usatoday--2020-11-18--Coronavirus updates: Pfizer to seek vaccine approval 'within days'; FDA grants emergency use for fir

Coronavirus updates: Pfizer to seek vaccine approval 'within days'; FDA grants emergency use for first at-home rapid test

Pfizer and BioNTech plan to submit a request `` within days '' to the Food and Drug Administration for emergency-use approval of a vaccine they say has shown to be 95 % effective in mass testing .
“ Our objective from the very beginning was to design and develop a vaccine that would generate rapid and potent protection against COVID-19 with a benign tolerability profile across all ages , '' said Ugur Sahin , M.D.
, CEO of BioNTech .
`` We believe we have achieved this . ''
The companies said they expect to produce up to 50 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and up to 1.3 billion doses by the end of 2021 .
Experts say frontline healthcare workers are expected to be first in line for inoculation .
The Phase 3 clinical trial began on July 27 and has enrolled 43,661 participants to date , the companies said .
Pfizer , based in New York , appears to be just a step ahead of Moderna , a Cambridge , Massachusetts-based biotechnology company .
Moderna announced Monday that its candidate vaccine appears to be 94.5 % effective against the disease .
It was not immediately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
📈 Today 's numbers : The U.S. has reported more than 11.3 million cases and more than 248,500deaths , according to Johns Hopkins University data .
The global totals : 55.5 million cases and 1.33 million deaths .
🗺 Mapping coronavirus : Track the U.S. outbreak in your state .
This file will be updated throughout the day .
For updates in your inbox , subscribe to The Daily Briefing newsletter .
Six lawmakers test positive as Congress struggles with virus In less than a week , six members of Congress announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Chuck Grassley , the 87-year-old Iowa Republican who is third in line to the presidency , spent much of Monday casting votes and attending a meeting with Senate Republican leadership that included Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell .
Grassley announced his diagnosis the following day .
Rep. Don Young , R-Alaska , 87 , who is frequently seen without a mask , was hospitalized for three days .
“ I ’ ve been shot , I ’ ve been rolled over , I ’ ve been hit in the head a hundred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt as bad as I did ” with the virus , Young told The Washington Post .
“ This is not good . ''
South Dakota 's high rates of COVID-19 and low virus regulation have sparked criticism even as some dying of the virus there do n't believe it poses a real threat .
That 's according to Jodi Doering , a South Dakota nurse who has gained national attention for her account of working on the front lines in a state where leaders have long minimized the impact of the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mandates .
South Dakota and neighboring North Dakota have the highest per capita rates of COVID-19 infection and death in the nation .
`` I have a night off from the hospital .
As I ’ m on my couch with my dog I can ’ t help but think of the Covid patients the last few days , '' Doering wrote in a recent tweet .
`` The ones that stick out are those who still don ’ t believe the virus is real . ''
Read more here .
Minus 112 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stresses metals – and can protect what ’ s expected to be the first COVID-19 vaccine .
Pfizer and collaborator BioNTech have a vaccine they say is 95 % effective and could be approved within a month , so the reality of moving and storing the life-saving vials is coming into sharp focus .
Dry ice orders are spiking and the backlog to buy $ 15,000 medical-grade ultracold freezers is up to six weeks .
`` In the science world , it ’ s not that cold , '' said Tonya Kuhl , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the University of California , Davis .
`` But in the regular world , it certainly is .
That temperature is really important in storage to keep things stable.
” Pfizer to seek FDA approval for vaccine within days Pfizer and BioNTech plan to submit a request `` within days '' to the FDA for emergency-use approval of their vaccine .
The companies said their ongoing Phase 3 testing has found the vaccine to be 95 % effective , up from a preliminary finding of 90 % .
The data also will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world , the companies said in a statement .
If given approval , Pfizer would become the first company to release an FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine .
“ The study results mark an important step in this historic eight-month journey to bring forward a vaccine capable of helping to end this devastating pandemic , ” said Dr. Albert Bourla , Pfizer Chairman and CEO .
“ We continue to move at the speed of science to compile all the data collected thus far and share with regulators around the world . ''
COVID immunity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 infections could result in immunity that could last for years , a new study indicates .
The study , published online but not yet been peer reviewed , found that most participants in the study who had been infected with COVID-19 retained enough immune cells to fend off infection eight months later .
That could indicate immunity may remain for years , the authors of immune memory study said .
“ That amount of memory would likely prevent the vast majority of people from getting hospitalized disease , severe disease , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a virologist at the La Jolla Institute of Immunology who co-led the new study , told The New York Times .
Hospitals are putting extra focus on preventing pressure injuries , known as bedsores or pressure ulcers , as coronavirus cases continue to rise across the country and ICU beds fill with critically ill patients .
The National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel ( NPIAP ) estimates pressure injuries affect more than 2.5 million patients each year and claim over 60,000 lives .
Dr. William Padula , president-elect of NPIAP and professor at University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injuries may increase this year amid estimates there could be up to 19,000 new COVID-19 hospitalizations per day by Dec. 7 .
Padula said pressure injuries can occur within hours of being in the ICU immobilized and on a ventilator .
“ The skin is the largest organ system , ” said Dr. Martine Sanone , associate professor of geriatrics and palliative medicine at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai .
“ However , when we think of critical illness , we forget about that first barrier . ''
New coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nursing homes across the country despite federal efforts to shield residents through aggressive testing and visitor restrictions , a new report shows .
Federal data shows 10,279 COVID-19 cases during the week of Nov. 1 , the most recent data available .
The figures surpassed the previous high of 9,903 cases in late July , according to a report by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living .
The surge in cases among the nation 's most vulnerable residents comes as cases , hospitalizations and deaths surge nationwide .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ last eight months to wear a mask , socially distance and to be careful , '' said Mark Parkinson , president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL .
`` Unfortunately , the public has not listened or complied . ''
Chicago Public Schools plans to welcome some students back into classrooms in January , officials announced Tuesday .
Parents can decide whether they want to send their children to classrooms or continue remote learning .
Students enrolled in moderate and intensive classrooms and pre-kindergarten are scheduled to return Jan. 11 , 2021 .
Students in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Feb. 1 .
Officials have not announced a return date for high school students yet .
The Chicago Teachers Union strongly opposed the news , calling it `` arbitrary . ''
But school officials believe children can safely return to classrooms , pointing to other states and some European countries that are keeping schools open despite a surge in COVID-19 cases .
`` It ’ s our moral imperative to do everything in our power to safely open schools beginning with our youngest and highest-needs learners , ” said Chicago schools CEO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test that gives results at home U.S. regulators on Tuesday allowed emergency use of the first rapid coronavirus test that can be performed and developed entirely at home .
The FDA granted emergency authorization to the 30-minute test kit from Lucira Health , a California manufacturer .
The company 's test allows users to swab themselves to collect a nasal sample .
The sample is then swirled in a vial that plugs into a portable device , that interprets the results and displays whether the person tested positive or negative for coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ released Tuesday showed that recent COVID-19 surges are doing a number on already-hurting museums .
According to an October AAM survey of 850 respondents from across the USA about the continued impact of coronavirus on museums , millions of dollars are being lost – with around a third of institutions facing permanent closure – and job loss is mounting as nearly 30 % of American museums remain closed since the March lockdown .
“ The financial state of U.S. museums is moving from bad to worse , ” Laura Lott , AAM 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement .
`` Those that have reopened are operating on an average of 35 % of their regular attendance — a reduction that is unsustainable long-term .
Those that did safely serve their communities this summer do not have enough revenue to offset higher costs , especially during a potential winter lockdown .
Without financial help , we could see thousands of museums shutter forever.
” Montana Gov .
Steve Bullock announced a new round of directives Tuesday , which will limit crowd size and close bars , restaurants and casinos at 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread of the coronavirus .
The new directives go into effect 5 a.m. Friday .
“ The situation is serious in Montana , and it is serious across the nation , ” Bullock said .
“ We need to turn things around over the next few months while we wait on a widely distributed vaccine or else we risk hospitals that turn patients away and risk any further ability to control the spread.
” Montana is among the 36 states with a mask mandate .
What are the rules in your state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County imposed new restrictions on businesses Tuesday and is readying plans for a mandatory curfew for all but essential workers if coronavirus cases keep spiking .
The county of 10 million residents — the nation ’ s most populous — has seen daily confirmed cases more than double in the last two weeks to nearly 2,900 .
Hospitalizations have topped 1,100 , a rise of 30 % in that period .
The county , which for most of the pandemic has had a disproportionately large share of California ’ s cases , issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limit indoor capacity to 25 % and restaurants to 50 % capacity outdoors .
Restaurants already are not allowed to serve customers indoors .
All those businesses must close at 10 p.m .
The changes take effect Friday .
• In your inbox : Stay up to date with the latest news on the coronavirus pandemic from the USA TODAY Network .
Sign up for the daily Coronavirus Watch newsletter .
• Tips for coping : Every Saturday and Tuesday we 'll be in your inbox , offering you a virtual hug and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult times .
Sign up for Staying Apart , Together .
• On Facebook : A lot is still unknown about the coronavirus .
But what we do know , we 're sharing with you .
Join our Facebook group , Coronavirus Watch , to receive daily updates in your feed and chat with others in the community about COVID-19 .

