mercurynews--2020-03-16--The Latest: IRC starts $30M campaign to aid vulnerable areas

By The Associated Press The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic , which has infected more than 180,000 people and killed more than 7,100 .
The COVID-19 illness causes mild or moderate symptoms but most people , but severe symptoms are more likely in the elderly or people with existing health problems .
More than 78,000 people have recovered from it so far , mostly in China .
The International Rescue Committee is launching an emergency campaign to raise $ 30 million to help refugees , people displaced in their own countries and those living in nations with weak health systems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President and CEO David Miliband said that “ while coronavirus is a serious threat where there is a health system , its dangers are magnified in communities where there is no such system.
” He said in a statement that “ refugees , families displaced from their homes , and those living in crisis will be hit the hardest by this outbreak.
” COVID-19 is now confirmed in crisis-affected countries where the IRC operates like Afghanistan , Iraq , Burkina Faso and Venezuela , Miliband said , warning that the virus “ will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Syria , putting the lives of thousands of civilians in even more danger.
” A Pennsylvania distillery owner who grew increasingly angry as he saw the skyrocketing price of hand sanitizer has decided to temporarily convert his operation into a production line for the suddenly hard-to-find , alcohol-based disinfectant .
Eight Oaks Farm Distillery filled its first 20 bottles Monday , a batch destined for charitable groups that need hand sanitizer but haven ’ t been able to get it because of the coronavirus outbreak .
The family-owned distillery plans to dramatically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bottles to charities as well as offer them online and at farmers markets where it sells its spirits .
The price : Whatever people decide to donate .
Other distilleries are also putting their spirits to work to help fill the shortage of hand sanitizers .
Green Mountain Distillers is Morrisville , Vermont , is giving away a hand sanitizing solution and Durham Distillery in Durham , North Carolina , is donating one to hospitality colleagues , using high-proof alcohol and other ingredients .
Health officials report that six more people have died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , bringing the death toll there to 48 .
King County officials said Monday that the latest victims ranged in age from 50 to a woman in her 90s who was a resident of nursing center in Redmond .
None was identified as being a resident of the Life Care Center in Kirkland , which has been the epicenter of the virus in the state .
Washington has nearly two-thirds of the total coronavirus deaths in the United States .
The governor of the only U.S. state without a confirmed case of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency so certain rules on personnel and purchasing could be waived .
West Virginia Gov .
Jim Justice said Monday that he doesn ’ t want the state to be “ asleep at the switch ” because it hasn ’ t had a positive test .
Justice has repeatedly said the virus is likely in the state but is undetected because of a national lack of testing .
U.S. Sen Joe Manchin , a Democrat , echoed concerns about the small amount of available testing .
“ If it gets a hold of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have the health care in order to defend ourselves .
It could be devastating , ” he said in a conference call .
About 20 % of West Virginia ’ s population is over age 65 , one of the highest rates in the nation .
President Donald Trump says the United States “ may be ” headed toward a recession as the economy continues to be battered amid the coronavirus outbreak .
Trump spoke to reporters Monday at a White House briefing as cases in the U.S. continue to spike .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is on stemming the virus .
Once the spread of the virus is stopped , Trump said he believes the U.S. economy will see a “ tremendous , tremendous surge.
” The president also is pledging federal support for airlines struggling because of the pandemic , saying he ’ s “ going to back the airlines 100 % .
” Trump also says governors that need ventilators , respirators , masks and other equipment for medical professionals should first try to acquire the items on their own before turning to the federal government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions on how far from their homes people can go and for what purpose as part of the country ’ s strategy to stop the spread of the new coronavirus .
French President Emmanuel Macron said “ movements will be very strongly reduced ” for 15 days starting at midday Tuesday .
He says residents will only be permitted to leave their homes for necessary trips such as going to work or the supermarket .
Macron said in televised remarks that the government decided to order the restrictions because people haven ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ we are at war.
” Officials in six San Francisco Bay area counties have issued a shelter-in-place mandate affecting nearly 7 million people .
The order issued Monday says residents must stay inside and venture out only for necessities for three weeks starting Tuesday in a desperate attempt by officials to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus .
The order affects the counties of San Francisco , Marin , Santa Clara , San Mateo , Alameda and Contra Costa , as well as the city of Berkeley .
People should work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as public safety , sanitation and health care .
Top public health officials are urging Americans to abide by new recommendations aimed at halting the spread of the coronavirus that will dramatically alter American life .
The White House is urging all older Americans and those with underlying health conditions to stay home and away from other people .
And it is recommending that all Americans work from home , avoid bars and restaurants , and avoid social gatherings or groups of more than ten people .
National Institute of Allergy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recommendations are commensurate to the crisis and warns that , “ They will fail if people don ’ t adhere to them ” Trump says the U.S. could be coping with the virus until July or August , ” and maybe “ longer than that.
” The United Nations says its teams around the world are working with government authorities to help prepare and respond to the coronavirus pandemic , including providing full-time staff , fast-tracking procurement of essential items and helping get emergency funding including from the World Bank .
U.N. spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of children , young people and adults are not attending schools or university because of the COVID-19 virus .
UNESCO says 56 countries have closed schools nationwide , affecting more than 516 million children and youth .
Dujarric says the U.N. World Food Program said Monday it is providing $ 500,000 worth of ventilators and oxygenation equipment to help China ’ s frontline hospitals in Hubei , where the COVID-19 outbreak began , to treat critically ill patients .
Sirens blared across Puerto Rico ’ s busiest beaches as police cleared hundreds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s coast in a crackdown on people violating a newly imposed curfew aimed at curbing the new coronavirus .
Using loudspeakers , police in patrol cars ordered people off the beach Monday : “ Please stay at home .
Governor ’ s executive orders .
The beach is closed.
” The sweep surprised many tourists in the capital of San Juan , some of whom disregarded orders to stay inside their hotels on a sunny day .
Other tourists heeded the warnings and shuffled back to their hotels , many carrying take-out meals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government says that it has decided to bar entry to all foreigners starting Wednesday .
Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced the decision Monday to deny entry to all foreign nationals starting from Wednesday until May 1 .
The decision will not apply to diplomats , foreigners permanently staying in Russia , plane and ship crews and truck drivers .
Actor Idris Elba says he has tested positive for the coronavirus .
Elba tweeted Monday that he has no symptoms so far and has been isolated since Friday when he found out about his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high profile celebrity to have tested positive for the virus .
Last week , Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson said they had also tested positively in Australia .
Elba in a video message said that his wife has not been tested yet but is feeling OK. “ This is serious .
Now ’ s really the time to think about social distancing , washing your hands , ” Elba said .
With the coronavirus spreading , people can ’ t be blamed for wanting an island hideout .
One island in Maine has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ welcome .
The North Haven Select Board voted Sunday to ban visitors and seasonal residents immediately to prevent the spread of the coronavirus to the Penobscot Bay island , where there have been no cases yet .
Maine has 15 islands reachable only by boat or airplane that are inhabited year-round .
Rob Snyder from the Island Institute said North Haven is the only one so far to resort to such a drastic measure to protect islanders from the virus .
The town , which has a year-round population of about 375 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s so small that it could be overwhelmed if people become sick .
The town has only one medical clinic and the emergency medical technicians are all volunteers .
The lead U.S. agency handling the coronavirus outbreak says it is investigating a potential cyber incident .
Federal agencies are under continual cyberattack , and the Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement Monday that it had put extra protections in place as it prepared to deal with the coronavirus .
Spokeswoman Caitlin Oakley said in a statement that the department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant increase in activity on HHS cyber infrastructure and are fully operational as we actively investigate the matter.
” HHS said it ’ s coordinating with federal law enforcement to find out what happened .
A day after the Dutch government sparked panic buying of pot from the country ’ s famed weed-selling coffee shops by announcing they had to close for three weeks , authorities said the shops can reopen — but only for takeaway sales .
People hoping to stock up on weed formed long queues outside coffee shops across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bars , restaurants and coffee shops closed for three weeks in an effort to tackle the spread of the coronavirus .
In a clarification of the closure order , the government said Monday that restaurants and coffee shops can remain open “ for orders that are to be picked up.
” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he will close the border anyone not a citizen or a permanent resident amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Trudeau announced the move Monday outside his residence , where is self-isolating after his wife tested positive for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Canadians to say home as much as possible amid the pandemic .
Trudeau says his government will restrict flights to Canada to airports in four major cities .
Canada is mandating air carriers to screen passengers with symptoms of the novel coronavirus out of lines so they don ’ t board planes home .
He said the country is taking “ increasingly aggressive steps ” to keep everyone safe .
Britain is dramatically ramping up measures to combat the new coronavirus , telling U.K. residents to avoid “ all unnecessary contact ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says people should work from home whenever possible and avoid pubs , theaters and restaurants .
If anyone in a household has a fever or persistent cough , everyone there should stay at home for 14 days .
He said that these new restrictions are “ particularly important ” for people over 70 , pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions .
Johnson said the most vulnerable should be shielded from social contact for 12 weeks starting this weekend .
Until Monday , the U.K. had resisted taking some of the tough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But Johnson said that the “ without drastic action ” cases of the virus in the U.K. could double every five to six days .
The multimillion-dollar effort to reconstruct Paris ’ Notre Dame cathedral is being suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The former French army chief who French President Emmanuel Macron chose to lead the yearslong restoration project announced the decision Monday .
The public restoration body Gen. Jean-Louis Georgelin oversees says the general believed safety measures against the coronavirus put in place , such as “ minimum security distances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to continue restoration work at this stage .
On Monday , Paris parks such as the historic Buttes Chaumont created by Emperor Napoleon III in 1867 will also close to the public as the city restricts its population ’ s movement to contain the COVID-19 crisis .
The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute ’ s Department of Science Education .
The AP is solely responsible for all content .

