mercurynews--2020-03-26--California doctor one of first in U.S. to offer coronavirus rapid blood test

A Garden Grove physician is likely one of the first practitioners in the U.S. to begin offering a rapid coronavirus screening test popular in Asia that can provide results within 10 minutes through a simple fingerstick .
Dr. Michael Dao , a 55-year old internist who operates the Dao Medical Group in Little Saigon , in the past two weeks has administered 180 COVID-19 IgG/IgM Rapid Gold tests provided by PCL Inc. , one of the largest biotech firms in South Korea .
Three people tested positive for COVID-19 but did not display any symptoms and were instructed to self-quarantine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results were reported to the Orange County Health Care Agency .
Dao expects delivery Thursday of 10,000 more test kits and then another 2,000 within the next few days .
“ Emergency situations call for emergency measures , ” said Dao , who has offered to donate 50,000 additional tests to Orange County and the state for public service employees vulnerable to COVID-19 , including postal workers , police officers and first-responders .
Dao said several Orange County physicians have contacted him about providing them with kits that can only obtained through a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test is already used widely throughout Asia to detect coronavirus and is beginning to make inroads within the U.S. Last week , at the request of Colorado Gov .
Jared Polis , Denver-based AYTU BioScience won emergency-use approval from the Food and Drug Administration to import 100,000 serology test kits from China .
The FDA has said it “ does not intend to object ” to the development and distribution of blood tests for COVID-19 by commercial manufacturers , so long as the FDA is notified and patients understand the test hasn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Those administering the tests also are required by the FDA to inform patients that negative results don ’ t rule out coronavirus infection , particularly in those who ’ ve been in contact with the virus ; and that follow-up testing with a molecular diagnostic should be considered to rule out infection for those who ’ ve had contact with the virus .
“ Results from antibody testing should not be used as the sole basis to diagnose or exclude ” coronavirus infection or to inform infection status , the FDA said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ or present infection with other coronavirus strains .
The Dao Medical Group has included the FDA disclaimers on its Facebook page listing the serology test services .
Serology testing is relatively simple and requires only a single drop of blood through a fingerstick , just like checking for blood sugar in patients with diabetes , Dao said .
The blood is placed in the reservoir of the test kit ’ s cartridge .
Then two drops of solutions are placed in the same reservoir .
Test results are available in about 10 minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dao ’ s office and remain in their vehicles while his staff conducts the test .
The test administered by Dao is different from the most common COVID-19 detection procedure called polymerase chain-reaction testing , or PCR .
That test uses a cotton swab , like a giant Q-tip , to collect samples from the nose or throat , then examines the genetic material for the virus ’ specific markers .
Most testing in the U.S. is done this way , and the 16 labs that have received emergency use authorization from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests .
The other , called a serology test like the one administered by Dao , checks the blood for antibodies that battle the coronavirus and is more common in China , Singapore and South Korea .
“ It ’ s a good tool for people with no symptoms or minimum symptoms who may be unaware they have been infected , ” Dao said .
Each test has its advantages and disadvantages , experts say .
The blood test can spot antibodies in people who had mild symptoms and have recovered — valuable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how widely the virus has truly spread — while PCR tests detect only active disease in the nose and throat .
PCR tests can ’ t determine if a person had a mild case of COVID-19 and then recovered .
But both tests can miss the virus if taken too early .
PCR tests can produce false negatives if taken before the viral load gains sufficient mass ; and blood tests can give false negatives because it can take the body a week or so to produce enough antibodies to register .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to develop a blood test in the U.S. is underway , but that will take some time .
There ’ s an important public health role for serology testing , but it ’ s different than PCR ’ s role , said Philip L. Felgner , director of UC Irvine ’ s Vaccine Research and Development Center and Protein Microarray Laboratory and Training Facility .
“ There are a lot of infected people who are asymptomatic out there spreading the virus , and that ’ s what ’ s causing this outbreak , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t have enough PCR tests to detect sick people right now , much less asymptomatic people , so asymptomatic people are passing the infection on to their close contacts .
“ We need a test that we can use on healthy people to find out who is a spreader of this virus , and that ’ s where the antibody test would be useful .
It has a completely different purpose .
If a person is trying to sell the antibody test for clinical diagnosis , it ’ s definitely not approved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purpose.
” Felgner is working on research using serology testing on blood samples from Washington state , where COVID-19 first erupted in the United States , to determine how widespread the infection really is in the community .
“ What we need to do with the serological tests is survey locations to find out how much intensity of the virus is in an environment , ” Felgner said .
“ If we go into New York City right now and just measure average people in the community , their antibody responses are going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nebraska , where nothing seems to be occurring .
“ That ’ s what the serological test is good for .
It doesn ’ t need to be FDA approved — it ’ s a public health tool to determine how much is circulating in the environment.
” That tool allows public health officials to wield more of a chisel than a sledgehammer .
Public health officials can use serology testing to pinpoint exactly where infections are occurring in the community , and then issue intense shelter-in-place measures in those communities .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do in the U.S. , where all of California is on shelter-in-place , ” Felgner said .
“ It probably isn ’ t necessary all over , but we ’ d need to have a test to know where the outbreaks are.
” That ’ s where the serology tests are most useful , he said .
Dao said when be he first posted information on his clinic ’ s Facebook page detailing plans to make the serology test available for a $ 49 donation and free to those who can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skeptical , angry comments .
“ You are taking advantage of people in a very scared environment and trying to make money off them , ” said one comment , calling the doctor “ scum.
” A response from Dao ’ s account , said , “ Jealous stupid ignorance , ” which set off more rage and name-calling .
There were dozens of comments in English and Vietnamese .
“ I was upset from the negativity from some of the people who reacted , but I am not discouraged because I received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to do the good work for the community from other doctors , health-care providers , friends and patients , ” Dao said .
“ For the first time I feel like I am going to give something back to our community.
” An Orange County District Attorney ’ s Office investigator spoke to Dao and determined he hasn ’ t made any false claims about the serology tests , said spokeswoman Kimberly Edds .
The FDA said it ’ s beginning to see unauthorized , fraudulent test kits that are marketed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is “ actively and aggressively monitoring the market for any firms marketing products with fraudulent coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) diagnostic , prevention and treatment claims.
” Consumers should know that the FDA has not authorized any self-administered , home-test for COVID-19 .
“ The FDA sees the public health value in expanding the availability of COVID-19 testing through safe and accurate tests that may include home collection , and we are actively working with test developers in this space , ” the FDA said in a statement .
Fraudulent health claims , tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by keeping patients from seeking care or delaying necessary medical treatment , according to the FDA .
Just Wednesday evening , the U.S. Department of Justice announced the arrest of Keith Lawrence Middlebrook , 53 , with addresses in Westwood , Newport Beach and Murrieta , on a federal fraud charge alleging he solicited investments in a company that would market coronavirus-prevention pills and an injectable cure .
Felgner , from UCI , feels that — like the flu — this virus will be with us for a long time .
It will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but won ’ t be as bad because of the tools that will be in place by then .

