mercurynews--2020-04-30--Walters: Mail voting is OK for California, if it’s done right

The COVID-19 pandemic is a booster rocket for advocates of completely shifting the nation ’ s elections to mailed-in ballots .
Alex Padilla , California ’ s secretary of state , cited warnings of a prolonged pandemic in tweeting recently , “ It ’ s a stark reality that should motivate Congress to provide states with the funding they need to execute accessible , secure , and safe , elections in November.
” Congressional Democrats are trying to fulfill that wish , but Republicans see it as a partisan maneuver and raise the specter of widespread vote fraud .
Regardless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ headed toward vote-by-mail .
For the past four decades , California has been loosening restrictions on what used to be called absentee voting and changing laws on voter registration and other election procedures .
Today , the vast majority of California ’ s votes are cast by mail , so making it universal for November would seem to be a fairly easy process .
“ In a worst-case , but very plausible , scenario , the state would have to go to what is effectively an all-mail election system , one in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have language barriers , disabilities , require in-person assistance , or need to complete a same-day registration , ” election data guru Paul Mitchell said in a recent newspaper article .
“ Our increase in by-mail voting over the last two decades could be our saving grace , ” Mitchell added .
Democrats do believe that mail voting will help them win close elections , and Republicans fear that they are right .
However , the Public Policy Institute of California , in a recent report , contends that those hopes and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ these scenarios describe the status quo ; they don ’ t tell us how election results might change if vote by mail became more widely available .
When election jurisdictions — including some California counties — have rapidly expanded vote by mail , neither major party has clearly benefited.
” So what ’ s not to like about all-mail voting ?
One worrisome factor is that mail voting , coupled with same-day registration and provisional ballots , not only creates an election month , rather than an election day , but has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the March 3 presidential primary began in early February and final tallies weren ’ t completed until last week , after Gov .
Gavin Newsom gave officials an additional three weeks .
Another potential problem is that local election officials gain a huge amount of power to affect close elections by deciding which mail ballots are valid , as shown by what ’ s happening in San Joaquin County regarding a three-way contest for the 13th Assembly District .
Second place — and thus a spot on the November ballot — was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report issued by the county ’ s registrar of voters , Melinda Dubroff , on April 5 , even though Newsom ’ s order gave her until April 24 to complete the count .
The candidate on the short end complained that in her rush , Dubroff disregarded affidavits from 32 voters that their ballots had been improperly discarded , and the situation may wind up in the courts .
Finally , there ’ s “ ballot harvesting , ” which Democrats used two years ago to capture congressional seats in Southern California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballots in person , on the promise to deliver them for counting .
It ’ s illegal in some states but is authorized in California by a law former Gov .
Jerry Brown signed in 2016 .
Vote harvesting is not fraud unto itself but could be manipulated to make a difference in close elections , essentially violating the sanctity of the voting booth .
There ’ s nothing wrong per se with mail voting .
But it should be a step forward , not backward .

The COVID-19 pandemic is a booster rocket for advocates of completely shifting the nation’s elections to mailed-in ballots.
Alex Padilla, California’s secretary of state, cited warnings of a prolonged pandemic in tweeting recently, “It’s a stark reality that should motivate Congress to provide states with the funding they need to execute accessible, secure, and safe, elections in November.”
Congressional Democrats are trying to fulfill that wish, but Republicans see it as a partisan maneuver and raise the specter of widespread vote fraud.
Regardless of what happens nationally, California is headed toward vote-by-mail. For the past four decades, California has been loosening restrictions on what used to be called absentee voting and changing laws on voter registration and other election procedures.
Today, the vast majority of California’s votes are cast by mail, so making it universal for November would seem to be a fairly easy process.
“In a worst-case, but very plausible, scenario, the state would have to go to what is effectively an all-mail election system, one in which in-person voting would be reserved for those who have language barriers, disabilities, require in-person assistance, or need to complete a same-day registration,” election data guru Paul Mitchell said in a recent newspaper article.
“Our increase in by-mail voting over the last two decades could be our saving grace,” Mitchell added.
Democrats do believe that mail voting will help them win close elections, and Republicans fear that they are right. However, the Public Policy Institute of California, in a recent report, contends that those hopes and fears may be misplaced, saying, “these scenarios describe the status quo; they don’t tell us how election results might change if vote by mail became more widely available. When election jurisdictions — including some California counties — have rapidly expanded vote by mail, neither major party has clearly benefited.”
So what’s not to like about all-mail voting?
One worrisome factor is that mail voting, coupled with same-day registration and provisional ballots, not only creates an election month, rather than an election day, but has meant weeks-long delays in vote-counting. Voting in the March 3 presidential primary began in early February and final tallies weren’t completed until last week, after Gov. Gavin Newsom gave officials an additional three weeks.
Another potential problem is that local election officials gain a huge amount of power to affect close elections by deciding which mail ballots are valid, as shown by what’s happening in San Joaquin County regarding a three-way contest for the 13th Assembly District.
Second place — and thus a spot on the November ballot — was decided by 30 votes in a final report issued by the county’s registrar of voters, Melinda Dubroff, on April 5, even though Newsom’s order gave her until April 24 to complete the count. The candidate on the short end complained that in her rush, Dubroff disregarded affidavits from 32 voters that their ballots had been improperly discarded, and the situation may wind up in the courts.
Finally, there’s “ballot harvesting,” which Democrats used two years ago to capture congressional seats in Southern California. It refers to party workers collecting ballots in person, on the promise to deliver them for counting. It’s illegal in some states but is authorized in California by a law former Gov. Jerry Brown signed in 2016.
Vote harvesting is not fraud unto itself but could be manipulated to make a difference in close elections, essentially violating the sanctity of the voting booth.
There’s nothing wrong per se with mail voting. But it should be a step forward, not backward.
Dan Walters is a CalMatters columnist.


mercurynews--2020-04-30--Letter: Where’s your gun? School’s closed, kids are exploring

Where ’ s your gun ?
I ask because the curious toddler whose preschool is closed is exploring every drawer .
That young adult — already prone to depression — can ’ t find summer work , is deciding on a now-financially unsound college , or was sent home mid-semester , soon to enter the job market in a recession .
And there ’ s the suddenly unemployed spouse or partner with a history of drinking .
It ’ s a perfect storm for avoidable gun deaths : a pandemic , a shelter-in-place order , financial hardship and closed schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ordinance : All firearms must be stored in a locked container or trigger-locked .
Now is the time to comply .
• Letter : ‘ Haves ’ are hiring ‘ have-nots ’ to take the risk for them • Letter : Will COVID-19 teach us compassion for animals ?
• Letter : ‘ Costco style ’ another way to solve the bagging issue • Letter : A challenge study with this virus is unethical • Letter : At my grocery store , 50 % of staff wear masks below the nose Better yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Call the Alameda Police Department at 510-337-8340 ( its non-emergency line ) ; they will pick up unwanted firearms .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Where’s your gun? I ask because the curious toddler whose preschool is closed is exploring every drawer. That young adult — already prone to depression — can’t find summer work, is deciding on a now-financially unsound college, or was sent home mid-semester, soon to enter the job market in a recession.
And there’s the suddenly unemployed spouse or partner with a history of drinking.
It’s a perfect storm for avoidable gun deaths: a pandemic, a shelter-in-place order, financial hardship and closed schools.
In Alameda we have a new ordinance: All firearms must be stored in a locked container or trigger-locked. Now is the time to comply.
Related Articles Letters to the Editor | Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives
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Letters: Psychiatric beds | SJSU neglect | Squandering cash | Overdoing coverage | Pac-12 negotiations | For climate’s sake | Electric appliances Letters to the Editor | Letters: Abandoning tenants | Deaf culture | Western contributions | Conservative alienation | Precise language
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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 Better yet, get it out of your home. Call the Alameda Police Department at 510-337-8340 (its non-emergency line); they will pick up unwanted firearms.
Jono Soglin
Alameda
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mercurynews--2020-04-30--Alex Smith’s remarkable recovery revealed in ESPN special