By The Associated Press
The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has infected more than 182,000 people and killed more than 7,100. The COVID-19 illness causes mild or moderate symptoms but most people, but severe symptoms are more likely in the elderly or people with existing health problems. More than 79,000 people have recovered from it so far, mostly in China.
___
A South Korean province surrounding Seoul has threatened to shut down nearly 140 churches that have failed to implement preventive measures amid a spread of the coronavirus in the country’s most populous metropolitan region.
Gyeonggi Province said Tuesday that it has issued an administrative order for the churches to list the names of attendants, screen them for fever and ensure that they wear masks and are at least 2 meters apart during services until March 29. The province can close the churches and fine them as much as $2,400 if they fail to abide by the order.
More than 70 of the province’s COVID-19 cases have been connected to gatherings at Protestant churches. Forty-six of the infections have come from a small church in the city of Seongnam, where officials possibly worsened infections by using the same spray bottle to inject saltwater into the mouths of followers in an ill-advised effort to disinfect them.
South Korea has confirmed 84 new cases of the virus and six more deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing its total numbers to 8,320 infections and 81 fatalities.
___
Sri Lanka says it will add more quarantine centers to help fight the coronavirus in the Indian Ocean island nation.
Army commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva said Tuesday that 23 army vacation bungalows will be used as quarantine centers for a group of travelers who arrived recently from London.
The government, meanwhile, said it has imposed new measures to limit gatherings. Court cases to be taken up from March 17 to 20 will not be called in open courts. The public can obtain information on their cases at courts in the first week of April.
Sri Lanka has confirmed 28 cases of the virus, with no deaths so far.
___
Ohio’s top health official halted the state’s presidential primary over concerns about the coronavirus, hours before voting was to begin.
Gov. Mike DeWine announced the decision after failing to persuade a judge to delay in-person voting because crowds at polling places Tuesday could put people at unacceptable risk of catching and spreading the virus.
DeWine’s office later confirmed Dr. Amy Acton had issued the order.
Officials in Arizona, Florida and Illinois felt they had done enough to ensure the safety of voters, even though there may be too few poll workers and some poll locations have changed. Georgia, Kentucky and Louisiana have postponed their scheduled primaries.
Turnout is already expected to be light as only the Democrats have a contested primary, between Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders.
___
The Philippine Stock Exchange was closed with no trading Tuesday after the president placed the northern part of the country including Manila in quarantine.
The exchange’s CEO said the end of trading activity would be “until further notice.”
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte placed the northern third of the country under an “enhanced community quarantine” that requires millions of people to stay mostly at home in an attempt to contain the coronavirus.
Most office work and mass transit on Luzon Island, including Manila, will be suspended for a month. Public movement will be restricted and large gatherings banned except for medical and other emergencies.
Banks, hospitals, drugstores and supermarkets will remain open but only one family member can make such trips and should observe “social distancing.”
The Philippines has 140 cases of infection. The 12 deaths due to COVID-19 are the most in Southeast Asia.
Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri said he had tested positive for the virus, becoming the highest Philippine official to be infected.
___
President Nicolás Maduro has ordered the entire nation of Venezuela to stay home under a quarantine aimed at cutting off the spread of the new coronavirus.
The socialist leader’s directive in a national TV broadcast Monday came a day after first telling residents in the capital of Caracas and six other states to remain home. He called the latest move a “drastic and necessary measure” to halt the devastation of Venezuela.
Venezuela is especially vulnerable with poorly supplied hospitals amid the once-wealthy nation’s social and economic collapse.
Venezuela announced its first two cases on Friday. Three days later, Maduro now says the number has risen to 33.
Officials in Argentina have confirmed that its chief diplomat in Caracas is among the newly diagnosed cases.
The streets of Caracas under the first day of the initial quarantine were deserted and most businesses were closed.
___
New Zealand’s government said Tuesday it would spend billions of dollars supporting hard-hit companies as it tries to shore up an economy headed for recession because of the new coronavirus.
The stimulus package is equivalent to 4% of GDP. A large chunk of the new spending will go to businesses that have lost more than 30% of their income as a result of the downturn. Other money will go toward health costs, income support, and the airline industry.
Finance Minister Grant Robertson said a recession in New Zealand is now almost certain and would likely be more severe than the downturn after the 2008 global financial crisis.
The government currently has a net debt level much lower than many other countries that gives it room to borrow.
New Zealand has so far been largely spared from the disease itself, with only eight confirmed cases of COVID-19. But many parts of the economy have already been hard it, especially the tourism industry, the nation’s single largest earner of foreign income.
The government is also requiring nearly every new arrival to quarantine themselves for two weeks, effectively halting the flow of tourists.
___
South Korea has reported 84 new cases and six more deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing its total numbers to 8,320 cases and 81 deaths.
Infections continued to slow in the worst-hit city of Daegu, where 32 new cases were reported. The city’s daily increase of COVID-19 infections has been in the double digits since last Thursday after averaging around 500 new cases per day in early March.
But there’s concern growing over a steady rise of infections in the Seoul metropolitan area, where infection clusters have emerged around an insurance company call center, a number of churches and a computer gaming room. As of Tuesday, 558 cases have been confirmed in the capital and nearby Incheon and Gyeonggi province cities.
___
China recorded a slight increase in virus cases on Tuesday to 21, with 13 deaths, all but one in the hardest-hit province of Hubei where the outbreak began.
The country reported the first cases of the then-unidentified illness in December before COVID-19 grew into a pandemic with 181,000 cases across the world. China now accounts for less than half the world’s caseload and less than half of the global death toll.
___
Dollar General is dedicating the first hour of its daily store operations to senior citizens in response to the coronavirus.
The discount retailer with stores in 44 U.S. states said starting Tuesday, it is strongly encouraging younger customers to visit later in the day so seniors can shop early and avoid crowds.
“We appreciate our customers’ understanding of our decision and request they visit our stores later in the morning to allow at-risk populations the ability to purchase the items they need at affordable prices,” said Dollar General CEO Todd Vasos.
COVID-19 symptoms are mild for most people but the illness can be severe in older people and those with existing health problems.
___
The International Rescue Committee is launching an emergency campaign to raise $30 million to help refugees, people displaced in their own countries and those living in nations with weak health systems respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
IRC President and CEO David Miliband said that “while coronavirus is a serious threat where there is a health system, its dangers are magnified in communities where there is no such system.”
He said in a statement that “refugees, families displaced from their homes, and those living in crisis will be hit the hardest by this outbreak.”
COVID-19 is now confirmed in crisis-affected countries where the IRC operates like Afghanistan, Iraq, Burkina Faso and Venezuela, Miliband said, warning that the virus “will thrive in active war zones like Yemen and Syria, putting the lives of thousands of civilians in even more danger.”
___
A Pennsylvania distillery owner who grew increasingly angry as he saw the skyrocketing price of hand sanitizer has decided to temporarily convert his operation into a production line for the suddenly hard-to-find, alcohol-based disinfectant.
Eight Oaks Farm Distillery filled its first 20 bottles Monday, a batch destined for charitable groups that need hand sanitizer but haven’t been able to get it because of the coronavirus outbreak.
The family-owned distillery plans to dramatically boost production this week and distribute the bottles to charities as well as offer them online and at farmers markets where it sells its spirits. The price: Whatever people decide to donate.
Other distilleries are also putting their spirits to work to help fill the shortage of hand sanitizers. Green Mountain Distillers is Morrisville, Vermont, is giving away a hand sanitizing solution and Durham Distillery in Durham, North Carolina, is donating one to hospitality colleagues, using high-proof alcohol and other ingredients.
___
Health officials report that six more people have died of the new coronavirus in Washington state, bringing the death toll there to 48.
King County officials said Monday that the latest victims ranged in age from 50 to a woman in her 90s who was a resident of nursing center in Redmond. None was identified as being a resident of the Life Care Center in Kirkland, which has been the epicenter of the virus in the state.
Washington has nearly two-thirds of the total coronavirus deaths in the United States.
___
The governor of the only U.S. state without a confirmed case of the new coronavirus has declared a state of emergency so certain rules on personnel and purchasing could be waived.
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice said Monday that he doesn’t want the state to be “asleep at the switch” because it hasn’t had a positive test.
Justice has repeatedly said the virus is likely in the state but is undetected because of a national lack of testing.
U.S. Sen Joe Manchin, a Democrat, echoed concerns about the small amount of available testing.
“If it gets a hold of our state, we don’t have the health care in order to defend ourselves. It could be devastating,” he said in a conference call.
About 20% of West Virginia’s population is over age 65, one of the highest rates in the nation.
___
President Donald Trump says the United States “may be” headed toward a recession as the economy continues to be battered amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Trump spoke to reporters Monday at a White House briefing as cases in the U.S. continue to spike.
The president says his administration’s focus is on stemming the virus. Once the spread of the virus is stopped, Trump said he believes the U.S. economy will see a “tremendous, tremendous surge.”
The president also is pledging federal support for airlines struggling because of the pandemic, saying he’s “going to back the airlines 100%.”
Trump also says governors that need ventilators, respirators, masks and other equipment for medical professionals should first try to acquire the items on their own before turning to the federal government for help.
___
France is imposing nationwide restrictions on how far from their homes people can go and for what purpose as part of the country’s strategy to stop the spread of the new coronavirus.
French President Emmanuel Macron said “movements will be very strongly reduced” for 15 days starting at midday Tuesday.
He says residents will only be permitted to leave their homes for necessary trips such as going to work or the supermarket.
Macron said in televised remarks that the government decided to order the restrictions because people haven’t complied with earlier public health measures and “we are at war.”
___
Top public health officials are urging Americans to abide by new recommendations aimed at halting the spread of the coronavirus that will dramatically alter American life.
The White House is urging all older Americans and those with underlying health conditions to stay home and away from other people. And it is recommending that all Americans work from home, avoid bars and restaurants, and avoid social gatherings or groups of more than ten people.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci says the recommendations are commensurate to the crisis and warns that, “They will fail if people don’t adhere to them”
Trump says the U.S. could be coping with the virus until July or August,” and maybe “longer than that.”
___
Sirens blared across Puerto Rico’s busiest beaches as police cleared hundreds of tourists from the U.S. territory’s coast in a crackdown on people violating a newly imposed curfew aimed at curbing the new coronavirus.
Using loudspeakers, police in patrol cars ordered people off the beach Monday: “Please stay at home. Governor’s executive orders. The beach is closed.”
The sweep surprised many tourists in the capital of San Juan, some of whom disregarded orders to stay inside their hotels on a sunny day.
Other tourists heeded the warnings and shuffled back to their hotels, many carrying take-out meals before locking themselves in.
___
The Russian government says that it has decided to bar entry to all foreigners starting Wednesday.
Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced the decision Monday to deny entry to all foreign nationals starting from Wednesday until May 1.
The decision will not apply to diplomats, foreigners permanently staying in Russia, plane and ship crews and truck drivers.
___
Actor Idris Elba says he has tested positive for the coronavirus.
Elba tweeted Monday that he has no symptoms so far and has been isolated since Friday when he found out about his possible exposure.
Elba is the latest high profile celebrity to have tested positive for the virus. Last week, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson said they had also tested positively in Australia.
Elba in a video message said that his wife has not been tested yet but is feeling OK.
“This is serious. Now’s really the time to think about social distancing, washing your hands,” Elba said.
___
The lead U.S. agency handling the coronavirus outbreak says it is investigating a potential cyber incident.
Federal agencies are under continual cyberattack, and the Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement Monday that it had put extra protections in place as it prepared to deal with the coronavirus.
Spokeswoman Caitlin Oakley said in a statement that the department on Sunday “became aware of a significant increase in activity on HHS cyber infrastructure and are fully operational as we actively investigate the matter.”
HHS said it’s coordinating with federal law enforcement to find out what happened.
___
Britain is dramatically ramping up measures to combat the new coronavirus, telling U.K. residents to avoid “all unnecessary contact” with others.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson says people should work from home whenever possible and avoid pubs, theaters and restaurants. If anyone in a household has a fever or persistent cough, everyone there should stay at home for 14 days.
He said that these new restrictions are “particularly important” for people over 70, pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions. Johnson said the most vulnerable should be shielded from social contact for 12 weeks starting this weekend.
Until Monday, the U.K. had resisted taking some of the tough measures seen in other European countries. But Johnson said that the “without drastic action” cases of the virus in the U.K. could double every five to six days.
___
The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.


