mercurynews--2020-03-19--McConnell unveils $1T coronavirus relief measure

By Andrew Taylor and Lisa Mascaro | Associated Press WASHINGTON — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell proposed direct payments of $ 1,200 per person and $ 2,400 for couples as part of a sweeping Republican response to the coronavirus outbreak , according to a copy of the legislation obtained by The Associated Press .
The GOP leader unveiled his plan Thursday as Congress raced to craft a $ 1 trillion rescue package to shore up households , healthcare and the U.S. economy amid the pandemic crisis and nationwide shutdown that ’ s hurtling the country toward a likely recession .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ swift action as soon as possible , ” McConnell , announcing his plan on the Senate floor .
It ’ s an opening salvo in fast-track talks with Democrats as President Donald Trump urges Congress to “ go big ” to respond as Americans reel from the crisis .
Keeping paychecks flowing for idled workers as jobless claims skyrocket is a top priority for both the Republican and Democratic plans emerging from Congress .
McConnell ’ s proposal aligns with the Trump administration ’ s push to swiftly send checks to American households @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan , the aid would be phased down at income thresholds of $ 75,000 for individuals and $ 150,000 per couple .
Additionally , there would be $ 500 payments for each child .
But Democrats have their own proposals for ushering aid to Americans , and even McConnell ’ s GOP senators panned Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin ’ s idea of direct checks of $ 3,000 for a family of four — preferring instead to use the federal dollars to keep workers who are asked to stay home on the business payrolls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not one check , ” said Sen. Lindsey Graham , R-S.C. , summing up the views of some exiting a long , private meeting of GOP senators on Capitol Hill .
One or two checks “ makes no sense to me , ” he said .
“ It ’ s not a check .
It ’ s checks .
It ’ s not a payment , it ’ s income , ” Graham said .
“ The best thing for us to do is create an income stream.
” The swift-moving effort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first two lawmakers tested positive for the COVID-19 virus , others are self-isolating and the usually tradition-bound Congress faced calls to ease rules and allow remote voting .
Trump administration officials , including Mnuchin and economic adviser Larry Kudlow , are expected to return to Capitol Hill on Friday to launch bipartisan negotiations with Senate Democrats .
Vast government spending of untold sums is causing unease among GOP senators whose careers have been built on halting the flow of federal dollars and trying to halt rising debts .
But other Republicans said they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lifeline to Americans and small businesses .
“ The government is causing this economic crisis by shutting down the country and so we ’ re going to have to pay what it costs , ” said Sen. Lamar Alexander , R-Tenn. , the chairman of the Health Committee .
The Treasury secretary said Thursday the checks would be direct-deposited into people ’ s accounts under the plan the Trump administration has proposed to Congress .
The payments would be $ 1,000 per adult and $ 500 per child so that a family of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 3,000 , Mnuchin told Fox Business Network .
The goal is to get that money out in three weeks , he said .
“ That ’ s a lot of money for hard-working Americans , ” Mnuchin said .
Republicans want to have small businesses send paychecks to workers being forced to stay home — through government loans that would not have to be repaid — to prevent employees being cast aside .
They also want to shore up industry .
McConnell ’ s plan would provide $ 208 billion in loans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economy , including $ 50 billion for commercial airlines and $ 8 billion for air cargo carriers , and $ 150 billion for other eligible businesses , but those loans would have to be paid back .
Democrats compiling their own priorities in the House and Senate suggest other ways to keep paychecks flowing in what Schumer called “ employment insurance ” — which he characterized as “ unemployment insurance on steroids.
” At the same time , caring for the expected surge of sick Americans is a priority .
Congress wants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and rapidly erect temporary field hospitals under new authorities President Donald Trump invoked in the Defense Production Act .
“ America needs a Marshall Plan for our health care system , ” said Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer , citing the post-World War II program in which the U.S. financed rebuilding in Europe .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi urged Trump to quickly use his new wartime authority to push manufacturers to start producing the medical supplies .
“ There is not a day to lose , ” Pelosi said in a statement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ more protective equipment and more ventilators into the hands of our frontline workers immediately.
” The centerpiece of the White House effort is $ 500 billion to start issuing direct payments to Americans , starting early next month .
How to spend that money , though , remains a key question .
The Treasury Department proposed two $ 250 billion cash infusions to individuals : a first set of checks issued starting April 6 , with a second wave by mid-May .
Officials have previously said the money is expected to be allocated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ super-wealthy .
Direct payments would go to U.S. citizens only , and would be “ tiered based on income level and family size.
” The two payments would be identical , with the second wave starting by May 18 .
Meanwhile , industries of all kinds are lining up for help to avoid cratering the economy and devastating the home lives of their employees .
Groups representing hospitals , doctors and nurses are asking Congress for $ 100 billion to help the health care system respond to the challenge of COVID-19 , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thousands of seriously ill people .
The total price tag is sure to grow beyond $ 1 trillion , lawmakers said .
Taken together , the administration plan promises half of the $ 1 trillion to families and individuals , with the other half used to prop up businesses and keep employees on payroll .
Trump has already signed into law a $ 100 billion-plus bill to boost testing for the coronavirus and guarantee paid sick leave for millions of workers hit by it .
Earlier , Congress passed and Trump signed an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congress rushes to compile the sweeping economic rescue package , the biggest undertaking since the 2008 recession and financial crisis , in a matter of days , it also is considering its own way of doing business .
The Senate plans to remain in session until the emerging coronavirus bill passes , with weekend sessions possible .
The House , which is on recess , won ’ t be recalled until it ’ s time to vote .
In the House , Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart , R-Fla. , and Ben McAdams , D-Utah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive for COVID-19 — the first two known cases in Congress .
Several other lawmakers have cycled in and out of self-isolation after exposure to individuals who had later tested positive for the virus .
On Thursday , McAdams told NBC ’ s “ Today ” show the House should consider changing its rules to allow remote voting .
Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said he shares lawmakers ’ concerns about the potential risks of congregating in groups and is considering ways to “ adjust our voting procedures ” to follow the Center for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on social distancing .
• Coronavirus false test results : With the push to screen come questions of accuracy • Newsom : 56 % of California projected to be infected with coronavirus in 8-week period • 14 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Santa Clara County • Bay Area residents are stranded abroad as the coronavirus pandemic shutters borders Economists say the country is probably already in recession and the massive rescue package now being drafted would probably not be enough to stop millions of job losses .
For most people , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms , such as fever and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia .
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus .
According to the World Health Organization , people with mild illness recover in about two weeks , while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover .
Associated Press writers Darlene Superville , Matthew Daly , and Mary Clare Jalonick in Washington contributed to this report @