Update: Health officials warn that coronavirus blood test could spell trouble
A Garden Grove physician is likely one of the first practitioners in the U.S. to begin offering a rapid coronavirus screening test popular in Asia that can provide results within 10 minutes through a simple fingerstick.
Dr. Michael Dao, a 55-year old internist who operates the Dao Medical Group in Little Saigon, in the past two weeks has administered 180 COVID-19 IgG/IgM Rapid Gold tests provided by PCL Inc., one of the largest biotech firms in South Korea.
Three people tested positive for COVID-19 but did not display any symptoms and were instructed to self-quarantine, Dao said, adding that the results were reported to the Orange County Health Care Agency.
Related: UCI researchers will test former Ebola drug as part of coronavirus clinical trial
Dao expects delivery Thursday of 10,000 more test kits and then another 2,000 within the next few days.
“Emergency situations call for emergency measures,” said Dao, who has offered to donate 50,000 additional tests to Orange County and the state for public service employees vulnerable to COVID-19, including postal workers, police officers and first-responders.
Dao said several Orange County physicians have contacted him about providing them with kits that can only obtained through a licensed importer.
The rapid result serology test is already used widely throughout Asia to detect coronavirus and is beginning to make inroads within the U.S.
Last week, at the request of Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, Denver-based AYTU BioScience won emergency-use approval from the Food and Drug Administration to import 100,000 serology test kits from China.
The FDA has said it “does not intend to object” to the development and distribution of blood tests for COVID-19 by commercial manufacturers, so long as the FDA is notified and patients understand the test hasn’t been reviewed by the FDA.
Those administering the tests also are required by the FDA to inform patients that negative results don’t rule out coronavirus infection, particularly in those who’ve been in contact with the virus; and that follow-up testing with a molecular diagnostic should be considered to rule out infection for those who’ve had contact with the virus.
“Results from antibody testing should not be used as the sole basis to diagnose or exclude” coronavirus infection or to inform infection status, the FDA said. Positive results could be due to past or present infection with other coronavirus strains.
The Dao Medical Group has included the FDA disclaimers on its Facebook page listing the serology test services.
Dr. Michael Dao shows some of the Covid-19 rapid tests he acquired from South Korea at his office in Garden Grove, CA, on Wednesday, Mar 25, 2020. The test uses a drop of blood and can return results in 10 minutes. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Dr. Michael Dao shows some of the Covid-19 rapid tests he acquired from South Korea at his office in Garden Grove, CA, on Wednesday, Mar 25, 2020. The test uses a drop of blood and can return results in 10 minutes. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A negative Covid-19 rapid test shows one line – positive would be two or three lines – at Dr. Michael Dao office in Garden Grove, CA. Photographed on Wednesday, Mar 25, 2020. The test uses a drop of blood and can return results in 10 minutes. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Covid-19 rapid test includes a test card, once-time use lancet and solution. Dr. Michael Dao he acquired the tests from South Korea and will be using them at his office in Westminster, CA. Photographed on Garden Grove, Mar 25, 2020. The test uses a drop of blood and can return results in 10 minutes. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Dr. Michael Dao shows some of the Covid-19 rapid tests he acquired from South Korea at his office in Garden Grove, CA, on Wednesday, Mar 25, 2020. The test uses a drop of blood and can return results in 10 minutes. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Serology vs. PCR testing
Serology testing is relatively simple and requires only a single drop of blood through a fingerstick, just like checking for blood sugar in patients with diabetes, Dao said. The blood is placed in the reservoir of the test kit’s cartridge. Then two drops of solutions are placed in the same reservoir. Test results are available in about 10 minutes.
Individuals are required to park behind Dao’s office and remain in their vehicles while his staff conducts the test.
The test administered by Dao is different from the most common COVID-19 detection procedure called polymerase chain-reaction testing, or PCR. That test uses a cotton swab, like a giant Q-tip, to collect samples from the nose or throat, then examines the genetic material for the virus’ specific markers.
Most testing in the U.S. is done this way, and the 16 labs that have received emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration are supplying PCR tests.
The other, called a serology test like the one administered by Dao, checks the blood for antibodies that battle the coronavirus and is more common in China, Singapore and South Korea.
“It’s a good tool for people with no symptoms or minimum symptoms who may be unaware they have been infected,” Dao said.
Each test has its advantages and disadvantages, experts say. The blood test can spot antibodies in people who had mild symptoms and have recovered — valuable to public health officials trying to assess how widely the virus has truly spread — while PCR tests detect only active disease in the nose and throat. PCR tests can’t determine if a person had a mild case of COVID-19 and then recovered.
But both tests can miss the virus if taken too early. PCR tests can produce false negatives if taken before the viral load gains sufficient mass; and blood tests can give false negatives because it can take the body a week or so to produce enough antibodies to register.
The Centers for Disease Control said initial work to develop a blood test in the U.S. is underway, but that will take some time.
Testing and early detection
There’s an important public health role for serology testing, but it’s different than PCR’s role, said Philip L. Felgner, director of UC Irvine’s Vaccine Research and Development Center and Protein Microarray Laboratory and Training Facility.
“There are a lot of infected people who are asymptomatic out there spreading the virus, and that’s what’s causing this outbreak,” Felgner said. “We don’t have enough PCR tests to detect sick people right now, much less asymptomatic people, so asymptomatic people are passing the infection on to their close contacts.
“We need a test that we can use on healthy people to find out who is a spreader of this virus, and that’s where the antibody test would be useful. It has a completely different purpose. If a person is trying to sell the antibody test for clinical diagnosis, it’s definitely not approved. It’s not for that purpose.”
Felgner is working on research using serology testing on blood samples from Washington state, where COVID-19 first erupted in the United States, to determine how widespread the infection really is in the community.
“What we need to do with the serological tests is survey locations to find out how much intensity of the virus is in an environment,” Felgner said. “If we go into New York City right now and just measure average people in the community, their antibody responses are going to be elevated compared to someplace like Nebraska, where nothing seems to be occurring.
“That’s what the serological test is good for. It doesn’t need to be FDA approved — it’s a public health tool to determine how much is circulating in the environment.”
That tool allows public health officials to wield more of a chisel than a sledgehammer. Public health officials can use serology testing to pinpoint exactly where infections are occurring in the community, and then issue intense shelter-in-place measures in those communities.
“That’s not like what we do in the U.S., where all of California is on shelter-in-place,” Felgner said. “It probably isn’t necessary all over, but we’d need to have a test to know where the outbreaks are.”
That’s where the serology tests are most useful, he said.
DA: Dao not making false claims
Dao said when be he first posted information on his clinic’s Facebook page detailing plans to make the serology test available for a $49 donation and free to those who can’t afford to pay he was besieged with skeptical, angry comments.
“You are taking advantage of people in a very scared environment and trying to make money off them,” said one comment, calling the doctor “scum.” A response from Dao’s account, said, “Jealous stupid ignorance,” which set off more rage and name-calling. There were dozens of comments in English and Vietnamese.
“I was upset from the negativity from some of the people who reacted, but I am not discouraged because I received many phone calls to encourage me to continue to do the good work for the community from other doctors, health-care providers, friends and patients,” Dao said. “For the first time I feel like I am going to give something back to our community.”
An Orange County District Attorney’s Office investigator spoke to Dao and determined he hasn’t made any false claims about the serology tests, said spokeswoman Kimberly Edds.
The FDA said it’s beginning to see unauthorized, fraudulent test kits that are marketed to test for COVID-19 at home, and is “actively and aggressively monitoring the market for any firms marketing products with fraudulent coronavirus (COVID-19) diagnostic, prevention and treatment claims.”
Consumers should know that the FDA has not authorized any self-administered, home-test for COVID-19. “The FDA sees the public health value in expanding the availability of COVID-19 testing through safe and accurate tests that may include home collection, and we are actively working with test developers in this space,” the FDA said in a statement.
Fraudulent health claims, tests and products can pose serious health risks by keeping patients from seeking care or delaying necessary medical treatment, according to the FDA.
Just Wednesday evening, the U.S. Department of Justice announced the arrest of Keith Lawrence Middlebrook, 53, with addresses in Westwood, Newport Beach and Murrieta, on a federal fraud charge alleging he solicited investments in a company that would market coronavirus-prevention pills and an injectable cure.
Felgner, from UCI, feels that — like the flu — this virus will be with us for a long time. It will circulate again next year, he predicts, but won’t be as bad because of the tools that will be in place by then.