John Bacon and Jessica Flores, USA TODAY

Coronavirus updates: US reaches 250K COVID deaths; New York City schools to close again; Kentucky toughens restrictions
Show Caption Hide Caption COVID-19 death toll in US reaches 250,000 A coronavirus vaccine might not be widely available until several months into 2021. USA TODAY
The nation's largest public school system will temporarily halt in-person learning again in an effort to stem the continued spread of COVID-19, according to New York City mayor Bill de Blasio.
The news came on an Wednesday when the U.S. surpassed 250,000 deaths from the coronavirus, by far the largest total in the world. According to the Johns Hopkins University dashboard, Brazil is next with 166,699.
New York City previously said school buildings would close if 3% of all the coronavirus tests performed citywide over a seven-day period came back positive. Amid a nationwide surge in cases, that milestone has been passed, triggering the closure.
New York City's school system previously halted in-person learning in mid-March as the virus tore through the city. Now, all of the city's more than 1 million public school students will now be taught entirely online.
Also in New York, nearly 9,400 of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s subway, bus and commuter rail workers could lose their jobs next year if the federal government fails to come through with the $12 billion the agency says it needs to keep operating.
The hardest-hit area could be the New York City subways and buses, which could lose nearly 7,000 jobs amid service reductions of up to 40% as the COVID-19 pandemic causes unprecedented reductions in ridership the MTA says could linger into the mid-2020s.
📈 Today's numbers: The U.S. has reported more than 11.5 million cases and 250,400 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University data. The global totals: 56.1 million cases and 1.34 million deaths.
🗺 Mapping coronavirus: Track the U.S. outbreak in your state.
This file will be updated throughout the day. For updates in your inbox, subscribe to The Daily Briefing newsletter.
The United States raced past yet another grim milestone Wednesday when it became the first country to have 250,000 people die from COVID-19. That figure accounts for nearly 19% of the global total of 1.34 million fatalities. With approximately 330 million people, the U.S. has 4.3% of the world's population.
The U.S. is also the undisputed leader in coronavirus infections with close to 11.5 million, or 2.5 million more than second-place India.
The death toll the virus has inflicted among Americans is more than twice as large as the number of U.S. service members who died in World War I. Only two American conflicts have claimed more lives than the coronavirus -- the Civil War (nearly 500,000, including non-combat deaths) and World War II (405,000), according to figures from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Despite the development of therapeutics that have saved an untold number of lives, the worst impacts of the virus may yet be to come. The nation is in the midst of a major spike in cases that has produced 16 consecutive days of at least 100,000 new infections and a daily average for November of more than 130,000.
Kentucky's Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear announced a series of new restrictions that will extend from school classrooms to bars and restaurants across the state. Citing mounting evidence of more deaths and illness in the state because of the coronavirus, Beshear said the latest mandates are needed because "inaction is deadly."
"Pretending this virus isn't real is not an option," he said. "It's time to do what it takes to finish this fight."
The moves drew swift criticism from Republican leaders, who have vowed to rein in Beshear with new legislation in early 2021 to limit the governor's powers.
Kentucky is among the 36 states with a mask mandate. What are the rules in your state? Check the list.
-- Grace Schneider and Emma Austin, Louisville Courier Journal
After tiptoeing back into in-person instruction for some students, New York City Public Schools will return to remote learning Thursday because of rising virus cases.
Public school buildings will close for in-person learning until further notice, including for kindergarten and preschool students, the district announced in a tweet Wednesday. For days, the system has teetered on the verge of closure as virus positivity rates in the city hovered near the 3% threshold Mayor Bill De Blasio's administration set to trigger another shutdown. Some have argued the threshold is too stringent; others have complained about bars and gyms staying open for indoor activities while schools are forced to close.
New York City was the first large urban district to start to bring back some in-person instruction, a move that was delayed until September and into October as the teachers union and city leaders debated how to open buildings safely. Since then, larger districts have tried to do the same, but many have been thwarted by the fall surge in virus cases.
New York was also one of the only large districts to reopen with mandatory in-school testing, the results of which show that virus positivity rates within the school community have stayed remarkably low — just .22%, according to the latest figures posted by the city's Department of Education.
— Erin Richards
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading infectious disease expert who has guided the U.S. through the pandemic, projected Americans could expect their first doses of an approved coronavirus vaccine as early as April.
Moreover, Fauci told the USA TODAY Editorial Board on Wednesday: “When it gets approved by the FDA … I would take the vaccine and I would recommend that my family take the vaccine.”
Frontline health care workers are expected to get their first doses by the end of December or early January. Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar said Wednesday the administration expects to have about 40 million vaccine doses available before the end of the year, enough to inoculate 20 million people at two doses per.
After prioritizing individuals at risk of infection or severe disease, the healthy general population can expect first doses of a vaccine starting in April and continuing through July if all continues on track, Fauci said.
If most of the population gets vaccinated by summer and fall, Fauci said, people can start looking forward to returning to pre-pandemic normalcy. But to get there, vaccine hesitancy must be addressed, he said, particularly among people of color who have a historic distrust of the nation's medical system.
— Adrianna Rodriguez
The nation's first Food and Drug Administration-authorized home coronavirus test will cost about $50 and deliver results in 30 minutes or less. But forget about the test if you want to know whether you have COVID-19 before visiting family for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
The Lucira COVID-19 All-In-One Test Kit will be limited to patients at Sutter Health in Northern California and Cleveland Clinic Florida in Miami-Fort Lauderdale until the spring. And even then, you must have symptoms and a health provider's referral to get the test.
The company intends to ask the FDA to modify its emergency-use authorization next spring to allow patients to communicate with prescribing doctors through a website. If the provider agrees the person should get a test, the kit would be delivered overnight to the person's home.
— Ken Alltucker
Pfizer and BioNTech plan to submit a request "within days" to the Food and Drug Administration for emergency-use approval of a vaccine they say has shown to be 95% effective in mass testing. The companies hope to provide 50 million doses by year's end and 1.3 billion doses in 2021.
“Our objective from the very beginning was to design and develop a vaccine that would generate rapid and potent protection against COVID-19 with a benign tolerability profile across all ages," said Ugur Sahin, M.D., CEO of BioNTech. "We believe we have achieved this."
The vaccine effort is one of many racing the clock amid a surge in cases, hospitalizations and deaths. The Midwest continues to take a beating – more than 900 staffers at the Minnesota-based Mayo Clinic alone have contracted COVID-19 in the past two weeks, the Pioneer Press reports.
“It shows you how easy it is to get COVID-19 in the Midwest,” Dr. Amy Williams. "We need everyone in the communities we serve to do their part to limit the spread of COVID-19.”
China’s government on Wednesday defended anti-coronavirus controls that have disrupted imports of beef, poultry and fish from the United States, New Zealand and other trading partners. Customs officials who say the coronavirus has been found on frozen meat and on packaging have imposed temporary suspensions on suppliers. That prompted complaints by China’s trading partners.
In June, China temporarily suspended the import of chicken from U.S.-based Tyson Foods Inc. after the virus was found at one of its farms. China was home to the first outbreak and has battled to avoid surges such as those experienced in the U.S. and elsewhere.
“The relevant measures China took are necessary following the spirit of putting people’s lives first and protecting people’s health,” foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said.
Millennials, age 24 to 39, took on hundreds of billions of dollars in student debt only to graduate from college just as the Great Recession of 2007-09 was upending the economy. And now, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, they’re suddenly becoming the largest contingent of the “sandwich generation,” the cohort of adults providing financial and other support to both children and elderly parents. The pandemic has tipped more millennials into a juggling act of caregiving.
“We think generally the situation with COVID has accelerated the trend," says Jeff Beligotti, vice president and head of long-term care solutions for New York Life. " It has continued to financially squeeze the millennial generation."
– Paul Davidson
Almost 1,000 staffers at the Mayo Clinic have contracted COVID-19 in the past two weeks, the system's dean of clinical practice says. Dr. Amy Williams said 93% of the infections took place away from work, and that most of the infections that happened at work involved eating in a break room with a mask off, according to the Pioneer Press. Williams also said the clinic is seeing more patients transferring in, an indication that hospitals elsewhere in Minnesota and surrounding states are overwhelmed because of the current surge in cases.
"Everybody is getting very tired of wearing a mask and hearing about social distance, being told to wash their hands, but we're doing this because we care about our communities," Williams said. "We don't want families to lose loved ones.
In less than a week, six members of Congress announced they have tested positive for COVID-19. Sen. Chuck Grassley, the 87-year-old Iowa Republican who is third in line to the presidency, spent much of Monday casting votes and attending a meeting with Senate Republican leadership that included Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Grassley announced his diagnosis the following day. Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, 87, who is frequently seen without a mask, was hospitalized for three days.
“I’ve been shot, I’ve been rolled over, I’ve been hit in the head a hundred times, but I’ve never felt as bad as I did” with the virus, Young told The Washington Post. “This is not good."
– Christal Hayes
South Dakota's high rates of COVID-19 and low virus regulation have sparked criticism even as some dying of the virus there don't believe it poses a real threat. That's according to Jodi Doering, a South Dakota nurse who has gained national attention for her account of working on the front lines in a state where leaders have long minimized the impact of the virus and refused to implement rules like mask mandates. South Dakota and neighboring North Dakota have the highest per-capita rates of COVID-19 infection and death in the nation.
"I have a night off from the hospital. As I’m on my couch with my dog I can’t help but think of the Covid patients the last few days," Doering wrote in a recent tweet. "The ones that stick out are those who still don’t believe the virus is real." Read more here.
– Joel Shannon
COVID-19 testing: Positivity rates and why they are so important COVID-19 widespread testing is crucial to fighting the pandemic, but is there enough testing? The answer is in the positivity rates. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Minus-112 is so cold it shatters rubber, stresses metals – and can protect what’s expected to be the first COVID-19 vaccine. Pfizer and collaborator BioNTech have a vaccine they say is 95% effective and could be approved within a month, so the reality of moving and storing the life-saving vials is coming into sharp focus. Dry ice orders are spiking and the backlog to buy $15,000 medical-grade ultracold freezers is up to six weeks.
"In the science world, it’s not that cold," said Tonya Kuhl, chair of the chemical engineering department at the University of California, Davis. "But in the regular world, it certainly is. That temperature is really important in storage to keep things stable.”
– Elizabeth Weise
COVID-19 infections could result in immunity that could last for years, a new study indicates. The study, published online but not yet been peer reviewed, found that most participants in the study who had been infected with COVID-19 retained enough immune cells to fend off infection eight months later. That could indicate immunity may remain for years, the study's authors said.
“That amount of memory would likely prevent the vast majority of people from getting hospitalized disease, severe disease, for many years,” Shane Crotty, a virologist at the La Jolla Institute of Immunology who co-led the new study, told The New York Times.
Hospitals are putting extra focus on preventing pressure injuries, known as bedsores or pressure ulcers, as coronavirus cases continue to rise across the country and ICU beds fill with critically ill patients. The National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP) estimates pressure injuries affect more than 2.5 million patients each year and claim over 60,000 lives. Dr. William Padula, president-elect of NPIAP and professor at the University of Southern California, worries that pressure injuries may increase this year amid estimates there could be up to 19,000 new COVID-19 hospitalizations per day by Dec. 7. Padula said pressure injuries can occur within hours of being in the ICU immobilized and on a ventilator.
“The skin is the largest organ system,” said Dr. Martine Sanone, associate professor of geriatrics and palliative medicine at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. “However, when we think of critical illness, we forget about that first barrier."
– Adrianna Rodriguez
New coronavirus cases have surged to an all-time high at nursing homes across the country despite federal efforts to shield residents through aggressive testing and visitor restrictions, a new report shows. Federal data shows 10,279 COVID-19 cases during the week of Nov. 1, the most recent data available. The figures surpassed the previous high of 9,903 cases in late July, according to a report by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living.
The surge in cases among the nation's most vulnerable residents comes as cases, hospitalizations and deaths surge nationwide.
"We have been begging people the last eight months to wear a mask, socially distance and to be careful," said Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. "Unfortunately, the public has not listened or complied."
– Ken Alltucker
A new American Alliance of Museums study released Tuesday showed that recent COVID-19 surges are doing a number on already-hurting museums. According to an October AAM survey of 850 respondents from across the USA about the continued impact of coronavirus on museums, millions of dollars are being lost – with around a third of institutions facing permanent closure – and job loss is mounting as nearly 30% of American museums remain closed since the March lockdown.
“The financial state of U.S. museums is moving from bad to worse,” Laura Lott, AAM's president and CEO, said in a statement. "Those that have reopened are operating on an average of 35% of their regular attendance — a reduction that is unsustainable long-term. Those that did safely serve their communities this summer do not have enough revenue to offset higher costs, especially during a potential winter lockdown. Without financial help, we could see thousands of museums shutter forever.”
COVID-19 resources from USA TODAY
In your inbox: Stay up to date with the latest news on the coronavirus pandemic from the USA TODAY Network. Sign up for the daily Coronavirus Watch newsletter.
Stay up to date with the latest news on the coronavirus pandemic from the USA TODAY Network. Tips for coping: Every Saturday and Tuesday we'll be in your inbox, offering you a virtual hug and a little bit of solace in these difficult times. Sign up for Staying Apart, Together.
Every Saturday and Tuesday we'll be in your inbox, offering you a virtual hug and a little bit of solace in these difficult times. On Facebook: A lot is still unknown about the coronavirus. But what we do know, we're sharing with you. Join our Facebook group, Coronavirus Watch, to receive daily updates in your feed and chat with others in the community about COVID-19.
Contributing: The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-11-18--Ski season and COVID-19: What you need to know before you head to the slopes

