing for the possibility of foreign interference in U.S. elections. Did you anticipate the possibility - the danger that foreign actors would try to do things like delegitimize election results?
GORDON: Yes.
INSKEEP: Which we don't need an adversary to do anymore because the president is doing it. Is that your view?
GORDON: I think that's the worry is our adversaries can now sit back, particularly from a Russian perspective, which is to undermine democracy. So it's a worrisome situation that no intelligence professional would want to have happen. And everyone would encourage the president to understand how it would be seen and how it could be used.
INSKEEP: I want people to know that of the many, many agencies that have a role in intelligence gathering and are in one way or another part of the intelligence community, there are elements in the Department of Homeland Security, which was overseeing an effort at election security and also beating down false rumors about the election. Chris Krebs, the guy in charge of that, was fired a few days ago. Did you have any dealings with him or with his office? And what did you think of his dismissal as he called out disinformation, including disinformation by the president?
GORDON: So, one, I know Chris well. Two, I think what Chris and CISA have done over the past certainly two years has been remarkable in terms of unifying disparate activities to try and both strengthen, protect, make more resilient our election infrastructure and produce information that the private sector and the public can use to do that. I mean, just a remarkable leader, and human and did a good job all the way through it - and actually kept doing it even through these last couple of weeks when he knew that it was unpopular and he still did what he believed was his responsibility. I have nothing but respect for him. I worry about when the - independents is what I'm going to call them, the organizations that are typically independent - when those leaders start being removed for what seem to be political reasons, that is a worrisome thing to me.
INSKEEP: There, of course, have been other dismissals in the intelligence community. There was fear that Gina Haspel at the CIA would be removed. That hasn't happened. She seems to have been defended by Republican senators, but there were changes at the Defense Department in recent days, including a top official overseeing intelligence at the Pentagon. Is there anything that we need to worry about there?
GORDON: Intelligence particularly is supposed to be about what is. So what you worry about is when you remove a professional and put in someone who appears to have political - more political legs, that's what you worry about with those positions.
INSKEEP: Do you have an opinion about Ezra Cohen-Watnick, the official who is now in that position - somebody who worked for Michael Flynn, briefly, the national security adviser - the first national security adviser of President Trump. He was also at the National Security Council, the Justice Department. He's been in and out of government a number of times.
GORDON: Yeah, I don't know Ezra personally. I think these positions are one where both knowledge of the craft and experience tend to make you better.
INSKEEP: I feel that you're implying he doesn't have those things.
GORDON: Not as much as some of the others who have carried that position before them.
INSKEEP: You must have been through a good number of presidential transitions during your time in government.
GORDON: Yeah, I have. I think seven, maybe eight. I can't recall.
INSKEEP: How much does it matter whether the incoming administration can coordinate with the intelligence agencies before the inauguration?
GORDON: So the world has changed, right? And it's changing every day. And you want them to be getting a running start on what world conditions are. The second thing is there are operations and activities going on that are consequential and conducted under their authority. And yet, again, you want them to be prepared. Now, there are two ways we can think about the Biden team. No. 1, you can say, well, it's not so important because they're a pretty experienced bunch. But as good as that team is, they've been out of the game for a few years. And so, you know, you want them to not be reacting just on what they used to know. You want them to take all that wisdom and apply it to what the current situation is. There is no reason in the universe that they shouldn't be allowed to begin this transition process. It's in the best interest of the nation.
INSKEEP: Well, Sue Gordon, thanks very much for your insights. I really appreciate it.
GORDON: You're welcome.
INSKEEP: She served as deputy director of National Intelligence under President Trump until 2019.
(SOUNDBITE OF MAMMAL HANDS' "SOLITARY BEE")
Copyright © 2020 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.


npr--2020-11-20--Michigan's GOP Lawmakers Head To White House As Trump Contests Election Results

Michigan 's top Republican lawmakers are reportedly headed to the White House Friday .
Trump 's campaign is trying to @ @ @ @ @ parts of the state without success in court .