mercurynews--2020-03-26--FBI arrests California man accused of promoting bogus methods to prevent, cure coronavirus

A Southern California man who falsely claimed Earvin “ Magic ” Johnson was on the board of directors for his company was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of wire fraud related to bogus claims he had drugs to prevent and cure coronavirus , officials said .
Keith Lawrence Middlebrook , 53 , was arrested by FBI agents , the U.S. Attorney ’ s Office in Los Angeles said in a statement .
Middlebrook is associated with residences in Newport Beach , Murrieta and Westwood in Los Angeles .
At least 2 million people have seen YouTube and Instagram videos that falsely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and an injectable cure for those already infected , U.S. Justice Department officials in the office said in a statement .
The Justice Department said Middlebrook was arrested after a criminal complaint was filed alleging he committed attempted wire fraud , a felony offense that can carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison .
“ Middlebrook was arrested during a meeting in which he delivered pills – purportedly the treatment that prevents coronavirus infection – to an undercover agent who was posing as an investor , ” officials said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Prevention has said there is no vaccine for the coronavirus and no medications approved to treat it , and the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed .
Middlebrook solicited funds with the promises of massive profits for a company he called Quantum Prevention CV Inc. , the Justice Department said .
• Dr. John F. Murray , former SF General physician , dies of disease he helped fight caused by COVID-19 • Boost for BART : Stimulus deal could send $ 1.3 billion to Bay Area public transit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims about his cure and preventative medication to a witness who cooperated with investigators .
“ I have developed the cure for the coronavirus , ” Middlebrook told the witness , according to officials .
“ An LA Patient tested Positive for Coronavirus , got up and walked out 51 hours after my injection.
” In the same text message , investigators said Middlebrook also wrote , “ Investors who come in at ground level say $ 1 million will parachute with $ 200M – $ 300M…conservative minimum.
” Law enforcement officials have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic .

A Southern California man who falsely claimed Earvin “Magic” Johnson was on the board of directors for his company was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of wire fraud related to bogus claims he had drugs to prevent and cure coronavirus, officials said.
Keith Lawrence Middlebrook, 53, was arrested by FBI agents, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles said in a statement.
Middlebrook is associated with residences in Newport Beach, Murrieta and Westwood in Los Angeles.
At least 2 million people have seen YouTube and Instagram videos that falsely claim he created a coronavirus prevention pill and an injectable cure for those already infected, U.S. Justice Department officials in the office said in a statement.
The Justice Department said Middlebrook was arrested after a criminal complaint was filed alleging he committed attempted wire fraud, a felony offense that can carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
“Middlebrook was arrested during a meeting in which he delivered pills – purportedly the treatment that prevents coronavirus infection – to an undercover agent who was posing as an investor,” officials said in a statement.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said there is no vaccine for the coronavirus and no medications approved to treat it, and the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed.
Middlebrook solicited funds with the promises of massive profits for a company he called Quantum Prevention CV Inc., the Justice Department said.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge Officials said that Middlebrook made lofty claims about his cure and preventative medication to a witness who cooperated with investigators.
“I have developed the cure for the coronavirus,” Middlebrook told the witness, according to officials. “An LA Patient tested Positive for Coronavirus, got up and walked out 51 hours after my injection.”
In the same text message, investigators said Middlebrook also wrote, “Investors who come in at ground level say $1 million will parachute with $200M – $300M…conservative minimum.”
Law enforcement officials have reported a rise in fraud schemes during the coronavirus pandemic.


mercurynews--2020-03-26--3 arrested in beating, stabbing death of homeless man in California park

Two men and a woman have been arrested in connection to the beating and stabbing death of a homeless man at Santiago Park in Santa Ana over the weekend .
The suspects , arrested Tuesday , March , 24 , were described as transients who lived in the same area as the victim , Santa Ana police Cpl .
Anthony Bertagna said .
Shortly after 8:20 p.m. Saturday , officers were called to an attack at the entrance of the park on Main Street .
They found the victim bleeding from several wounds .
Multiple suspects were seen attacking the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gonzalez , 39 , and ran away before officers arrived , police said .
Gonzalez , who was homeless and had been living near the park , was taken to a hospital , where he died less than an hour later .
Bertagna said the suspects – Daniel Ruben Gallegos , 47 , Gustavo Nunez , Jr. , 32 , and Lisa Marie Herrera , 41 – knew the victim , though he would not disclose what led to the attack .
Gallegos was arrested on suspicion of murder .
Nunez and Herrera @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weapon .

Two men and a woman have been arrested in connection with the beating and stabbing death of a homeless man at Santiago Park in Santa Ana over the weekend.
The suspects, arrested Tuesday, March, 24, were described as transients who lived in the same area as the victim, Santa Ana police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna said.
Shortly after 8:20 p.m. Saturday, officers were called to an attack at the entrance of the park on Main Street. They found the victim bleeding from several wounds.
Multiple suspects were seen attacking the victim, later identified as Cesar Gamaliel Gonzalez, 39, and ran away before officers arrived, police said.
Gonzalez, who was homeless and had been living near the park, was taken to a hospital, where he died less than an hour later.
Bertagna said the suspects – Daniel Ruben Gallegos, 47, Gustavo Nunez, Jr., 32, and Lisa Marie Herrera, 41 – knew the victim, though he would not disclose what led to the attack.
Gallegos was arrested on suspicion of murder. Nunez and Herrera were arrested for assault with a deadly weapon.


mercurynews--2020-03-26--Letter: Will US just be another of Trump’s failed ventures?

Will US just be another of Trump ’ s failed ventures ?
This country has had fair warning for over three years that Donald Trump is utterly unqualified to hold the office of president of the United States .
The president ’ s personal agenda of racism , bullying , self-promotion , increasing his own net worth and winning at the expense of others has been unmistakable .
He has spurned his advisers and widely accepted scientific evidence and defended cruel dictators .
He continually proves that he has no concern for the people of this country .
It comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which we now find ourselves , our leader can not lead , take advice , find his way or comfort a country that is frightened .
• Letter : San Jose workers in a panic — over virus and city ’ s inaction • Letter : Use social media to spread word if you get infected • Letter : The self-employed need and deserve crisis support too • Letter : Envision how much worse it might be without Trump Like most of his previous business ventures that ended in failure , Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collapse .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Will US just be another of
Trump’s failed ventures?
This country has had fair warning for over three years that Donald Trump is utterly unqualified to hold the office of president of the United States.
The president’s personal agenda of racism, bullying, self-promotion, increasing his own net worth and winning at the expense of others has been unmistakable. He has spurned his advisers and widely accepted scientific evidence and defended cruel dictators.
He continually proves that he has no concern for the people of this country. It comes as no surprise, facing the crisis in which we now find ourselves, our leader cannot lead, take advice, find his way or comfort a country that is frightened.
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Michael Meneghetti
Pleasant Hill
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mercurynews--2020-03-26--Are Frank Gore and Joe Staley the 49ers’ most dynamic duo?