By Andrew Taylor and Lisa Mascaro | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell proposed direct payments of $1,200 per person and $2,400 for couples as part of a sweeping Republican response to the coronavirus outbreak, according to a copy of the legislation obtained by The Associated Press.
The GOP leader unveiled his plan Thursday as Congress raced to craft a $1 trillion rescue package to shore up households, healthcare and the U.S. economy amid the pandemic crisis and nationwide shutdown that’s hurtling the country toward a likely recession.
“We need to take bold and swift action as soon as possible,” McConnell, announcing his plan on the Senate floor.
It’s an opening salvo in fast-track talks with Democrats as President Donald Trump urges Congress to “go big” to respond as Americans reel from the crisis.
Keeping paychecks flowing for idled workers as jobless claims skyrocket is a top priority for both the Republican and Democratic plans emerging from Congress.
McConnell’s proposal aligns with the Trump administration’s push to swiftly send checks to American households.
Under the GOP leader’s plan, the aid would be phased down at income thresholds of $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 per couple. Additionally, there would be $500 payments for each child.
But Democrats have their own proposals for ushering aid to Americans, and even McConnell’s GOP senators panned Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin’s idea of direct checks of $3,000 for a family of four — preferring instead to use the federal dollars to keep workers who are asked to stay home on the business payrolls.
“What I want is income, not one check,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., summing up the views of some exiting a long, private meeting of GOP senators on Capitol Hill. One or two checks “makes no sense to me,” he said.
“It’s not a check. It’s checks. It’s not a payment, it’s income,” Graham said. “The best thing for us to do is create an income stream.”
The swift-moving effort in an all-but-shuttered Capitol came as the first two lawmakers tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, others are self-isolating and the usually tradition-bound Congress faced calls to ease rules and allow remote voting.
Trump administration officials, including Mnuchin and economic adviser Larry Kudlow, are expected to return to Capitol Hill on Friday to launch bipartisan negotiations with Senate Democrats.
Vast government spending of untold sums is causing unease among GOP senators whose careers have been built on halting the flow of federal dollars and trying to halt rising debts.
But other Republicans said they had no choice but to provide a lifeline to Americans and small businesses.
“The government is causing this economic crisis by shutting down the country and so we’re going to have to pay what it costs,” said Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., the chairman of the Health Committee.
The Treasury secretary said Thursday the checks would be direct-deposited into people’s accounts under the plan the Trump administration has proposed to Congress.
The payments would be $1,000 per adult and $500 per child so that a family of two parents and two children would receive $3,000, Mnuchin told Fox Business Network. The goal is to get that money out in three weeks, he said.
“That’s a lot of money for hard-working Americans,” Mnuchin said.
Republicans want to have small businesses send paychecks to workers being forced to stay home — through government loans that would not have to be repaid — to prevent employees being cast aside.
They also want to shore up industry. McConnell’s plan would provide $208 billion in loans and loan guarantees to distressed sectors of the economy, including $50 billion for commercial airlines and $8 billion for air cargo carriers, and $150 billion for other eligible businesses, but those loans would have to be paid back.
Democrats compiling their own priorities in the House and Senate suggest other ways to keep paychecks flowing in what Schumer called “employment insurance” — which he characterized as “unemployment insurance on steroids.”
At the same time, caring for the expected surge of sick Americans is a priority. Congress wants to ramp up production of medical supplies and rapidly erect temporary field hospitals under new authorities President Donald Trump invoked in the Defense Production Act.
“America needs a Marshall Plan for our health care system,” said Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, citing the post-World War II program in which the U.S. financed rebuilding in Europe.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi urged Trump to quickly use his new wartime authority to push manufacturers to start producing the medical supplies.
“There is not a day to lose,” Pelosi said in a statement. “We must put more testing, more protective equipment and more ventilators into the hands of our frontline workers immediately.”
The centerpiece of the White House effort is $500 billion to start issuing direct payments to Americans, starting early next month.
How to spend that money, though, remains a key question.
The Treasury Department proposed two $250 billion cash infusions to individuals: a first set of checks issued starting April 6, with a second wave by mid-May. Officials have previously said the money is expected to be allocated by income level, to exclude the super-wealthy.
Direct payments would go to U.S. citizens only, and would be “tiered based on income level and family size.” The two payments would be identical, with the second wave starting by May 18.
Meanwhile, industries of all kinds are lining up for help to avoid cratering the economy and devastating the home lives of their employees.
Groups representing hospitals, doctors and nurses are asking Congress for $100 billion to help the health care system respond to the challenge of COVID-19, which could involve providing treatment for tens of thousands of seriously ill people.
The total price tag is sure to grow beyond $1 trillion, lawmakers said.
Taken together, the administration plan promises half of the $1 trillion to families and individuals, with the other half used to prop up businesses and keep employees on payroll.
Trump has already signed into law a $100 billion-plus bill to boost testing for the coronavirus and guarantee paid sick leave for millions of workers hit by it. Earlier, Congress passed and Trump signed an initial $8.3 billion effort.
As Congress rushes to compile the sweeping economic rescue package, the biggest undertaking since the 2008 recession and financial crisis, in a matter of days, it also is considering its own way of doing business.
The Senate plans to remain in session until the emerging coronavirus bill passes, with weekend sessions possible. The House, which is on recess, won’t be recalled until it’s time to vote.
In the House, Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., and Ben McAdams, D-Utah, released statements saying they had tested positive for COVID-19 — the first two known cases in Congress. Several other lawmakers have cycled in and out of self-isolation after exposure to individuals who had later tested positive for the virus.
On Thursday, McAdams told NBC’s “Today” show the House should consider changing its rules to allow remote voting.
Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said he shares lawmakers’ concerns about the potential risks of congregating in groups and is considering ways to “adjust our voting procedures” to follow the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations on social distancing.
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For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.
Associated Press writers Darlene Superville, Matthew Daly, and Mary Clare Jalonick in Washington contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-03-19--Coronavirus: BART to reduce schedules temporarily

With ridership at a 90-percent decline in recent days , BART on Thursday announced it is temporarily reducing its service hours .
The reduction won ’ t begin until Monday , according to the agency , and it ’ s unknown how long it will last .
“ This decision is being made now because all nine counties in the Bay Area have shelter-in-place orders and our ridership has plummeted 90 percent , ” BART general manager Bob Powers said in a statement .
“ We are taking a data-driven approach to these decisions to ensure as few people as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ train service will end at 9 p.m. on each night that BART runs .
Normally , BART runs until midnight .
Trains still will begin service at 5 a.m. during the week , and their frequency also will not change , the agency said .
Weekend service will run from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. BART normally runs from 6 a.m. to midnight on Saturdays and 8 a.m. to midnight on Sundays .
All riders must be on a train or have a ticket for one by 8:45 p.m. to be guaranteed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ These are extraordinary times , and we did not take this decision lightly , ” Powers said .
“ Our system operates using public dollars , and we have an obligation to make financially sound decisions about service levels .
”

With ridership at a 90-percent decline during the shelter-at-home recommendations due to the COVID-19 outbreak, BART on Thursday announced it is temporarily reducing its service hours.
The reduction won’t begin until Monday, according to the agency, and it’s unknown how long it will last.
“This decision is being made now because all nine counties in the Bay Area have shelter-in-place orders and our ridership has plummeted 90 percent,” BART general manager Bob Powers said in a statement. “We are taking a data-driven approach to these decisions to ensure as few people as possible are impacted.”
Starting Monday, train service will end at 9 p.m. every night BART. Normally, BART runs until midnight. Trains still will begin service at 5 a.m. during the week, and their frequency also will not change outside of the Yellow Line reduction already announced, the agency said.
Weekend service will run from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. BART normally runs from 6 a.m. to midnight on Saturdays and 8 a.m. to midnight on Sundays.
All riders must be on a train or a platform by 8:45 p.m. to be guaranteed a ride to their destination, BART said.
“These are extraordinary times, and we did not take this decision lightly,” Powers said. “Our system operates using public dollars, and we have an obligation to make financially sound decisions about service levels.”
The weekend reduction begins March 28.


mercurynews--2020-03-19--Recording: GOP Senator gave virus warning to private event Feb. 27

Senate Intelligence Chairman Richard Burr , a Republican from North Carolina , had a blunt warning in February about the dire impact of the novel coronavirus during a private event in Washington .
NPR obtained a recording of Burr speaking on February 27 at a North Carolina state society event , in which he warned about the dangers the virus posed to the United States at the same time that President Donald Trump was downplaying the risk of coronavirus .
In his remarks at the Capitol Hill Club in Washington , a private GOP social club , Burr warned attendees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , schools could close and the military would get involved in the response inside the U.S. “ There ’ s one thing that I can tell you about this : It is much more aggressive in its transmission than anything that we have seen in recent history , ” Burr said , according to the recording obtained by NPR .
“ It is probably more akin to the 1918 pandemic.
” Burr continued : “ There will be , I ’ m sure , times that communities , probably some in North Carolina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say , ‘ Let ’ s close schools for two weeks .
Everybody stay home , ' ” he said .
On the same day Burr made his comments , February 27 , Trump was downplaying the coronavirus risk , one day after he had named Vice President Mike Pence to lead a coronavirus task force .
“ It ’ s going to disappear .
One day it ’ s like a miracle , it will disappear , ” he said .
“ And from our shores , you know , it could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It could maybe go away .
We ’ ll see what happens .
Nobody really knows.
” A day earlier , Trump predicted the number of cases in the U.S. could quickly drop to zero .
“ When you have 15 people , and the 15 within a couple of days is going to be down to close to zero , that ’ s a pretty good job we ’ ve done , ” Trump said February 26 .
Burr and his committee have been briefed on the coronavirus outbreak as it has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warnings were based primarily on his experience working on public health preparedness and pandemics , as well as the warnings already coming from public health officials , according to two sources .
Pence had just been tapped to lead the coronavirus task force , there had been increased warnings about the outbreak in Italy and travel restrictions in China had already been in place for weeks .
Burr is also an author of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act , which was first enacted in 2006 and was renewed last year .
Publicly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warnings about the coming impact to the U.S. due to the coronavirus outbreak , though he did talk about the need for the government to respond to the virus .
Burr wrote an op-ed with GOP Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee on February 7 outlining the steps the U.S. government had available to combat coronavirus .
At a March 3 Senate hearing , Burr questioned CDC officials on the issues with producing tests for coronavirus .
• Ill inmate dies at South Bay jail , will be tested for COVID-19 • Coronavirus and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go on ?
• Grieving in the time of coronavirus : Gilroy family forbidden from dying dad ’ s bedside “ Senator Burr has been banging the drum about the importance of public health preparedness for more than 20 years .
His message has always been , and continues to be , that we must be prepared to protect American lives in the event of a pandemic or bio-attack , ” Burr spokeswoman Caitlin Carroll said in a statement when asked about the NPR recording .
“ Since early February , whether in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has worked to educate the public about the tools and resources our government has to confront the spread of coronavirus .
At the same time , he has urged public officials to fully utilize every tool at their disposal in this effort .
”