Michigan's GOP Lawmakers Head To White House As Trump Contests Election Results
Michigan's top Republican lawmakers are reportedly headed to the White House Friday. Trump's campaign is trying to challenge votes from heavily Democratic parts of the state without success in court.
RACHEL MARTIN, HOST:
After six days of recounting ballots by hand, election officials in Georgia confirmed last night President-elect Joe Biden has indeed won the state. Joe Biden also won the state of Michigan by more than 150,000 votes, but that hasn't stopped President Trump from trying to overturn that result. The president and his lawyers tried to sue Michigan over the count, but it didn't go anywhere, so the president is taking things into his own hands. He's reportedly invited two Republican lawmakers from Michigan to the White House today.
Rick Pluta of Michigan Public Radio is following all of this and joins us now. Good morning, Rick.
RICK PLUTA, BYLINE: Good morning.
MARTIN: So Michigan has long been in Joe Biden's column. Why is President Trump disputing the result?
PLUTA: Well, in part because the result isn't official yet. The statewide vote has been counted, but it hasn't been certified. And it can't be accurately certified - and this is important - without results from Detroit - the state's largest city - and Wayne County. But the Wayne County Board of State Canvassers deadlocked on Tuesday night - two Republicans, two Democrats - on certifying that vote based on returns from Detroit. It's got to be bipartisan.
So there was this blowback during the public comments part of the meeting, and so the Republicans on the board then reversed themselves, and they voted to approve. And now they want to reverse again. They want to do a double reversal and uncertify what they've already certified.
MARTIN: Just quickly, what's their justification?
PLUTA: Well, their justification is that there are what they're calling irregularities in the vote from Detroit. But these are normal things that - you know, elections aren't perfect - fair, but not perfect. And so the Republicans said that based on that, that they weren't going to certify. And then again, because of this angry blowback during the public comments, they quickly changed their minds. And now they want to change their minds again after one of the board members - one of the Republican board members reportedly got a phone call from President Trump.
MARTIN: Right. So the Trump campaign has filed lawsuits in multiple states. They have mostly imploded. But the campaign did just drop its lawsuit in Michigan altogether. Why?
PLUTA: Well, because they've decided, apparently, that another route might be better. And that's why the two Republican leaders from the Legislature, Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey and House Speaker Lee Chatfield, are reportedly on their way to D.C. to meet with the president and I guess hear what he's got to say, although, you know, our secretary of state is saying that this deal is done, that you can't change the votes now.
MARTIN: So you just mentioned this. The president has reportedly invited Michigan Republicans to the White House. I mean, it is hard not to assume he is doing so in order to pressure them. Have you heard anything from their camp?
PLUTA: We have not heard what is on the agenda. But look. Considering where things are at, there's only one thing, presumably, that they will be talking about, and it's what could be done about the Michigan results.
MARTIN: Rick Pluta of Michigan Public Radio, thank you.
PLUTA: A pleasure.
Copyright © 2020 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.


npr--2020-11-20--Lawsuit Reveals Tyson Managers Took Bets On How Many Workers Would Get COVID-19

Lawsuit Reveals Tyson Managers Took Bets On How Many Workers Would Get COVID-19 NPR 's Rachel Martin talks with Clark @ @ @ @ @ Dispatch about a lawsuit involving Tyson Foods supervisors betting money on the number of workers @ @ @ @ @

Lawsuit Reveals Tyson Managers Took Bets On How Many Workers Would Get COVID-19
NPR's Rachel Martin talks with Clark Kauffman of the Iowa Capital Dispatch about a lawsuit involving Tyson Foods supervisors betting money on the number of workers who would contract COVID-19.
RACHEL MARTIN, HOST:
Meatpacking facilities have been hard hit by the pandemic. That includes Tyson Foods' largest pork plant in Iowa. The facility was temporarily shut down in April because of an outbreak. And by the time it reopened the following month, a thousand workers had reportedly tested positive. Turns out now, according to a lawsuit, managers took bets on how many workers would get infected even as they took measures to protect themselves. Clark Kauffman of the Iowa Capital Dispatch first reported this story, and he joins us now. Good morning, Clark.
CLARK KAUFFMAN: Good morning.
MARTIN: Can you just start off by telling us a little bit about the family that has filed this suit?
KAUFFMAN: You know, we don't know too much about the family. We know very little. But it's basically the lawsuit has been filed by the family of a former plant worker by the name of Isidro Fernandez. We don't know how old he was or how long he worked at the plant. That hasn't been part of the lawsuit. There hasn't been anything that's been publicized, though. We do know that he left behind a wife and a son, and they are the ones who initiated the lawsuit on his behalf.
MARTIN: Wow. So he passed away from the virus.
KAUFFMAN: Yes. He died April 26, allegedly after contracting the virus in the plant.
MARTIN: So let's talk about the substance of the suit and this alleged betting pool. What can you tell us?
KAUFFMAN: Well, the lawsuit, which was initially filed in the summer, was just recently revised just this past week to include a new set of allegations. And it basically alleges that Tyson is guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation and gross negligence for requiring employees to work long hours in cramped conditions without the appropriate protective equipment and without ensuring social distancing. But the most striking allegation is that in mid-April, the plant manager, a man by the name of Tom Hart, organized a cash buy-in winner-take-all betting pool in which supervisors and managers at the plant wagered money on how many of their employees would ultimately test positive for COVID-19.
MARTIN: That's hard to hear. So not only were their employees being put at risk because of lax safety protocols, but this betting pool, I mean, that's just cruel. Is Tyson saying anything about this?
KAUFFMAN: Well, the allegations were made in a court filing nine days ago, but it wasn't until yesterday after the allegations were first publicized that the company said anything about it. At that time, the CEO, Dean Banks, said he was extremely upset about the allegations, said they do not represent the company's core values. He went on to say that Tyson's retained a law firm to conduct an investigation. And the investigation will actually be led by former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder. In addition to that, Banks said the company has suspended without pay the individuals who were allegedly involved in all this.
MARTIN: Just briefly, what does the family want? What change do they want?
KAUFFMAN: They haven't specified specific damages, but of course, they're - the lawsuit seeks damages for the gross negligence and misrepresentation that's being alleged, but no particular dollar amounts have been specified.
MARTIN: Clark Kauffman of the Iowa Capital Dispatch, thanks so much for sharing your reporting with us. We appreciate it.
KAUFFMAN: Thank you.
(SOUNDBITE OF CLOUDKICKER'S "EXPLORE, BE CURIOUS")
Copyright © 2020 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.