Ski season is here again after coming to a premature end last spring due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Resorts are beginning to open back up , with most back in operation by year 's end .
They 've also implemented changes to prevent the coronavirus from spreading .
The first thing skiers may notice : You wo n't be able to just jump in the car and head to the slopes anymore .
You 'll probably need to make a reservation and purchase lift tickets in advance either online or by phone '' You have to think about it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Mike Reitzell , president of Ski California .
While varying state and local COVID-19 protocols could change what you can and ca n't do indoors , the outdoor part of the experience may actually not feel that different .
`` Come for the outdoor experience , '' Reitzell said .
`` For the most part , things are similar . ''
Other changes should look familiar to anyone who 's visited a theme park or hotel or taken a trip on an airline in the past few months .
Face masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't possible .
For example , in Colorado ski country , visitors will be required to wear face coverings in all indoor and outdoor public spaces , including in lift and gondola lines and on gondolas .
Masks will not be required when skiing , snowboarding or dining .
You 'll have to make reservations and buy lift tickets in advance .
Even season passholders , such as those holding a Gold Pass in California , are advised to check with the ski area they plan to visit to see what requirements apply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be socially distanced , and each ski area will post its specific queuing , loading and riding guidelines so visitors can know what to expect before they go .
In some cases , such as ski areas in Vermont , skiers will be asked to provide contact information to enable contact tracing should there be an outbreak .
Specific requirements will vary from state to state and even county to county , as ski areas coordinate with local health departments to set guidelines .
Guidelines could change depending on the rate of coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , California 's guidelines allow for indoor dining at 50 % capacity in counties that have reached the lowest-risk , or yellow tier for COVID-19 .
However , Reitzell noted that resorts located in high-risk counties wo n't be able to offer indoor dining at all .
`` Everyone needs to look carefully at what each resort is doing , '' Reitzell said .
Last season 's unceremonious end came in mid-March , cutting the season short by six weeks .
Making matters worse , it happened right around spring break , robbing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Christmas holiday .
Adrienne Isaac , director of marketing and communications for the National Ski Areas Association , a resort trade group , said the industry started planning for the new season back in the spring and developed a set of best practicesfor keeping skiers safe .
The group 's member associations have endorsed the shared guidelines , but each ski area will also follow local rules .
`` We knew it was going to be different , '' Isaac said .
'Do the research ' and 'wear your mask' There are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the American Ski Areas Association .
They generate $ 55 billion a year and employ more than 500,000 .
Skiing is especially big business for rural economies .
Since the specific protocols will vary from place to place , Isaac urged skiers to check the rules at any resort they plan on visiting .
`` This is the year to know before you go , '' she said .
`` Do the research . ''
The trade group is following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks .
Everyone – employees included – will be required to wear them .
That rule applies both indoors and outdoors , where social distancing is n't possible , except when eating or drinking .
`` We want you to wear your mask , '' Isaac said .
Lines for ski lifts can take advantage of the built-in spacing provided by the length of skis and snowboards .
Groups will be separated so that no one rides with anyone they do n't know .
`` If you arrive together , you ride together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and trams , capacity will be reduced , and windows will remain open to improve airflow .
Like other attractions , ski areas have adopted more stringent cleaning and disinfection requirements for high-touch areas .
Those include restrooms , restaurants and other dining facilities .
The same goes for ski shops , which clean and disinfect all rental equipment before giving it to the next customer .
When you pay for that ski rental or make other purchases , you 're likely to encounter contactless payment systems and those now-familiar plexiglass barriers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ checks , which could include a temperature check .
Any employee who exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 or has come into contact with someone who does will be sent home or asked to stay home .
Food vendors will offer more grab-and-go and takeout options .
And in the case of California resorts that are n't yet allowed to offer indoor dining , Reitzell said food trucks and delivery from local restaurants could be an alternative .
Ski areas will also abide by their state 's rules for contact tracing .
Visitors may be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number , mailing address and email address .
This information may be retained up to 30 days for contact-tracing purposes .
Day-use lodges , multi-purpose buildings used for warming and a variety of services , may be required to operate at reduced capacity and maintain a 6-foot distance between parties .
Again , specific requirements can vary from state to state .
And if you 're in California , you can forget about having a post-ski beer with buddies .
The ban on indoor dining also means no lounging around the fireplace , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at off-peak times Got plenty of vacation days ?
Consider scheduling your ski trip during the week , since weekends bring more crowds and more traffic .
`` If you go skiing on a Wednesday in California , '' Reitzell said , `` chances are you ’ re going to have plenty of room . ''
Ski resorts have had to be flexible , as well .
Isaac said the industry has applied what it learned during the summer off-season .
It 's also taken cues from resorts in the Southern Hemisphere , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming to a close .
She said that should help ski operators and communities enjoy a full ski season this time around .
`` We ’ re really good at pivoting when we need to , '' Isaac said .
`` We ’ re hoping to find that happy medium this season . ''
Face masks : You 'll be required to wear one inside and outside where it 's not possible to maintain social distance .
The National Ski Areas Association specifies face coverings that align with CDC recommendations .
Reservations and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to purchase these in advance , online or by phone .
Season passholders should generally be fine but should still check to see if they need a reservation .
Social distancing : Lines for ski lifts will require 6 feet between parties .
Groups will not be seated on lift chairs with other groups .
Capacity on gondolas and trams will be reduced .
Contract tracing : You may be required to provide contact information to the ski area .
Be sure to check with the ski area you are visiting to know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and what you 'll be required to when you go .
Here 's the guidance by state :