By Jeremy Herb | CNN
Senate Intelligence Chairman Richard Burr, a Republican from North Carolina, had a blunt warning in February about the dire impact of the novel coronavirus during a private event in Washington.
NPR obtained a recording of Burr speaking on February 27 at a North Carolina state society event, in which he warned about the dangers the virus posed to the United States at the same time that President Donald Trump was downplaying the risk of coronavirus.
In his remarks at the Capitol Hill Club in Washington, a private GOP social club, Burr warned attendees they might have to alter their travel, schools could close and the military would get involved in the response inside the U.S.
“There’s one thing that I can tell you about this: It is much more aggressive in its transmission than anything that we have seen in recent history,” Burr said, according to the recording obtained by NPR. “It is probably more akin to the 1918 pandemic.”
Burr continued: “There will be, I’m sure, times that communities, probably some in North Carolina, have a transmission rate where they say, ‘Let’s close schools for two weeks. Everybody stay home,'” he said.
On the same day Burr made his comments, February 27, Trump was downplaying the coronavirus risk, one day after he had named Vice President Mike Pence to lead a coronavirus task force.
“It’s going to disappear. One day it’s like a miracle, it will disappear,” he said. “And from our shores, you know, it could get worse before it gets better. It could maybe go away. We’ll see what happens. Nobody really knows.”
A day earlier, Trump predicted the number of cases in the U.S. could quickly drop to zero.
“When you have 15 people, and the 15 within a couple of days is going to be down to close to zero, that’s a pretty good job we’ve done,” Trump said February 26.
Burr and his committee have been briefed on the coronavirus outbreak as it has spread, but Burr’s February warnings were based primarily on his experience working on public health preparedness and pandemics, as well as the warnings already coming from public health officials, according to two sources.
Pence had just been tapped to lead the coronavirus task force, there had been increased warnings about the outbreak in Italy and travel restrictions in China had already been in place for weeks.
Burr is also an author of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act, which was first enacted in 2006 and was renewed last year.
Publicly, Burr did not issue such dire warnings about the coming impact to the U.S. due to the coronavirus outbreak, though he did talk about the need for the government to respond to the virus. Burr wrote an op-ed with GOP Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee on February 7 outlining the steps the U.S. government had available to combat coronavirus. At a March 3 Senate hearing, Burr questioned CDC officials on the issues with producing tests for coronavirus.


mercurynews--2020-03-20--Costco limits shoppers inside, won’t accept returns on coronavirus hoard

Costco , at the epicenter of coronavirus binge shopping , is updating its policies to keep the germs at bay and shelves stocked .
If you ’ ve seen lines forming outside a local Costco , it ’ s because the stores are limiting the number of shoppers allowed inside , forcing the crowd to wait outside with carts ready .
Store managers have told the Southern California News Group that supplies in high demand are often sold out by midday , even with the crowd controls in place .
In a message sent to members March 17 , Craig @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Costco Wholesale , said the big-box retailer was taking steps to “ control the number of members in our warehouses and asked that members and employees practice social distancing.
” “ We ’ ve also reduced some services , ” Jelinek wrote but did not elaborate .
As shoppers might have seen in signs across the stores , the CEO said limits have been placed on “ certain items to help ensure more members are able to access the merchandise they want and need.
” “ Our buyers and suppliers are working to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyday favorites , are available in our warehouses , ” he wrote .
For anyone overstocking on products , new signs at some Costco stores indicate returns will not be accepted for toilet paper , paper towels , sanitizing wipes , water , rice and Lysol .
Costco stores across Southern California have seen incredible shopper turnout as residents stock up during extended periods of home isolation .
In heavy demand has been toilet paper and sanitizing products .
• Letter : Grateful to co-owner of Tony & Alba ’ s Pizza for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bay Area shelter-in-place to all of California A story from Buzzfeed on Wednesday revealed that a corporate Costco employee died recently after contracting the coronavirus .
According to the story , an employee at Costco Wholesale ’ s corporate headquarters near Seattle died Sunday after contracting COVID-19 , according to an internal email obtained by BuzzFeed News .
Some employees are reportedly upset the company is refusing to close its campus or direct all employees to work from home , Buzzfeed wrote .

Costco, at the epicenter of coronavirus binge shopping, is updating its policies to keep the germs at bay and shelves stocked.
If you’ve seen lines forming outside a local Costco, it’s because the stores are limiting the number of shoppers allowed inside, forcing the crowd to wait outside with carts ready. Store managers have told the Southern California News Group that supplies in high demand are often sold out by midday, even with the crowd controls in place.
In a message sent to members March 17, Craig Jelinek, the president and CEO of Costco Wholesale, said the big-box retailer was taking steps to “control the number of members in our warehouses and asked that members and employees practice social distancing.”
“We’ve also reduced some services,” Jelinek wrote but did not elaborate.
As shoppers might have seen in signs across the stores, the CEO said limits have been placed on “certain items to help ensure more members are able to access the merchandise they want and need.”
“Our buyers and suppliers are working to ensure in-demand merchandise, as well as everyday favorites, are available in our warehouses,” he wrote.
For anyone overstocking on products, new signs at some Costco stores indicate returns will not be accepted for toilet paper, paper towels, sanitizing wipes, water, rice and Lysol.
Costco stores across Southern California have seen incredible shopper turnout as residents stock up during extended periods of home isolation. In heavy demand has been toilet paper and sanitizing products.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Business | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge A story from Buzzfeed on Wednesday revealed that a corporate Costco employee died recently after contracting the coronavirus.
According to the story, an employee at Costco Wholesale’s corporate headquarters near Seattle died Sunday after contracting COVID-19, according to an internal email obtained by BuzzFeed News.
Some employees are reportedly upset the company is refusing to close its campus or direct all employees to work from home, Buzzfeed wrote.


mercurynews--2020-03-20--She lost her mother, two brothers and a sister to coronavirus within a week

Elizabeth Fusco was still grieving her oldest sister ’ s death when she got another call this week .
Her oldest brother had died , too .
While she was on the phone with the hospital Wednesday , she heard her mother coding in the background and the doctors ’ frantic activity to save her , she told CNN .
Her mother did not make it .
A day later , on Thursday , another brother died , leaving the shocked New Jersey family mourning the loss of a mother and two brothers within a week and a sister who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the coronavirus that has killed 195 people in the US .
Her mother and the family matriarch , Grace Fusco , 73 , of Freehold , New Jersey , died Wednesday this week after being diagnosed with the coronavirus .
Her brother , Carmine Fusco , had died just before their mother on the same day , according to The New York Times .
A day later , on Thursday , another brother , Vincent Fusco Jr. , died , a family member said .
Her oldest sister , Rita Fusco-Jackson , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Times reported .
All the children were in their 50s and it ’ s unclear whether they had underlying health issues .
“ It ’ s absolutely surreal , ” Elizabeth Fusco told CNN ’ s Chris Cuomo on Thursday night .
“ They were the roots of our lives … It ’ s like the second we start to grieve about one , the phone rings and there ’ s another person gone , taken from us forever.
” She ’ ll never forget hearing her mother ’ s last moments , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those doctors and those machines code my mother on the phone when she passed .
I ’ ll never get over that.
” Three other relatives are hospitalized In addition to the deaths , three other relatives are hospitalized in New Jersey and 19 other family members have been tested for the virus and are anxiously awaiting results , said Roseann Paradiso Fodera , the mother ’ s cousin .
They include children , parents and grandchildren , and are quarantined together .
“ This is an unbearable tragedy for the family , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family ’ s biggest concern is that we have four members of one family who have passed , two on life support and one stable , ” Paradiso Fodera said .
The infections appeared to have originated from a family dinner this month , according to The Times , which first reported the story .
It said the first person to die from coronavirus in New Jersey had attended that gathering .
US death toll goes up As the US death toll grows , states are ordering more shutdowns .
By Thursday night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus and at least 742 people infected .
The number of reported coronavirus cases in the United States has jumped daily , pushing health care officials and political leaders to take steps to keep the pandemic from overwhelming the system .
In California , the nation ’ s most populous state is ordering its nearly 40 million residents to stay home to prevent the spread of the coronavirus .
• Letter : Grateful to co-owner of Tony & Alba ’ s Pizza for his kindness • Gov .
Newsom expands Bay Area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Gavin Newsom ’ s order marks the first statewide mandatory restrictions in the United States to help combat the outbreak .
It went into effect Thursday at midnight and includes exemptions for essential services such as public safety and medical care .
Experts are urging everyone — even those who don ’ t feel sick — to stay at least 6 feet away from others and avoid social gatherings .