mercurynews--2020-03-16--Live updates: Bay Area’s coronavirus shutdown – Monday, March 16

The coronavirus outbreak is a quick-moving story , particularly in the Bay Area .
A new study from Columbia University underscored the importance of “ social distancing ” even when you ’ re not experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 .
The main drivers of spread have been infected people yet to display significant symptoms .
– Lisa Krieger , 2:25 p.m. Contra Costa County reported its number of cases has increased to 34 , though the county still has not recorded a death to coronavirus as of Monday afternoon .
-Rick Hurd , 2 p.m .
The stock market tanked yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in America and across the globe .
Monday was the worst day since Black Monday nearly 30 years , ago falling nearly 13 percent .
– Rex Crum , 1:57 p.m. Kaiser Permanente has opened some drive-thru coronavirus testing centers , including one in San Francisco , the company confirmed Monday .
But the centers are only available to Kaiser members .
– Fiona Kelliher , 12:53 p.m. Six Bay Area counties announced a “ shelter in place ” order beginning at midnight that will ban a significant amount of non-essential time outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ note that pharmacies , child care centers and grocery stores will remain open , along with many other essential businesses .
Residents are allowed to visit those businesses as needed .
Marin County Health Officer Matt Willis assured residents : “ You can still walk your dog.
” – John Wolfolk , 12 p.m. Major League Baseball pushed back its opening day into at least mid-May in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control ’ s nationwide recommendation that no events over 50 people be held for the next eight weeks .
– @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first stages of testing for a COVID-19 vaccine are underway .
Scientists at Kaiser Permanente in Seattle area gave an experimental vaccine to a volunteer Monday in the battle against the coronavirus .
– Associated Press , 11:16 a.m. • Editorial : Bay Area can slow COVID-19 pandemic if we remain united • The Latest : IRC starts $ 30M campaign to aid vulnerable areas Two additional San Jose firefighters have tested positive for COVID-19 , the city announced Monday , bringing the total of cases on the force to 10 .
– @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hiring 2,000 workers , with many openings in Northern California , as the grocery chain responds to demands from consumers during the coronavirus crisis .
– George Avalos , 10:41 a.m .
The National Football League canceled all of its live events surrounding next month ’ s draft in Las Vegas .
The league expects to continue on with performing its draft as scheduled April 23-25 .
– Gary Peterson , 9:23 a.m .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention produced a Q & A about the safety of restaurants and takeout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no evidence that food can transmit COVID-19 .

The coronavirus outbreak is a quick-moving story, particularly in the Bay Area.
Here’s a recounting of what’s happened Monday:
Two more people have died due to COVID-19 in Santa Clara County, officials announced early Monday evening. The deceased are two men — one in his 50s and another in his 80s, bringing the county’s death toll to four. – Jason Green, 6:10 p.m.
Santa Clara County announced 24 new cases of the novel coronavirus Monday afternoon, bringing the total in the county to 138. Of that total, 52 people are hospitalized, and two people have died in the county after testing positive. – Jason Green, 3:53 p.m.
A new study from Columbia University underscored the importance of “social distancing” even when you’re not experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. The main drivers of spread have been infected people yet to display significant symptoms. – Lisa Krieger, 2:25 p.m.
Contra Costa County reported its number of cases has increased to 34, though the county still has not recorded a death to coronavirus as of Monday afternoon. -Rick Hurd, 2 p.m.
The stock market tanked yet again in response to the COVID-19 outbreak in America and across the globe. Monday was the worst day since Black Monday nearly 30 years, ago falling nearly 13 percent. – Rex Crum, 1:57 p.m.
Kaiser Permanente has opened some drive-thru coronavirus testing centers, including one in San Francisco, the company confirmed Monday. But the centers are only available to Kaiser members. – Fiona Kelliher, 12:53 p.m.
An employee of the Santa Clara Valley Water District tested positive for COVID-19, prompting the district’s CEO and at least seven other employees to self-quarantine. This does not affect the treatment or delivery of drinking water, and the employee was not involved in that part of the district’s operation. – Paul Rogers, 12:28 p.m.
Six Bay Area counties announced a “shelter in place” order beginning at midnight that will ban a significant amount of non-essential time outside of homes. It is important to note that pharmacies, child care centers and grocery stores will remain open, along with many other essential businesses. Residents are allowed to visit those businesses as needed. Marin County Health Officer Matt Willis assured residents: “You can still walk your dog.” – John Wolfolk, 12 p.m.
Major League Baseball pushed back its opening day into at least mid-May in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control’s nationwide recommendation that no events over 50 people be held for the next eight weeks. – Shayna Rubin, 11:40 a.m.
The first stages of testing for a COVID-19 vaccine are underway. Scientists at Kaiser Permanente in Seattle area gave an experimental vaccine to a volunteer Monday in the battle against the coronavirus. – Associated Press, 11:16 a.m.
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In parts of California, a prescription will pay for your fresh fruits and veggies Health | Pioneering study links testicular cancer among military personnel to ‘forever chemicals’ Two additional San Jose firefighters have tested positive for COVID-19, the city announced Monday, bringing the total of cases on the force to 10. – Maggie Angst, 10:55 a.m.
Safeway is hiring 2,000 workers, with many openings in Northern California, as the grocery chain responds to demands from consumers during the coronavirus crisis. – George Avalos, 10:41 a.m.
The National Football League canceled all of its live events surrounding next month’s draft in Las Vegas. The league expects to continue on with performing its draft as scheduled April 23-25. – Gary Peterson, 9:23 a.m.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention produced a Q&A about the safety of restaurants and takeout food. It said there’s no evidence that food can transmit COVID-19.


mercurynews--2020-03-16--The Latest: Stock market outdoes itself, but not in good way