Ski season and COVID-19: What you need to know before you head to the slopes
Show Caption Hide Caption Colorado ski resorts shut down amid virus outbreak Colorado ski resorts are feeling the impact of the global coronavirus pandemic. Ski slopes across the state are closed during what is usually one of the busiest months for some of North America's best-known resorts, including Vail. (March 25) AP
Ski season is here again after coming to a premature end last spring due to the coronavirus pandemic. Resorts are beginning to open back up, with most back in operation by year's end. They've also implemented changes to prevent the coronavirus from spreading.
The first thing skiers may notice: You won't be able to just jump in the car and head to the slopes anymore. You'll probably need to make a reservation and purchase lift tickets in advance either online or by phone
"You have to think about it like you’re flying somewhere," said Mike Reitzell, president of Ski California.
While varying state and local COVID-19 protocols could change what you can and can't do indoors, the outdoor part of the experience may actually not feel that different.
"Come for the outdoor experience," Reitzell said. "For the most part, things are similar."
Familiar changes
Other changes should look familiar to anyone who's visited a theme park or hotel or taken a trip on an airline in the past few months.
Face masks will be required where social distancing isn't possible.
For example, in Colorado's ski country, visitors will be required to wear face coverings in all indoor and outdoor public spaces, including in lift and gondola lines and on gondolas. Masks will not be required when skiing, snowboarding or dining.
You'll have to make reservations and buy lift tickets in advance. Even season passholders, such as those holding a Gold Pass in California, are advised to check with the ski area they plan to visit to see what requirements apply to them.
Lifts and gondolas will be socially distanced, and each ski area will post its specific queuing, loading and riding guidelines so visitors can know what to expect before they go.
In some cases, such as ski areas in Vermont, skiers will be asked to provide contact information to enable contact tracing should there be an outbreak.
Specific requirements will vary from state to state and even county to county, as ski areas coordinate with local health departments to set guidelines. Guidelines could change depending on the rate of coronavirus cases in individual counties.
For example, California's guidelines allow for indoor dining at 50% capacity in counties that have reached the lowest risk, or yellow tier for COVID-19. However, Reitzell noted that resorts located in high-risk counties won't be able to offer indoor dining at all.
"Everyone needs to look carefully at what each resort is doing," Reitzell said.
Last season's unceremonious end came in mid-March, cutting the season short by six weeks. Making matters worse, it happened right around spring break, robbing resorts of their second-busiest ski period after the Christmas holiday.
Adrienne Isaac, director of marketing and communications for the National Ski Areas Association, a resort trade group, said the industry started planning for the new season back in the spring and developed a set of best practices for keeping skiers safe.
The group's member associations have endorsed the shared guidelines, but each ski area will also follow local rules.
"We knew it was going to be different," Isaac said.
'Do the research' and 'wear your mask'
There are 470 ski areas across 37 states, according to the American Ski Areas Association. They generate $55 billion a year and employ more than 500,000. Skiing is especially big business for rural economies.
Since the specific protocols will vary from place to place, Isaac urged skiers to check the rules at any resort they plan on visiting.
"This is the year to know before you go," she said. "Do the research."
The trade group is following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, starting with face masks. Everyone – employees included – will be required to wear them.
That rule applies both indoors and outdoors, where social distancing isn't possible, except when eating or drinking.
"We want you to wear your mask," Isaac said.
Lines for ski lifts can take advantage of the built-in spacing provided by the length of skis and snowboards. Groups will be separated so that no one rides with anyone they don't know.
"If you arrive together, you ride together," Isaac said.
On gondolas and trams, capacity will be reduced, and windows will remain open to improve airflow.
Heightened sanitation
Like other attractions, ski areas have adopted more stringent cleaning and disinfection requirements for high-touch areas. Those include restrooms, restaurants and other dining facilities. The same goes for ski shops, which clean and disinfect all rental equipment before giving it to the next customer.
When you pay for that ski rental or make other purchases, you're likely to encounter contactless payment systems and those now-familiar plexiglass barriers.
Get your gear: The 10 best places to buy ski and snowboarding gear online
Ski areas will perform daily employee wellness checks, which could include a temperature check. Any employee who exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 or has come into contact with someone who does will be sent home or asked to stay home.
Food vendors will offer more grab-and-go and takeout options. And in the case of California resorts that aren't yet allowed to offer indoor dining, Reitzell said food trucks and delivery from local restaurants could be an alternative.
Ski areas will also abide by their state's rules for contact tracing. Visitors may be asked to provide their name, phone number, mailing address and email address. This information may be retained up to 30 days for contact-tracing purposes.
Day-use lodges, multi-purpose buildings used for warming and a variety of services, may be required to operate at reduced capacity and maintain a 6-foot distance between parties. Again, specific requirements can vary from state to state.
And if you're in California, you can forget about having a post-ski beer with buddies. The ban on indoor dining also means no lounging around the fireplace, Reitzell said.
Be flexible and go at off-peak times
Got plenty of vacation days? Consider scheduling your ski trip during the week, since weekends bring more crowds and more traffic.
"If you go skiing on a Wednesday in California," Reitzell said, "chances are you’re going to have plenty of room."
Ski resorts have had to be flexible, as well.
Isaac said the industry has applied what it learned during the summer off-season. It's also taken cues from resorts in the Southern Hemisphere, where the winter ski season is now coming to a close. She said that should help ski operators and communities enjoy a full ski season this time around.
"We’re really good at pivoting when we need to," Isaac said. "We’re hoping to find that happy medium this season."
A skier's checklist
Face masks: You'll be required to wear one inside and outside where it's not possible to maintain social distance. The National Ski Areas Association specifies face coverings that align with CDC recommendations.
Reservations and lift tickets: You may be required to purchase these in advance, online or by phone. Season passholders should generally be fine but should still check to see whether they need a reservation.
Social distancing: Lines for ski lifts will require 6 feet between parties. Groups will not be seated on lift chairs with other groups. Capacity on gondolas and trams will be reduced.
Contract tracing: You may be required to provide contact information to the ski area.
State resources
Be sure to check with the ski area you are visiting to know when they will open for the season and what you'll be required to when you go. Here's the guidance by state:


usatoday--2020-11-18--'The Bachelorette' recap: Ed, Chasen clash – but Noah (and his mustache) may be the season's true vi