Almost any ranking of all-time 49ers is quantified by Super Bowl rings .
The five-count , Lombardi Trophy display in their lobby demands it .
At least until Frank Gore chimed in on social media Wednesday night , responding to a Twitter post asking for the “ ultimate sports duo.
” And why not pair the 49ers ’ all-time rushing leader with their best offensive lineman of his generation ?
Before we present a list of other memorable tandems in 49ers history , may we present the Gore-Staley tandem : Gore , after 10 seasons and 148 regular-season games , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contract expired .
He is adrift again in free agency after stints in Miami and Buffalo .
Someday , he will retire a 49er , more likely in a Roger Craig-like ceremonial signing than a 2020 comeback .
Staley , meanwhile , is coming off the second Super Bowl of his distinguished 13-year career .
He ’ s captained this franchise through rough seas .
He is very much still needed and respected .
The Joe Show must go on .
Gore and Staley were teammates from 2007-14 , ushering the 49ers out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trophy contention .
They made it to one Super Bowl together – the 2012 team ’ s loss to Baltimore — but their love of the game remains ever-present and absolutely adored by the 49ers Faithful .
The Gore-Staley ticket is the sentimental choice when it comes to the 49ers ’ all-time great running mates .
Here are other pairings steeped in franchise lore , some not in such a bright light : Joe Montana/Jerry Rice : It ’ s the NFL ’ s most successful quarterback-receiver partnership , highlighted by the back-to-back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Patrick Willis/NaVorro Bowman : This linebacker tandem was an intimidating force as the 49ers played at least for the NFC Championship from 2011-13 .
Steve Young/Brent Jones : Sure , Young and Rice also were a potent combo , but Jones was/is Young ’ s most trusted sidekick on and off the field .
Ronnie Lott/Eric Wright : They arrived in the 1981 draft ’ s first two rounds , and the 49ers ’ rookie cornerbacks soon celebrated the franchise ’ s first Super Bowl , alongside the secondary ’ s other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Williamson .
Y.A .
Tittle/R.C .
Owens : They put “ Alley-Oop ” on the sports ’ map , starting at Kezar Stadium .
Bill Walsh/John McVay : What do you get when you put a “ genius ” coach with a savvy front-office executive ?
The birth of a dynasty that did so much for the 49ers – and the NFL .
Eddie DeBartolo/Carmen Policy : Eddie D. ’ s ownership yielded all five Super Bowl victories , and helping guide that ride was Policy , a fellow Youngstown native with front-office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Browns .
Colin Kaepernick/Eric Reid : Their social activism , whoever you view it , captivated the nation and NFL in 2016 , with Reid first to kneel with Kaepernick during the national anthem .
Roger Craig/Tom Rathman : These Nebraska Cornhuskers made for a dynamic backfield , including on the back-to-back championship teams that closed out the team ’ s 1980s dynasty .
Jimmy Garoppolo/George Kittle : They hooked up 85 times ( Kittle ’ s jersey number ) for 1,053 yards last season before a playoff run that reached the Super @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a big hookup just before halftime .
Nick Bosa/Arik Armstead : Well , as much as Bosa also thrived next to DeForest Buckner last season , Armstead is the one who signed an extension last week and could flourish for years to come next to the reigning rookie of the year .
Hugh McElhenney/Joe Perry/John Henry Johnson/Y.A .
Tittle : The Million Dollar Backfield was the 49ers ’ best-ever tandem-squared .
Jim Harbaugh/Trent Baalke : This coach and general manager pairing short-circuited after a four-year term limit .
Jed York/Paraag Marathe : Since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve accelerated the business side of things while taking fans ’ flack during the down years .
John Brodie/Gene Washington : This not-to-be-forgotten combination made for aerial excitement in the early 1970s .
O.J .
Simpson/Al Cowlings : Welp , they were 1979 teammates on the 49ers , and at so many other stops ( and non-stops ) in their lives .
Jeff Garcia/Terrell Owens : Sure , their relationship detonated quickly as their 49ers tenures came to a close in 2003 , but for four years , they sure provided fiery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pass-rushing combo sure worked , until Aldon didn ’ t .
Kyle Shanahan/John Lynch : It took them only three for this coach and GM to deliver a Super Bowl contender .
What will Year 4 have in store ?

Almost any ranking of all-time 49ers is quantified by Super Bowl rings. The five-count, Lombardi Trophy display in their lobby demands it.
At least until Frank Gore chimed in on social media Wednesday night, responding to a Twitter post asking for the “ultimate sports duo.”
Gore’s choice: He and Joe Staley.
And why not pair the 49ers’ all-time rushing leader with their best offensive lineman of his generation?
Before we present a list of other memorable tandems in 49ers history, may we present the Gore-Staley tandem:
Gore, after 10 seasons and 148 regular-season games, left the franchise in 2014 when his contract expired. He is adrift again in free agency after stints in Miami and Buffalo. Someday, he will retire a 49er, more likely in a Roger Craig-like ceremonial signing than a 2020 comeback.
Staley, meanwhile, is coming off the second Super Bowl of his distinguished 13-year career. He’s captained this franchise through rough seas. He is very much still needed and respected. The Joe Show must go on.
Gore and Staley were teammates from 2007-14, ushering the 49ers out of the NFL cellar and into Lombardi Trophy contention. They made it to one Super Bowl together – the 2012 team’s loss to Baltimore — but their love of the game remains ever-present and absolutely adored by the 49ers Faithful.
The Gore-Staley ticket is the sentimental choice when it comes to the 49ers’ all-time great running mates.
Here are other pairings steeped in franchise lore, some not in such a bright light:
Joe Montana/Jerry Rice: It’s the NFL’s most successful quarterback-receiver partnership, highlighted by the back-to-back Super Bowl titles they delivered in 1988-89.
Patrick Willis/NaVorro Bowman: This linebacker tandem was an intimidating force as the 49ers played at least for the NFC Championship from 2011-13.
Steve Young/Brent Jones: Sure, Young and Rice also were a potent combo, but Jones was/is Young’s most trusted sidekick on and off the field.
Ronnie Lott/Eric Wright: They arrived in the 1981 draft’s first two rounds, and the 49ers’ rookie cornerbacks soon celebrated the franchise’s first Super Bowl, alongside the secondary’s other power couple in Dwight Hicks and Carlton Williamson.
Y.A. Tittle/R.C. Owens: They put “Alley-Oop” on the sports’ map, starting at Kezar Stadium.
Joe Montana/Dwight Clark: See: “The Catch.”
Bill Walsh/John McVay: What do you get when you put a “genius” coach with a savvy front-office executive? The birth of a dynasty that did so much for the 49ers – and the NFL.
Eddie DeBartolo/Carmen Policy: Eddie D.’s ownership yielded all five Super Bowl victories, and helping guide that ride was Policy, a fellow Youngstown native with front-office wit who eventually split for the Cleveland Browns.
Colin Kaepernick/Eric Reid: Their social activism, whoever you view it, captivated the nation and NFL in 2016, with Reid first to kneel with Kaepernick during the national anthem.
Roger Craig/Tom Rathman: These Nebraska Cornhuskers made for a dynamic backfield, including on the back-to-back championship teams that closed out the team’s 1980s dynasty.
Jimmy Garoppolo/George Kittle: They hooked up 85 times (Kittle’s jersey number) for 1,053 yards last season before a playoff run that reached the Super Bowl, where officials robbed them of a big hookup just before halftime.
Nick Bosa/Arik Armstead: Well, as much as Bosa also thrived next to DeForest Buckner last season, Armstead is the one who signed an extension last week and could flourish for years to come next to the reigning rookie of the year.
Hugh McElhenney/Joe Perry/John Henry Johnson/Y.A. Tittle: The Million Dollar Backfield was the 49ers’ best-ever tandem-squared.
Jim Harbaugh/Trent Baalke: This coach and general manager pairing short-circuited after a four-year term limit.
Jed York/Paraag Marathe: Since arriving nearly two decades ago, they’ve accelerated the business side of things while taking fans’ flack during the down years.
John Brodie/Gene Washington: This not-to-be-forgotten combination made for aerial excitement in the early 1970s.
O.J. Simpson/Al Cowlings: Welp, they were 1979 teammates on the 49ers, and at so many other stops (and non-stops) in their lives.
Jeff Garcia/Terrell Owens: Sure, their relationship detonated quickly as their 49ers tenures came to a close in 2003, but for four years, they sure provided fiery fireworks.
Aldon Smith/Justin Smith: This pass-rushing combo sure worked, until Aldon didn’t.
Kyle Shanahan/John Lynch: It took them only three for this coach and GM to deliver a Super Bowl contender. What will Year 4 have in store? Staley back for at least one more, but not with Gore?
* * *
BONUS ROUND: More pairings that come to mind:
Charles Haley/Quarterbacks: Who do you best remember Haley terrorizing most in his day? Quarterbacks, preferably opponents’.
Steve Mariucci/T.O.: Talk about a love/hate relationship and you’ll recall Owens weeping on Mariucci’s shoulder after The Catch II, only to see their union crumble after T.O. celebrated twice on Dallas’ midfield star.
Garrison Hearst/Fred Beasley: When running back adores his fullback, it can help deliver one of the NFL’s greatest comeback stories.
Jeff Ulbrich/Derek Smith: They embodies hard-nosed football without much fame during their 2001-07 tenure.
Bryant Young/Dana Stubblefield: These defensive tackles dominated in the 1990s and were reunited for a final playoff run in 2001-02.
Candlestick Park/mud: Whether it was the late season’s soggy turf from being below sea level or parking in the auxiliary lot near the bay, Candlestick Park was a treasured pig sty.