The Latest on financial markets ( all times local ) : Biggest drop ever .
Worst day since .
The stock has heard a lot of that over the past few weeks .
The market outdid itself again Monday , though not in a good way .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 2,997 points .
That ’ s the index ’ s biggest point drop of all time , eclipsing the 2,352-point fall it had on Thursday .
For the second time in just three days , the market plunged the most percentage-wise since Oct. 19 , 1987 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Dow ranks third only to the 22.6 % plunge in 1987 and a 13.5 % drop in October 1929 .
The stock market ’ s nosedive came as voices from Wall Street to the White House said the coronavirus outbreak is likely dragging the economy into a recession .
The Trump administration joined many state and local governments in encouraging people to practice “ social distancing ” and to avoid large gatherings .
“ The real fear is going to be if people are going into hibernation , how long will that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having any knowledge to answer that question , ” said Adam Taback , chief investment officer for Wells Fargo Private Wealth Management .
EDITORS : This item was corrected to say the Dow had its third-largest percentage drop Monday , not the second largest .
The nation ’ s largest banks face a hit to their profits as the Federal Reserve slashes interest rates and bond yields continue sliding amid the coronavirus pandemic , which is putting the brakes on the economy as businesses and travel shut down .
Banks like Bank of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on interest from mortgages and other kinds of loans to make their profits , so when those rates fall sharply , so do their earnings .
Yields on bonds like the 10-year Treasury note are used to set rates on mortgages , and those yields have been dropping , pushing mortage rates to record lows .
Citi analyst Keith Horowitz expects the low rates to put pressure on the bank finances over the next few years .
He estimates a 4 % contraction in profits for Bank of America in 2020 , followed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large banks face similar results .
Bank shares have taken a serious hit so far this year .
Bank of America has plummeted 40 % while JPMorgan plunged 35 % .
The industry is also facing risks of defaults by borrowers as companies suddenly shut down operations because of the coronavirus pandemic .
“ We have never witnessed the impact of a sudden and prolonged economic shutdown ” that will impact commercial lending and consumers , Horowitz wrote in a note to investors .
Major banks have stopped buying back their own stock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for lending .
Bank of America , Citigroup , JPMorgan Chase and are suspending buybacks through the second quarter , according to The Financial Services Forum , which includes major banks as members .
“ The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented challenge for the world and the global economy and the largest U.S. banks have an unquestioned ability and commitment to supporting our customers , clients and the nation , ” The Financial Services Forum said in a statement .
European stocks closed sharply lower Monday as widening shutdowns and travel restrictions because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a near-standstill .
The Stoxx Europe 600 index of shares across the continent ended the day down 4.9 % at 284.63 points .
The FTSE 100 in Britain dropped 4 % , Germany ’ s DAX shed 5.3 % and France ’ s CAC 40 dropped 5.8 % .
The FTSE MIB in Italy , which has been hit hardest by the virus outbreak , fell 6.1 % All of the indexes had been lower earlier in the day as markets remain extremely volatile .
Low-cost airline Norwegian Air Shuttle said Monday it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and temporarily laying off 90 % of its staff – 7,300 people .
“ What our industry is now facing is unprecedented and critical as we are approaching a scenario where most of our airplanes will be temporarily grounded , ” Norwegian Air Shuttle chief executive Jacob Schram said in a statement .
“ Several governments in Europe have already said that they will do everything they can to ensure that their airlines can continue to fly when society returns to normalcy.
” Shares in the company were down almost 19 % on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start of the year .
The British government is asking manufacturers including Ford and Rolls-Royce to make ventilators for coronavirus patients .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is due to hold a conference call with industry leaders on Monday about turning over some of their production to essential medical equipment , the prime minister ’ s office said .
The government has also set up a telephone hotline for businesses with expertise in making ventilators to call if they can help out .
“ We are facing what is an unprecedented situation and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Johnson ’ s spokesman , James Slack .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News that the U.K. had about 5,000 ventilators but would need “ many times more than that.
” “ We ’ re saying that if you produce a ventilator , then we will buy it , ” Hancock told Sky News .
“ No number is too high and we are working with companies , we have been working with them for some time both to buy ventilators that are available but also to switch over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whose brands include Peugeot and Citroen , has announced it is closing its factories in Europe until March 27 “ due to the acceleration observed in recent days of serious cases of COVID-19.
” In addition to observing serious cases close to production sites , PSA also noted in a statement Monday that it has experienced supply disruptions from major suppliers and “ the sudden decline in the automobile markets.
” The Executive Board Chairman and PSA ’ s crisis unit members have decided to stagger the closure beginning Monday in Madrid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and following in the coming days with factories across France , Spain , Germany , Britain , Slovakia , Portugal and Poland .
Renault is under pressure from unions to do the same .
Shares of both companies sank deeply Monday , even more than the average decline on France ’ s CAC-40 .
U.S. stocks are down 9 % after trading resumed on Wall Street Monday following a temporary halt Monday morning .
Markets are down by similar percentages around the world as huge swaths of the economy come closer to shutting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from airlines to restaurants .
Emergency actions taken by the Federal Reserve late Sunday to prop up the economy and get financial markets running smoothly again may have raised fears even further , some investors said .
The Fed on Sunday cut its key interest rate to near zero .
The price of crude oil also dropped about 10 % .
Bond prices soared as investors sought safety .
The owners of iconic Las Vegas casinos such as Bellagio and Wynn Las Vegas are shutting down as the coronavirus pandemic prompts authorities to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Resorts ’ operations in Las Vegas include the MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay .
The company said it will suspend operations at casinos and hotels indefinitely by Tuesday .
It will not be taking reservations for arrivals prior to May 1 .
Wynn Resorts will also close its Las Vegas operations , including its namesake casino and hotel , as of Tuesday .
It said the closures are expected to be in effect for two weeks , after which it will evaluate the situation .
Casino operators have been struggling since the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gambling haven of Macau in January while China went on lockdown .
The damage accelerated in March , with MGM already losing 37 % of its value halfway through the month and Wynn diving nearly 33 % .
The daughter of billionaire investor Warren Buffett has been exposed to the new coronavirus and has isolated herself at her Omaha home for two weeks .
Susie Buffett told the Omaha World-Herald on Sunday that she feels fine and doesn ’ t think she ’ s contracted COVID-19 , which is caused by the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she ’ s not the least bit worried and says she hopes talking about her exposure brings down the fear in other people .
She also says she hasn ’ t been around her 89-year-old father , Warren , since her exposure last week .
Major airlines are scaling back flights dramatically in response to the coronavirus crisis that has seen Europe and the wider world go into lockdown .
Budget airline EasyJet said it is making big cancellations that will continue on a rolling basis .
It said that could result in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fleet .
BA ’ s parent company , IAG , which also owns Spain ’ s Iberia , said that for April and May it plans to reduce capacity by at least 75 % from the previous year .
It also said it is reducing operating expenses , including through voluntary leave options .
Ryanair , Europe ’ s busiest airline , said it expects to ground the majority of its fleet across Europe over the next 7-10 days .
Travel company Tui is suspending the vast majority of travel operations until further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and hotel operations .
A day earlier , United Airlines had said it needs to cut flying capacity by 50 % in April and May , while American Airlines announced a 75 % cut to international flights .
The Swedish government presented Monday an economic package that will allow all firms in Sweden to defer tax payments for up to a year .
The package is expected to cost more than 300 billion kronor ( $ 21 billion ) , or some 6 % of GDP .
The center-right government , sided by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediate effect a system where companies can reduce employees ’ work hours by 60 % but retain 90 % of their salary .
“ Just to be clear , Sweden has a heavy and stressful time ahead , ” Finance Minister Magdalena Andersson told a news conference when presenting the package .
All Disney owned hotels at Walt Disney World in Orlando , Florida , will close at 5 p.m. on March 20 , the company said early Monday .
The closure also includes Disney ’ s Vero Beach Resort on Florida ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the company said the Friday closure will give guests the ability to make other arrangements .
In addition , the company announced it is closing all Disney stores in North America , beginning Tuesday .
This includes the shops in Orlando ’ s Disney Springs and Downtown Disney in Anaheim , California .
Online shopping will still be available .
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is suspending production across most of its European plants through March 27 as businesses large and small take a hit from nationwide lockdowns to contain the virus outbreak .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ closing six plants in Italy that make cars under the Fiat , Alfa Romeo and Maserati nameplates as well as a plant in Serbia that makes the Fiat 500L and one in Poland that makes the Fiat 500 .
The production suspension was taken beyond measures already undertaken to sanitize work and rest areas , create greater distance between workers and facilitate remote working , which is now available to employees across the globe .
Global stock markets and U.S. futures have fallen in a rebuke from investors to emergency central bank action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ controls shut down business and travel .
The selloff followed the Federal Reserve ’ s surprise decision to slash interest rates .
Benchmarks in London and Frankfurt were down about 7 % .
Sydney ’ s benchmark plunged 9.7 % and Hong Kong ’ s Hang Seng lost 4 % .
Japan ’ s benchmark sank 2.5 % after the Bank of Japan announced it was expanding its monetary easing and providing 0 % loans for companies that are running short of cash due to the virus outbreak .
Brent crude , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % while gold gained .
Futures for the S & P 500 and the Dow industrials fell 5 % , triggering a halt in trading .