Ah , yes , there you are , `` Bachelorette . ''
Now that Clare and Dale are out of the picture , `` The Bachelorette '' feels more like its usual over-the-top , dramatic self instead of a way-too-quick love story that may end as quickly as it began .
( Though Tayshia thinking Brendan is husband material is giving us pause – and we 're not the only ones . )
With a few candidates in mind , who will be the season 's biggest villain ?
Let 's dive in .
Tayshia invites Montel , Ivan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Joe and Bennett on the episode 's first group date .
Ashley and Jared from `` Bachelor in Paradise '' help Tayshia test the men 's ability to act like grown men .
Who will be the date 's `` Grown Ass Man '' and who will be a `` Man Child '' ?
First , the men must compete in math and spelling challenges .
Harvard graduate Bennett has trouble in both areas – and ca n't manage to spell `` limousine . ''
The men then compete in a physical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is where the tension really ratchets up .
Chasen hops into bed with Tayshia after taking off his shirt , and Bennett , clad in a bathrobe , makes beignets for Tayshia and feeds one to her .
`` He 's bougie and I 'm bougie .
So , I appreciate it , '' she says .
The `` Man Child '' award goes to Ed , who now has to carry a baby doll ( who he names Carlos ) around .
But the `` Grown Ass Man '' award goes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plant a slightly cringeworthy kiss on our `` Bachelorette . ''
While Bennett ruffles some feathers after he keeps his bathrobe on for the night portion of the group date , it 's Chasen and Ed who really start to clash .
Ed calls him a `` fraud '' and `` phony '' behind his back .
Elsewhere , Tayshia admits she 's attracted to Ben but her guard goes up .
Ben has a bunch of baggage with long-term relationships but says he 's feeling things for Tayshia , and they kiss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that boy , '' she says in an aside , and we agree .
# TeamBen !
Tayshia calls Ivan a dark horse ( she kisses him , too ! )
with which we also agree .
Bennett and Ed begin questioning Chasen 's intentions with Tayshia directly .
Ed tells Tayshia that some people in the house are n't as genuine and that Chasen has used the same words to describe Tayshia that he has to describe Clare .
He implies Chasen is after Instagram followers .
All these people are likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ed , go off .
Tayshia addresses the situation with Chasen , and naturally , he defends himself .
After , Chasen aggressively confronts Ed .
`` Stop jibber-jabbering your mouth , '' he says .
Ben tries to stay out of the situation .
`` I ’ m going to focus on what ’ s most important to me , '' he says in an aside , i.e .
getting a rose and developing a relationship with Tayshia .
Good call , my man .
The rose goes to … Ivan !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'The Bachelorette ' recap : Tayshia 's takeover comes with a few twists – including more men Tayshia 's first rose ceremony : Who goes home ?
It 's almost time for Tayshia 's first rose ceremony .
But first … Chasen tries to clear the air with the group , though Ed says he stands by his comments calling Chasen a fraud and phony .
Chasen calls Tayshia a `` smokeshow '' in front of everyone , which people are taken aback by .
We hear him call her that a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a truce with Ed ; Zac steps in and wants the men to bury the fight .
Zac , the voice of sanity .
So , who receives roses ?
Remember that Brendan , Ivan and Eazy already went into the ceremony with them .
Zac , Riley , Kenny , Ben , Demar , Bennett , Spencer , Jordan , Noah , Joe , Blake , Ed and … Chasen snag roses from Tayshia .
That means three men go home : Jay , Peter , and Montel .
Tayshia brings Eazy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spencer , Ben , Ed and Chasen onto the episode 's second group date .
`` I ’ m looking for my perfect match , '' the card reads .
What could that mean ?
Wrestling .
Specifically , oiled-up wrestling .
`` Bachelor in Paradise '' fans will appreciate seeing Wells Adams visit to play announcer with Chris Harrison .
The men begin aggressively wrestling , resulting in scrapes and bleeding .
But before the big showdown can happen between , you guessed it , Ed and Chasen , Ed tells Chris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he does n't want to go to the hospital .
He forfeits in an anticlimactic moment .
All of a sudden , Noah , who is n't even on the date , hops the fence ( sound familiar ? )
to wrestle Chasen himself .
Chasen wins the match , and the overall competition .
But Noah secures an invite to the afterparty anyway .
The men are unhappy with Noah but Tayshia is happy enough to kiss him .
She wants his mustache gone , though .
Noah leaves the date after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to return and interrupt her time with Jordan to have her help him shave off his mustache .
Ben , meanwhile , was biding his time while all the other men went to rendezvous with Tayshia , hoping to make a final , lasting impression .
But he ran out of time as the night drew to a close , and she shares she was disappointed Ben did n't find her sooner .
Sigh .
Ben , we hope you can make it up to her .
You can probably guess who received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do we have a new prime villain ?
Please and thank you : Need some romance ?
'The Bachelor ' mansion is now available on Airbnb for $ 6,000 a night

'The Bachelorette' recap: Ed, Chasen clash – but Noah (and his mustache) may be the season's true villain
Show Caption Hide Caption 'Bachelor' names Matt James as first black male lead in series history Before Matt James was tapped for "The Bachelor," Rachel Linsday was the only black person to hold a title role. She was "The Bachelorette" in 2017. USA TODAY
Ah, yes, there you are, "Bachelorette."
Now that Clare and Dale are out of the picture, "The Bachelorette" feels more like its usual over-the-top, dramatic self instead of a way-too-quick love story that may end as quickly as it began. (Though Tayshia thinking Brendan is husband material is giving us pause – and we're not the only ones.)
With a few candidates in mind, who will be the season's biggest villain? Let's dive in.
Tayshia invites Montel, Ivan, Demar, Ben, Chasen, Ed, Joe and Bennett on the episode's first group date. Ashley and Jared from "Bachelor in Paradise" help Tayshia test the men's ability to act like grown men. Who will be the date's "Grown Ass Man" and who will be a "Man Child"?
First, the men must compete in math and spelling challenges. Harvard graduate Bennett has trouble in both areas – and can't manage to spell "limousine." The men then compete in a physical challenge, but the breakfast-in-bed cooking challenge is where the tension really ratchets up. Chasen hops into bed with Tayshia after taking off his shirt, and Bennett, clad in a bathrobe, makes beignets for Tayshia and feeds one to her.
"He's bougie and I'm bougie. So, I appreciate it," she says.
The "Man Child" award goes to Ed, who now has to carry a baby doll (who he names Carlos) around. But the "Grown Ass Man" award goes to Bennett … who takes the opportunity to plant a slightly cringeworthy kiss on our "Bachelorette."
While Bennett ruffles some feathers after he keeps his bathrobe on for the night portion of the group date, it's Chasen and Ed who really start to clash.
Ed calls him a "fraud" and "phony" behind his back.
Elsewhere, Tayshia admits she's attracted to Ben but her guard goes up. Ben has a bunch of baggage with long-term relationships but says he's feeling things for Tayshia, and they kiss. "There’s something about that boy," she says in an aside, and we agree. #TeamBen!
Tayshia calls Ivan a dark horse (she kisses him, too!) with which we also agree.
Bennett and Ed begin questioning Chasen's intentions with Tayshia directly. Ed tells Tayshia that some people in the house aren't as genuine and that Chasen has used the same words to describe Tayshia that he has to describe Clare. He implies Chasen is after Instagram followers. All these people are likely after Instagram followers, but sure, Ed, go off.
Tayshia addresses the situation with Chasen, and naturally, he defends himself. After, Chasen aggressively confronts Ed. "Stop jibber-jabbering your mouth," he says.
When you have to pause #TheBachelorette because someone in your house starts talking pic.twitter.com/mvpnkNwzT6 — The Bachelorette (@BacheloretteABC) November 18, 2020
Ben tries to stay out of the situation. "I’m going to focus on what’s most important to me," he says in an aside, i.e. getting a rose and developing a relationship with Tayshia. Good call, my man.
The rose goes to … Ivan! Well-deserved.
In case you missed: 'The Bachelorette' recap: Tayshia's takeover comes with a few twists – including more men
Tayshia's first rose ceremony: Who goes home?
It's almost time for Tayshia's first rose ceremony. But first …
Chasen tries to clear the air with the group, though Ed says he stands by his comments calling Chasen a fraud and phony. Chasen calls Tayshia a "smokeshow" in front of everyone, which people are taken aback by. We hear him call her that a lot going forward.
Chasen tries to forge a truce with Ed; Zac steps in and wants the men to bury the fight. Zac, the voice of sanity.
So, who receives roses? Remember that Brendan, Ivan and Eazy already went into the ceremony with them.
Zac, Riley, Kenny, Ben, Demar, Bennett, Spencer, Jordan, Noah, Joe, Blake, Ed and … Chasen snag roses from Tayshia. That means three men go home: Jay, Peter, and Montel.
Wow: 'The Bachelorette' recap: Mind-blowing proposal and a long-anticipated debut shock Bachelor Nation
Who crashes the wrestling date?
Tayshia brings Eazy, Brendan, Joe, Jordan, Spencer, Ben, Ed and Chasen onto the episode's second group date. "I’m looking for my perfect match," the card reads. What could that mean? Wrestling. Specifically, oiled-up wrestling. "Bachelor in Paradise" fans will appreciate seeing Wells Adams visit to play announcer with Chris Harrison.
The men begin aggressively wrestling, resulting in scrapes and bleeding. But before the big showdown can happen between, you guessed it, Ed and Chasen, Ed tells Chris that his shoulders chronically dislocate and that he doesn't want to go to the hospital. He forfeits in an anticlimactic moment.
All of a sudden, Noah, who isn't even on the date, hops the fence (sound familiar?) to wrestle Chasen himself. Chasen wins the match, and the overall competition. But Noah secures an invite to the afterparty anyway. The men are unhappy with Noah but Tayshia is happy enough to kiss him. She wants his mustache gone, though.
Noah leaves the date after some alone time with Tayshia, only to return and interrupt her time with Jordan to have her help him shave off his mustache.
Ben, meanwhile, was biding his time while all the other men went to rendezvous with Tayshia, hoping to make a final, lasting impression. But he ran out of time as the night drew to a close, and she shares she was disappointed Ben didn't find her sooner. Sigh. Ben, we hope you can make it up to her.
You can probably guess who received the rose: Noah.
Folks, do we have a new prime villain?
Please and thank you: Need some romance? 'The Bachelor' mansion is now available on Airbnb for $6,000 a night
Yikes: 'Bachelorette' suitor Peter Giannikopoulos tests positive for COVID-19, crashes car after test results


usatoday--2020-11-18--Hunting for an affordable home? Here's how to entice sellers