Elizabeth Fusco was still grieving her oldest sister’s death when she got another call this week. Her oldest brother had died, too.
While she was on the phone with the hospital Wednesday, she heard her mother coding in the background and the doctors’ frantic activity to save her, she told CNN. Her mother did not make it.
A day later, on Thursday, another brother died, leaving the shocked New Jersey family mourning the loss of a mother and two brothers within a week and a sister who died six days prior — all victims of the coronavirus that has killed 195 people in the US.
Her mother and the family matriarch, Grace Fusco, 73, of Freehold, New Jersey, died Wednesday this week after being diagnosed with the coronavirus.
[vemba-video id=”us/2020/03/20/new-jersey-family-members-killed-coronavirus-fusco-cuomo-cpt-intv-vpx.cnn”]
Her brother, Carmine Fusco, had died just before their mother on the same day, according to The New York Times. A day later, on Thursday, another brother, Vincent Fusco Jr., died, a family member said.
Her oldest sister, Rita Fusco-Jackson, had died on March 13, The Times reported. All the children were in their 50s and it’s unclear whether they had underlying health issues.
“It’s absolutely surreal,” Elizabeth Fusco told CNN’s Chris Cuomo on Thursday night. “They were the roots of our lives … It’s like the second we start to grieve about one, the phone rings and there’s another person gone, taken from us forever.”
She’ll never forget hearing her mother’s last moments, she said.
“I listened to those doctors and those machines code my mother on the phone when she passed. I’ll never get over that.”
Three other relatives are hospitalized
In addition to the deaths, three other relatives are hospitalized in New Jersey and 19 other family members have been tested for the virus and are anxiously awaiting results, said Roseann Paradiso Fodera, the mother’s cousin. They include children, parents and grandchildren, and are quarantined together.
“This is an unbearable tragedy for the family,” Paradiso Fodera said. “The family’s biggest concern is that we have four members of one family who have passed, two on life support and one stable,” Paradiso Fodera said.
The infections appeared to have originated from a family dinner this month, according to The Times, which first reported the story. It said the first person to die from coronavirus in New Jersey had attended that gathering.
US death toll goes up
As the US death toll grows, states are ordering more shutdowns. By Thursday night, New Jersey had nine deaths from the virus and at least 742 people infected.
The number of reported coronavirus cases in the United States has jumped daily, pushing health care officials and political leaders to take steps to keep the pandemic from overwhelming the system.
In California, the nation’s most populous state is ordering its nearly 40 million residents to stay home to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
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Experts are urging everyone — even those who don’t feel sick — to stay at least 6 feet away from others and avoid social gatherings.
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mercurynews--2020-03-20--Letter: Students strained by many effects of campus closures

Re : “ Coronavirus : Newsom warns most schools could be closed until summer as lockdown expands ” ( Eastbaytimes.com , March 17 ) : Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s recent actions regarding COVID-19 have shown that he truly understands the needs of Californians .
The closure of public schools , however , fall a bit short .
As a graduate student , I know the coronavirus has had an immediate impact on the lives of many college students already burdened with academic pressure , homelessness and student loan debt .
While schools and universities have done everything they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ falls short in providing adequate learning .
Given how the coronavirus has drastically altered daily life , students are unable to continue to conduct research , study for tests or finish assignments as we can ’ t go to the library , or seek out resources on campus because facilities are closed .
• Letter : Grateful to co-owner of Tony & Alba ’ s Pizza for his kindness • Letter : Disspiriting GOP move gives Dems cause to do same or worse • Letter : Fix to homelessness exists in our collective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all public colleges and universities to not just close facilities and go to distance learning but to cancel instruction for the spring semester before students are negatively affected any further in terms of their course loads and affect on their academic record .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Students strained by many
effects of campus closures
Re: “Coronavirus: Newsom warns most schools could be closed until summer as lockdown expands” (Eastbaytimes.com, March 17):
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recent actions regarding COVID-19 have shown that he truly understands the needs of Californians. The closure of public schools, however, fall a bit short.
As a graduate student, I know the coronavirus has had an immediate impact on the lives of many college students already burdened with academic pressure, homelessness and student loan debt.
While schools and universities have done everything they can to provide online alternatives, it falls short in providing adequate learning. Given how the coronavirus has drastically altered daily life, students are unable to continue to conduct research, study for tests or finish assignments as we can’t go to the library, or seek out resources on campus because facilities are closed.
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Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps Gov. Newsom needs to order all public colleges and universities to not just close facilities and go to distance learning but to cancel instruction for the spring semester before students are negatively affected any further in terms of their course loads and affect on their academic record.
Alberto Mora
Hayward
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mercurynews--2020-03-20--Raiders mailbag: Why Darius Slay went elsewhere, what’s up with Derek Carr and other topics

With the first wave of free agency in the books , on to your mailbag questions : Q : Do the Raiders have any legitimate interest or shot in a Darius Slay trade ?
I assume they would have to shed cap as well .
Or are they just kinda waiting for the second/third wave now for bargain players ?
( Jeremy Adamson email ) A : This question obviously arrived before Slay was traded from Detroit to Philadelphia for third- and fifth-round draft picks .
Yes , they had interest .
But they found the price too high and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ draft picks .
They made a serious run at Byron Jones , who signed with Miami .
In that case , they would have paid the price but without the loss of draft capital .
Q : What is the plan for Derek Carr ?
Are the Raiders claiming for a QB in the draft.
?
( @ Dodgersfn4lyfe ) A : The plan is ( and always was ) for him to be the starting quarterback in 2020 .
If Tom Brady had come calling they would have listened .
And now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intriguing skill set in Marcus Mariota .
Considering how much of the Raiders fan base dislikes Carr , go ahead and assume there will be a huge Marcus Mariota faction forming very quickly .
As for a QB in the draft , I ’ m inclined to think it wouldn ’ t be with any of the first five picks now that Mariota is aboard for this year .
Maybe they ’ d bite if Jalen Hurts was available in the third .
But he may not be .
This all doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of having much of the offseason wiped out .
And the preseason .
And .
.
.
who knows ?
Throwing a new quarterback into a complex system in this environment is lunacy .
Q : Who do you expect to start at safety opposite Jonathan Abram ?
Still another potential signing ?
( @ MikeMayockJr ) A : Could be another signing or a draft pick that could compete .
Jeff Heath , signed from Dallas , could figure .
To the delight of many fans , it could mean some snaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call for a deep safety .
Don ’ t get too hung up on the “ strong ” and “ free ” designations , because the coaches don ’ t .
Q : If the Raiders wanted Brady how come the major news outlets didn ’ t report Gruden offering him a contract or even trying to convince him to come ?
( @ BrentB_28 ) A : Probably because it never came to that and was all done through agents and back channels .
Q : How much did they pay Mariota @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Good question .
Neither deal has become public .
Overethecap.com had the Raiders with more than $ 27 million still available without those two names .
So they ’ ve got plenty of room to maneuver .
Q : Could you please update us on Foster Moreau ’ s knee progress .
( @ Ackeem63595895 ) A : The Raiders believe it is going well , which is what you ’ d expect them to say .
They ’ re in no hurry to rush Moreau with Jason Witten around , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s going to be .
It ’ s not like we can get a look at how the second-year tight end is really doing .
Q : If the Raiders were able to land Byron Jones would they still have ended up with Cory Littleton as well ?
Also why did Byron reportedly turn down more money per year from LV ?
( @ Abursky ) A : They definitely had enough cap space to get both .
As for actual cash on hand , they ’ re not saying .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and if both had come back yes , they would have been delighted .
Jones reportedly got more upfront money over the first two years from Miami .
Q : Why are they using Joyner as a CB again this year ?
He can ’ t cover wide receivers anymore .
It seems to me FS would be the best fit .
( @ justwinbaby03 ) A : Be wary of a player in his first year in a new system in free agency .
Sometimes Year 2 is much better .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And as stated above , depending on how the personnel shakes out , Joyner could be available in some packages to play the deep middle if necessary .
He ’ s done it before .
Q : If Gabe Jackson is traded/released what would Mayock and Grudens ’ plans be for a guard ?
Draft in third round or are they confident in current backups ?
Counterproductive to have an obviously weak link in the 5 guys upfront .
( @ conaway89 ) A : Let ’ s be clear — the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re going to trade or release Jackson .
I think a trade is at least a possibility give their desire for more draft picks and that it ’ s a parallel situation to what happened to Kelechi Osemele a year ago .
In today ’ s NFL world , a $ 9.6 million salary coming off a subpar year ( yes , it was because of injury ) makes you a target .
And I think they ’ d be comfortable with Denzelle Good at right guard .
A draft pick could also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the first five through the third round .
Gabe Jackson was a third round pick in 2014 .
Q : Do you expect DT Johnathan Hankins to be released and do you think they will work that $ 21m cap number on Trent Brown down in some awesome creative way ?
( @ Smushcrook ) A : Hankins was consistently praised by Gruden and defensive coordinator Paul Guenther and to my untrained eye still looks like a good player .
He ’ ll be in rotation with Mo Hurst and Maliek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s the plan .
As for Trent Brown ’ s cap number , knocking it down would mean extending the deal .
More likely , they bite the bullet and leave it right where it is so he would be a more manageable release in future years if necessary .
Q : Do they think Eli Apple will be the starter at corner ?
Or is the signing for depth ?
( @ helpfight81 ) A : He won ’ t be handed anything .
But the Raiders hope he seizes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guy who was once the 10th pick of the draft rather than the guy whow as dumped inside of two years for fourth- and seventh-round draft picks .
He ’ s still only 24 .
That will be the mantra until they actually get him on the field and see what he can become .
Q : Thinking draft needs : WR , CB , S , LB , OG .
In that order .
Agree ?
( @ AlanSeanDavis ) A : Looks pretty reasonable to me .
But keep in mind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , coach Jon Gruden and G.M .
Mike Mayock will be inclined to take a player they think has a legitimate shot to help immediately than take a flyer at a position of need .
Q : Any chance the raiders trade Carr and sign Jameis Winston or draft a QB high in the draft ?
( @ joshtaylor918 ) A : So Gruden has spent two years with Carr , knows his strengths and weaknesses , and you think maybe he ’ ll get a guy who had 30 interceptions with seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me skeptical .
No matter where the Raiders draft a quarterback — if they draft a quarterback — it ’ s not going to be someone who they want to start in 2020 .
A : The money is there .
But they ’ re not going to throw it at someone when they ’ re not sure they can catch it .
A : Still a free agent .
No need to move quickly on Jordan .
I think he could still fit in , especially since they liked him more as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A : I know bean-counters don ’ t like this deal .
I must be getting sensitive in my old age regarding “ aging ” players .
Don ’ t see how it could be a bad thing to bring Witten in with Darren Waller and Foster Moreau , two guys who are like sponges .
And in a role as an extra tight end , Witten can get away without being as fast as he used to be and be a factor in the red zone .
It ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free safety like Reggie Nelson or corner like Leon Hall .
• Source : Raiders decline option to stay in Oakland in 2020 Q : What is the consensus regarding Marriota starting at Tennessee ?
Was he considered a disappointment or was he just outperformed by Tannehill ?
I hope he pushes Carr to the next level by helping him develop the mental toughness you see in all the elite QBs .
( Domingo Basillo email ) When you ’ re the former No .
2 pick in the draft and you ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a disappointment .
But he could be intriguing in this scenario .
The interesting thing is he ’ s a termminally nice guy like Carr .
It ’ s been suggested to me by someone I trust that Mariota may not respond well to Gruden ’ s style of coaching .
The same thing was said about Carr .