The Latest on financial markets (all times local):
4:30 p.m.
Biggest drop ever. Worst day since. The stock has heard a lot of that over the past few weeks.
The market outdid itself again Monday, though not in a good way. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 2,997 points. That’s the index’s biggest point drop of all time, eclipsing the 2,352-point fall it had on Thursday.
For the second time in just three days, the market plunged the most percentage-wise since Oct. 19, 1987. Monday’s 12.9% drop in the Dow ranks third only to the 22.6% plunge in 1987 and a 13.5% drop in October 1929.
The stock market’s nosedive came as voices from Wall Street to the White House said the coronavirus outbreak is likely dragging the economy into a recession.
The Trump administration joined many state and local governments in encouraging people to practice “social distancing” and to avoid large gatherings.
“The real fear is going to be if people are going into hibernation, how long will that be and we have no way of having any knowledge to answer that question,” said Adam Taback, chief investment officer for Wells Fargo Private Wealth Management.
EDITORS: This item was corrected to say the Dow had its third-largest percentage drop Monday, not the second largest.
___
3:30 p.m.
The nation’s largest banks face a hit to their profits as the Federal Reserve slashes interest rates and bond yields continue sliding amid the coronavirus pandemic, which is putting the brakes on the economy as businesses and travel shut down.
Banks like Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase and others rely on interest from mortgages and other kinds of loans to make their profits, so when those rates fall sharply, so do their earnings. Yields on bonds like the 10-year Treasury note are used to set rates on mortgages, and those yields have been dropping, pushing mortage rates to record lows.
Citi analyst Keith Horowitz expects the low rates to put pressure on the bank finances over the next few years. He estimates a 4% contraction in profits for Bank of America in 2020, followed by no growth next year. Other large banks face similar results.
Bank shares have taken a serious hit so far this year. Bank of America has plummeted 40% while JPMorgan plunged 35%.
The industry is also facing risks of defaults by borrowers as companies suddenly shut down operations because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“We have never witnessed the impact of a sudden and prolonged economic shutdown” that will impact commercial lending and consumers, Horowitz wrote in a note to investors.
Major banks have stopped buying back their own stock so they will have more funds available for lending. Bank of America, Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase and are suspending buybacks through the second quarter, according to The Financial Services Forum, which includes major banks as members.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented challenge for the world and the global economy and the largest U.S. banks have an unquestioned ability and commitment to supporting our customers, clients and the nation,” The Financial Services Forum said in a statement.
___
European stocks closed sharply lower Monday as widening shutdowns and travel restrictions because of the coronavirus outbreak bring businesses to a near-standstill.
The Stoxx Europe 600 index of shares across the continent ended the day down 4.9% at 284.63 points.
The FTSE 100 in Britain dropped 4%, Germany’s DAX shed 5.3% and France’s CAC 40 dropped 5.8%. The FTSE MIB in Italy, which has been hit hardest by the virus outbreak, fell 6.1%
All of the indexes had been lower earlier in the day as markets remain extremely volatile.
___
Low-cost airline Norwegian Air Shuttle said Monday it is cancelling 85% of its fights and temporarily laying off 90% of its staff – 7,300 people.
“What our industry is now facing is unprecedented and critical as we are approaching a scenario where most of our airplanes will be temporarily grounded,” Norwegian Air Shuttle chief executive Jacob Schram said in a statement.
“Several governments in Europe have already said that they will do everything they can to ensure that their airlines can continue to fly when society returns to normalcy.”
Shares in the company were down almost 19% on Monday, down 85% from the start of the year.
___
The British government is asking manufacturers including Ford and Rolls-Royce to make ventilators for coronavirus patients.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is due to hold a conference call with industry leaders on Monday about turning over some of their production to essential medical equipment, the prime minister’s office said. The government has also set up a telephone hotline for businesses with expertise in making ventilators to call if they can help out.
“We are facing what is an unprecedented situation and that is going to require an unprecedented response,” said Johnson’s spokesman, James Slack.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News that the U.K. had about 5,000 ventilators but would need “many times more than that.”
“We’re saying that if you produce a ventilator, then we will buy it,” Hancock told Sky News. “No number is too high and we are working with companies, we have been working with them for some time both to buy ventilators that are available but also to switch over production to ventilators.”
___
Carmaker group PSA, whose brands include Peugeot and Citroen, has announced it is closing its factories in Europe until March 27 “due to the acceleration observed in recent days of serious cases of COVID-19.”
In addition to observing serious cases close to production sites, PSA also noted in a statement Monday that it has experienced supply disruptions from major suppliers and “the sudden decline in the automobile markets.”
The Executive Board Chairman and PSA’s crisis unit members have decided to stagger the closure beginning Monday in Madrid, and France’s Mulhouse, and following in the coming days with factories across France, Spain, Germany, Britain, Slovakia, Portugal and Poland.
Renault is under pressure from unions to do the same. Shares of both companies sank deeply Monday, even more than the average decline on France’s CAC-40.
___
U.S. stocks are down 9% after trading resumed on Wall Street Monday following a temporary halt Monday morning.
Markets are down by similar percentages around the world as huge swaths of the economy come closer to shutting down due to the coronavirus outbreak, from airlines to restaurants.
Emergency actions taken by the Federal Reserve late Sunday to prop up the economy and get financial markets running smoothly again may have raised fears even further, some investors said.
The Fed on Sunday cut its key interest rate to near zero. The price of crude oil also dropped about 10%. Bond prices soared as investors sought safety.
___
The owners of iconic Las Vegas casinos such as Bellagio and Wynn Las Vegas are shutting down as the coronavirus pandemic prompts authorities to lock down public gathering places.
MGM Resorts’ operations in Las Vegas include the MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay. The company said it will suspend operations at casinos and hotels indefinitely by Tuesday. It will not be taking reservations for arrivals prior to May 1.
Wynn Resorts will also close its Las Vegas operations, including its namesake casino and hotel, as of Tuesday. It said the closures are expected to be in effect for two weeks, after which it will evaluate the situation.
Casino operators have been struggling since the virus took crimped travel and tourism to the gambling haven of Macau in January while China went on lockdown. The damage accelerated in March, with MGM already losing 37% of its value halfway through the month and Wynn diving nearly 33%.
____
The daughter of billionaire investor Warren Buffett has been exposed to the new coronavirus and has isolated herself at her Omaha home for two weeks.
Susie Buffett told the Omaha World-Herald on Sunday that she feels fine and doesn’t think she’s contracted COVID-19, which is caused by the virus that originated in China.
She says she’s not the least bit worried and says she hopes talking about her exposure brings down the fear in other people. She also says she hasn’t been around her 89-year-old father, Warren, since her exposure last week.
___
Major airlines are scaling back flights dramatically in response to the coronavirus crisis that has seen Europe and the wider world go into lockdown.
Budget airline EasyJet said it is making big cancellations that will continue on a rolling basis. It said that could result in the grounding of the majority of its fleet.
BA’s parent company, IAG, which also owns Spain’s Iberia, said that for April and May it plans to reduce capacity by at least 75% from the previous year. It also said it is reducing operating expenses, including through voluntary leave options.
Ryanair, Europe’s busiest airline, said it expects to ground the majority of its fleet across Europe over the next 7-10 days.
Travel company Tui is suspending the vast majority of travel operations until further notice, including package travel, cruises and hotel operations.
A day earlier, United Airlines had said it needs to cut flying capacity by 50% in April and May, while American Airlines announced a 75% cut to international flights.
___
The Swedish government presented Monday an economic package that will allow all firms in Sweden to defer tax payments for up to a year.
The package is expected to cost more than 300 billion kronor ($21 billion), or some 6% of GDP.
The center-right government, sided by the center-right opposition, is introducing with immediate effect a system where companies can reduce employees’ work hours by 60% but retain 90% of their salary.
“Just to be clear, Sweden has a heavy and stressful time ahead,” Finance Minister Magdalena Andersson told a news conference when presenting the package.
___
All Disney owned hotels at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, will close at 5 p.m. on March 20, the company said early Monday.
The closure also includes Disney’s Vero Beach Resort on Florida’s Atlantic Coast.
In a tweet, the company said the Friday closure will give guests the ability to make other arrangements.
In addition, the company announced it is closing all Disney stores in North America, beginning Tuesday. This includes the shops in Orlando’s Disney Springs and Downtown Disney in Anaheim, California. Online shopping will still be available.
___
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is suspending production across most of its European plants through March 27 as businesses large and small take a hit from nationwide lockdowns to contain the virus outbreak.
The Italian-American carmaker said Monday it is closing six plants in Italy that make cars under the Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Maserati nameplates as well as a plant in Serbia that makes the Fiat 500L and one in Poland that makes the Fiat 500.
The production suspension was taken beyond measures already undertaken to sanitize work and rest areas, create greater distance between workers and facilitate remote working, which is now available to employees across the globe.
___
Global stock markets and U.S. futures have fallen in a rebuke from investors to emergency central bank action to shore up economic growth as anti-virus controls shut down business and travel.
The selloff followed the Federal Reserve’s surprise decision to slash interest rates.
Benchmarks in London and Frankfurt were down about 7%. Sydney’s benchmark plunged 9.7% and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng lost 4%. Japan’s benchmark sank 2.5% after the Bank of Japan announced it was expanding its monetary easing and providing 0% loans for companies that are running short of cash due to the virus outbreak.
Brent crude, the international oil standard, fell almost 9% while gold gained. Futures for the S&P 500 and the Dow industrials fell 5%, triggering a halt in trading.