mercurynews--2020-03-26--Whole Foods worker infected with coronavirus in Southern California

An employee at the Whole Foods market in Huntington Beach has tested positive for the new coronavirus and is being quarantined .
With the store remaining open for business , the incident is underlining the lack of clear , uniform protocols for grocers with infected employees .
Fellow Whole Foods employees received news of the infection from a robocall Tuesday night , March 24 .
“ We are working to identify any team member who may have had prolonged contact with the diagnosed team member and will communicate with them individually , ” according to the recorded message .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close contact with the infected worker will be quarantined as well .
The unidentified infected employee last worked Thursday , March 19 , at the store in the Bella Terra mall , the message said .
Rachel Malish , an Austin-based spokeswoman for the grocery chain , declined to say when the company became aware that there was a suspected infection or how many employees may have been exposed .
The danger posed to customers is unclear .
“ Currently there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with transmission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Food and Drug Administration statement on March 17 .
However , the COVID-19 virus can remain active and transmittable for hours or days on surfaces , according to the National Institutes of Health .
Assistant store manager Danny Garro said the store continues the more rigorous daily cleaning and sanitizing practices implemented after the coronavirus outbreak while an emailed statement from Whole Foods said the infected employee prompted “ an additional cleaning and disinfection has been performed.
” In terms of direct contact between employees and shoppers , workers in some departments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to another employee , who asked to remain unnamed because of fear of retribution .
He noted that store managers have not disclosed which department the infected employee worked in .
“ We ’ ve closed our hot food and salad bars , but there are departments where food is being directly handed to customers , like the meat and fish counter , ” the employee said .
Government protocols for stores with infected employees appear to be few and far between in many regions .
Trader ’ s Joe ’ s has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two in New York , one in New Jersey and one in Maryland — for cleaning and restocking after workers there tested positive , according to the supermarket chain ’ s website .
But the FDA ’ s only directive to groceries on the issue is to quarantine the employee , maintain the confidentiality of the individual and inform fellow employees .
It refers to the Centers for Disease Control ’ s guidance to remain quarantined for at least seven days once symptoms appear and at least 72 hours after a fever has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grocers to “ follow protocols set by local and state health departments.
” Orange County ’ s Health Care Agency referred an inquiry from the Southern California News Group about such protocols to the California Department of Public Health .
Guidance issued March 16 by the state Department of Public Health , notes the critical role food distribution plays in public health and calls for social distancing , limiting the number of customers in a store and increasing sanitation efforts .
However , the state offers no instruction on what to do if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr. John F. Murray , former SF General physician , dies of disease he helped fight caused by COVID-19 • Boost for BART : Stimulus deal could send $ 1.3 billion to Bay Area public transit systems The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health provides a more detailed approach for stores in that county with a COVID-19 infected worker .
That includes sending home for quarantine any employee who ’ s been in contact with an infected co-worker — or in contact with a suspected but unconfirmed coronavirus victim .
The directive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after an infection is identified but does not mention store closures .
Health departments in Riverside and San Bernardino counties did not respond Wednesday to requests for their protocols if grocery employees become infected with COVID-19 .

An employee at the Whole Foods market in Huntington Beach has tested positive for the new coronavirus and is being quarantined. With the store remaining open for business, the incident is underlining the lack of clear, uniform protocols for grocers with infected employees.
Fellow Whole Foods employees received news of the infection from a robocall Tuesday night, March 24.
“We are working to identify any team member who may have had prolonged contact with the diagnosed team member and will communicate with them individually,” according to the recorded message. It’s unclear whether those who had close contact with the infected worker will be quarantined as well.
The unidentified infected employee last worked Thursday, March 19, at the store in the Bella Terra mall, the a message said.
A spokesperson for the Austin-based grocery chain confirmed that an employee was infected but declined to say when the company became aware that there was a suspected infection or how many employees may have been exposed.
The danger posed to customers is unclear.
“Currently there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19,” according to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration statement on March 17.
However, the COVID-19 virus can remain active and transmittable for hours or days on surfaces, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Assistant store manager Danny Garro said the store continues the more rigorous daily cleaning and sanitizing practices implemented after the coronavirus outbreak while an emailed statement from Whole Foods said the infected employee prompted “an additional cleaning and disinfection has been performed.”
In terms of direct contact between employees and shoppers, workers in some departments have more exposure than others, according to another employee, who asked to remain unnamed because of fear of retribution. He noted that store managers have not disclosed which department the infected employee worked in.
“We’ve closed our hot food and salad bars, but there are departments where food is being directly handed to customers, like the meat and fish counter,” the employee said.
Vague protocols
Government protocols for stores with infected employees appear to be few and far between in many regions.
Trader’s Joe’s has temporarily closed four of its stores — two in New York, one in New Jersey and one in Maryland — for cleaning and restocking after workers there tested positive, according to the supermarket chain’s website.
But the FDA’s only directive to groceries on the issue is to quarantine the employee, maintain the confidentiality of the individual and inform fellow employees. It refers to the Centers for Disease Control’s guidance to remain quarantined for at least seven days once symptoms appear and at least 72 hours after a fever has passed.
Otherwise, the FDA directs grocers to “follow protocols set by local and state health departments.”
Orange County’s Health Care Agency referred an inquiry from the Southern California News Group about such protocols to the California Department of Public Health.
Guidance issued March 16 by the state Department of Public Health, notes the critical role food distribution plays in public health and calls for social distancing, limiting the number of customers in a store and increasing sanitation efforts. However, the state offers no instruction on what to do if a grocery employee becomes infected.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health provides a more detailed approach for stores in that county with a COVID-19 infected worker. That includes sending home for quarantine any employee who’s been in contact with an infected co-worker — or in contact with a suspected but unconfirmed coronavirus victim.
The directive also calls for additional cleaning and sanitizing after an infection is identified but does not mention store closures.
Health departments in Riverside and San Bernardino counties did not respond Wednesday to requests for their protocols if grocery employees become infected with COVID-19.


mercurynews--2020-03-26--Coronavirus help: Are California’s mortgage relief offers a good deal?