npr--2020-11-20--Pompeo's Latest Israel Trip Could Have Implications For Biden's Presidency

Pompeo 's Latest Israel Trip Could Have Implications For Biden 's Presidency With just a couple months left for the @ @ @ @ @ State Mike Pompeo is in the Middle East setting new pro-Israel policies that could affect @ @ @ @

Pompeo's Latest Israel Trip Could Have Implications For Biden's Presidency
With just a couple months left for the Trump administration, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is in the Middle East setting new pro-Israel policies that could affect the Biden presidency.
RACHEL MARTIN, HOST:
The clock is running out on the Trump administration, but Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is making pro-Israel policies that could last after he's gone. Pompeo has spent a couple of days in Israel this week and in areas under Israeli occupation, which is a controversial move in and of itself. And he is stepping up U.S. support for Jewish settlements. That could complicate things for the incoming Biden administration. NPR's Daniel Estrin joins us now from Jerusalem. Daniel, good morning.
DANIEL ESTRIN, BYLINE: Good morning.
MARTIN: So, as you know, everywhere a top U.S. official goes in the Middle East is seen as symbolic in some way by some party, which is why these itineraries are so carefully planned. Having said that, with that context, where has Pompeo gone?
ESTRIN: Oh, a lot of symbolic places. First of all, he visited a museum affiliated with the U.S. evangelicals. And he was the most senior U.S. official to visit the Golan Heights, which Israel annexed from Syria. And most countries do not recognize that, but the Trump administration has. He also was the most high - the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit an Israeli settlement in the West Bank. He visited an Israeli-settler winery, which has a wine label called Pompeo. That's in honor of Pompeo saying that Jewish settlements in the West Bank are legitimate. Now, activists point out that the vineyards of that settlement winery are on lands that Palestinian landowners say are theirs. The Israeli who runs the winery lives in a home on a Palestinian landowners property, they say. So - there's even an Israeli demolition order on that home. And the bigger context - most countries say that the very presence of Israeli settlements on occupied land violates international law and hurts the chances of Palestinians being able to establish their own state there. But Pompeo signed the winery guestbook, referring to the West Bank by its biblical name. He sees this as the land of the Bible. And there is speculation he's thinking about a presidential run in 2024, so perhaps these visits can help him with evangelical voters.
MARTIN: It's not just where he's going - right? - it's what he's saying, too. He's announced some new policies.
ESTRIN: That's right. He made two new declarations. He said that a pro-Palestinian movement to boycott Israel is anti-Semitic. Now, most - or many U.S. states have passed laws against these kinds of Israel boycotts. And some boycott supporters say that Israel should not exist as a Jewish state. Boycotters say this anti-Semitic label is wrong and an attempt to delegitimize a nonviolent protest in support of Palestinians. The second declaration that Pompeo made is that when the U.S. imports products - like wines, for instance - from Jewish settlements in the West Bank, they must be labeled as made in Israel. Now, the West Bank is not Israel. Israel has not officially annexed those lands. But here again, Pompeo is siding with Israel's claims to the land.
MARTIN: So how is all this going to box in the incoming Biden administration?
ESTRIN: Well, Pompeo is clearly trying to cement, you know, his view and the administration's view of settlements before leaving office. And this does put Biden in a bind. One Israeli settler leader compared it to chess and Pompeo declaring check, so now it's Biden's move. He has opposed settlement expansion. And if he reverses these policies, it could lead to tensions with Israelis. Of course, Pompeo is not the only one trying to influence the Biden administration now. I should mention that Palestinians themselves are taking steps to create warm relations. And the Palestinians just reestablished security and economic ties with Israel. That could be something that Biden would recognize and welcome.
MARTIN: NPR's Daniel Estrin reporting from Jerusalem, thank you.
ESTRIN: You're welcome.
Copyright © 2020 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.