Competition among homebuyers has remained fierce during the COVID-19 pandemic due to record-low mortgage rates , a shortage of homes for sale and a sudden wave of relocation from remote work , triggering a surge in home prices that is showing no signs of slowing .
The median home sale price rose 15 % from a year ago to $ 322,000 for the week ended Nov. 1 — the highest on record , according to Redfin , a real estate brokerage .
The housing market is so hot that offering all cash for a home doesn ’ t always cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are things that potential homebuyers can do to entice sellers .
“ What wins a bidding war today is offering more than the asking price and waiving the appraisal contingency , ” according to Redfin real estate agent Anthony Gonzalez .
“ Generally , if you ’ re bidding on a house that ’ s in great condition in a good location with multiple offers , you ’ ve got ta go at least $ 20,000 over ask , ” Gonzalez added .
“ Every single time that my client does , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Multigenerational households are on the rise , thanks to financial and emotional benefits Walkthough checklist:7 tips for a final walkthrough ahead of closing on your new home To be sure , competition in the housing market has cooled slightly since the summer .
The typical home currently gets four or five offers , compared with eight or nine in September , according to Redfin .
Still , home prices continue to buck their typical seasonal pattern since there are more buyers than normal at this time of year , experts say .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ more buyers to purchase a home in the final months of the year .
The national median home price typically peaks the first week of July and declines through the fall .
This year , however , home prices have climbed 7.3 % since the four-week period ending July 5 .
If you 're looking to buy or sell a home , here are some other tips to keep in mind : Do n't give up - Be patient .
Homebuyers may have to bid on several properties before they beat out the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say .
Work with a broker - A local realtor will know how to sweeten the pot for that potential seller , and make your offer the most attractive , according to the National Association of Realtors .
Go the extra mile - Consider writing the seller a letter .
Other financial incentives such as having an all-cash offer , shortening the escrow terms , waiving contingencies and offering more money will likely help potential buyers , realtors advise .
Spruce it up - `` Even in this tight inventory environment , homebuyers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jessica Lautz , vice president of demographics and behavioral insights at NAR .
`` When they come into homes , they expect them to look like TV shows .
They expect them to be staged .
They 're attracted to beautiful photos online .
... Those types of factors really do matter.
’ ’ Do n't get greedy - `` An overpriced home is still going to sit on the market , '' Jason Gell , president of the Greater Boston Association of Realtors , says .
`` With the right price , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ war . ''
Know where you 're moving before you hand over the keys - Have a plan for what you will do after you sell your home , whether that 's staying in temporary housing , or buying another property before the sale of your house closes if you have enough cash .

Hunting for an affordable home? Here's how to entice sellers
Competition among homebuyers has remained fierce during the COVID-19 pandemic due to record-low mortgage rates, a shortage of homes for sale and a sudden wave of relocation from remote work, triggering a surge in home prices that is showing no signs of slowing.
The median home sale price rose 15% from a year ago to $322,000 for the week that ended Nov. 1 – the highest on record, according to Redfin, a real estate brokerage.
The housing market is so hot that offering all cash for a home doesn’t always cut it anymore, experts say. But there are things that potential homebuyers can do to entice sellers.
“What wins a bidding war today is offering more than the asking price and waiving the appraisal contingency,” according to Redfin real estate agent Anthony Gonzalez.
“Generally, if you’re bidding on a house that’s in great condition in a good location with multiple offers, you’ve gotta go at least $20,000 over ask. Every single time that my client does, they win the deal.”
Modern families:Multigenerational households are on the rise, thanks to financial and emotional benefits
Walkthough checklist: 7 tips for a final walkthrough ahead of closing on your new home
To be sure, competition in the housing market has cooled slightly since the summer. The typical home currently gets four or five offers, compared with eight or nine in September, according to Redfin.
Still, home prices continue to buck their typical seasonal pattern since there are more buyers than normal at this time of year, experts say. And lower mortgage rates could push even more buyers to purchase a home in the final months of the year.
The national median home price typically peaks the first week of July and declines through the fall. This year, however, home prices have climbed 7.3% since the four-week period ending July 5.
If you're looking to buy or sell a home, here are some other tips to keep in mind:
Buyer tips
Don't give up. Be patient. Homebuyers may have to bid on several properties before they beat out the competition for that dream home, experts say.
Work with a broker. A local Realtor will know how to sweeten the pot for that potential seller, and make your offer the most attractive, according to the National Association of Realtors.
Go the extra mile. Consider writing the seller a letter. Other financial incentives such as having an all-cash offer, shortening the escrow terms, waiving contingencies and offering more money will likely help potential buyers, Realtors advise.
Advice for sellers
Spruce it up . "Even in this tight inventory environment, homebuyers' expectations have risen,'' says Jessica Lautz, vice president of demographics and behavioral insights at NAR. "When they come into homes, they expect them to look like TV shows. They expect them to be staged. They're attracted to beautiful photos online. ... Those types of factors really do matter.’’
Don't get greedy. "An overpriced home is still going to sit on the market,'' says Jason Gell, president of the Greater Boston Association of Realtors. "With the right price, you're likely to get a bidding war.''
Know where you're moving before you hand over the keys. Have a plan for what you will do after you sell your home, whether that's staying in temporary housing, or buying another property before the sale of your house closes, if you have enough cash.


usatoday--2020-11-18--NBA draft storylines: Will Minnesota Timberwolves pick LaMelo Ball first overall?

In an unusual year , expect an unusual NBA draft .
Instead of in June , the draft is in November .
Instead of days after the NBA Finals and months before the start of the following season , it ’ s a month after the Finals and just a month before the season is scheduled to start on Dec. 22 .
Instead of a Las Vegas Summer League and normal training camp to prepare for the NBA , rookies will have just a limited training camp before they are thrown into regular-season games .
Waiting for them will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ James , who entered the league 17 years ago .
Projected top-five pick Obi Toppin – among the oldest top-flight prospects in this draft – was just 5 years old when James played his first NBA game .
Final NBA mock draft : Anthony Edwards locks in at No .
1 , newcomers crash top 10 LaMelo Ball : How he went from misunderstood to can't-miss NBA draft pick Here are the top five storylines headed into Wednesday ’ s NBA Draft : NBA Draft will be conducted from ESPN studio Because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 draft virtually for the first time , with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum announcing the first- and second-round selections at ESPN 's studios .
Normally , the draft is held at Barclays Center in Brooklyn , New York .
ESPN will also have live look-ins from 17 team draft rooms .
Draft prospects were sent hats of all 30 teams and given the necessary technological tools for video and interview purposes after they are drafted .
Thirty prospects received media kits that included a Microsoft Surface tablet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tripod , Ring light , and a Beats Pill wireless speaker .
Where will LaMelo Ball go ?
Ball is regarded by many team executives as the most talented player in the draft .
For a point guard he has great size at 6-7 and he is an exceptional passer .
But his unique journey from California high school to Lithuanian pro team to prep school in Ohio to pro league in Australia with his dad LaVar Ball orchestrating decisions has it difficult to fully assess what he can bring to a team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scenarios where Ball goes No .
1 to Minnesota , No .
2 to Golden State or No .
3 to Charlotte .
It ’ s hard to see that kind of talent dropping out of the top five , which would make LaMelo and Lonzo the first brothers drafted in the top 10 in NBA history .
What do Minnesota Timberwolves do with No .
1 pick ?
The Timberwolves have been coy with their plans , but top-three prospect James Wiseman said on Monday that he hasn ’ t met with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaning toward LaMelo Ball or Anthony Edwards .
It could also be a smokescreen , and Minnesota could take Wiseman only to trade him and try to add another quality starter alongside Karl-Anthony Towns and D ’ Angelo Russell .
Regardless of what happens , the Timberwolves want a player who can help them win now and compete for a playoff spot .
The 2019 draft was a quiet year for international players .
That could change on Wednesday , starting with Israel ’ s Deni Avdija and France ’ s Killian Hayes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ projected top-five pick , goes in the top 22 , he will become the highest-drafted player from Israel , and if Hayes goes in the top seven , he will be the highest-drafted player from France .
This year ’ s draft could also break the record for most players selected from Africa ( five ) .
While the NBA expands into China and India , Africa remains a continent that attracts attention of NBA talent evaluators .
Precious Achiuwa , who was born in Nigeria and moved to the United States as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first-rounder .
What will Celtics do with their first-round picks ?
Boston has three first-round picks – No .
14 , No .
26 and No .
30 – plus the No .
47 pick in the second round .
Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge isn ’ t immune to making a big trade , and there is speculation that Ainge is trying to bolster the roster after Boston lost in the Eastern Conference finals for the third time in four seasons .
With Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum as young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if Ainge tries to package picks and a player in exchange for another All-Star caliber player .