Lenders are lining up to let California homeowners with coronavirus-related financial troubles skip some mortgage payments .
That ’ s great news for the homeowners among the 1 million-plus Californians who have recently applied for unemployment insurance , a shocking loss of jobs .
For all of last year , 2.1 million claims were made .
In 2008 and 2009 , in the heat of the Great Recession , 3.9 claims were made each year .
Policymakers and bankers are rushing to find ways to keep the sudden economic wallop from turning into a foreclosure crisis .
But before you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look at what we know .
A. California Gov .
Gavin Newsom said Wednesday , March 25 , that Wells Fargo , US Bank , Citi and JP Morgan Chase will waive mortgage payments for 90 days .
State-chartered banks and credit unions also have agreed to the 90-day forbearance .
Bank of America says it will defer payments on a monthly basis until the crisis is over , a bank spokesman said .
A .
Who is “ servicing ” your loan ?
That ’ s usually who ’ s collecting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mortgage they made with you , or at least service it .
But often loans are sold to a new company collecting repayment .
That servicing bank is the one with which institution you must check .
Q.
Didn ’ t I hear there was federal help , too ?
A .
The federal agencies that package and insure mortgages for resale to investors have told the companies that service these loans to offer troubled borrowers some slack for up to one year .
That action may have nudged individual banks to offer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is in doubt , call now because it may not be a simple process .
Q .
How do I get help ?
A .
Cash-strapped borrowers seeking these payment holidays face huge unknowns .
These plans have just been announced .
So , how does one apply for the payment breaks ?
What ’ s required to get accepted for the waiver ?
What are the repayment plans ?
Or create a tax issue ?
For example , Bank of America will tack the skipped payments on the back of the mortgage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payments , if you seek permission , won ’ t show up as a negative item on credit histories .
A .
The devil is in the details and also very dependent on personal situations and preferences .
Specifics are lacking in this quick-moving story , but at first glance , this is great news for many folks whose finances have been turned upside down in a month .
But caveats must be noted .
Many mortgage-aid offers following the economic collapse of 2008-09 proved to be fruitless , if not harmful , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me ?
• Dr. John F. Murray , former SF General physician , dies of disease he helped fight caused by COVID-19 • Boost for BART : Stimulus deal could send $ 1.3 billion to Bay Area public transit systems A. I can guarantee you that scam artists are dreaming up schemes already .
Please be extremely wary of any unknown third-party that offers assistance .
And never pay an upfront fee !
This is very much an “ aid-seeker beware ” situation .
Q .
What if it ’ s an investment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the financing in trouble , the murkier the picture .
Certain government mortgage agencies have issued guidelines about relief for investment property loans .
Note that repayment breaks may come only if the landlord needing financial help agrees not to foreclose on tenants .
Again , if you can ’ t make a payment , get on the phone — soon .
Q .
Can I skip my property tax bill , too ?
A .
No .
The next house payment challenge for Newsom is property taxes , which are due April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have no flexibility to extend payment dates even though the state pushed back its income tax due dates by 60 days to July 15 .
If you won ’ t be able to pay , call your county ’ s tax collector office sooner rather than later .

Lenders are lining up to let California homeowners with coronavirus-related financial troubles skip some mortgage payments.
That’s great news for the homeowners among the 1 million-plus Californians who have recently applied for unemployment insurance, a shocking loss of jobs. For all of last year, 2.1 million claims were made. In 2008 and 2009, in the heat of the Great Recession, 3.9 claims were made each year.
Policymakers and bankers are rushing to find ways to keep the sudden economic wallop from turning into a foreclosure crisis. But before you get too excited, let’s look at what we know.
Q. Who’s in?
A. Plenty of lenders will offer assistance, though the shape of that aid will vary. California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday, March 25, that Wells Fargo, US Bank, Citi and JP Morgan Chase will waive mortgage payments for 90 days as part of a state-organized relief effort. State-chartered banks and credit unions also have agreed to the 90-day forbearance, the governor added. Bank of America says it will defer payments on a monthly basis until the crisis is over, a bank spokesman said. Others are also granting aid.
Q. Who’s really helping me?
A. Figure out who is “servicing” your loan. That’s usually the company collecting the monthly check. Some lenders keep the mortgage they made with you, or at least service it. But often loans are sold to a new company collecting repayment. That servicing bank is the institution who’d grant you this help.
Q. Didn’t I hear there was federal help, too?
A. The federal agencies that package and insure mortgages for resale to investors have told the companies that service these loans to offer troubled borrowers some slack for up to one year. That action may have nudged individual banks to offer payment breaks. If your April payment is in doubt, call now because it may not be a simple process.
Q. How do I get help?
A. Cash-strapped borrowers seeking these payment holidays face huge unknowns. Questions to ask: How to apply for the payment breaks? What’s required to get accepted for the payment waiver? What are the repayment plans? And then ask you tax guy, does this create tax issues?
Take good notes. Be persistent.
For example, Bank of America will tack the skipped payments to be repaid at the end of the mortgage. And those skipped payments, if you seek permission, won’t show up as a negative item on credit histories.
Expect many lenders to act like that. But there’s no guarantee it will be all.
Q. Is this a good deal?
A. The devil is in the details and the value is very dependent on personal situations and preferences. Specifics are lacking but at first glance this is good news for many homeowners whose finances have been turned upside down in a month.
But a large caveat must be noted: These are payment deferrals that must be repaid.
Note: Many mortgage-aid offers following the economic collapse of 2008-09 proved to be fruitless, if not harmful, endeavors.
Are you a real estate fan? Then sign up for The Home Stretch newsletter and its Bubble Watch edition A twice-a-week review of what’s important for housing around the region! Subscribe here!
Q. Can somebody help me?
A. I can guarantee you that scam artists are dreaming up schemes already. Please be extremely wary of any unknown third-party that offers assistance. And never pay an upfront fee! This is very much an “aid-seeker beware” situation.
Q. What if it’s an investment property?
A. The less traditional the financing in trouble, the murkier the picture. Certain government mortgage agencies have issued guidelines about relief for investment property loans. Note that repayment breaks may come only if the landlord needing financial help agrees not to foreclose on tenants. Again, if you can’t make a payment, get on the phone — soon.
Q. Can I skip my property tax bill, too?


mercurynews--2020-03-26--Letter: San Jose workers in a panic — over virus and city’s inaction

I can not believe that the San Jose City Council decided to delay a proposal to mandate paid sick leave .
In the past week at The Boiling Crab , all future hours for all employees have been cut .
More than half of my coworkers pay rent , school tuition and other bills .
They can still pick up shifts , but since San Jose is restricting restaurants to providing to-go orders only , these workers will not make any tips .
Our tips , since this epidemic , have been cut by more than 70 % .
Other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not come in to work at all because their skills are not required or essential .
This will continue till news changes .
• Letter : Use social media to spread word if you get infected • Letter : The self-employed need and deserve crisis support too • Letter : Envision how much worse it might be without Trump • Letter : Those ignoring pandemic rules delay any chance we may have These are students , teens and parents .
These are the people who make up San Jose , and they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just because of coronavirus , but because of the city ’ s inaction .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

SJ workers in a panic, over
virus and city’s inaction
I cannot believe that the San Jose City Council decided to delay a proposal to mandate paid sick leave.
In the past week at The Boiling Crab, all future hours for all employees have been cut. More than half of my coworkers pay rent, school tuition and other bills. They can still pick up shifts, but since San Jose is restricting restaurants to providing to-go orders only, these workers will not make any tips. Our tips, since this epidemic, have been cut by more than 70%.
Other workers, depending on their position, cannot come in to work at all because their skills are not required or essential. This will continue till news changes.
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Christopher Corpuz
San Jose
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Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-04-17--Coronavirus: Gilead stock surges on experimental drug news