Graphic images of Alex Smith ’ s right leg will make you cringe , and emotional interviews will leave you floored by his harrowing tale .
A retrospective on his NFL career , that began with the 49ers 15 years ago , might be just what you need for an inspiring outlook not just on his comeback but your own life .
Smith ’ s death-defying recovery from a leg injury is captured in all-encompassing , all-access ESPN special titled “ Project 11 ” that airs Friday at 4:30 p.m. PT .
You hear from Smith , his caring wife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his determined medical staff and many more , including wounded war veterans , because Smith ’ s “ limb ” injury is compared to those in combat .
Smith ’ s NFL journey is not over , not yet .
It all began as the 49ers ’ No .
1 overall draft pick in 2005 .
Through the trials and tribulations since then , none match what he ’ s endured since a November 2018 sack with then-first place Washington .
He did not merely sustain a spiral , compound fracture .
Severe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of bacteria attacked his leg , including a flesh-eating type .
Images of his leg weren ’ t seen by the public for over a year , and you ’ ll understand why .
“ We wanted it to be authentic , ” said Stephania Bell , ESPN ’ s injury analyst and its Project 11 reporter .
“ Alex said , ‘ I want you guys there for the good and the bad.
’ His path was really uncertain .
It wasn ’ t like he was coming back from an ACL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it wouldn ’ t be real if we weren ’ t there for everything.
” The hour-long show offers behind-the-scenes video of highly personal moments , including many of Smith in the hospital and many other tear-jerking moments , as captured by both the Smiths and ESPN ’ s E60 crew that came aboard in January 2019 .
What did Smith think of the show ?
“ Oh , he hasn ’ t seen it , ” Bell replied in a Wednesday phone interview .
“ They ’ re entrusting us to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ select news organizations , including this one , were allowed to screen Project 11 .
Bell , who grew up in Palo Alto and Mountain View , drew upon her background as a physical therapist to swiftly translate the show ’ s medical jargon .
Along the way , the Smith family opened their doors to a wounded quarterback ’ s pain and recovery .
“ My husband is laying here , and he ’ s dying .
I just need to know , why can ’ t we just cut it off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
” Liz Smith said in recalling a one-on-one talk with Smith ’ s doctor .
“ I go , ‘ Is he going to be ok ?
I need to know I ’ m going to be able to leave this play with him with me .
I can ’ t go home to my children with out him with me.
’ ” Smith , 35 , is indeed surviving and remarkably attempting to resume his career with Washington .
Dwayne Haskins is the projected starter under new coach Ron Rivera , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fill-in Kyle Allen this offseason , an opportunity exists for Smith to make a miraculous return .
Also , he gets extra time to ramp up for on-field competition because of the coronavirus ’ impact on offseason programs .
“ Can I go play quarterback again ?
Can I push it that far ?
” Smith ponders in ESPN ’ s piece .
His biopic concentrates early on his football beginnings , with about 10 minutes devoted to an up-and-down ( or down-then-up ) 49ers tenure that spanned 2005-12 .
Smith recalled draft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wild ” and “ absolute surreal.
” His father , Doug , noted that as great as it was to go No .
1 , it meant going to the worst team and shouldering all the pressure .
“ I lost one game in high school , one game in college .
I didn ’ t really know struggle , turmoil and hardships in football , ” Alex Smith said .
“ It was hard .
All of a sudden you hear whispers of ‘ bust ’ and things like that , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not going to be me.
’ ” Once coach Jim Harbaugh came along in 2011 , Smith ’ s career took a turn for the better , highlighted by that season ’ s divisional playoff win over New Orleans .
Harbaugh , in an ESPN interview , recited a line about Smith ’ s $ 2-steak toughness and how the offense summoned his athleticism .
Tight end Vernon Davis said that win over the Saints “ showed the world Alex Smith can definitely play this game at the highest level possible.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Smith recalled of his first playoff win .
“ That ’ s what felt good , to be accountable again .
I held up my end .
I did my job for the team and the organization , and feeling good in that.
” Smith , of course , went on to play for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013 , after Colin Kaepernick seized the 49ers ’ job with a Super Bowl run .
Once the Chiefs drafted future 49ers-slayer Patrick Mahomes in 2017 , Smith soon would get dealt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when his career and life changed on a leg-shattering play that November against the Houston Texans .
After 17 surgeries , Smith ’ s exhaustive recovery is ongoing , and so is his life back in Virginia as a thankful husband and loving father to sons Hudson and Hayes , and daughter Sloane .
“ Obviously there were a lot of delicate moments and ( producer ) Daniel Lindbergh was excellent navigating that , ” Bell said .
Bell , citing her Bay Area roots and 49ers fandom , has followed Smith ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and its recent peril .
“ I ’ ve been on this journey with him and am so fortunate for that , and when I saw the ( Project 11 ) rough cut , I still cried , ” Bell said .
Reflecting Smith ’ s determination to play again , she added : “ I don ’ t think his story ’ s done .
”

Graphic images of Alex Smith’s right leg will make you cringe, and emotional interviews will leave you floored by his harrowing tale.
A retrospective on his NFL career, that began with the 49ers 15 years ago, might be just what you need for an inspiring outlook not just on his comeback but your own life.
Smith’s death-defying recovery from a leg injury is captured in all-encompassing, all-access ESPN special titled “Project 11” that airs Friday at 4:30 p.m. PT.
On the first night of the NFL draft 15 years ago, QB Alex Smith was the first overall pick. Little did he know how close he would come to losing his life while playing the game he loves.
His story – his journey back – airs next Friday, May 1, 7:30 pm ET, @E60 on @espn. pic.twitter.com/gezjCxZ6yA — Stephania Bell (@Stephania_ESPN) April 26, 2020
You hear from Smith, his caring wife, Elizabeth, his concerned parents, his determined medical staff and many more, including wounded war veterans, because Smith’s “limb” injury is compared to those in combat.
Smith’s NFL journey is not over, not yet. It all began as the 49ers’ No. 1 overall draft pick in 2005. Through the trials and tribulations since then, none match what he’s endured since a November 2018 sack with then-first place Washington.
He did not merely sustain a spiral, compound fracture. Severe infection and sepsis ensued. Four types of bacteria attacked his leg, including a flesh-eating type. Images of his leg weren’t seen by the public for over a year, and you’ll understand why.
“We wanted it to be authentic,” said Stephania Bell, ESPN’s injury analyst and its Project 11 reporter. “Alex said, ‘I want you guys there for the good and the bad.’ His path was really uncertain. It wasn’t like he was coming back from an ACL (knee injury).
“He said it wouldn’t be real if we weren’t there for everything.”
The hour-long show offers behind-the-scenes video of highly personal moments, including many of Smith in the hospital and many other tear-jerking moments, as captured by both the Smiths and ESPN’s E60 crew that came aboard in January 2019.
What did Smith think of the show?
“Oh, he hasn’t seen it,” Bell replied in a Wednesday phone interview. “They’re entrusting us to put the together the piece.”
Only select news organizations, including this one, were allowed to screen Project 11.
Bell, who grew up in Palo Alto and Mountain View, drew upon her background as a physical therapist to swiftly translate the show’s medical jargon. Along the way, the Smith family opened their doors to a wounded quarterback’s pain and recovery.
“My husband is laying here, and he’s dying. I just need to know, why can’t we just cut it off? Where do we go from here?” Liz Smith said in recalling a one-on-one talk with Smith’s doctor. “I go, ‘Is he going to be ok? I need to know I’m going to be able to leave this play with him with me. I can’t go home to my children with out him with me.’ ”
Smith, 35, is indeed surviving and remarkably attempting to resume his career with Washington.
Dwayne Haskins is the projected starter under new coach Ron Rivera, but by only bringing in ex-Carolina Panthers fill-in Kyle Allen this offseason, an opportunity exists for Smith to make a miraculous return. Also, he gets extra time to ramp up for on-field competition because of the coronavirus’ impact on offseason programs.
“Can I go play quarterback again? Can I push it that far?” Smith ponders in ESPN’s piece.
His biopic concentrates early on his football beginnings, with about 10 minutes devoted to an up-and-down (or down-then-up) 49ers tenure that spanned 2005-12.
New excerpt from #Project11 to share with you.
Only 3 more days until the premiere.
Friday, May 1, 7:30 pm ET, ESPN https://t.co/tWloqkE0fP — Stephania Bell (@Stephania_ESPN) April 28, 2020
Smith recalled draft day 15 years ago as “pretty wild” and “absolute surreal.” His father, Doug, noted that as great as it was to go No. 1, it meant going to the worst team and shouldering all the pressure.
“I lost one game in high school, one game in college. I didn’t really know struggle, turmoil and hardships in football,” Alex Smith said. “It was hard. All of a sudden you hear whispers of ‘bust’ and things like that, and you determine, ‘that’s not going to be me.’ ”
Once coach Jim Harbaugh came along in 2011, Smith’s career took a turn for the better, highlighted by that season’s divisional playoff win over New Orleans. Harbaugh, in an ESPN interview, recited a line about Smith’s $2-steak toughness and how the offense summoned his athleticism. Tight end Vernon Davis said that win over the Saints “showed the world Alex Smith can definitely play this game at the highest level possible.”
“I felt it was back to fun,” Smith recalled of his first playoff win. “That’s what felt good, to be accountable again. I held up my end. I did my job for the team and the organization, and feeling good in that.”
Smith, of course, went on to play for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013, after Colin Kaepernick seized the 49ers’ job with a Super Bowl run.
Once the Chiefs drafted future 49ers-slayer Patrick Mahomes in 2017, Smith soon would get dealt to Washington in 2018, where and when his career and life changed on a leg-shattering play that November against the Houston Texans.
After 17 surgeries, Smith’s exhaustive recovery is ongoing, and so is his life back in Virginia as a thankful husband and loving father to sons Hudson and Hayes, and daughter Sloane.
“Obviously there were a lot of delicate moments and (producer) Dan Lindberg was excellent navigating that,” Bell said.
Bell, citing her Bay Area roots and 49ers fandom, has followed Smith’s NFL career since its infancy — and its recent peril.
“I’ve been on this journey with him and am so fortunate for that, and when I saw the (Project 11) rough cut, I still cried,” Bell said.
Reflecting Smith’s determination to play again, she added: “I don’t think his story’s done.”