With the first wave of free agency in the books, on to your mailbag questions:
Q: Do the Raiders have any legitimate interest or shot in a Darius Slay trade? I assume they would have to shed cap as well. Or are they just kinda waiting for the second/third wave now for bargain players? (Jeremy Adamson email)
A: This question obviously arrived before Slay was traded from Detroit to Philadelphia for third- and fifth-round draft picks. Yes, they had interest. But they found the price too high and weren’t excited about losing more draft picks. They made a serious run at Byron Jones, who signed with Miami. In that case, they would have paid the price but without the loss of draft capital.
Q: What is the plan for Derek Carr? Are the Raiders claiming for a QB in the draft.? (@Dodgersfn4lyfe)
A: The plan is (and always was) for him to be the starting quarterback in 2020. If Tom Brady had come calling they would have listened. And now they have a backup quarterback with an intriguing skill set in Marcus Mariota. Considering how much of the Raiders fan base dislikes Carr, go ahead and assume there will be a huge Marcus Mariota faction forming very quickly. As for a QB in the draft, I’m inclined to think it wouldn’t be with any of the first five picks now that Mariota is aboard for this year and guaranteed $7.5 million in 2020. Maybe they’d bite if Jalen Hurts was available in the third. But he may not be. This all doesn’t even take into consideration the possibility of having much of the offseason wiped out. And the preseason. And . . . who knows? Throwing a new quarterback into a complex system in this environment is lunacy.
Q: Who do you expect to start at safety opposite Jonathan Abram? Still another potential signing? (@MikeMayockJr)
A: Could be another signing or a draft pick that could compete. Jeff Heath, signed from Dallas, could figure. To the delight of many fans, it could mean some snaps for Lamarcus Joyner in position groups that call for a deep safety. Don’t get too hung up on the “strong” and “free” designations, because the coaches don’t.
Q: If the Raiders wanted Brady how come the major news outlets didn’t report Gruden offering him a contract or even trying to convince him to come? (@BrentB_28)
A: Probably because it never came to that and was all done through agents and back channels.
Q: How much did they pay Marcus Mariota and Maliek Collins? (Raidersince87)
Mariota got a two-year contract that guarnteed him $7.5 million this season but has numerous incentives and esclators which could give him starter’s money should he move ahead of Carr because of injury or performance. Collins signed a one-year contract that will pay him $6 million.
Q: Could you please update us on Foster Moreau’s knee progress. (@Ackeem63595895)
A: The Raiders believe it is going well, which is what you’d expect them to say. They’re in no hurry to rush Moreau with Jason Witten around, and who knows what kind of off-season there’s going to be. It’s not like we can get a look at how the second-year tight end is really doing.
Q: If the Raiders were able to land Byron Jones would they still have ended up with Cory Littleton as well? Also why did Byron reportedly turn down more money per year from LV? (@Abursky)
A: They definitely had enough cap space to get both. As for actual cash on hand, they’re not saying. They were reaching out to both simultaneously, and if both had come back yes, they would have been delighted. Jones reportedly got more upfront money over the first two years from Miami. Not getting Jones enabled the Raiders to add more players than they would have had he signed.
Q: Why are they using Joyner as a CB again this year? He can’t cover wide receivers anymore. It seems to me FS would be the best fit. (@justwinbaby03)
A: Be wary of a player in his first year in a new system in free agency. Sometimes Year 2 is much better. That’s what the Raiders are hoping. And as stated above, depending on how the personnel shakes out, Joyner could be available in some packages to play the deep middle if necessary. He’s done it before.
Q: If Gabe Jackson is traded/released what would Mayock and Grudens’ plans be for a guard? Draft in third round or are they confident in current backups? Counterproductive to have an obviously weak link in the 5 guys upfront. (@conaway89)
A: Let’s be clear — the Raiders have not publicly said they’re going to trade or release Jackson. I think a trade is at least a possibility give their desire for more draft picks and that it’s a parallel situation to what happened to Kelechi Osemele a year ago. In today’s NFL world, a $9.6 million salary coming off a subpar year (yes, it was because of injury) makes you a target. And I think they’d be comfortable with Denzelle Good at right guard. A draft pick could also compete at guard if it’s one of the first five through the third round. Gabe Jackson was a third round pick in 2014.
Q: Do you expect DT Johnathan Hankins to be released and do you think they will work that $21m cap number on Trent Brown down in some awesome creative way? (@Smushcrook)
A: Hankins was consistently praised by Gruden and defensive coordinator Paul Guenther and to my untrained eye still looks like a good player. He’ll be in rotation with Mo Hurst and Maliek Collins, or at least I think that’s the plan. As for Trent Brown’s cap number, knocking it down would mean extending the deal. More likely, they bite the bullet and leave it right where it is so he would be a more manageable release in future years if necessary.
Q: Do they think Eli Apple will be the starter at corner? Or is the signing for depth? (@helpfight81)
A: He won’t be handed anything. But the Raiders hope he seizes the moment and looks more like the guy who was once the 10th pick of the draft rather than the guy whow as dumped inside of two years for fourth- and seventh-round draft picks. He’s still only 24. That will be the mantra until they actually get him on the field and see what he can become.
Q: Thinking draft needs: WR, CB, S, LB, OG. In that order. Agree? (@AlanSeanDavis)
A: Looks pretty reasonable to me. But keep in mind, particularly as the draft goes on, coach Jon Gruden and G.M. Mike Mayock will be inclined to take a player they think has a legitimate shot to help immediately than take a flyer at a position of need.
Q: Any chance the raiders trade Carr and sign Jameis Winston or draft a QB high in the draft? (@joshtaylor918)
A: So Gruden has spent two years with Carr, knows his strengths and weaknesses, and you think maybe he’ll get a guy who had 30 interceptions with seven returned for touchdowns last year? Call me skeptical. No matter where the Raiders draft a quarterback — if they draft a quarterback — it’s not going to be someone who they want to start in 2020.
Q: Any money left for a WR? @jammasterjim
A: The Raiders signed five-year veteran Nelson Agholor (Eagles) to a one-year contract on Saturday worth a little over $1 million. That will not preclude an early draft pick on another wide receiver.
Q: What’s up with Dion Jordan? (@foustart)
A: Still a free agent. No need to move quickly on Jordan. I think he could still fit in, especially since they liked him more as an inside player as an outside player.
Q: Why Witten? (@Blitzchk)
A: I know bean-counters don’t like this deal. I must be getting sensitive in my old age regarding “aging” players. Don’t see how it could be a bad thing to bring Witten in with Darren Waller and Foster Moreau, two guys who are like sponges. And in a role as an extra tight end, Witten can get away without being as fast as he used to be and be a factor in the red zone. It’s not like they’re putting him at free safety like Reggie Nelson or corner like Leon Hall.
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When you’re the former No. 2 pick in the draft and you’re beaten out, it’s a disappointment. But he could be intriguing in this scenario. The interesting thing is he’s a terminally nice guy like Carr. It’s been suggested to me by someone I trust that Mariota may not respond well to Gruden’s style of coaching. The same thing was said about Carr.


mercurynews--2020-03-20--The night Stephen Curry set a record for made 3-pointers ‘defines him as a competitor’