Gilead Sciences Inc ’ s shares surged 16 % in after hours trading on Thursday following a media report detailing encouraging partial data from trials of the U.S. company ’ s experimental drug remdesivir in severe COVID-19 patients .
A University of Chicago hospital participating in a study of the antiviral medication said it is seeing rapid recoveries in fever and respiratory symptoms , with nearly all patients discharged from the hospital in less than a week , according to medical news website STAT .
Gilead , in an emailed statement , said “ the totality of the data need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any conclusions from the trial.
” The company expects results from its Phase 3 study in patients with severe COVID-19 infection at the end of this month , and additional data from other studies to become available in May .
The University of Chicago is one of 152 locations participating in Gilead ’ s trial involving severe COVID-19 patients , which is “ single arm ” meaning it does not measure the drug against a matched group of patients treated with a placebo .
A trial of patients with moderate COVID-19 symptoms has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no approved treatments for COVID-19 , the highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus that has infected over 2 million people worldwide .
STAT reported that University of Chicago Medicine recruited 113 people with severe COVID-19 into Gilead ’ s trial .
It said most of them have been discharged and two patients died .
The “ anecdotal data … looks promising on the surface and continues to support some potential for the drug to be active in certain COVID-19 patients , ” RBC Capital Markets analyst Brian Abrahams said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are major limitations to contextualizing and interpreting this data.
” Interest in Gilead ’ s drug amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has been high .
The New England Journal of Medicine last week published an analysis indicating that over two-thirds of a small group of severely ill COVID-19 patients saw their condition improve after treatment with remdesivir .
The paper ’ s author called the findings “ hopeful , ” but cautioned it is difficult to interpret the results since they do not include comparison to a control group , as would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trial .
In addition , the patient numbers were small , the details being disclosed are limited , and the follow-up time was relatively short .
• Where all 50 states stand on re-opening during the pandemic • Trump invited every GOP senator to new task force except one • Burglary of personal protection equipment from Fremont medical school results in arrest • Coronavirus : Alameda may help out small businesses • Coronavirus tests for 5,000 volunteers ?
In the East Bay , it ’ s possible .
The U.S National Institute of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an 800-patient trial that randomly assigns patients to treatment with either remdesivir or with a placebo to enable a controlled comparison of outcomes .
Those results are not expected until after Gilead ’ s trial reads out .
Shares of Gilead , which closed at $ 76.54 in regular trading , were up 16 % at $ 89.10 after hours .

By Ankur Banerjee and Deena Beasley | Reuters
Foster City’s Gilead Sciences Inc. shares surged 16% in after hours trading on Thursday following a media report detailing encouraging partial data from trials of the U.S. company’s experimental drug remdesivir in severe COVID-19 patients.
A University of Chicago hospital participating in a study of the antiviral medication said it is seeing rapid recoveries in fever and respiratory symptoms, with nearly all patients discharged from the hospital in less than a week, according to medical news website STAT.
Gilead, in an emailed statement, said “the totality of the data need to be analyzed in order to draw any conclusions from the trial.”
The company expects results from its Phase 3 study in patients with severe COVID-19 infection at the end of this month, and additional data from other studies to become available in May.
The University of Chicago is one of 152 locations participating in Gilead’s trial involving severe COVID-19 patients, which is “single arm” meaning it does not measure the drug against a matched group of patients treated with a placebo. A trial of patients with moderate COVID-19 symptoms has 169 study locations.
There are currently no approved treatments for COVID-19, the highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus that has infected over 2 million people worldwide.
STAT reported that University of Chicago Medicine recruited 113 people with severe COVID-19 into Gilead’s trial. It said most of them have been discharged and two patients died.
The “anecdotal data … looks promising on the surface and continues to support some potential for the drug to be active in certain COVID-19 patients,” RBC Capital Markets analyst Brian Abrahams said in a research note. “Nonetheless, there are major limitations to contextualizing and interpreting this data.”
Interest in Gilead’s drug amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has been high. The New England Journal of Medicine last week published an analysis indicating that over two-thirds of a small group of severely ill COVID-19 patients saw their condition improve after treatment with remdesivir.
The paper’s author called the findings “hopeful,” but cautioned it is difficult to interpret the results since they do not include comparison to a control group, as would be the case in a randomized clinical trial.
In addition, the patient numbers were small, the details being disclosed are limited, and the follow-up time was relatively short.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge The U.S National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease in February began an 800-patient trial that randomly assigns patients to treatment with either remdesivir or with a placebo to enable a controlled comparison of outcomes. Those results are not expected until after Gilead’s trial reads out.
Shares of Gilead, which closed at $76.54 in regular trading, were up 16% at $89.10 after hours.


mercurynews--2020-04-17--Judge denies Roger Stone’s bid for a new trial

A federal judge on Thursday denied a bid for a new trial by U.S. President Donald Trump ’ s longtime friend and adviser Roger Stone after the veteran Republican operative accused the jury forewoman of being tainted by political bias .
U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson rejected Stone ’ s claim that the forewoman was biased against Trump and therefore could not be impartial in deciding Stone ’ s guilt or innocence during the trial .
“ ( T ) here is zero evidence of ‘ explicit bias ’ against Stone , and defendant ’ s attempts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or inferred bias fail , ” Jackson said in an 81-page decision .
Jackson sentenced Stone on Feb. 20 to three years and four months in prison after a 12-person jury convicted him on Nov. 15 on seven counts of obstruction of justice , witness tampering and lying to lawmakers investigating Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election .
The charges stemmed from former Special Counsel Robert Mueller ’ s inquiry that documented Moscow ’ s meddling to boost Trump ’ s candidacy and detailed numerous contacts between Trump associates and Russians .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ House of Representative Intelligence Committee about his attempts to contact WikiLeaks , the website that released damaging emails about Hillary Clinton , Trump ’ s 2016 Democratic election rival , that U.S. intelligence officials have concluded were stolen by Russian hackers .
With his motion for a new trial denied , Stone is expected to ask an appeals court to throw out his conviction .
He has 14 days to do so .

By Sarah N. Lynch and Jan Wolfe | Reuters
A federal judge on Thursday denied a bid for a new trial by U.S. President Donald Trump’s longtime friend and adviser Roger Stone after the veteran Republican operative accused the jury forewoman of being tainted by political bias.
U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson rejected Stone’s claim that the forewoman was biased against Trump and therefore could not be impartial in deciding Stone’s guilt or innocence during the trial.
“(T)here is zero evidence of ‘explicit bias’ against Stone, and defendant’s attempts to gain a new trial based on implied or inferred bias fail,” Jackson said in an 81-page decision.
Jackson sentenced Stone on Feb. 20 to three years and four months in prison after a 12-person jury convicted him on Nov. 15 on seven counts of obstruction of justice, witness tampering and lying to lawmakers investigating Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election.
The charges stemmed from former Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s inquiry that documented Moscow’s meddling to boost Trump’s candidacy and detailed numerous contacts between Trump associates and Russians.
Stone was convicted of lying to the House of Representative Intelligence Committee about his attempts to contact WikiLeaks, the website that released damaging emails about Hillary Clinton, Trump’s 2016 Democratic election rival, that U.S. intelligence officials have concluded were stolen by Russian hackers.
With his motion for a new trial denied, Stone is expected to ask an appeals court to throw out his conviction. He has 14 days to do so.


mercurynews--2020-04-17--These Bay Area-baked muffins made Oprah’s 20th anniversary favorites list