mercurynews--2020-04-30--TV tonight: ‘Parks and Recreation Special’ benefits Feeding America

Well , this is a very welcome sight as we shelter in place : Five years after bidding farewell to prime time , the kooky citizens of Pawnee , Ind.
, are reuniting for “ A Parks and Recreation Special ” tonight ( 8:30 p.m. April 30 , NBC ) .
All of the characters from the beloved series are returning in the 30-minute one-night-only event , played by original cast members Amy Poehler , Rashida Jones , Aziz Ansari , Nick Offerman , Aubrey Plaza , Chris Pratt , Adam Scott , Rob Lowe , Jim O ’ Heir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , several guest stars from the Pawnee universe are expected to pop in ) .
The scripted telecast was created to raise funds for Feeding America ’ s COVID-19 Response Fund , which will enable food banks to secure the resources they need to serve the most vulnerable members of the community during this difficult time .
In the spirit of Leslie Knope and do-gooders everywhere , please go to www.feedingamerica.org/parksandrec .
Tonight ’ s story is inspired by our trying current events – Pawnee ’ s most dedicated civil servant , Leslie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stay connected to her friends in a time of social distancing .
“ Like a lot of other people , we were looking for ways to help and felt that bringing these characters back for a night could raise some money , ” said executive producer Michael Schur .
“ I sent a hopeful email to the cast and they all got back to me within 45 minutes .
Our old ‘ Parks and Rec ’ team has put together one more 30-minute slice of ( quarantined ) Pawnee life and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
” In a conference call with reporters earlier this week , Schur discussed how the special came together and the tricky logistics involved .
The show adhered to social distancing edicts and was shot on iPhones .
The fact that it even materialized in the first pace was surprising to Schur .
“ I honestly didn ’ t think that ‘ Parks and Rec ’ was ever going to reunite for any reason , just because I felt like that show had a point to make , and I felt like we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ended the show and it just didn ’ t seem like there was a compelling reason , ” he said .
“ But this is a compelling reason .
This is as compelling a reason as there is.
” Collectively , NBC , the cast , writers and producers and sponsors Subaru and State Farm are giving $ 500,000 in matching donations through May 21 .
The donation site is open now .

Well, this is a very welcome sight as we shelter in place: Five years after bidding farewell to prime time, the kooky citizens of Pawnee, Ind., are reuniting for “A Parks and Recreation Special” tonight (8:30 p.m. April 30, NBC).
All of the characters from the beloved series are returning in the 30-minute one-night-only event, played by original cast members Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones, Aziz Ansari, Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Pratt, Adam Scott, Rob Lowe, Jim O’Heir, and Retta. In addition, several guest stars from the Pawnee universe are expected to pop in.
The scripted telecast is a benefit for Feeding America’s COVID-19 Response Fund, which will aid food banks as they serve the most vulnerable members of the community during this difficult time. In the spirit of Leslie Knope and do-gooders everywhere, please go to www.feedingamerica.org/parksandrec.
Tonight’s story is inspired by our trying current events — Pawnee’s most dedicated civil servant, Leslie Knope (Poehler), is determined to stay connected to her friends in a time of social distancing.
“Like a lot of other people, we were looking for ways to help and felt that bringing these characters back for a night could raise some money,” said executive producer Michael Schur. “I sent a hopeful email to the cast and they all got back to me within 45 minutes. Our old ‘Parks and Rec’ team has put together one more 30-minute slice of (quarantined) Pawnee life and we hope everyone enjoys it. And donates!”
In a conference call with reporters earlier this week, Schur discussed how the special came together and the tricky logistics involved. The show adhered to social distancing edicts and was shot on iPhones.
The fact that it even materialized in the first pace was surprising to Schur.
“I honestly didn’t think that ‘Parks and Rec’ was ever going to reunite for any reason, just because I felt like that show had a point to make, and I felt like we’d made it, and we ended the show and it just didn’t seem like there was a compelling reason,” he said. “But this is a compelling reason. This is as compelling a reason as there is.”
Collectively, NBC, the cast, writers and producers and sponsors Subaru and State Farm are giving $500,000 in matching donations through May 21. The donation site is open now.


mercurynews--2020-04-30--Letter: ‘Haves’ are hiring ‘have-nots’ to take the risk for them

‘ Haves ’ hiring ‘ have-nots ’ to take the risk for them It seems the “ haves ” class – those at home with a paycheck – can hire the “ have-nots ” to risk COVID-19 for them .
• Letter : Will COVID-19 teach us compassion for animals ?
• Letter : ‘ Costco style ’ another way to solve the bagging issue • Letter : A challenge study with this virus is unethical • Letter : At my grocery store , 50 % of staff wear masks below the nose For people with money , there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Uber drivers , now out of work and eligible for California state unemployment benefits but often hindered in obtaining them by legal challenges by their companies .
These are the people being forced to take today ’ s risky delivery jobs .
Gig workers , exploited by big tech and consumers alike , continue to be exploited as independent contractors for Instacart and others .
Instacart is offering workers “ safety kits ” and it will give them 14 days of pay if they contract the virus or are placed into individual mandatory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their family members are hospitalized or die ?
Oh well .
The very least we can do is insist all delivery workers be classified as employees , per California AB 5 , and receive worker protections similar to supermarket employees .
Reminder : Tip well !
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

‘Haves’ hiring ‘have-nots’
to take the risk for them
Re: “Instacart has hired 300,000 workers” (Page C9, April 25):
It seems the “haves” class – those at home with a paycheck – can hire the “have-nots” to risk COVID-19 for them.
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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 For people with money, there is a ready pool of starving Lyft and Uber drivers, now out of work and eligible for California state unemployment benefits but often hindered in obtaining them by legal challenges by their companies.
These are the people being forced to take today’s risky delivery jobs. Gig workers, exploited by big tech and consumers alike, continue to be exploited as independent contractors for Instacart and others.
Instacart is offering workers “safety kits” and it will give them 14 days of pay if they contract the virus or are placed into individual mandatory quarantine; but, if workers or their family members are hospitalized or die? Oh well.
The very least we can do is insist all delivery workers be classified as employees, per California AB 5, and receive worker protections similar to supermarket employees. Reminder: Tip well!
Laura Smith
Millbrae
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mercurynews--2020-04-30--Word Game: April 30, 2020

Word Game: April 30, 2020

Can you find 31 or more words in OINTMENT ?
The list will be published tomorrow .
To purchase the @ @ @ @ @ WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
@ @ @ @ @ or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by the addition of @ @ @ @ @ as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 .
@ @ @ @ @ a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used .
For @ @ @ @ @ ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed , @ @ @ @ @ “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang words , or @ @ @ @ @ are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — OINTMENT (OINTMENT: OINT-ment: Salve.)
Average mark 23 words
Time limit 35 minutes
Can you find 31 or more words in OINTMENT? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — COLLEAGUE cage call cell cello clog clue coal cola cole
collage college coulee cull ogle lace league legal local locale loge luge eagle ague
alee allege aloe gale gall glace glee glue goal gull ullage
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--2020-05-01--New price controls enacted in Venezuela

New price controls enacted in Venezuela

CARACAS – Venezuela on Thursday published a list of new price controls for 27 basic food items , fixing the price of eggs , some cuts of meat , and sausage above the monthly minimum wage President Nicolas Maduro set for the inflation-stricken country this week .
The move marked the return of strict state economic controls , after more than a year of relaxation in the face of U.S. sanctions .
Maduro ’ s socialist government is now seeking to calm inflation in the face of a collapse in crude prices , fuel shortages and a national lockdown to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to a document published by Commerce Minister Eneida Laya on Twitter , products including butter and powdered milk will cost more than 400,000 bolivares , which is the new minimum wage the government set on Monday .
That is equivalent to just $ 2 at the official exchange rate .
The document listed the prices both in bolivares and in Petros , a state-run cryptocurrency .
Private food-production companies and industry groups have warned that setting price controls will mark a return to the scarcity of basic goods that plagued the indebted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a collapse in crude prices in 2014 .
Supermarket supply has improved in the year since the government relaxed price controls , but with inflation of 3,365 % in the year through March , according to the opposition-held National Assembly , many goods were sold at prices beyond the reach of most Venezuelans .
The new prices set by the government are generally lower than current levels , but not by a significant amount .