Over the next few weeks , NBC Sports Bay Area and 95.7 The Game ( KGMZ-FM ) will be re-airing several classic Warriors games on nights they were scheduled to play before the NBA suspending it ’ s season indefinitely amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr spoke with Bay Area News Group about his memories from those games .
Twenty-seven-year-old Stephen Curry took his seat as cheers of “ M-V-P !
” rained down from a sellout crowd at Oracle Arena .
It was the end of the fourth quarter , and Curry had just set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a game .
He broke the single-game mark he had shared with Kobe Bryant and Donyell Marshall and helped lift the Warriors to a 116-106 win over the Pelicans .
Eventually his teammate , Klay Thompson , would go on to break that record .
But that would be almost two years later .
On this Monday evening in Oakland , Curry reveled in the accomplishment — one that felt particularly meaningful three nights after he snapped his NBA-record streak of 157 straight games with a made 3-pointer in a loss to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s what Kerr remembers from that game , played on Nov. 7 , 2016 .
Several years later , what sticks out to you about Steph ’ s 13 made 3-pointers ?
“ He came from a really tough night at Staples .
So , if you know Steph , you can sometimes get a feel for when he ’ s going to explode .
That night , we kind of expected that , knowing how competitive he is .
So , it wasn ’ t really a surprise .
He got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got rolling .
In the game before , he went 0-for-10 from 3-point range .
Do you remember anything about Steph in the lead up to the Pelicans game ?
“ I don ’ t remember anything now .
But a guy like Steph , who is that competitive , he takes that personally .
And so I ’ m sure he was preparing for that mentally , physically , getting his shots up but also getting his mind right and then we all knew he was going to bounce back .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to set the NBA record ( laughing ) .
” At what point did you think the record was a possibility ?
“ I ’ ve gotten kind of immune .
I ’ ve been spoiled by Steph and Klay and I ’ ve seen them get so hot so many times that I wasn ’ t aware that he had a chance to break the record until somebody told me at the end of the game — and the exact thing happened when Klay set the record in Chicago a couple of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really aware of that kind of stuff while it ’ s happening .
So , I didn ’ t realize it at the time , but as the game goes you hear stuff , you hear other coaches saying stuff and then you figure out what ’ s going on .
“ To me , that game defines Steph as a competitor more than as a shooter because of the 0-for-10 game , the lead up , having three days off , getting the technical [ when he complained about a non-call on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes so much sense knowing Steph as well as I do because he ’ s a fierce , fierce competitor .
I think the 13 3s and the record were a direct result from the 0-for-10 night and his response to that.
” As an accomplished shooter yourself , do you think the hot hand exists ?
“ Everything just feels lighter .
The ball feels lighter , your body feels lighter .
It just seems like you ’ re floating out there .
The rim looks big .
Your thoughts aren ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re just out there and playing and you just lose yourself in the game .
That ’ s the beauty of being in that zone : It ’ s the total connection of your mind and body .
The beauty of that , as an athlete , is what we ’ re all looking for ; because it ’ s so easy for the mind to get in the way .
So when I see Steph and Klay getting into that zone , that ’ s what I see , is them just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Chris Mullin : Michael Jordan trashed Warriors players en route to his return to NBA • Warriors broadcaster Bob Fitzgerald ’ s favorite games go beyond the obvious • Relive Warriors ’ and 49ers ’ past glories via free access courtesy of NFL and NBA

Over the next few weeks, NBC Sports Bay Area and 95.7 The Game (KGMZ-FM) will be re-airing several classic Warriors games on nights they were scheduled to play before the NBA suspending it’s season indefinitely amid the coronavirus pandemic. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr spoke with Bay Area News Group about his memories from those games.
Twenty-seven-year-old Stephen Curry took his seat as cheers of “M-V-P!” rained down from a sellout crowd at Oracle Arena.
It was the end of the fourth quarter, and Curry had just set a then-NBA record of 13 made 3-pointers in a game. He broke the single-game mark he had shared with Kobe Bryant and Donyell Marshall and helped lift the Warriors to a 116-106 win over the Pelicans.
Eventually his teammate, Klay Thompson, would go on to break that record. But that would be almost two years later. On this Monday evening in Oakland, Curry reveled in the accomplishment — one that felt particularly meaningful three nights after he snapped his NBA-record streak of 157 straight games with a made 3-pointer in a loss to the Lakers in Los Angeles.
“This was a special night,” Curry told reporters then.
Here’s what Kerr remembers from that game, played on Nov. 7, 2016.
Several years later, what sticks out to you about Steph’s 13 made 3-pointers?
“He came from a really tough night at Staples. So, if you know Steph, you can sometimes get a feel for when he’s going to explode. That night, we kind of expected that, knowing how competitive he is. So, it wasn’t really a surprise. He got out to a great start and just got rolling.
In the game before, he went 0-for-10 from 3-point range. Do you remember anything about Steph in the lead up to the Pelicans game?
“I don’t remember anything now. But a guy like Steph, who is that competitive, he takes that personally. And so I’m sure he was preparing for that mentally, physically, getting his shots up but also getting his mind right and then we all knew he was going to bounce back. We didn’t know he was going to set the NBA record (laughing).”
At what point did you think the record was a possibility?
“I’ve gotten kind of immune. I’ve been spoiled by Steph and Klay and I’ve seen them get so hot so many times that I wasn’t aware that he had a chance to break the record until somebody told me at the end of the game — and the exact thing happened when Klay set the record in Chicago a couple of years later. I’m never really aware of that kind of stuff while it’s happening. So, I didn’t realize it at the time, but as the game goes you hear stuff, you hear other coaches saying stuff and then you figure out what’s going on.
“To me, that game defines Steph as a competitor more than as a shooter because of the 0-for-10 game, the lead up, having three days off, getting the technical [when he complained about a non-call on Anthony Davis]. All of that makes so much sense knowing Steph as well as I do because he’s a fierce, fierce competitor. I think the 13 3s and the record were a direct result from the 0-for-10 night and his response to that.”
As an accomplished shooter yourself, do you think the hot hand exists?
“Oh, for sure.”
What’s it like?
“Everything just feels lighter. The ball feels lighter, your body feels lighter. It just seems like you’re floating out there. The rim looks big. Your thoughts aren’t here nor there. You’re just out there and playing and you just lose yourself in the game. That’s the beauty of being in that zone: It’s the total connection of your mind and body. The beauty of that, as an athlete, is what we’re all looking for; because it’s so easy for the mind to get in the way. So when I see Steph and Klay getting into that zone, that’s what I see, is them just completely losing themselves in the game.”


mercurynews--2020-03-20--Coronavirus pushes California unemployment claims to 80,000 in a day

Amid the coronavirus outbreak that has touched every corner of the economy , weekly unemployment claims spiked 33 % nationwide — and even more so in California .
According statistics released by the Department of Labor on Thursday , advance claims on unemployment insurance rose to 281,000 nationwide and 58,208 in California , gains of 70,000 and 14,823 , respectively .
The total number of new claims in California is the largest in the nation and represents a 34 % increase over last week .
Up the west coast , where the crisis hit first and hardest , Washington state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 14,486 .
While these numbers represent sharp increases , the worst is likely yet to come .
This data period ended March 14 .
Since then , Bay Area counties have issued shelter-in-place mandates , causing nonessential businesses to shutter .
In a Facebook Live address Wednesday evening , Governor Gavin Newsom said the state had received 80,000 applications just in the last day .
“ We average about 2,000 unemployment insurance claims a day , ” Newsom said .
“ Two days ago or three days , we saw about 40,000 applications @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 80,000 unemployment applications.
” Newsom said the state is training employees deemed nonessential and enlisting them to help process the overload of applications .
In the Bay Area , wage workers have already begun to feel the impact as restaurants shift to scaled-down delivery and takeout operations and everything else but grocery stores and pharmacies close their doors .
“ This data does not reflect the large surge in claims at the start of this week reported to have jammed up online filing systems and phone lines , ” Michele Evermore , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Employment Law Project , said in response to the jobs report .
“ In fact , the surge in new unemployment claims in today ’ s report is but a prelude to the tsunami we are expecting next week and in subsequent weeks.
” According to a report by the outplacement firm Challenger , Gray and Christmas , up to 2 million leisure and hospitality workers in California alone could lose their jobs .
• Letter : Grateful to co-owner of Tony & Alba ’ s Pizza for his kindness • Gov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of California There has , however , been an influx of business at grocery stores , such as Safeway , and online retailers , like Amazon .
The Seattle e-commerce giant recently announced it was hiring 100,000 workers , while Safeway is hiring 2,000 additional workers for its 165 Bay Area locations .
Typically when workers put in for claims , there is a one-week delay in benefits that is never recovered .
But an executive order signed by Newsom will ensure anyone whose job is impacted by the coronavirus will receive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If they are laid off because of the Coronavirus and they are out of work for two weeks and then they find work , they will be paid for both weeks , ” said Barry White , a spokesman for the Employment Development Department .
The governor also signed an executive order that puts in place a 30-day moratorium on rental evictions .