NBA draft storylines: Will Minnesota Timberwolves pick LaMelo Ball first overall?
Show Caption Hide Caption The next Bam Adebayo? Top NBA prospect Onyeka Okongwu exudes confidence, potential SportsPulse: Mackenzie Salmon connected with top NBA prospect Onyeka Okongwu ahead of this week's draft. He broke down his own game and didn't shy away from a lofty pro comparison. SportsPulse, USA TODAY
In an unusual year, expect an unusual NBA draft.
Instead of in June, the draft is in November. Instead of days after the NBA Finals and months before the start of the following season, it’s a month after the Finals and just a month before the season is scheduled to start on Dec. 22.
Instead of a Las Vegas Summer League and normal training camp to prepare for the NBA, rookies will have just a limited training camp before they are thrown into regular-season games. Waiting for them will be the likes of reigning Finals MVP LeBron James, who entered the league 17 years ago. Projected top-five pick Obi Toppin – among the oldest top-flight prospects in this draft – was just 5 years old when James played his first NBA game.
Final NBA mock draft: Anthony Edwards locks in at No. 1, newcomers crash top 10
LaMelo Ball: How he went from misunderstood to can't-miss NBA draft pick
Here are the top five storylines headed into Wednesday’s NBA Draft:
NBA Draft will be conducted from ESPN studio
Because of COVID-19, the NBA is conducting its 2020 draft virtually for the first time, with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum announcing the first- and second-round selections at ESPN's studios. Normally, the draft is held at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. ESPN will also have live look-ins from 17 team draft rooms.
Draft prospects were sent hats of all 30 teams and given the necessary technological tools for video and interview purposes after they are drafted. Thirty prospects received media kits that included a Microsoft Surface tablet, Beats Powerbeats Pro earbuds, iPhone with tripod, Ring light, and a Beats Pill wireless speaker.
Where will LaMelo Ball go?
Ball is regarded by many team executives as the most talented player in the draft. For a point guard he has great size at 6-7 and he is an exceptional passer. But his unique journey from California high school to Lithuanian pro team to prep school in Ohio to pro league in Australia with his dad LaVar Ball orchestrating decisions has it difficult to fully assess what he can bring to a team.
It’s possible to envision scenarios where Ball goes No. 1 to Minnesota, No. 2 to Golden State or No. 3 to Charlotte. It’s hard to see that kind of talent dropping out of the top five, which would make LaMelo and Lonzo the first brothers drafted in the top 10 in NBA history.
What do Minnesota Timberwolves do with No. 1 pick?
The Timberwolves have been coy with their plans, but top-three prospect James Wiseman said on Monday that he hasn’t met with the Timberwolves, which indicates they are leaning toward LaMelo Ball or Anthony Edwards.
It could also be a smokescreen, and Minnesota could take Wiseman only to trade him and try to add another quality starter alongside Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell. Regardless of what happens, the Timberwolves want a player who can help them win now and compete for a playoff spot.
Israel’s Deni Avdija leads strong class of international players
The 2019 draft was a quiet year for international players. That could change on Wednesday, starting with Israel’s Deni Avdija and France’s Killian Hayes. If Avdija, who is a projected top-five pick, goes in the top 22, he will become the highest-drafted player from Israel, and if Hayes goes in the top seven, he will be the highest-drafted player from France.
Wizards draft NBA-ready talent in Deni Avdija SportsPulse: Former Israeli Premier League player Tamir Goodman breaks down the game of 19-year-old Deni Avdija and explains why years of professional experience makes him one of the most NBA-ready rookies. SportsPulse, USA TODAY
This year’s draft could also break the record for most players selected from Africa (five). While the NBA expands into China and India, Africa remains a continent that attracts attention of NBA talent evaluators. Precious Achiuwa, who was born in Nigeria and moved to the United States as an eighth grader, is a projected first-rounder.
What will Celtics do with their first-round picks?
Boston has three first-round picks – No. 14, No. 26 and No. 30 – plus the No. 47 pick in the second round. Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge isn’t immune to making a big trade, and there is speculation that Ainge is trying to bolster the roster after Boston lost in the Eastern Conference finals for the third time in four seasons.
With Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum as young centerpieces, don’t be surprised if Ainge tries to package picks and a player in exchange for another All-Star caliber player.


usatoday--2020-11-19--Coronavirus updates: US reaches 250K COVID deaths; New York City schools to close again; Kentucky to

Coronavirus updates: US reaches 250K COVID deaths; New York City schools to close again; Kentucky toughens restrictions