By Corina Pons | Reuters
CARACAS – Venezuela on Thursday published a list of new price controls for 27 basic food items, fixing the price of eggs, some cuts of meat, and sausage above the monthly minimum wage President Nicolas Maduro set for the inflation-stricken country this week.
The move marked the return of strict state economic controls, after more than a year of relaxation in the face of U.S. sanctions. Maduro’s socialist government is now seeking to calm inflation in the face of a collapse in crude prices, fuel shortages and a national lockdown to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
According to a document published by Commerce Minister Eneida Laya on Twitter, products including butter and powdered milk will cost more than 400,000 bolivares, which is the new minimum wage the government set on Monday. That is equivalent to just $2 at the official exchange rate.
The document listed the prices both in bolivares and in Petros, a state-run cryptocurrency.
Private food-production companies and industry groups have warned that setting price controls will mark a return to the scarcity of basic goods that plagued the indebted OPEC nation for years, exacerbated by a collapse in crude prices in 2014.
Supermarket supply has improved in the year since the government relaxed price controls, but with inflation of 3,365% in the year through March, according to the opposition-held National Assembly, many goods were sold at prices beyond the reach of most Venezuelans.
The new prices set by the government are generally lower than current levels, but not by a significant amount.


mercurynews--2020-05-01--Coronavirus: California surpasses 2,000 total deaths from virus

California on Thursday reached more grim milestones in the continuing coronavirus pandemic with more than 2,000 confirmed deaths and more @ @ @ @ @ according to data complied by this news organization .
The state recorded 89 new deaths @ @ @ @ @ 2,032 .
Fifty-five of them were reported in Los Angeles County .
But the Bay @ @ @ @ @ four deaths were logged in Santa Clara County , three in Alameda County , two @ @ @ @ @ two in San Francisco .
The number of cases in California , meanwhile , topped @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .
Los Angeles County accounted for 49 percent of the new cases , reporting @ @ @ @ @ data .

California on Thursday reached more grim milestones in the continuing coronavirus pandemic, surpassing 2,000 confirmed deaths and 50,000 confirmed cases on the same day, according to data complied by this news organization.
The state recorded 89 new deaths, bringing the total to 2,032. The data shows 55 of the deaths were reported in Los Angeles County, the COVID-19 epicenter of California. But the Bay Area was not spared – four deaths were logged in Santa Clara County, three in Alameda County, two in Contra Costa County and two in San Francisco County.
The total number of cases, meanwhile, topped 50,261, with 1,488 reported Thursday. Los Angeles County accounted for the lion’s share, reporting 697, according to the data.
Orange County, where Gov. Gavin Newsom plans to close beaches, was second with 141 new cases. The single-day tally is the county’s highest since the start of the pandemic. The beach closure plans come after tens of thousands of people visited county beaches last weekend in seeming defiance of the state’s social distancing orders.
“We’re going to have a temporary pause on the beaches down there,” Newsom said at a news conference Thursday. “I hope it’s a very short-term adjustment — I’m confident it will be.”
The nine-county Bay Area also added new cases with 41 in San Mateo County, 35 in Alameda County, 29 in Contra Costa County, 29 in Santa Clara County, nine in San Francisco County, nine in Solano County, four in Sonoma County and two in Marin County.
According to data released by the state, 3,497 people are hospitalized with confirmed cases of COVID-19. Of that number, 1,192 are being treated in intensive care units. Another 1,484 people are hospitalized with suspected cases. Of that number, 281 are being treated in ICUs.
Check back for updates.


mercurynews--2020-05-01--Egged on by their president, Brazilians defy isolation

By David Biller and Mauricio Savarese | Associated Press RIO DE JANEIRO — Divina Baldomero awoke , looked out the window at Rio de Janeiro ’ s Copacabana beach under a cloudless sky , and decided to take her first stroll in 40 days .
The 75-year-old restaurant owner , like most Brazilians , had been adhering to her governor ’ s call to stay home to contain the spread of the coronavirus .
But on this day she decided to ignore that , urged on by the view of President Jair Bolsonaro that the shutdown is wrongheaded , will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus isn ’ t all it ’ s cracked up to be .
“ At first I thought ( the shutdown ) was viable .
Later , I came to think we will have more economic difficulties , with the poverty there is .
There should be a different way so we can be free of this , ” said Baldomero , speaking Wednesday in front of the shuttered Copacabana Palace hotel .
Her legs , virtually unused for more than a month , began trembling after seven minutes of standing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ routinely scoffed at both the virus and stay-at-home policies , Brazilians are heeding his call for revolt .
Support for isolation is faltering , particularly among the wealthy , and more people are milling and mixing .
From the sun-worshipers to the Instagram influencers and pro-Bolsonaro protesters , denial is spreading and quarantine is coming apart .
But , unlike other countries looking to ease restrictions , Latin America ’ s largest nation is still weeks from the peak in its viral curve .
Bolsonaro first staked out his argument that the economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a national address at the end of March , when he referred to the coronavirus as “ a little flu ” and said his history as an athlete would protect him .
Since then , he has doubled down time and again , saying only high-risk Brazilians need to be isolated , even as the official count of cases rockets past 85,000 and deaths surpass 5,900 — more than the amount suffered by China .
Experts consider both figures to be significant under-counts due to a lack of widespread testing .
Asked about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So what ?
I ’ m sorry .
What do you want me to do ?
” Personal trainer Gabriela Pugliesi would seemingly have little reason to question risks posed by the virus .
The 34-year-old was infected last month at her sister ’ s wedding .
Several other guests also contracted COVID-19 at the five-star resort with beachfront bungalows .
Coughing and feverish — yet no less bronzed and blonde — Pugliesi repeatedly told her 4.5 million followers on Instagram to stay home and take care of themselves .
She recovered in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a party at her apartment in Sao Paulo , the epicenter of Brazil ’ s outbreak .
No one wore masks and in one video Pugliesi posted , she and friends shouted “ Screw life !
” into the camera .
Flouting isolation drew an immediate backlash and more than 100,000 people unfollowed her .
She also lost about a dozen sponsors , who also bailed on her influencer guests .
“ My cousin is a doctor and arrived home in tears .
They already have to choose who to save , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This behavior of yours , even more so because you have so many followers … is inadmissible.
” Pugliesi apologized then suspended her Instagram account .
She didn ’ t respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press .
Others in Sao Paulo and elsewhere are defying social distancing , albeit more discreetly .
Local authorities said in multiple news conferences that some bars in poor areas are welcoming clients behind closed doors , and police have been called to end gatherings in isolated spots .
On Thursday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extended restrictions on activity and gatherings until May 11 ; Sao Paulo had previously extended them until May 10 .
The two states have the largest virus incidence .
Still , a poll by Datafolha showed 52 % of people surveyed believe even those who don ’ t belong to at-risk groups – the elderly and people with chronic illness – should remain in isolation , down from 60 % at the start of the month .
Among the wealthiest , support for continued quarantine is just 39 % .
Bolsonaro ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up support for their leader ’ s views , most recently on Sunday in the capital , Brasilia .
Many of the several hundred demonstrators draped themselves in the Brazilian flag , and the few face masks were in the national colors of green and yellow .
Most neglected to use masks altogether , even as they shouted into a shared bullhorn .
Not all of Bolsonaro ’ s ministers have fallen into lock-step behind him , but those who don ’ t do so risk losing their jobs .
Luiz Henrique Mandetta @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supported the restrictions imposed by state governors and his handling of the crisis was widely praised .
But earlier this month , Bolsonaro fired him and appointed Nelson Teich , who has said he sees eye-to-eye with the president .
And what do the morning walkers in Copacabana and beach-side Barra da Tijuca , Rio ’ s two hardest-hit neighborhoods , say ?
Walking along Barra , not far from Bolsonaro ’ s personal home , 76-year-old Fernando Ferreira , recommended reading the Bible and Albert Camus ’ “ The Plague , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always happened in history .
The retired dentist and lawyer said local governments ’ restrictions on commerce are “ absurd.
” He pointed to how France is moving to ease its isolation measures , without acknowledging that the European nation ’ s viral curve , unlike Brazil ’ s , has begun to plateau .
Lilia Santiago , a 51-year-old dentist , was ambling with her 77-year-old mother .
She insisted forcing everyone to stay home amounts to “ buffoonery , ” particularly as poor people in Brazil often live in close quarters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at risk , with respiratory problems , auto-immune diseases , should take care , which doesn ’ t mean they can ’ t go out , ” Santiago said .
“ We can ’ t be locked inside an apartment or house .
We need to circulate , but safely.
” “ You don ’ t stand next to someone with a cold .
Same thing , ” she said , echoing Bolsonaro ’ s belittling of the virus ’ dangers .
“ Flu kills more than coronavirus , folks !
A lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