Amid the coronavirus outbreak that has touched every corner of the economy, weekly unemployment claims spiked 33% nationwide — and even more so in California.
According statistics released by the Department of Labor on Thursday, advance claims on unemployment insurance rose to 281,000 nationwide and 58,208 in California, gains of 70,000 and 14,823, respectively.
The total number of new claims in California is the largest in the nation and represents a 34% increase over last week. Up the west coast, where the crisis hit first and hardest, Washington state saw its claims increase 124% to 14,486.
While these numbers represent sharp increases, the worst is likely yet to come. This data period ended March 14. Since then, Bay Area counties have issued shelter-in-place mandates, causing nonessential businesses to shutter. In a Facebook Live address Wednesday evening, Governor Gavin Newsom said the state had received 80,000 applications just in the last day.
“We average about 2,000 unemployment insurance claims a day,” Newsom said. “Two days ago or three days, we saw about 40,000 applications. After that 70,000 applications. Yesterday, 80,000 unemployment applications.”
Newsom said the state is training employees deemed nonessential and enlisting them to help process the overload of applications.
In the Bay Area, wage workers have already begun to feel the impact as restaurants shift to scaled-down delivery and takeout operations and everything else but grocery stores and pharmacies close their doors.
“This data does not reflect the large surge in claims at the start of this week reported to have jammed up online filing systems and phone lines,” Michele Evermore, senior researcher and policy analyst with the National Employment Law Project, said in response to the jobs report. “In fact, the surge in new unemployment claims in today’s report is but a prelude to the tsunami we are expecting next week and in subsequent weeks.”
According to a report by the outplacement firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas, up to 2 million leisure and hospitality workers in California alone could lose their jobs.
Related Articles California News | San Jose office building wobbles into default — again
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms California News | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge There has, however, been an influx of business at grocery stores, such as Safeway, and online retailers, like Amazon. The Seattle e-commerce giant recently announced it was hiring 100,000 workers, while Safeway is hiring 2,000 additional workers for its 165 Bay Area locations.
Typically when workers put in for claims, there is a one-week delay in benefits that is never recovered. But an executive order signed by Newsom will ensure anyone whose job is impacted by the coronavirus will receive two weeks worth of benefits.
“If they are laid off because of the Coronavirus and they are out of work for two weeks and then they find work, they will be paid for both weeks,” said Barry White, a spokesman for the Employment Development Department.
The governor also signed an executive order that puts in place a 30-day moratorium on rental evictions.


mercurynews--2020-03-20--Letter: Grateful to co-owner of Tony & Alba’s Pizza for his kindness

Grateful to Tony & Alba ’ s co-owner for his kindness Re : “ If folks can ’ t get to food , the food will get to them ’ ( Page B1 , March 18 ) : Al Vallorz , co-owner of Tony & Alba ’ s Pizza and Pasta in San Jose , sets an example for all of us with his kindness and generosity delivering free pizzas and salads to San Jose residents 70 and older .
He quotes Mother Teresa , saying “ Do small things with great love.
” We can ’ t control the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to it .
What if , in the midst of our panic and anxiety , we all imagined just one “ small thing , ” one act of kindness or reassurance we could provide for someone ?
When this time passes , wouldn ’ t it feel good to look back and know that you had been , as Mr. Rogers calls them , one of “ the helpers ” ?
• Letter : Disspiriting GOP move gives Dems cause to do same or worse • Letter : Fix to homelessness exists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ People bragging about stocking up ?
Some people have none Thank you , Al .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Grateful to Tony & Alba’s
co-owner for his kindness
Re: “If folks can’t get to food, the food will get to them’ (Page B1, March 18):
Al Vallorz, co-owner of Tony & Alba’s Pizza and Pasta in San Jose, sets an example for all of us with his kindness and generosity delivering free pizzas and salads to San Jose residents 70 and older.
He quotes Mother Teresa, saying “Do small things with great love.”
We can’t control the coronavirus, but we can control our response to it.
What if, in the midst of our panic and anxiety, we all imagined just one “small thing,” one act of kindness or reassurance we could provide for someone?
When this time passes, wouldn’t it feel good to look back and know that you had been, as Mr. Rogers calls them, one of “the helpers”?
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Elspeth Rossetti
San Jose
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
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mercurynews--2020-03-20--Horoscopes March 20, 2020: Ruby Rose, snap decisions will lead to regret.

Happy Birthday : Snap decisions will lead to regret .
Focus on a long-term plan that will check off all the boxes on your wish list .
If you carefully study each situation you face , you will realize that you have more control than you realize .
Spend your time organizing and preparing .
Set your priorities straight , and don ’ t settle for less than what you want .
Your numbers are 2 , 14 , 22 , 28 , 34 , 36 , 40 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Break down the cost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want .
Patience will be necessary if you ’ re going to achieve peace of mind and end up in a strong position emotionally and financially .
Go over your options carefully .
4 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Stick to your plan in order to make things happen .
Refuse to let emotional issues cloud your vision or stand between you and your success .
Be more aggressive , and take advantage of situations promptly .
Good things will come your way .
2 stars GEMINI ( May 21-June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offers .
Avoid anyone who uses emotional blackmail , deceit or unfair tactics to push you in a direction you shouldn ’ t go .
Know when to say no and move on .
Don ’ t be afraid to do things by yourself .
5 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Do things your way , make a change to the way you live and achieve peace of mind .
Things are looking up , and the time is right to follow your heart .
Put greater emphasis on love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promises happiness .
3 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Evaluate your current financial situation .
Make adjustments that will help you budget for what ’ s important to you .
Stop letting your generosity leave you without money , when you should be investing in your future and reaching your ultimate goal .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Make personal or physical changes that will draw attention and help you get others to support your ideas and pursuits .
A connection with someone who stimulates your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you will help you reach your goal .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Share responsibilities , but don ’ t let someone leave everything up to you .
Show appreciation as well as contempt .
Be fair , and demand the same in return .
Stand up for your rights , and don ’ t back down .
Do whatever will bring you joy .
5 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Align yourself with people who are inspirational , dedicated and truthful .
Travel and communication @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Deal with an emotional situation fairly and with an open mind .
A day trip or chance meeting will turn into a worthwhile experience .
2 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Do something that will help you clear your head .
Avoid people who mess with your mind or tempt you with offers that aren ’ t in your best interest .
Don ’ t share your opinion if you want to avoid interference and opposition .
4 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Know enough to back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Acting in haste will end up being costly .
Slow down , go over every detail and say no to anything you don ’ t feel comfortable doing .
Pay more attention to someone you love .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Avoid emotional situations and manipulative people .
Make personal adjustments geared toward achieving happiness and success .
Have the strength to do your own thing .
Boost your confidence , and it will encourage you to reach your goal .
Stand your ground , and you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Damage control will be required to control a secret that ’ s leaked .
You can turn a negative into a positive if you are fair and accommodate everyone involved .
A humanitarian approach will win the confidence of the people who count .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are compassionate , helpful and relentless .
You are objective and patient .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Ruby Rose, 34; Holly Hunter, 62; Spike Lee, 63; William Hurt, 70.
Happy Birthday: Snap decisions will lead to regret. Focus on a long-term plan that will check off all the boxes on your wish list. If you carefully study each situation you face, you will realize that you have more control than you realize. Spend your time organizing and preparing. Set your priorities straight, and don’t settle for less than what you want. Your numbers are 2, 14, 22, 28, 34, 36, 40.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Break down the cost and time required to get what you want. Patience will be necessary if you’re going to achieve peace of mind and end up in a strong position emotionally and financially. Go over your options carefully. 4 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Stick to your plan in order to make things happen. Refuse to let emotional issues cloud your vision or stand between you and your success. Be more aggressive, and take advantage of situations promptly. Good things will come your way. 2 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Reject temptation and unrealistic offers. Avoid anyone who uses emotional blackmail, deceit or unfair tactics to push you in a direction you shouldn’t go. Know when to say no and move on. Don’t be afraid to do things by yourself. 5 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Do things your way, make a change to the way you live and achieve peace of mind. Things are looking up, and the time is right to follow your heart. Put greater emphasis on love, romance and building a future that promises happiness. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Evaluate your current financial situation. Make adjustments that will help you budget for what’s important to you. Stop letting your generosity leave you without money, when you should be investing in your future and reaching your ultimate goal. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Make personal or physical changes that will draw attention and help you get others to support your ideas and pursuits. A connection with someone who stimulates your mind and brings out the best in you will help you reach your goal. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Share responsibilities, but don’t let someone leave everything up to you. Show appreciation as well as contempt. Be fair, and demand the same in return. Stand up for your rights, and don’t back down. Do whatever will bring you joy. 5 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Align yourself with people who are inspirational, dedicated and truthful. Travel and communication will lead to a lucrative endeavor. Deal with an emotional situation fairly and with an open mind. A day trip or chance meeting will turn into a worthwhile experience. 2 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Do something that will help you clear your head. Avoid people who mess with your mind or tempt you with offers that aren’t in your best interest. Don’t share your opinion if you want to avoid interference and opposition. 4 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Know enough to back away if someone tries to pressure you. Acting in haste will end up being costly. Slow down, go over every detail and say no to anything you don’t feel comfortable doing. Pay more attention to someone you love. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Avoid emotional situations and manipulative people. Make personal adjustments geared toward achieving happiness and success. Have the strength to do your own thing. Boost your confidence, and it will encourage you to reach your goal. Stand your ground, and you’ll gain respect. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Damage control will be required to control a secret that’s leaked. You can turn a negative into a positive if you are fair and accommodate everyone involved. A humanitarian approach will win the confidence of the people who count. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are compassionate, helpful and relentless. You are objective and patient.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-03-20--Bridge: March 20, 2020

Bridge: March 20, 2020

This week ’ s deals treated second-hand play by the defenders .
The “ rule ” of “ second hand low ” is generally sound , but defenders must be aware of exceptional cases .
Cover the East and South cards and defend as West .
Against four spades , you lead the ten of diamonds , and East takes the king and ace and continues with a third diamond .
Declarer produces the queen and leads a heart .
Do you take your ace or play low ?
What if I told you that ( as you may fear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ singleton ?
To win would be correct if South held Q J 10 7 4 2 , 9 , Q 8 4 , K 5 2 , but that hand isn ’ t worth an invitational jump to three spades .
Assuming declarer has six trump tricks , he will have 10 tricks in all if you take your ace of hearts .
You need two club tricks .
Duck the heart .
As the cards lie , you lose your ace , but declarer loses two clubs and goes down .
Your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ club at Trick Three , but correct defense would still beat the contract .
Did you find it ?
You hold : S 6 5 3 H A 10 8 4 D 10 9 2 C Q 9 3 .
Your partner opens one heart .
The next player overcalls one spade .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : Though some experts treat a “ free bid ” in a new suit as suggesting a sound hand , a “ free raise ” has no such import .
If you have support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support as here — you can ’ t afford to suppress it .
Raise to two hearts while you have a cheap opportunity to confirm a heart fit .