mercurynews--2020-03-17--Letter: California can be proactive on COVID-19, unlike the feds

Re : “ Coronavirus : As cases climb , hospitals brace for patient surge ” ( Eastbaytimes.com , March 5 @ @ @ @ @ time is now .
California may face a severe shortage of hospital beds and if @ @ @ @ @ we would be facing a catastrophe in our efforts to treat the ill. Now is @ @ @ @ @ on the National Guard to set up temporary treatment sites here , equip them and @ @ @ @ @ crunch comes .
If they aren ’ t needed when the crisis abates , no @ @ @ @ @ can be easily taken down for use at a later time .
• Letter : @ @ @ @ @ strong as the weakest health care plan • Letter : 3 things that have helped @ @ @ @ @ • Letter : This is a rare firsthand account of our mental health system Unlike @ @ @ @ @ slipshod approach to this pandemic , California can be proactive in being prepared for the @ @ @ @ @ your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Can National Guard erect
interim medical sites here?
Re: “Coronavirus: As cases climb, hospitals brace for patient surge” (Eastbaytimes.com, March 5 with updates):
The time is now. California may face a severe shortage of hospital beds and if the virus continues to escalate we would be facing a catastrophe in our efforts to treat the ill.
Now is the time to begin calling on the National Guard to set up temporary treatment sites here, equip them and have them ready when the crunch comes.
If they aren’t needed when the crisis abates, no harm done and the units can be easily taken down for use at a later time.
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Jerry Blair
Walnut Creek
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mercurynews--2020-03-17--49ers free agency: Five impressions of a frantic first day

Free agency ’ s kickoff rocked the 49ers ’ world , the epicenter of which is their defensive line .
First , Arik Armstead avoided the franchise tag and signed a five-year contract .
Then came the truly stunning news : fellow defensive tackle DeForest Buckner got traded for the Indianapolis Colts ’ first-round draft pick .
As other teams raided the market ’ s highest-quality items , the 49ers had recalibrated their defensive front , with a couple more deals on deck .
About 12 hours after the free agency negotiating window began , free safety Jimmie Ward agreed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They still have nearly a dozen of players who can leave as free agents , most notably wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders .
One other who re-signed Monday was offensive tackle Shon Coleman , a potential backup who ’ s yet to play an official game since being traded from Cleveland before the 2018 season .
Here are some first impressions from Monday ’ s free agency frenzy : 1 .
Bye bye , Buck : A month removed from winning the Bill Walsh Award as voted upon by 49ers coaches , Buckner was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pick from Indy .
Quite a business decision .
A contract holdout could have ensued if Buckner refused to play on his fifth-year option ( $ 12.3 million ) , similar to how Khalil Mack forced his way out of Oakland to Chicago ; Mack and Buckner are both represented by agent Joel Segal .
Buckner , from all indications , was a model pro from Day 1 and lived up last season to All-Pro status .
He was a team captain , which came with a weekly spot at the media podium @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams that freed up fellow linemen such as Armstead , Nick Bosa and Dee Ford .
He will be missed – until the 49ers ’ incoming first-round pick morphs into an All-Pro , too .
2 .
Armstead ’ s start : A year before Buckner arrived as a first-round pick ( 2016 , No .
7 overall ) , he was preceded by his former Oregon teammate , Armstead ( 2015 , No .
17 overall ) .
“ I am just getting started , ” Armstead said in concluding a team-issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( He also thanked his bosses for their nice check . )
So , just getting started , entering Year 6 ?
Actually , yes .
Don ’ t look for him to descend after putting up a career-best year ( 10 sacks in the regular season , then one in each playoff win before the Super Bowl ) .
Sure , he benefited from an improved supporting cast , a better defined role in the scheme and , finally , good health .
Those are all still in play .
They have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And 2021 .
And 2022 .
Etc .
Picking Armstead ( no Pro Bowls ) over Buckner ( captain ; second-team All-Pro ) seems looney , until you factor in the economics , Armstead ’ s upward path and how much is invested in bookends Dee Ford and Nick Bosa .
Buckner is the odd-man out .
Bummer .
3. Who replaces Buckner ?
: This will not be a one-man operation .
The temptation is to pin Buckner ’ s void on Solomon Thomas , who , after all , was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2017 as the 49ers ’ erroneously hoped for an Aaron Donald-type , inside/outside threat .
Thomas improved last season and must make a bigger impact , if he can indeed play bigger on the inside , and not just on passing downs .
Buckner almost exclusively played inside while Armstead played both on the edge and inside , and that worked great for them .
A more realistic expectation is the 49ers rotate Thomas with a collection of others until someone commands more playing time .
Could it be former draft picks Kentavius @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tackles D.J .
Jones and Kevin Givens ready for more action ?
Do they re-sign Sheldon Day ?
Heck , the draft ’ s top defensive tackle might be available at No .
13 , or perhaps another worthy candidate could fall to the 49ers ’ other first-round slot , at No .
31 .
4 .
Safeties are set .
Like last year , Jimmie Ward didn ’ t wade long into free agency , agreeing to a deal ( three years , $ 28.5 million , per SiriusXM NFL ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the negotiating window opened .
This should eliminate free safety as a high-priority need this offseason .
Ward and Mobile ( Ala. ) high school teammate Jaquiski Tartt are a safety tandem that settles down the secondary , at least when Patrick Mahomes isn ’ t leading a Super Bowl comeback .
Ward has only two career interceptions since the 49ers drafted him the first round in 2014 , and as much as he craves to end his three-year drought , his hard-hitting style and pass-defense skills showed up often last season .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , $ 4.5 million deal .
Once he overcame a broken collarbone in the spring and finger surgery in early September , he started the final 16 games .
If Ward gets hurt again , Tarvarius Moore is in the wings ready to relieve him , or perhaps challenge for his job .
5 .
Here , Kittle , Kittle : Buckner ’ s bonanza has been anticipated for over a year , and it was easy to see he ’ d command the biggest deal ever for a 49ers defender .
Well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clock to make George Kittle their richest-ever tight end , which says something considering Vernon Davis earned nearly $ 60 million from 2006-15 .
Kittle is entering the final year of his rookie deal ( $ 2.1 million ) .
The tight end market has come alive with Austin Hooper going to the Cleveland Browns ( four years , $ 44 million , per ESPN ) and Jimmy Graham landing with the Chicago Bears ( two years , $ 16 million ) , not to mention Hunter Henry getting franchise-tagged by the Los @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Atlanta .
Kittle , last season ’ s Associated Press ’ First Team All-Pro , should command the highest deal ever for a NFL tight end .
He ’ s started with the most yards through three seasons by any in history .
But when will the jackpot hit ?
The offseason program likely is scuttled by the coronavirus pandemic , especially in Santa Clara County , home of 49ers HQ .
Training camp could lead to an unofficial deadline for a deal , allowing the 49ers to keep their millions longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Will 49ers ’ DeForest Buckner deal rank among best or worst of their trades ?
• Kurtenbach : Kyle Shanahan took a page out of the Belichick playbook in trading DeForest Buckner More extensions are due for other players entering their final year ( see : Kyle Juszczyk , Richard Sherman , K ’ Waun Williams ) .
And more cuts are likely coming .
NFL business is not quarantined .
Pinpointing which free agents to chase is a moving target , especially as veterans get cut as salary cap casualties before Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is unavailable at their positions of need : Wide receiver : DeAndre Hopkins ( Texans to Cardinals ) , A.J .
Green ( Bengals , franchise tag ) , Amari Cooper ( Cowboys , re-signed ) , Stefon Diggs ( Vikings to Bills ) .
Top available : Sanders ( 49ers ) , Robby Anderson ( Jets ) .
Offensive line : Graham Glasgow ( Lions to Broncos ) , Brandon Scherff ( Washington , franchise tag ) , Joe Thuney ( Patriots , franchise tag ) , Wes Schweitzer ( Falcons to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peat ( Saints ) , Ted Karras ( Patriots ) .
Cornerback : Byron Jones ( Cowboys to Dolphins ) , James Bradberry ( Panthers to Giants ) , Kendall Fuller ( Chiefs to Washington ) .
Top available : Chris Harris Jr. ( Broncos ) , Desmond Trufant ( Falcons ) , Trumaine Johnson ( Jets ) , Trae Waynes ( Vikings ) , Logan Ryan ( Titans ) , Bashaud Breeland ( Chiefs ) , Kevin Johnson ( Bills ) , Prince Amukamara ( Bears ) .
Tight end : Austin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hayden Hurst ( Ravens to Falcons ) , Jimmy Graham ( Packers to Bears ) , Jacob Hollister ( Seahawks second-round tender ) , Blake Jarwin ( Cowboys , re-signed ) , Hunter Henry ( Chargers , franchise tag ) .
Top available : Eric Ebron ( Colts ) .
Defensive line : Michael Brockers ( Rams to Ravens ) , David Onyemata ( Saints , re-signed ) , Stephen Weatherly ( Vikings to Panthers ) , Chris Jones ( Chiefs , franchise tag ) , Yannick Ngakoue ( Jaguars , franchise tag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ franchise tag ) .
Top available : Jadeveon Clowney ( Seahawks ) , Dante Fowler ( Rams ) , Everson Griffen ( Vikings ) , Jarran Reed ( Seahawks ) , D.J .
Reader ( Texans ) , Shelby Harris ( Broncos ) , Derek Wolfe ( Broncos ) , Linval Joseph ( Vikings ) .