By David Biller and Mauricio Savarese | Associated Press
RIO DE JANEIRO — Divina Baldomero awoke, looked out the window at Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana beach under a cloudless sky, and decided to take her first stroll in 40 days.
The 75-year-old restaurant owner, like most Brazilians, had been adhering to her governor’s call to stay home to contain the spread of the coronavirus. But on this day she decided to ignore that, urged on by the view of President Jair Bolsonaro that the shutdown is wrongheaded, will wreck the economy and that anyway, the virus isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
“At first I thought (the shutdown) was viable. Later, I came to think we will have more economic difficulties, with the poverty there is. There should be a different way so we can be free of this,” said Baldomero, speaking Wednesday in front of the shuttered Copacabana Palace hotel. Her legs, virtually unused for more than a month, began trembling after seven minutes of standing.
Egged on by Bolsonaro, who has routinely scoffed at both the virus and stay-at-home policies, Brazilians are heeding his call for revolt. Support for isolation is faltering, particularly among the wealthy, and more people are milling and mixing. From the sun-worshipers to the Instagram influencers and pro-Bolsonaro protesters, denial is spreading and quarantine is coming apart. But, unlike other countries looking to ease restrictions, Latin America’s largest nation is still weeks from the peak in its viral curve.
Bolsonaro first staked out his argument that the economy needs to get back to work in a national address at the end of March, when he referred to the coronavirus as “a little flu” and said his history as an athlete would protect him.
Since then, he has doubled down time and again, saying only high-risk Brazilians need to be isolated, even as the official count of cases rockets past 85,000 and deaths surpass 5,900 — more than the amount suffered by China. Experts consider both figures to be significant under-counts due to a lack of widespread testing.
Asked about the grim milestone Bolsonaro responded, “So what? I’m sorry. What do you want me to do?”
Personal trainer Gabriela Pugliesi would seemingly have little reason to question risks posed by the virus. The 34-year-old was infected last month at her sister’s wedding. Several other guests also contracted COVID-19 at the five-star resort with beachfront bungalows.
Coughing and feverish — yet no less bronzed and blonde — Pugliesi repeatedly told her 4.5 million followers on Instagram to stay home and take care of themselves. She recovered in late March, and on Saturday threw a party at her apartment in Sao Paulo, the epicenter of Brazil’s outbreak. No one wore masks and in one video Pugliesi posted, she and friends shouted “Screw life!” into the camera.
Flouting isolation drew an immediate backlash and more than 100,000 people unfollowed her. She also lost about a dozen sponsors, who also bailed on her influencer guests.
Tatá Werneck, a TV talk show host, was a fierce critic.
“My cousin is a doctor and arrived home in tears. They already have to choose who to save,” Werneck posted on Pugliesi’s account. “This behavior of yours, even more so because you have so many followers … is inadmissible.”
Pugliesi apologized then suspended her Instagram account. She didn’t respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press.
Others in Sao Paulo and elsewhere are defying social distancing, albeit more discreetly. Local authorities said in multiple news conferences that some bars in poor areas are welcoming clients behind closed doors, and police have been called to end gatherings in isolated spots.
On Thursday, the governor of Rio de Janeiro state extended restrictions on activity and gatherings until May 11; Sao Paulo had previously extended them until May 10. The two states have the largest virus incidence.
Still, a poll by Datafolha showed 52% of people surveyed believe even those who don’t belong to at-risk groups – the elderly and people with chronic illness – should remain in isolation, down from 60% at the start of the month. Among the wealthiest, support for continued quarantine is just 39%.
Bolsonaro’s hard-core base has staged rallies to shore up support for their leader’s views, most recently on Sunday in the capital, Brasilia. Many of the several hundred demonstrators draped themselves in the Brazilian flag, and the few face masks were in the national colors of green and yellow. Most neglected to use masks altogether, even as they shouted into a shared bullhorn.
Not all of Bolsonaro’s ministers have fallen into lock-step behind him, but those who don’t do so risk losing their jobs. Luiz Henrique Mandetta, his former health minister, strongly supported the restrictions imposed by state governors and his handling of the crisis was widely praised. But earlier this month, Bolsonaro fired him and appointed Nelson Teich, who has said he sees eye-to-eye with the president.
And what do the morning walkers in Copacabana and beach-side Barra da Tijuca, Rio’s two hardest-hit neighborhoods, say?
Walking along Barra, not far from Bolsonaro’s personal home, 76-year-old Fernando Ferreira, recommended reading the Bible and Albert Camus’ “The Plague,” saying they are evidence that pandemics have always happened in history.
The retired dentist and lawyer said local governments’ restrictions on commerce are “absurd.” He pointed to how France is moving to ease its isolation measures, without acknowledging that the European nation’s viral curve, unlike Brazil’s, has begun to plateau.
Lilia Santiago, a 51-year-old dentist, was ambling with her 77-year-old mother. She insisted forcing everyone to stay home amounts to “buffoonery,” particularly as poor people in Brazil often live in close quarters under the same roof.
“People at risk, with respiratory problems, auto-immune diseases, should take care, which doesn’t mean they can’t go out,” Santiago said. “We can’t be locked inside an apartment or house. We need to circulate, but safely.”
“You don’t stand next to someone with a cold. Same thing,” she said, echoing Bolsonaro’s belittling of the virus’ dangers. “Flu kills more than coronavirus, folks! A lot of things kill more than coronavirus!”


mercurynews--2020-04-30--Fremont: Mission Blvd. reopens after fake pipe bomb removed

FREMONT — The Alameda County Sheriff ’ s Office bomb squad safely removed a device made up to look like @ @ @ @ @ a street closure for nearly an hour , authorities said .
Around 2:15 p.m. , @ @ @ @ @ word of the device sitting near the base of a lamppost on the southbound I-680 @ @ @ @ @ early Thursday afternoon .
“ It looked very much like ( a bomb ) , @ @ @ @ @ ” Alameda County Sheriff ’ s Sgt .
Ray Kelly said .
“ Our bomb @ @ @ @ @ it up , finding it empty inside .
It was not an actual device , @ @ @ @ @ represent one or left there unintentionally.
” All lanes reopened near the area shortly before @ @ @ @ @ thanked the CHP , saying it was “ a very good call that it was @ @ @ @ @ ” Anyone who sees similar devices threatening public safety should immediately call 911 , which @ @ @ @ @ law-enforcement agencies .

FREMONT — The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office bomb squad safely removed a device made up to look like a pipe bomb that spurred a street closure for nearly an hour, authorities said.
Around 2:15 p.m., California Highway Patrol officers received word of the device sitting near the base of a lamppost on the southbound I-680 connector to eastbound Mission Boulevard early Thursday afternoon.
“It looked very much like (a bomb), but was not one,” Alameda County Sheriff’s Sgt. Ray Kelly said.
“Our bomb squad went out and opened it up, finding it empty inside. It was not an actual device, but likely placed there to represent one or left there unintentionally.”
All lanes reopened near the area shortly before 3:45 p.m., and Kelly thanked the CHP, saying it was “a very good call that it was treated as real until discovered.”
Anyone who sees similar devices threatening public safety should immediately call 911, which will direct reports to appropriate law-enforcement agencies.
There is police activity in the area of SR-262 (Mission Blvd) at I-680. Please expect delays and if possible use alternate routes. @FremontPD #fremont pic.twitter.com/jye5y1gYIx — CHP Dublin Area (@CHPDublin) April 30, 2020
Contact George Kelly at 408-859-5180.


mercurynews--2020-04-30--Here’s why you might need to rescan your TV right now

If you ’ re a Bay Area viewer who watches free , over-the-air television with an antenna , you will need to “ rescan ” your TV very soon .
According to the Federal Communications Commission ( FCC ) , nearly 1,000 television stations across the country have been , or will be , transitioning to new frequencies .
The switches will be made in phases though July .
The current transition phase includes nine local TV stations in the San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose area that are scheduled to change their broadcast frequencies by Friday , May 1 .
Viewers in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TVs to continue receiving these channels via an antenna .
The stations that are changing frequencies are as follows : The good news is that most viewers won ’ t need any new devices , equipment or services to rescan their TVs .
To rescan , viewers will need their TV remote control or analog TV converter box , then choose “ Channel Scan , ” “ Channel Tuning , ” or “ Auto Search ” in the “ Setup ” or “ Channel ” menu ( the precise labels vary among manufacturers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Channel Scan ” or “ Channel Tuning ” buttons , choose the automatic option to rescan .
By rescanning , viewers who watch TV using an antenna will keep their existing channels , and may even discover new channels in their broadcast area .
For further assistance , TV viewers can visit www.fcc.gov/TVrescan or call the consumer help line at 1-888-CALLFCC ( 1-888-225-5322 ) and press “ 6 ” to speak with a dedicated help desk representative .
Four other Bay Area TV stations changed their frequencies In a previous transition phase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be affected as your service provider will do the rescanning .
The reason TV stations are changing frequencies is to make room for new 5G and other mobile broadband services .
Nationwide , millions of U.S. households watch national network and local TV programming using an over-the-air antenna .