This week’s deals treated second-hand play by the defenders. The “rule” of “second hand low” is generally sound, but defenders must be aware of exceptional cases.
Cover the East and South cards and defend as West. Against four spades, you lead the ten of diamonds, and East takes the king and ace and continues with a third diamond. Declarer produces the queen and leads a heart.
Do you take your ace or play low? What if I told you that (as you may fear) declarer’s heart is a singleton?
TRUMP TRICKS
To win would be correct if South held Q J 10 7 4 2, 9, Q 8 4, K 5 2, but that hand isn’t worth an invitational jump to three spades. Assuming declarer has six trump tricks, he will have 10 tricks in all if you take your ace of hearts.
You need two club tricks. Duck the heart. As the cards lie, you lose your ace, but declarer loses two clubs and goes down. Your partner could have shifted to a low club at Trick Three, but correct defense would still beat the contract. Did you find it?
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S 6 5 3 H A 10 8 4 D 10 9 2 C Q 9 3. Your partner opens one heart. The next player overcalls one spade. What do you say?
ANSWER: Though some experts treat a “free bid” in a new suit as suggesting a sound hand, a “free raise” has no such import. If you have support for your partner — especially good four-card support as here — you can’t afford to suppress it. Raise to two hearts while you have a cheap opportunity to confirm a heart fit.
South dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S K 8
H K Q 7 5 2
D J 7 3
C A J 6
WEST
S 6 5 3
H A 10 8 4
D 10 9 2
C Q 9 3
EAST
S 10 7
H J 6 3
D A K 6 5
C K 10 8 4
SOUTH
S A Q J 9 4 2
H 9
D Q 8 4
C 7 5 2
South West North East
Pass Pass 1 H Pass
1 S Pass 1 NT Pass
3 S Pass 4 S All Pass
Opening lead — D 10
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-03-20--Word Game: March 20, 2020

Word Game: March 20, 2020

TODAY ’ S WORD — CHAUVINISM ( CHAUVINISM : SHO-vuh-niz-um : An attitude of superiority toward members of the opposite @ @ @ @ @ find 38 or more words in CHAUVINISM ?
The list will be published tomorrow .
@ @ @ @ @ book , visit WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last @ @ @ @ @ be of four or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by @ @ @ @ @ , ” such as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed @ @ @ @ @ made by adding a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be @ @ @ @ @ if “ bake ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are @ @ @ @ @ bake ” and “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang @ @ @ @ @ sexually explicit words are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — CHAUVINISM (CHAUVINISM: SHO-vuh-niz-um: An attitude of superiority toward members of the opposite sex.)
Average mark 24 words
Time limit 40 minutes
Can you find 38 or more words in CHAUVINISM? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — DISCLAIM dais dial disc dismal said sail scad scald scam
silica slam slid slim calm cilia clad claim clam laic laicism laid acid alms amid maid
mail mica midi mild misdial mislaid
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.


mercurynews--2020-03-20--Gilroy Garlic Festival canceling this year’s event; 2021 return is planned

Organizers of the Gilroy Garlic Festival , who had hoped to bring back the event this year as a symbol @ @ @ @ @ mass shooting at the 2019 festival , announced Friday afternoon that they will take the @ @ @ @ @ the unprecedented national emergency we face and its unknown trajectory , we must put the @ @ @ @ @ community first , ” their statement read .
“ Sadly , this means we are @ @ @ @ @ this year.
” The festival is being postponed to July 23-25 , 2021 .
For @ @ @ @ @ event has been traditionally held the last weekend of July , with proceeds supporting more @ @ @ @ @ On July 28 , during the waning hours of last year ’ s event , @ @ @ @ @ the crowd , killing three and wounding 14 .
“ The Gilroy Garlic Festival Association @ @ @ @ @ in 2021 for the best festival ever .
”

Organizers of the Gilroy Garlic Festival, who had hoped to bring back the event this year as a symbol of civic unity after a mass shooting at the 2019 festival, announced Friday afternoon that they will take the year off.
“Given the unprecedented national emergency we face and its unknown trajectory, we must put the health and well-being of our community first,” their statement read. “Sadly, this means we are unable to host the festival this year.”
The festival is being postponed to July 23-25, 2021.
The shooting occurred July 28, 2019, as the 41st annual event — one of the nation’s most famous food festivals — was wrapping up its three-day run. A 19-year-old gunman opened fire on the crowd, killing three and wounding 17.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge Besides drawing food lovers from around the country, the festival serves as Gilroy’s top fund-raiser for the year, with volunteers staffing the event to earn money for their clubs, schools and other nonprofit groups. Since 1979, the festival has raised more than $11.7 million for local nonprofits and schools.
“While we are anguished over our decision,” a note on the website read, “we all look forward to making the 2021 festival the best ever.”


mercurynews--2020-03-20--Photos: How the rest of the world is handling the COVID-19 pandemic

The death toll continued to rise around the world reaching 11,289 deaths , according to data collected Friday afternoon by John Hopkins University .
• National parks are free , but some oppose that amid the coronavirus outbreak • A marijuana shop at your door : Home delivery in Bay Area surges amid outbreak • Photos : Bay Area sights on the first day of spring In the meantime , nations are increasing their social-distancing efforts to slow the virus ’ rate of spread .
Long lines at the supermarkets in Italy have turned into orderly spaced queues to buy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ institutions , spaces were spread out to provide more distance between congregants .
Elsewhere , Japan is still preparing for the 2020 Summer Games .
The Olympic flame arrived from Greece with much fanfare while in Russia a piano concert by Denis Matsuyev was set to be broadcast in a nearly empty concert hall .
Performers are turning to streaming to connect with fans during the crisis .
In Rome though , people in quarantine had a free concert from opera singer Laura Baldassari who sang outside her balcony .
The photo gallery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abroad .
For more images closer to home , please follow our Instagram account here .

The death toll continued to rise around the world reaching 11,289 deaths, according to data collected Friday afternoon by John Hopkins University.
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San Jose office building wobbles into default — again National News | College students blocked from campus when COVID hit want money back. Some are getting refunds
College students blocked from campus when COVID hit want money back. Some are getting refunds National News | One controversial East Bay parklet reveals dilemmas of pandemic dining
One controversial East Bay parklet reveals dilemmas of pandemic dining National News | Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms
Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms National News | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge In the meantime, nations are increasing their social-distancing efforts to slow the virus’ rate of spread. Long lines at the supermarkets in Italy have turned into orderly spaced queues to buy essential goods. At mosques and government institutions, spaces were spread out to provide more distance between congregants.
Elsewhere, Japan is still preparing for the 2020 Summer Games. The Olympic flame arrived from Greece with much fanfare while in Russia a piano concert by Denis Matsuyev was set to be broadcast in a nearly empty concert hall. Performers are turning to streaming to connect with fans during the crisis. In Rome though, people in quarantine had a free concert from opera singer Laura Baldassari who sang outside her balcony.
The photo gallery above shows some of the scenes from abroad. For more images closer to home, please follow our Instagram account here.


mercurynews--2020-03-20--White House: One of Pence’s staff tests positive for coronavirus

WASHINGTON — The White House says a member of Vice President Mike Pence ’ s staff has tested positive for @ @ @ @ @ spokeswoman Katie Miller said Friday that the staff member , who is not being identified @ @ @ @ @ close contact ” to either the vice president or President Donald Trump .
Miller said @ @ @ @ @ everyone the individual has been in contact with , is being conducted in accordance with @ @ @ @ @ for Disease Control and Prevention .
Miller says Pence ’ s office was notified Friday @ @ @ @ @ result .

Associated Press
WASHINGTON — The White House says a member of Vice President Mike Pence’s staff has tested positive for coronavirus.
Pence’s spokeswoman Katie Miller said Friday that the staff member, who is not being identified, did not have “close contact” to either the vice president or President Donald Trump.
Miller said contact tracing, or contacting everyone the individual has been in contact with, is being conducted in accordance with guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Miller says Pence’s office was notified Friday evening of the positive test result.