Free agency’s kickoff rocked the 49ers’ world, the epicenter of which is their defensive line.
First, Arik Armstead avoided the franchise tag and signed a five-year contract. Then came the truly stunning news: fellow defensive tackle DeForest Buckner got traded for the Indianapolis Colts’ first-round draft pick.
As other teams raided the market’s highest-quality items, the 49ers had recalibrated their defensive front, with a couple more deals on deck.
About 12 hours after the free agency negotiating window began, free safety Jimmie Ward agreed to return on a three-year deal.
They still have nearly a dozen of players who can leave as free agents, most notably wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders. One other who re-signed Monday was offensive tackle Shon Coleman, a potential backup who’s yet to play an official game since being traded from Cleveland before the 2018 season.
Here are some first impressions from Monday’s free agency frenzy:
1. Bye bye, Buck: A month removed from winning the Bill Walsh Award as voted upon by 49ers coaches, Buckner was deemed expendable for the 13th overall draft pick from Indy. Quite a business decision.
A contract holdout could have ensued if Buckner refused to play on his fifth-year option ($12.3 million), similar to how Khalil Mack forced his way out of Oakland to Chicago; Mack and Buckner are both represented by agent Joel Segal.
Buckner, from all indications, was a model pro from Day 1 and lived up last season to All-Pro status. He was a team captain, which came with a weekly spot at the media podium.
Most important, he commanded double teams that freed up fellow linemen such as Armstead, Nick Bosa and Dee Ford. He will be missed – until the 49ers’ incoming first-round pick morphs into an All-Pro, too.
2. Armstead’s start: A year before Buckner arrived as a first-round pick (2016, No. 7 overall), he was preceded by his former Oregon teammate, Armstead (2015, No. 17 overall).
“I am just getting started,” Armstead said in concluding a team-issued statement about Monday’s deal. (He also thanked his bosses for their nice check.)
So, just getting started, entering Year 6? Actually, yes. Don’t look for him to descend after putting up a career-best year (10 sacks in the regular season, then one in each playoff win before the Super Bowl).
Sure, he benefited from an improved supporting cast, a better defined role in the scheme and, finally, good health. Those are all still in play. They have to be for his 2020 encore. And 2021. And 2022. Etc.
Picking Armstead (no Pro Bowls) over Buckner (captain; second-team All-Pro) seems looney, until you factor in the economics, Armstead’s upward path and how much is invested in bookends Dee Ford and Nick Bosa. Buckner is the odd-man out. Bummer.
3. Who replaces Buckner?: This will not be a one-man operation. The temptation is to pin Buckner’s void on Solomon Thomas, who, after all, was the No. 3 overall draft pick in 2017 as the 49ers’ erroneously hoped for an Aaron Donald-type, inside/outside threat. Thomas improved last season and must make a bigger impact, if he can indeed play bigger on the inside, and not just on passing downs. Buckner almost exclusively played inside while Armstead played both on the edge and inside, and that worked great for them.
A more realistic expectation is the 49ers rotate Thomas with a collection of others until someone commands more playing time. Could it be former draft picks Kentavius Street and Jullian Taylor? Are nose tackles D.J. Jones and Kevin Givens ready for more action? Do they re-sign Sheldon Day? Heck, the draft’s top defensive tackle might be available at No. 13, or perhaps another worthy candidate could fall to the 49ers’ other first-round slot, at No. 31.
4. Safeties are set. Like last year, Jimmie Ward didn’t wade long into free agency, agreeing to a deal (three years, $28.5 million, per SiriusXM NFL’s Adam Kaplan) about 12 hours after the negotiating window opened.
This should eliminate free safety as a high-priority need this offseason. Ward and Mobile (Ala.) high school teammate Jaquiski Tartt are a safety tandem that settles down the secondary, at least when Patrick Mahomes isn’t leading a Super Bowl comeback.
Ward has only two career interceptions since the 49ers drafted him the first round in 2014, and as much as he craves to end his three-year drought, his hard-hitting style and pass-defense skills showed up often last season. He played last year on a one-year, $4.5 million deal. Once he overcame a broken collarbone in the spring and finger surgery in early September, he started the final 16 games.
If Ward gets hurt again, Tarvarius Moore is in the wings ready to relieve him, or perhaps challenge for his job.
5. Here, Kittle, Kittle: Buckner’s bonanza has been anticipated for over a year, and it was easy to see he’d command the biggest deal ever for a 49ers defender. Well, now the 49ers are on the clock to make George Kittle their richest-ever tight end, which says something considering Vernon Davis earned nearly $60 million from 2006-15.
Kittle is entering the final year of his rookie deal ($2.1 million). The tight end market has come alive with Austin Hooper going to the Cleveland Browns (four years, $44 million, per ESPN) and Jimmy Graham landing with the Chicago Bears (two years, $16 million), not to mention Hunter Henry getting franchise-tagged by the Los Angeles Chargers and Hayden Hurst getting traded to Atlanta.
Kittle, last season’s Associated Press’ First Team All-Pro, should command the highest deal ever for a NFL tight end. He’s started with the most yards through three seasons by any in history. But when will the jackpot hit? The offseason program likely is scuttled by the coronavirus pandemic, especially in Santa Clara County, home of 49ers HQ. Training camp could lead to an unofficial deadline for a deal, allowing the 49ers to keep their millions longer for interest’s sake. Related Articles San Francisco 49ers | 49ers training camp: Talanoa Hufanga’s interception spoils Brock Purdy’s solid day
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More extensions are due for other players entering their final year (see: Kyle Juszczyk, Richard Sherman, K’Waun Williams). And more cuts are likely coming. NFL business is not quarantined.
* * *
Pinpointing which free agents to chase is a moving target, especially as veterans get cut as salary cap casualties before Wednesday afternoon. But here is who likely is unavailable at their positions of need:
Wide receiver: DeAndre Hopkins (Texans to Cardinals), A.J. Green (Bengals, franchise tag), Amari Cooper (Cowboys, re-signed), Stefon Diggs (Vikings to Bills). Top available: Sanders (49ers), Robby Anderson (Jets).
Offensive line: Graham Glasgow (Lions to Broncos), Brandon Scherff (Washington, franchise tag), Joe Thuney (Patriots, franchise tag), Wes Schweitzer (Falcons to Washington). Top available: Andrus Peat (Saints), Ted Karras (Patriots).
Cornerback: Byron Jones (Cowboys to Dolphins), James Bradberry (Panthers to Giants), Kendall Fuller (Chiefs to Washington). Top available: Chris Harris Jr. (Broncos), Desmond Trufant (Falcons), Trumaine Johnson (Jets), Trae Waynes (Vikings), Logan Ryan (Titans), Bashaud Breeland (Chiefs), Kevin Johnson (Bills), Prince Amukamara (Bears).
Tight end: Austin Hooper (Falcons to Browns), Hayden Hurst (Ravens to Falcons), Jimmy Graham (Packers to Bears), Jacob Hollister (Seahawks second-round tender), Blake Jarwin (Cowboys, re-signed), Hunter Henry (Chargers, franchise tag). Top available: Eric Ebron (Colts).
Defensive line: Michael Brockers (Rams to Ravens), David Onyemata (Saints, re-signed), Stephen Weatherly (Vikings to Panthers), Chris Jones (Chiefs, franchise tag), Yannick Ngakoue (Jaguars, franchise tag), Leonard Williams (Giants, franchise tag). Top available: Jadeveon Clowney (Seahawks), Dante Fowler (Rams), Everson Griffen (Vikings), Jarran Reed (Seahawks), D.J. Reader (Texans), Shelby Harris (Broncos), Derek Wolfe (Broncos), Linval Joseph (Vikings).