If you’re a Bay Area viewer who watches free, over-the-air television with an antenna, you will need to “rescan” your TV very soon.
According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), nearly 1,000 television stations across the country have been, or will be, transitioning to new frequencies. The switches will be made in phases through July.
The current transition phase includes nine local TV stations in the San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose area that are scheduled to change their broadcast frequencies by Friday, May 1. Viewers in the region will need to rescan their TVs to continue receiving these channels via an antenna.
The stations that are changing frequencies are as follows:
— KGO-TV (ABC 7)
— KNTV-TV (NBC 11)
— KRCB-TV (PBS 22)
— KSTS-TV (Telemundo 48)
— KDTV-DT (Univision 14)
— KDTV-CD (CH 28)
— KCNZ-CD (CH 28)
— KRON-TV (CH 4)
–KBCW-TV (CW 44)
The good news is that most viewers won’t need any new devices, equipment or services to rescan their TVs. To rescan, viewers will need their TV remote control or analog TV converter box, then choose “Channel Scan,” “Channel Tuning,” or “Auto Search” in the “Setup” or “Channel” menu (the precise labels vary among manufacturers).
Once you find either the “Channel Scan” or “Channel Tuning” buttons, choose the automatic option to rescan. By rescanning, viewers who watch TV using an antenna will keep their existing channels, and may even discover new channels in their broadcast area.
For further assistance, TV viewers can visit www.fcc.gov/TVrescan or call the consumer helpline at 1-888-CALLFCC (1-888-225-5322) and press 6 to speak with a dedicated help desk representative.
Four other Bay Area TV stations changed their frequencies In a previous transition phase.
Cable and satellite viewers will not be affected as your service provider will do the rescanning.
The reason TV stations are changing frequencies is to make room for new 5G and other mobile broadband services. Nationwide, millions of U.S. households watch national network and local TV programming using an over-the-air antenna.


mercurynews--2020-04-30--Concord police release video of man dying as police attempt to put him in restraint device

CONCORD — Police here have released body camera video of officers pulling a man to the ground and attempting to put him in a full-body restraint device as he goes unconscious and , ultimately , dies .
Steven Hankins , 50 , suffered heart trauma and died from what a forensic pathologist testified was a high level of methamphetamine in his system .
On the video , he can be heard whimpering and screaming as officers cuff him and attempt to strap him into the restraint device .
The body camera footage is limited because , during the struggle with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fell to the floor and deactivated , police testified .
Hankins died in February 2019 , at the Concord Homeless Shelter at 2047 Arnold Industrial Way .
Workers there called police to report Hankins was behaving erratically .
The video captures the moment when officers enter the shelter and come face-to-face with Hankins , who is staggering and appears delirious .
The officers each grab one of Hankins ’ arms and begin to pull him to the ground .
He tenses up and refuses to put his hands behind his back , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ There was absolutely no force , ” Concord Officer David Greenfield , who was present , testified at an inquest hearing for Hankins last November .
“ It ’ s been referred to as a ‘ takedown , ’ but it wasn ’ t even a takedown .
It was an escort , if anything.
” Eventually , officers get Hankins on the ground and cuff him , then begin strapping on the device .
At this time , Hankins ’ head begins to turn red , and he goes unconscious .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ inquest jury ruled Hankins ’ death an accident .
The jury took seven minutes to make the decision .
The jury ’ s ruling is the official cause of death but carries no civil or criminal liability .
Per Contra Costa County protocol , all deaths involving police officers are reviewed by a coroner ’ s inquest jury in a public hearing .
This includes police chases , shootings and use-of-force deaths , as well as natural deaths that occur when someone is in jail or in police custody .
The juries are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of death : natural causes , suicide , accident or at the hands of another , not by accident .
The body camera footage was obtained through a public records request by Bay Area News Group .
It is graphic , and can be viewed below :

CONCORD — Police here have released body camera video of officers pulling a man to the ground and attempting to put him in a full-body restraint device as he goes unconscious and, ultimately, dies.
Steven Hankins, 50, suffered heart trauma and died from what a forensic pathologist testified was a high level of methamphetamine in his system. On the video, he can be heard whimpering and screaming as officers cuff him and attempt to strap him into the restraint device.
The body camera footage is limited because, during the struggle with Hankins, one officer’s camera fell to the floor and deactivated, police testified.
Hankins died in February 2019, at the Concord Homeless Shelter at 2047 Arnold Industrial Way. Workers there called police to report Hankins was behaving erratically. The video captures the moment when officers enter the shelter and come face-to-face with Hankins, who is staggering and appears delirious.
The officers each grab one of Hankins’ arms and begin to pull him to the ground. He tenses up and refuses to put his hands behind his back, as officers attempt to force him down.
“There was absolutely no force,” Concord Officer David Greenfield, who was present, testified at an inquest hearing for Hankins last November. “It’s been referred to as a ‘takedown,’ but it wasn’t even a takedown. It was an escort, if anything.”
Eventually, officers get Hankins on the ground and cuff him, then begin strapping on the device. At this time, Hankins’ head begins to turn red, and he goes unconscious.
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A small business was wrecked in raid by LAPD SWAT team, but city won’t pay for damage Crime and Public Safety | Why the independent Oakland Police Commission may be coming apart at the seams In November, a coroner’s inquest jury ruled Hankins’ death an accident. The jury took seven minutes to make the decision. The jury’s ruling is the official cause of death but carries no civil or criminal liability.
Per Contra Costa County protocol, all deaths involving police officers are reviewed by a coroner’s inquest jury in a public hearing. This includes police chases, shootings and use-of-force deaths, as well as natural deaths that occur when someone is in jail or in police custody. The juries are asked to pick one of four causes of death: natural causes, suicide, accident or at the hands of another, not by accident.
The body camera footage was obtained through a public records request by Bay Area News Group. It is graphic, and can be viewed below:


mercurynews--2020-04-30--Coronavirus: Repurposing drugs to protect human cells

If our cells could fend off the new coronavirus , it doesn ’ t matter how awful it is .
The virus dies .
End of story .
That simple fact is behind an ambitious drug-hunting project led by UC San Francisco molecular biologist Nevan Krogan .
On Thursday , Krogan ’ s team of 120 international scientists announced the discovery of dozens of existing drugs that , if repurposed , could block entry or replication of the COVID-19 virus in human cells .
The research is published in the most recent issue of the journal Nature .
Their strategy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to create antiviral drugs like remdesivir , which attack the virus ’ s internal machinery .
That effort is focusing on the virus .
Krogan ’ s team is focusing , instead , on us .
Can the drugs help lock and bolt the cellular door to its entry ?
Or starve or chase it out ?
That ’ s what they hope to learn .
“ The virus itself can not live by itself .
It can not replicate by itself .
It needs our cells , our genes , our proteins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said at a Thursday press briefing.
“ So it ’ d be very advantageous to understand the human genes and proteins that the virus needs.
” The concept , he said , is “ targeting the human counterparts and vulnerabilities required for viral infection in a human cell.
” Already , there are several promising candidates .
They are now slated for further investigation , and perhaps human trials .
The scientists also discovered something far more disconcerting : a popular over-the-counter cold medicine that actually helps the virus .
The studies are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people .
But dextromethorphan , used in cough syrup , tablets and capsules , caused the coronavirus to multiply .
“ Obviously , if you have COVID-19 , you ’ re coughing and you ’ re reaching on the shelf for the cough syrup , ” said Krogan , director of the Quantitative Biosciences Institute at UCSF and a senior investigator at Gladstone Institutes .
“ It actually appears to be ‘ pro viral ’ in the laboratory…it actually makes the virus grow better .
“ We ’ re not necessarily recommending that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .
But “ if I had COVID-19 , I would think twice about using some of these cough syrups until more information was available to us.
” Normally , Krogan ’ s lab studies how disease genes interact with proteins in the human body .
But the news of a community-acquired COVID-19 in a woman hospitalized at Mountain View ’ s El Camino Hospital alarmed him .
It told him that the virus could be widespread .
He re-aligned the focus of his lab and reached out to dozens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York , Institut Pasteur in Paris and elsewhere .
He came up with a schedule of lab shifts to work around the clock while maintaining at least six feet of space between colleagues , according to a report in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences .
Although a mass spectrometer broke down and the group failed to synthesize three viral proteins , the last pieces of data—revealing which host proteins interacted with viral proteins—came in just as the lab shut down to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ orders .
In just a few weeks , Krogan and his collaborators purified 26 of the virus ’ s 29 proteins and identified more than 300 proteins in our cells that the virus uses to enter , infect and multiply .
They started sorting through chemical libraries of existing drugs that could be candidates for treatment .
UCSF researchers Brian Shoichet , professor of pharmaceutical chemistry , and Kevan Shokat , professor of cellular and molecular pharmacology and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator , led studies that enlisted chemical biology and computational @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many are already in the development pipeline or in clinical trials for other diseases .
Nearly 25 are already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration .
Repurposing existing medications is faster than developing a new drug from scratch .
• Coronavirus : Apple CEO Tim Cook says company is in its ‘ most challenging ’ economic environment ever Moreover , repurposed drugs have already been through safety trials , proving that medicine won ’ t cause death .
Some are already in production ; if effective against COVID-19 , it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the demand .
There are therapeutic advantages to this human-focused approach , he said .
Unlike antiviral drugs that attack the virus , drugs that target the human cells are less likely to induce viral resistance .
“ The problem with developing a drug against the virus… it mutates quickly , you can get resistance , ” he said .
“ If you target a human protein that virus needs , you don ’ t have to worry so much.
” It would also offer hope for the next coronavirus that comes our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different viruses target similar human genes and proteins , ” he said , “ so if we can come up with a therapy here , a treatment that works for COVID-19 , it potentially could work for COVID-22 , COVID-24 , and other viruses as well .
”