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of “ O , the Oprah Magazine , ” Oprah Winfrey has come out with a special installment of her Favorite Things .
Scoring a spot on the coveted list are English muffins made by the Model Bakery , an artisanal mother-daughter operation in St. Helena .
“ Bread and I are very close , ” Oprah writes in the May issue , “ so trust me when I say these English muffins from a Napa Valley bakery are perfection .
In fact , I rarely travel without them — and that ’ s why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years in a row.
” To make these beauties , Karen Mitchell and daughter Sarah Mitchell Hansen start with their focaccia dough , then dust the muffins in cornmeal and griddle them in clarified butter .
They say that ’ s the secret to achieving a crunchy exterior while the inside stays light and fluffy .
If you want to try them while you ’ re sheltering in place , the Model Bakery offers shipping .
Use the promotional code OPRAH to receive a 20 percent discount on a dozen .
Details : @

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of “O, the Oprah Magazine,” Oprah Winfrey has come out with a special installment of her Favorite Things.
Scoring a spot on the coveted list are English muffins made by the Model Bakery, an artisanal mother-daughter operation in St. Helena.
“Bread and I are very close,” Oprah writes in the May issue, “so trust me when I say these English muffins from a Napa Valley bakery are perfection. In fact, I rarely travel without them — and that’s why they made my Favorite Things list two years in a row.”
To make these beauties, Karen Mitchell and daughter Sarah Mitchell Hansen start with their focaccia dough, then dust the muffins in cornmeal and griddle them in clarified butter. They say that’s the secret to achieving a crunchy exterior while the inside stays light and fluffy.
If you want to try them while you’re sheltering in place, the Model Bakery offers shipping. Use the promotional code OPRAH to receive a 20 percent discount on a dozen. Details: www.themodelbakery.com


mercurynews--2020-04-17--Richmond pastor cited for violating COVID-19 health order

The Contra Costa Sheriff ’ s Office has cited a Richmond pastor for defying the coronavirus shelter-in-place order by holding church services on Easter Sunday , according to Contra Costa Supervisor John Gioia .
Although it has happened elsewhere in the country , Pastor Wyndford Williams of All Nations Church of God in Christ is believed to be the first Bay Area religious leader cited for violating the health ordinances put in place to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus .
The misdemeanor citation was announced Thursday , Supervisor Gioia said .
Two Sundays before Easter , on March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pulpit , “ a preacher said on TV the other day that we would be fools to go to church but we are just fools for Christ , ” according to a Facebook video of the sermon .
The Bay Area ’ s shelter-in-place order initially went into effect March 15 , and banned large gatherings and non-essential businesses from operating .
Pastor Williams could not be immediately reached Thursday afternoon .
Gioia , who represents West Contra Costa , said the citation is the only one he knows of involving a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take the health order seriously because this is about saving lives and keeping our hospitals from being overloaded , ” Gioia said .
The order “ applies equally to religious gatherings , funerals , and political meetings .
I want to applaud the faith community for abiding by the order and using alternative means of worship .
Not having gatherings does not mean not worshiping , ” the supervisor said .
In Oakland , police on Easter received at least one complaint of a church holding services but the city did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ related deaths were reported in Contra Costa on Thursday , along with 16 more people testing positive for the potentially deadly virus .
A total of 631 residents have tested positive and 18 have died , county health officials said .
Richmond has recorded the most cases with 66 , although it ranks 12th of 26 Contra Costa cities with the most cases per 100,000 residents .
Behind Concord , Richmond is the largest county city and just above Antioch in population .
All Nations Church of God in Christ is on York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is jurisdictionally split between the city of Richmond and unincorporated Contra Costa , putting it under Sheriff David Livingston .
Because of the way county health displays COVID-19 data , it is difficult to know if any cases exist among the more than 3,000 North Richmond residents .
During the March 29 sermon , Williams praised the work of people risking their lives to help others and said , “ Lord , we ask you to help the nation help those that are sick today.
” The pastor , according to the Facebook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus “ affects different ways , affects people in their lungs , respiratory system.
” Earlier this month , at least 70 people linked to a Pentecostal church in Rancho Cordova , a suburb north of Sacramento , were infected with coronavirus .
In Virginia , a pastor contracted COVID-19 and died after defying warning about the dangers of religious gatherings and saying he ’ d keep preaching “ unless I ’ m in jail or the hospital.
” The pastor of a Pentecostal megachurch in Florida was arrested last month after hundreds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people .

The Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office cited a Richmond pastor for defying the coronavirus shelter-in-place order by holding church services on Easter Sunday.
Although it has happened elsewhere in the country, Pastor Wyndford Williams of All Nations Church of God in Christ is believed to be the first Bay Area religious leader cited for violating the health ordinances put in place to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The misdemeanor citation was issued April 13, a sheriff’s spokesman said.
A Contra Costa sheriff’s deputy arrived at the church after 12:30 p.m. and found about 40 people who were not social distancing or wearing masks, spokesman Jimmy Lee said Thursday evening.
“The deputy first spoke to the deacon and asked to speak to the pastor who was in front of the parishioners. The pastor was uncooperative and refused to talk to the deputy,” Lee said.
“Our focus has been on education of the Health Officer Order, and in the vast majority of cases we ask for voluntary compliance, and that solves the problem,” said Contra Costa Sheriff David Livingston. “This was different. The pastor refused to cooperate and put the lives of dozens of parishioners at risk.”
Two Sundays before Easter, on March 29, Williams told his congregation from the pulpit, “a preacher said on TV the other day that we would be fools to go to church but we are just fools for Christ,” according to a Facebook video of the sermon.
The Bay Area’s shelter-in-place order went into effect March 17 and banned large gatherings and non-essential businesses from operating. Pastor Williams could not be immediately reached Thursday afternoon.
West Contra Costa Supervisor John Gioia said the citation is the only one he knows of involving a religious group.
“We all need to take the health order seriously because this is about saving lives and keeping our hospitals from being overloaded,” Gioia said. The order “applies equally to religious gatherings, funerals and political meetings. I want to applaud the faith community for abiding by the order and using alternative means of worship. Not having gatherings does not mean not worshipping,” the supervisor said.
In Oakland, police on Easter received at least one complaint of a church holding services but the city did not issue any citations.
Four more COVID-19 related deaths were reported in Contra Costa on Thursday, along with 16 more people testing positive for the potentially deadly virus. A total of 631 residents have tested positive and 18 have died, county health officials said.
Richmond has recorded the most cases with 66, although it ranks 12th of 26 Contra Costa cities with the most cases per 100,000 residents. Behind Concord, Richmond is the largest county city and just above Antioch in population.
All Nations Church of God in Christ is on York Street in an area where North Richmond is jurisdictionally split between the city of Richmond and unincorporated Contra Costa, putting it under Sheriff David Livingston. Because of the way county health displays COVID-19 data, it is difficult to know if any cases exist among the more than 3,000 North Richmond residents.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge During the March 29 sermon, Williams praised the work of people risking their lives to help others and said, “Lord, we ask you to help the nation help those that are sick today.” The pastor, according to the Facebook video, also told churchgoers how the virus “affects different ways, affects people in their lungs, respiratory system.”
Earlier this month, at least 70 people linked to a Pentecostal church in Rancho Cordova, a suburb north of Sacramento, were infected with coronavirus.
In Virginia, a pastor contracted COVID-19 and died after defying warnings about the dangers of religious gatherings and saying he’d keep preaching “unless I’m in jail or the hospital.” The pastor of a Pentecostal megachurch in Florida was arrested last month after preaching in front of hundreds of people.