mercurynews--2020-03-17--Raiders free agency: Five impressions from Day 1

At this time last year , the Raiders had locked up tackle Trent Brown and were zeroing in on slot corner Lamarcus Joyner and wide receiver Tyrell Williams , three free agent contracts with a maximum value of more than $ 120 million .
By comparison , Monday ’ s negotiating period agreements with linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski and quarterback Marcus Mariota come off as tame .
Kwiatkoski will receive a max of $ 24 million and $ 13.5 million guarantee , while terms of Mariota ’ s deal have yet to leak .
No contracts can be signed or announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swing and miss in free agency — all three of last year ’ s big ticket items disappointed on some level , whether it was from health or performance — being prudent is better than being reckless .
Five impressions from the Raiders Day 1 activity : The feeling ihere has always been Derek Carr will be the Raiders quarterback for the first year in Las Vegas .
Bringing in Mariota doesn ’ t change that , nor does it completely rule out a surprise bid for Brady .
But if Mariota is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s in-your-face style of coaching , he can take his game to another level and eventually even push Carr for the starter ’ s job .
Gruden likes quarterbacks who can move .
It ’ s been one of his few public criticisms of Carr that he doesn ’ t use his legs enough .
Mariota has 1,399 yards rushing and averages 5.8 yards per carry .
He can turn broken plays into first downs and also add the run-pass options Gruden would love to incorporate .
Whether Mariota can ever be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs will have to play itself out .
As for Carr , the the fact that the NFL conceded Monday the entire off-season could be in jeopardy only strengthens his hold on the starting job .
Teams changing quarterbacks could be in for an an uprecedented challenge of getting them ready to play in a new system .
General manager Mike Mayock , by the way , liked Maroita over Jameis Winston in the 2015 draft .
That ’ s nice , but not that big of a deal .
Mayock isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And Mariota is probably the most legit backup the Raiders have had since Kerry Collins arrived to play behind Rich Gannon in 2004 .
Linebabacker has been a revolving door for the Raiders throughout the entire quarter centure that they returned from Los Angeles to Oakland .
Nick Kwiatkoski , who shined last season as an injury replacement in Chicago , was the Raiders first target .
The West Virginia product has shown run-stopping ability and has done some good work against the pass .
The hope is he can step in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The latter trait , however , means littlaire without the ability to make plays .
Tahir Whitehead was respceted in the locker room , a team guy , and the Raiders Walter Payton award nominee .
He also seldom made plays .
All the leadership in the world doesn ’ t matter without production .
The Raiders were reportedly a finalist for Byron Jones , the cornerback who cashed in with a five-year , $ 82.5 million with Miami that will include $ 40 million over the first two seasons .
If the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they obviously wanted Jones , who has played both corner and safety , to start opposite second-year player Trayvon Mullen .
Maybe the Raiders caught a break here .
It ’ s a least a little concerning that a veteran of 79 games has just four interceptions and none since 2017 .
For that mind of money , you not only shadow receivers , but steal the ball once in awhile .
Or perhaps Jones is as good as advertised and shines immediately for Miami .
The Broncos ’ Chris Harris Jr. would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the draft is also an option , although analysts are saying it ’ s not a particularly strong year for corners .
The Raiders could also bring back Daryl Worley at a reasonable price since he ’ s unlikely to go in the first wave .
If the Raiders were hoping on bringing in someone to push the pocket , it didn ’ t help that the Chiefs locked up defensive tackle Chris Jones and Tampa Bay did the same with Shaq Barrett .
They may have been too pricey anyway , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Yet it ’ s free agency , and it ’ s nice to dream .
Yannick Nkagoue of Jacksonville and Matthew Judon , another edge prospect , were franchised by Jacksonville and Baltimore .
And Denver did the same as expected with Justin Simmons , who isn ’ t a pass rusher but a safety the Raiders certainly would have explored if available .
Now the only chance for the players above is through a costly sign-and-trade much in the way the 49ers did with Dee Ford of the Chiefs a year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ priority , and former Rams linebacker Cory Littleton is a potential target to go along with Kwiatkoski .
That would dramatically change the look of a problem position .
• Raiders lose out on Byron Jones , working on deal with QB Mariota • Raiders agree to contract with former Bears LB Nick Kwiatkoski The Raiders ’ best shot at former Seattle defensive end Jadeveon Clowney would be if the number drops well below what Clowney wants on the open market .
Veteran possibilities who wouldn ’ t cost nearly as much include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Griffin ( Minnesota ) .
Damarious Randall , a safety who played with the Browns , was linked to the Raiders although no deal was struck .
Minnesota corner Trae Waynes at the right price could be a consolation prize after losing Jones .
The market for wide receivers may be soft because of the plenthora of good ones available in the draft .
The Jets ’ Robby Anderson , a deep threat the Raiders like , may be available at a better price than anticipated .

At this time last year, the Raiders had locked up tackle Trent Brown and were zeroing in on slot corner Lamarcus Joyner and wide receiver Tyrell Williams, three free agent contracts with a maximum value of more than $120 million.
By comparison, Monday’s negotiating period agreements with linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski and quarterback Marcus Mariota come off as tame.
Kwiatkoski will receive a max of $24 million and $13.5 million guarantee, while terms of Mariota’s deal have yet to leak.
No contracts can be signed or announced until Wednesday.
Considering how often teams swing and miss in free agency — all three of last year’s big ticket items disappointed on some level, whether it was from health or performance — being prudent is better than being reckless.
Five impressions from the Raiders Day 1 activity:
1. Mariota and mobility
The feeling here has always been Derek Carr will be the Raiders quarterback for the first year in Las Vegas. Bringing in Mariota doesn’t change that, nor does it completely rule out a surprise bid for Brady.
But if Mariota is thick-skinned enough and can deal with Gruden’s in-your-face style of coaching, he can take his game to another level and eventually even push Carr for the starter’s job.
Gruden likes quarterbacks who can move. It’s been one of his few public criticisms of Carr that he doesn’t use his legs enough. Mariota has 1,399 yards rushing and averages 5.8 yards per carry. He can turn broken plays into first downs and also add the run-pass options Gruden would love to incorporate.
Whether Mariota can ever be the kind of precision passer the offense needs will have to play itself out.
As for Carr, the the fact that the NFL conceded Monday the entire off-season could be in jeopardy only strengthens his hold on the starting job. Teams changing quarterbacks could be in for an an unprecedented challenge of getting them ready to play in a new system.
General manager Mike Mayock, by the way, liked Maroita over Jameis Winston in the 2015 draft. That’s nice, but not that big of a deal. Mayock isn’t picking the quarterback. Gruden is.
And Mariota is probably the most legit backup the Raiders have had since Kerry Collins arrived to play behind Rich Gannon in 2004.
2. Kwiatkoski takes his shot
Linebacker has been a revolving door for the Raiders throughout the entire quarter-century that they returned from Los Angeles to Oakland. Nick Kwiatkoski, who shined last season as an injury replacement in Chicago, was the Raiders first target.
The West Virginia product has shown run-stopping ability and has done some good work against the pass. The hope is he can step in and be a leader as well.
The latter trait, however, means little without the ability to make plays. Tahir Whitehead was respected in the locker room, a team guy, and the Raiders Walter Payton award nominee. He also seldom made plays. All the leadership in the world doesn’t matter without production.
3. The corner conundrum
The Raiders were reportedly a finalist for Byron Jones, the cornerback who cashed in with a five-year, $82.5 million with Miami that will include $40 million over the first two seasons.
If the Raiders came to close to that, they obviously wanted Jones, who has played both corner and safety, to start opposite second-year player Trayvon Mullen.
Maybe the Raiders caught a break here. It’s a least a little concerning that a veteran of 79 games has just four interceptions and none since 2017. For that mind of money, you not only shadow receivers, but steal the ball once in awhile.
Or perhaps Jones is as good as advertised and shines immediately for Miami.
The Broncos’ Chris Harris Jr. would seemingly be next in line, and the draft is also an option, although analysts are saying it’s not a particularly strong year for corners.
The Raiders could also bring back Daryl Worley at a reasonable price since he’s unlikely to go in the first wave.
4. Franchise blues
If the Raiders were hoping on bringing in someone to push the pocket, it didn’t help that the Chiefs locked up defensive tackle Chris Jones and Tampa Bay did the same with Shaq Barrett. They may have been too pricey anyway, and Barrett may not be a system fit. Yet it’s free agency, and it’s nice to dream.
Yannick Nkagoue of Jacksonville and Matthew Judon, another edge prospect, were franchised by Jacksonville and Baltimore. And Denver did the same as expected with Justin Simmons, who isn’t a pass rusher but a safety the Raiders certainly would have explored if available.
Now the only chance for the players above is through a costly sign-and-trade much in the way the 49ers did with Dee Ford of the Chiefs a year ago.
5. Shopping list
Defense remains the Raiders top priority, and former Rams linebacker Cory Littleton is a potential target to go along with Kwiatkoski. That would dramatically change the look of a problem position.
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Damarious Randall, a safety who played with the Browns, was linked to the Raiders although no deal was struck.
Minnesota corner Trae Waynes at the right price could be a consolation prize after losing Jones.
The market for wide receivers may be soft because of the plethora of good ones available in the draft. The Jets’ Robby Anderson, a deep threat the Raiders like, may be available at a better price than anticipated.


mercurynews--2020-03-17--Letter: Our defense is only as strong as the weakest health care plan

Re : “ Those contagious but with no health care impact all ” ( Letter to the editor , Mercurynews.com , March 11 ) : Ann Berlak ’ s point is well-taken : In the context of a pandemic , our common defense is as strong as the weakest health care plan .
If any segment of the population is unable to obtain care for whatever reason , they pose a danger to themselves and to us .
Interestingly , exit polls among Democratic primary voters in 20 states in a row confirm health care to be their most important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a majority expressed support for “ a government plan for all instead of private insurance ” — even in Mississippi .
• Letter : 3 things that have helped us overcome national crises before • Letter : This is a rare firsthand account of our mental health system • Letter : We face being homebound like people in Italy Thus , while Bernie Sanders is behind Joe Biden in the delegate count , his signature policy — Medicare for All — is winning over the electorate .
Ironically , the social democratic candidate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but social democratic policy is surging .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Our defense as strong as
weakest health care plan
Re: “Those contagious but with no health care impact all” (Letter to the editor, Mercurynews.com, March 11):
Ann Berlak’s point is well-taken: In the context of a pandemic, our common defense is as strong as the weakest health care plan.
If any segment of the population is unable to obtain care for whatever reason, they pose a danger to themselves and to us.
Interestingly, exit polls among Democratic primary voters in 20 states in a row confirm health care to be their most important issue and, in every case, a majority expressed support for “a government plan for all instead of private insurance” — even in Mississippi.
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Salem Ajluni
Former United Nations economist
San Jose
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