If our cells could fend off the new coronavirus, it doesn’t matter how awful it is. The virus dies. End of story.
That simple fact is behind an ambitious drug-hunting project led by UC San Francisco molecular biologist Nevan Krogan.
On Thursday, Krogan’s team of 120 international scientists announced the discovery of dozens of existing drugs that, if repurposed, could block entry or replication of the COVID-19 virus in human cells. The research is published in the most recent issue of the journal Nature.
Their strategy is very different from the approach used to create antiviral drugs like remdesivir, which attack the virus’s internal machinery.
That effort is focusing on the virus. Krogan’s team is focusing, instead, on us.
Can the drugs help lock and bolt the cellular door to its entry? Or starve or chase it out? That’s what they hope to learn.
“The virus itself cannot live by itself. It cannot replicate by itself. It needs our cells, our genes, our proteins in order to live,” Krogan said at a Thursday press briefing. “So it’d be very advantageous to understand the human genes and proteins that the virus needs.”
The concept, he said, is “targeting the human counterparts and vulnerabilities required for viral infection in a human cell.”
Already, there are several promising candidates. They are now slated for further investigation, and perhaps human trials.
The scientists also discovered something far more disconcerting: a popular over-the-counter cold medicine that actually helps the virus. The studies are just in a lab, not in people. But dextromethorphan, used in cough syrup, tablets and capsules, caused the coronavirus to multiply.
“Obviously, if you have COVID-19, you’re coughing and you’re reaching on the shelf for the cough syrup,” said Krogan, director of the Quantitative Biosciences Institute at UCSF and a senior investigator at Gladstone Institutes. “It actually appears to be ‘pro viral’ in the laboratory. … It actually makes the virus grow better.
“We’re not necessarily recommending that everybody stop taking dextromethorphan, for sure,” he said. But “if I had COVID-19, I would think twice about using some of these cough syrups until more information was available to us.”
Normally, Krogan’s lab studies how disease genes interact with proteins in the human body.
But the news of a community-acquired COVID-19 case in a woman hospitalized at Mountain View’s El Camino Hospital alarmed him. It told him that the virus could be widespread.
He realigned the focus of his lab and reached out to dozens of other scientists and clinicians at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, Institut Pasteur in Paris and elsewhere.
He came up with a schedule of lab shifts to work around the clock while maintaining at least six feet of space between colleagues, according to a report in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Although a mass spectrometer broke down and the group failed to synthesize three viral proteins, the last pieces of data—revealing which host proteins interacted with viral proteins—came in just as the lab shut down to comply with the state’s shelter-in-place orders.
In just a few weeks, Krogan and his collaborators purified 26 of the virus’s 29 proteins and identified more than 300 proteins in our cells that the virus uses to enter, infect and multiply.
They started sorting through chemical libraries of existing drugs that could be candidates for treatment. UCSF researchers Brian Shoichet, professor of pharmaceutical chemistry, and Kevan Shokat, professor of cellular and molecular pharmacology and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator, led studies that enlisted chemical biology and computational analyses.
Of 69 potential drugs, many are already in the development pipeline or in clinical trials for other diseases. Nearly 25 are already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Repurposing existing medications is faster than developing a new drug from scratch.
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There are therapeutic advantages to this human-focused approach, he said. Unlike antiviral drugs that attack the virus, drugs that target the human cells are less likely to induce viral resistance.
“The problem with developing a drug against the virus … it mutates quickly, you can get resistance,” he said. “If you target a human protein that virus needs, you don’t have to worry so much.”
It would also offer hope for the next coronavirus that comes our way, he added.
“Many different viruses target similar human genes and proteins,” he said, “so if we can come up with a therapy here, a treatment that works for COVID-19, it potentially could work for COVID-22, COVID-24, and other viruses as well.”


mercurynews--2020-04-30--COVID-19: South Bay cities ask county for “accelerated action” on testing

A consortium of South Bay city leaders are asking Santa Clara County officials to step up COVID-19 testing and contract tracing so schools and the economy could safely reopen , but the county executive cautioned against the idea of quick fixes , saying that addressing the pandemic will take “ two to three years.
” In a letter from the Cities Association of Santa Clara County , mayors and councilmembers of all 15 cities in the county requested “ accelerated action to ramp up testing ” from the county Board of Supervisors , Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked county officials to identify a threshold in “ unambiguous , quantitative terms ” for the frequency of testing needed “ to safely reopen schools and most businesses in our county , ” the letter said .
But Smith said that while officials are aiming to increase the daily testing across the county to 3,000 or 4,000 per day , it would be incorrect to pin hopes on testing numbers because many layered decisions must be made before shelter-in-place rules can be relaxed .
“ It ’ s not really that you get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gets opened up again , it ’ s not a single target , ” Smith said .
Smith also noted that the shortage of testing is “ frustrating ” because it ’ s a problem grounded in a lack of national and international preparedness for a pandemic of this scale , so there are supply bottlenecks for test kits and chemicals as “ everyone and their brother ” is trying to obtain them .
“ So right now we ’ re at a point where , we ’ re clearly as a state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind the eight ball in the sense of wanting to have more testing capacity than what ’ s actually available , ” he said .
The mayors on the letter — including Sam Liccardo of San Jose , Rich Tran of Milpitas , and Larry Klein of Sunnyvale — offered their cities ’ staff time to support the county , and asked county officials to consider forming a testing “ task force , ” similar to one Gov .
Gavin Newsom announced .
They also requested the county “ make a comprehensive list @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including a description of the specific tests offered , ” and “ identify the number of persons sufficient to deploy ample contact-tracing teams for a safe reopening of the economy.
” Smith said those kinds of considerations have been under discussion for weeks at the county level , but said it will take more than just a certain number of tests and a certain number of contact tracers to address the issue .
As testing ramps up , he estimates about 600 people would need to be dedicated to the task , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ training ” to contact trace throughout the county .
He also said there would need to be a major network of support services and resources available to help people affected by possible quarantine mandates , to ensure they have safe places to stay and that their families have enough food and supplies .
“ We ’ re setting up the process right now of identifying that , and certainly the cities and their efforts would be more than welcome in order to make that happen , ” he said .
“ Once we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s much more detailed work with a much longer timeline than everybody would like .
It ’ ll take a lot of effort and a lot of patience in order to accomplish what needs to happen , so although we would like to have a trigger that says once we ’ ve done X , Y , Z , it ’ s done , it ’ s not going to be like that , ” Smith said .
“ We ’ re going to be dealing with COVID for the next many , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two or three years .
We ’ ll just get better at dealing with it , ” he added .
The city leaders said they want the county to say whether it needs their help “ identifying unemployed residents able to undergo training to support testing or contact tracing activities , ” and to tell them how many .
“ Although the county is best positioned to lead , we stand ready to contribute , ” the letter said .
“ We ’ re really looking forward to working with the cities as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re certainly going to take advantage of their offer , ” Smith said .
“ I understand people are in a hurry and they want to see a solution rapidly , all I can say is that ’ s not the way pandemics work .
They have slow , tedious timelines , and they don ’ t end instantaneously , ” Smith said .
“ It ’ s going to take a lot of dedicated time from a lot of people , ” he said , “ and we ’ re nowhere @ @ @ @ @