The nation 's largest public school system will temporarily halt in-person learning again in an effort to stem the continued spread of COVID-19 , according to New York City mayor Bill de Blasio .
The news came on an Wednesday when the U.S. surpassed 250,000 deaths from the coronavirus , by far the largest total in the world .
According to the Johns Hopkins University dashboard , Brazil is next with 166,699 .
New York City previously said school buildings would close if 3 % of all the coronavirus tests performed citywide over a seven-day period came back positive .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that milestone has been passed , triggering the closure .
New York City 's school system previously halted in-person learning in mid-March as the virus tore through the city .
Now , all of the city 's more than 1 million public school students will now be taught entirely online .
Also in New York , nearly 9,400 of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority ’ s subway , bus and commuter rail workers could lose their jobs next year if the federal government fails to come through with the $ 12 billion the agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The hardest-hit area could be the New York City subways and buses , which could lose nearly 7,000 jobs amid service reductions of up to 40 % as the COVID-19 pandemic causes unprecedented reductions in ridership the MTA says could linger into the mid-2020s .
📈 Today 's numbers : The U.S. has reported more than 11.5 million cases and 250,400 deaths , according to Johns Hopkins University data .
The global totals : 56.1 million cases and 1.34 million deaths .
🗺 Mapping coronavirus : Track the U.S. outbreak in your state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the day .
For updates in your inbox , subscribe to The Daily Briefing newsletter .
The United States raced past yet another grim milestone Wednesday when it became the first country to have 250,000 people die from COVID-19 .
That figure accounts for nearly 19 % of the global total of 1.34 million fatalities .
With approximately 330 million people , the U.S. has 4.3 % of the world 's population .
The U.S. is also the undisputed leader in coronavirus infections with close to 11.5 million , or 2.5 million more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus has inflicted among Americans is more than twice as large as the number of U.S. service members who died in World War I .
Only two American conflicts have claimed more lives than the coronavirus -- the Civil War ( nearly 500,000 , including non-combat deaths ) and World War II ( 405,000 ) , according to figures from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs .
Despite the development of therapeutics that have saved an untold number of lives , the worst impacts of the virus may yet be to come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a major spike in cases that has produced 16 consecutive days of at least 100,000 new infections and a daily average for November of more than 130,000 .
Kentucky 's Democratic Gov .
Andy Beshear announced a series of new restrictions that will extend from school classrooms to bars and restaurants across the state .
Citing mounting evidence of more deaths and illness in the state because of the coronavirus , Beshear said the latest mandates are needed because `` inaction is deadly . ''
`` Pretending this virus is n't real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` It 's time to do what it takes to finish this fight . ''
The moves drew swift criticism from Republican leaders , who have vowed to rein in Beshear with new legislation in early 2021 to limit the governor 's powers .
Kentucky is among the 36 states with a mask mandate .
What are the rules in your state ?
Check the list .
New York City public schools will be all-remote After tiptoeing back into in-person instruction for some students , New York City Public Schools will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rising virus cases .
Public school buildings will close for in-person learning until further notice , including for kindergarten and preschool students , the district announced in a tweet Wednesday .
For days , the system has teetered on the verge of closure as virus positivity rates in the city hovered near the 3 % threshold Mayor Bill De Blasio 's administration set to trigger another shutdown .
Some have argued the threshold is too stringent ; others have complained about bars and gyms staying open for indoor activities while schools are forced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first large urban district to start to bring back some in-person instruction , a move that was delayed until September and into October as the teachers union and city leaders debated how to open buildings safely .
Since then , larger districts have tried to do the same , but many have been thwarted by the fall surge in virus cases .
New York was also one of the only large districts to reopen with mandatory in-school testing , the results of which show that virus positivity rates within the school community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % , according to the latest figures posted by the city 's Department of Education .
Fauci : Average American could get vaccinated as soon as April Dr. Anthony Fauci , the nation ’ s leading infectious disease expert who has guided the U.S. through the pandemic , projected Americans could expect their first doses of an approved coronavirus vaccine as early as April .
Moreover , Fauci told the USA TODAY Editorial Board on Wednesday : “ When it gets approved by the FDA … I would take the vaccine and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine.
” Frontline health care workers are expected to get their first doses by the end of December or early January .
Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar said Wednesday the administration expects to have about 40 million vaccine doses available before the end of the year , enough to inoculate 20 million people at two doses per .
After prioritizing individuals at risk of infection or severe disease , the healthy general population can expect first doses of a vaccine starting in April and continuing through July if all continues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most of the population gets vaccinated by summer and fall , Fauci said , people can start looking forward to returning to pre-pandemic normalcy .
But to get there , vaccine hesitancy must be addressed , he said , particularly among people of color who have a historic distrust of the nation 's medical system .
Most Americans wo n't be able to use first home COVID test before spring The nation 's first Food and Drug Administration-authorized home coronavirus test will cost about $ 50 and deliver results in 30 minutes or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you want to know whether you have COVID-19 before visiting family for Thanksgiving or Christmas .
The Lucira COVID-19 All-In-One Test Kit will be limited to patients at Sutter Health in Northern California and Cleveland Clinic Florida in Miami-Fort Lauderdale until the spring .
And even then , you must have symptoms and a health provider 's referral to get the test .
The company intends to ask the FDA to modify its emergency-use authorization next spring to allow patients to communicate with prescribing doctors through a website .
If the provider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the kit would be delivered overnight to the person 's home .
Pfizer and BioNTech plan to submit a request `` within days '' to the Food and Drug Administration for emergency-use approval of a vaccine they say has shown to be 95 % effective in mass testing .
The companies hope to provide 50 million doses by year 's end and 1.3 billion doses in 2021 .
“ Our objective from the very beginning was to design and develop a vaccine that would generate rapid and potent protection against COVID-19 with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said Ugur Sahin , M.D.
, CEO of BioNTech .
`` We believe we have achieved this . ''
The vaccine effort is one of many racing the clock amid a surge in cases , hospitalizations and deaths .
The Midwest continues to take a beating – more than 900 staffers at the Minnesota-based Mayo Clinic alone have contracted COVID-19 in the past two weeks , the Pioneer Press reports .
“ It shows you how easy it is to get COVID-19 in the Midwest , ” Dr. Amy Williams .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ we serve to do their part to limit the spread of COVID-19.
” China ’ s government on Wednesday defended anti-coronavirus controls that have disrupted imports of beef , poultry and fish from the United States , New Zealand and other trading partners .
Customs officials who say the coronavirus has been found on frozen meat and on packaging have imposed temporary suspensions on suppliers .
That prompted complaints by China ’ s trading partners .
In June , China temporarily suspended the import of chicken from U.S.-based Tyson Foods Inc. after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ farms .
China was home to the first outbreak and has battled to avoid surges such as those experienced in the U.S. and elsewhere .
“ The relevant measures China took are necessary following the spirit of putting people ’ s lives first and protecting people ’ s health , ” foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said .
COVID means more millennials taking care of kids and parents .
Millennials , age 24 to 39 , took on hundreds of billions of dollars in student debt only to graduate from college just as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economy .
And now , as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic , they ’ re suddenly becoming the largest contingent of the “ sandwich generation , ” the cohort of adults providing financial and other support to both children and elderly parents .
The pandemic has tipped more millennials into a juggling act of caregiving .
“ We think generally the situation with COVID has accelerated the trend , '' says Jeff Beligotti , vice president and head of long-term care solutions for New York Life.
`` It has continued to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ More than 900 Mayo Clinic staffers infected in last two weeks Almost 1,000 staffers at the Mayo Clinic have contracted COVID-19 in the past two weeks , the system 's dean of clinical practice says .
Dr. Amy Williams said 93 % of the infections took place away from work , and that most of the infections that happened at work involved eating in a break room with a mask off , according to the Pioneer Press .
Williams also said the clinic is seeing more patients transferring in , an indication that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are overwhelmed because of the current surge in cases .
`` Everybody is getting very tired of wearing a mask and hearing about social distance , being told to wash their hands , but we 're doing this because we care about our communities , '' Williams said .
`` We do n't want families to lose loved ones .
Six lawmakers test positive as Congress struggles with virus In less than a week , six members of Congress announced they have tested positive for COVID-19 .
Sen. Chuck Grassley , the 87-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the presidency , spent much of Monday casting votes and attending a meeting with Senate Republican leadership that included Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell .
Grassley announced his diagnosis the following day .
Rep. Don Young , R-Alaska , 87 , who is frequently seen without a mask , was hospitalized for three days .
“ I ’ ve been shot , I ’ ve been rolled over , I ’ ve been hit in the head a hundred times , but I ’ ve never felt as bad as I did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Washington Post .
“ This is not good . ''
South Dakota 's high rates of COVID-19 and low virus regulation have sparked criticism even as some dying of the virus there do n't believe it poses a real threat .
That 's according to Jodi Doering , a South Dakota nurse who has gained national attention for her account of working on the front lines in a state where leaders have long minimized the impact of the virus and refused to implement rules like mask mandates .
South Dakota and neighboring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 infection and death in the nation .
`` I have a night off from the hospital .
As I ’ m on my couch with my dog I can ’ t help but think of the Covid patients the last few days , '' Doering wrote in a recent tweet .
`` The ones that stick out are those who still don ’ t believe the virus is real . ''
Read more here .
Minus-112 is so cold it shatters rubber , stresses metals – and can protect what ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine .
Pfizer and collaborator BioNTech have a vaccine they say is 95 % effective and could be approved within a month , so the reality of moving and storing the life-saving vials is coming into sharp focus .
Dry ice orders are spiking and the backlog to buy $ 15,000 medical-grade ultracold freezers is up to six weeks .
`` In the science world , it ’ s not that cold , '' said Tonya Kuhl , chair of the chemical engineering department at the University of California , Davis .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certainly is .
That temperature is really important in storage to keep things stable.
” COVID immunity could last for years , study says COVID-19 infections could result in immunity that could last for years , a new study indicates .
The study , published online but not yet been peer reviewed , found that most participants in the study who had been infected with COVID-19 retained enough immune cells to fend off infection eight months later .
That could indicate immunity may remain for years , the study 's authors said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevent the vast majority of people from getting hospitalized disease , severe disease , for many years , ” Shane Crotty , a virologist at the La Jolla Institute of Immunology who co-led the new study , told The New York Times .
Hospitals are putting extra focus on preventing pressure injuries , known as bedsores or pressure ulcers , as coronavirus cases continue to rise across the country and ICU beds fill with critically ill patients .
The National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel ( NPIAP ) estimates pressure injuries affect more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 60,000 lives .
Dr. William Padula , president-elect of NPIAP and professor at the University of Southern California , worries that pressure injuries may increase this year amid estimates there could be up to 19,000 new COVID-19 hospitalizations per day by Dec. 7 .
Padula said pressure injuries can occur within hours of being in the ICU immobilized and on a ventilator .
“ The skin is the largest organ system , ” said Dr. Martine Sanone , associate professor of geriatrics and palliative medicine at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think of critical illness , we forget about that first barrier . ''
New coronavirus cases have surged to an all-time high at nursing homes across the country despite federal efforts to shield residents through aggressive testing and visitor restrictions , a new report shows .
Federal data shows 10,279 COVID-19 cases during the week of Nov. 1 , the most recent data available .
The figures surpassed the previous high of 9,903 cases in late July , according to a report by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nation 's most vulnerable residents comes as cases , hospitalizations and deaths surge nationwide .
`` We have been begging people the last eight months to wear a mask , socially distance and to be careful , '' said Mark Parkinson , president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL .
`` Unfortunately , the public has not listened or complied . ''
A new American Alliance of Museums study released Tuesday showed that recent COVID-19 surges are doing a number on already-hurting museums .
According to an October AAM survey of 850 respondents from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus on museums , millions of dollars are being lost – with around a third of institutions facing permanent closure – and job loss is mounting as nearly 30 % of American museums remain closed since the March lockdown .
“ The financial state of U.S. museums is moving from bad to worse , ” Laura Lott , AAM 's president and CEO , said in a statement .
`` Those that have reopened are operating on an average of 35 % of their regular attendance — a reduction that is unsustainable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their communities this summer do not have enough revenue to offset higher costs , especially during a potential winter lockdown .
Without financial help , we could see thousands of museums shutter forever.
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John Bacon, Jorge L. Ortiz and Joel Shannon, USA TODAY