A consortium of South Bay city leaders are asking Santa Clara County officials to step up COVID-19 testing and contract tracing so schools and the economy can safely reopen, but the county executive cautioned against the idea of quick fixes, saying that addressing the pandemic will take “two to three years.”
In a letter from the Cities Association of Santa Clara County, mayors and councilmembers of all 15 cities in the county requested “accelerated action to ramp up testing” from the county Board of Supervisors, Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody and County Executive Jeff Smith.
The group asked county officials to identify a threshold in “unambiguous, quantitative terms” for the frequency of testing needed “to safely reopen schools and most businesses in our county,” the letter said.
But Smith said that while officials are aiming to increase the daily testing across the county to 3,000 or 4,000 per day, it would be incorrect to pin hopes on testing numbers because many layered decisions must be made before shelter-in-place rules can be relaxed.
“It’s not really that you get to a certain number and suddenly everything gets opened up again; it’s not a single target,” Smith said.
Smith also noted that the shortage of testing is “frustrating” because it’s a problem grounded in a lack of national and international preparedness for a pandemic of this scale, so there are supply bottlenecks for test kits and chemicals as “everyone and their brother” is trying to obtain them.
“So right now we’re at a point where, we’re clearly as a state — and basically all the states — behind the eight ball in the sense of wanting to have more testing capacity than what’s actually available,” he said.
The mayors on the letter — including Sam Liccardo of San Jose, Rich Tran of Milpitas, and Larry Klein of Sunnyvale — offered their cities’ staff time to support the county and asked county officials to consider forming a testing “task force,” similar to one Gov. Gavin Newsom announced.
They also requested the county “make a comprehensive list of testing sites available to the public, including a description of the specific tests offered,” and “identify the number of persons sufficient to deploy ample contact-tracing teams for a safe reopening of the economy.”
Smith said those kinds of considerations have been under discussion for weeks at the county level but said it will take more than just a certain number of tests and a certain number of contact tracers to address the issue.
As testing ramps up, he estimates about 600 people would need to be dedicated to the task, working full time after undergoing “significant training” to contact trace throughout the county.
He also said there would need to be a major network of support services and resources available to help people affected by possible quarantine mandates, to ensure they have safe places to stay and that their families have enough food and supplies.
“We’re setting up the process right now of identifying that, and certainly the cities and their efforts would be more than welcome in order to make that happen,” he said.
“Once we transition to contact tracing, it’s much more detailed work with a much longer timeline than everybody would like. It’ll take a lot of effort and a lot of patience in order to accomplish what needs to happen, so although we would like to have a trigger that says once we’ve done X,Y,Z, it’s done, it’s not going to be like that,” Smith said.
“We’re going to be dealing with COVID for the next many, many months, in my opinion, two or three years. We’ll just get better at dealing with it,” he added.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Economy | California COVID cases are rising. Here’s why and where health experts are masking The city leaders said they want the county to say whether it needs their help “identifying unemployed residents able to undergo training to support testing or contact tracing activities,” and to tell them how many.
“Although the county is best positioned to lead, we stand ready to contribute,” the letter said.
“We’re really looking forward to working with the cities as we do on other major problems … and we’re certainly going to take advantage of their offer,” Smith said.
“I understand people are in a hurry and they want to see a solution rapidly. All I can say is that’s not the way pandemics work. They have slow, tedious timelines, and they don’t end instantaneously,” Smith said.
“It’s going to take a lot of dedicated time from a lot of people,” he said, “and we’re nowhere near the end.”


mercurynews--2020-04-30--VP Pence, masked this time, tours a ventilator plant

Vice President Mike Pence donned a face covering Thursday as he toured a General Motors/Ventec ventilator production facility in Indiana after coming under fire for failing to wear one earlier this week in violation of Mayo Clinic policy .
The facility in Kokomo had been closed because of the coronavirus but was brought back online in mid-April to produce critical care ventilators for hospitals around the country .
General Motors requires workers to wear masks in the plant ’ s production area , according to spokesman Jim Cain .
Pence removed the mask , however , for a roundtable with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mary Barra and Ventec CEO Chris Kiple .
None of the participants wore face coverings .
Pence ’ s visit to the factory came hours after his wife , Karen Pence , defended her husband ’ s decision to not wear a mask during a Tuesday visit to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester , Minnesota .
Mrs. Pence told Fox News Channel that he had been unaware of the hospital ’ s coronavirus policy during the visit and that the vice president has been following the advice of medical experts .
Pence , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is tested for the virus at least once a week .
“ As our medical experts have told us , wearing a mask prevents you from spreading the disease .
And knowing that he doesn ’ t have COVID-19 , he didn ’ t wear one , ” Mrs. Pence said , adding that it “ was actually after he left Mayo Clinic that he found out that they had a policy of asking everyone to wear a mask.
” “ So , you know , someone who ’ s worked on this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not someone who would have done anything to offend anyone or hurt anyone or scare anyone , ” she said .
The Mayo Clinic had earlier tweeted — then deleted — that it had informed the vice president of its “ masking policy prior to his arrival.
” “ Mayo shared the masking policy with the VP ’ s office , ” the health care system later said .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that Americans wear cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supermarkets , especially in areas of significant community-based transmission .
President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed discomfort about mask-wearing , saying he did not intend to wear one when the CDC ’ s recommendations were unveiled .
But he said Thursday that he would be open to wearing one when he travels to Arizona next week .
“ I ’ m going to have to look at the climate , ” he said , telling reporters , “ I ’ d have no problem wearing a mask.
” Still he queried reporters about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one while delivering a speech .
“ Should I speak in the mask ?
” he asked .
“ You ’ re going to have to tell me if that ’ s politically correct .
I don ’ t know .
If it is , I ’ ll speak in a mask.
” Trump ’ s has openly flouted political norms and taken pride in his political incorrectness .
Footage of Pence ’ s tour of the Mayo Clinic earlier this week showed him bare-faced as he met with an employee who had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone else in the room appeared to be wearing one .
He also participated in a roundtable discussion in which every participant , from Food and Drug Administration chief Stephen Hahn to the state ’ s governor , wore a mask except for him .
Pence explained his decision that day by stressing that he has been frequently tested for the virus .
“ As vice president of the United States I ’ m tested for the coronavirus on a regular basis , and everyone who is around me is tested for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And since I don ’ t have the coronavirus , I thought it ’ d be a good opportunity for me to be here , to be able to speak to these researchers , these incredible health care personnel , and look them in the eye and say ‘ thank you . '
” But even with a mask , Pence would have been able to look health care workers in the eye because one only covers the nose and mouth .
• Coronavirus : Apple CEO Tim Cook says company is in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever People who enter the White House complex have their temperature taken , and those who will be in close proximity to the president and the vice president are given rapid COVID-19 tests to ensure they ’ re not infectious .
Senior staff also are given tests on a rolling basis so that infections are quickly detected .
Associated Press writers Kevin Freking in Washington and Tom Krisher in Detroit contributed to this report .

[vemba-video id=”van/ns-acc/2020/04/30/NA-53TH_CNNA-ST1-1000000005c4260f”]
By Jill Colvin | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — This time, he wore a mask.
Vice President Mike Pence donned a face covering Thursday as he toured a General Motors/Ventec ventilator production facility in Indiana after coming under fire for failing to wear one earlier this week in violation of Mayo Clinic policy.
The facility in Kokomo had been closed because of the coronavirus but was brought back online in mid-April to produce critical care ventilators for hospitals around the country. General Motors requires workers to wear masks in the plant’s production area, according to spokesman Jim Cain.
Pence removed the mask, however, for a roundtable with top officials, including General Motors CEO Mary Barra and Ventec CEO Chris Kiple. None of the participants wore face coverings.
Pence’s visit to the factory came hours after his wife, Karen Pence, defended her husband’s decision to not wear a mask during a Tuesday visit to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
Mrs. Pence told Fox News Channel that he had been unaware of the hospital’s coronavirus policy during the visit and that the vice president has been following the advice of medical experts. Pence, like other senior White House staff, is tested for the virus at least once a week.
“As our medical experts have told us, wearing a mask prevents you from spreading the disease. And knowing that he doesn’t have COVID-19, he didn’t wear one,” Mrs. Pence said, adding that it “was actually after he left Mayo Clinic that he found out that they had a policy of asking everyone to wear a mask.”
“So, you know, someone who’s worked on this whole task force for over two months is not someone who would have done anything to offend anyone or hurt anyone or scare anyone,” she said.
The Mayo Clinic had earlier tweeted — then deleted — that it had informed the vice president of its “masking policy prior to his arrival.”
“Mayo shared the masking policy with the VP’s office,” the health care system later said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that Americans wear cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, such as in supermarkets, especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed discomfort about mask-wearing, saying he did not intend to wear one when the CDC’s recommendations were unveiled. But he said Thursday that he would be open to wearing one when he travels to Arizona next week.
“I’m going to have to look at the climate,” he said, telling reporters, “I’d have no problem wearing a mask.”
Still he queried reporters about whether it would be appropriate to wear one while delivering a speech.
“Should I speak in the mask?” he asked. “You’re going to have to tell me if that’s politically correct. I don’t know. If it is, I’ll speak in a mask.” Trump’s has openly flouted political norms and taken pride in his political incorrectness.
Footage of Pence’s tour of the Mayo Clinic earlier this week showed him bare-faced as he met with an employee who had recovered from the virus, even though everyone else in the room appeared to be wearing one. He also participated in a roundtable discussion in which every participant, from Food and Drug Administration chief Stephen Hahn to the state’s governor, wore a mask except for him.
Pence explained his decision that day by stressing that he has been frequently tested for the virus.
“As vice president of the United States I’m tested for the coronavirus on a regular basis, and everyone who is around me is tested for the coronavirus,” Pence said. “And since I don’t have the coronavirus, I thought it’d be a good opportunity for me to be here, to be able to speak to these researchers, these incredible health care personnel, and look them in the eye and say ‘thank you.'”
But even with a mask, Pence would have been able to look health care workers in the eye because one only covers the nose and mouth.
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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 People who enter the White House complex have their temperature taken, and those who will be in close proximity to the president and the vice president are given rapid COVID-19 tests to ensure they’re not infectious.
Senior staff also are given tests on a rolling basis so that infections are quickly detected.
Associated Press writers Kevin Freking in Washington and Tom Krisher in Detroit contributed to this report.