mercurynews--2020-04-26--The Latest: Warm California weather draws crowds outdoors

By The Associated Press The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic .
The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness or death .
— WHO warns against idea of ‘ immunity passports.
’ LOS ANGELES — A spring heat wave drove an uptick of people to California beaches , golf courses and trails , leading to the closure of one coastal park as authorities warned people not to swarm recreational areas for fear of igniting a deadly coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 90s in many areas from Sacramento to San Diego on Saturday .
While most recreation remains shuttered under various stay-at-home orders , officials are wary that those still open could draw crowds that will ignore social distancing rules and seek sun and air after being mainly confined indoors for more than a month .
“ We ’ re seeing a summer day crowd , ” said Brian O ’ Rourke , a lifeguard battalion chief in Newport Beach in Orange County , which saw an estimated 40,000 people on Friday .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fog burns off .
Police in Pacific Grove said they had to close the picturesque Lovers Point Park and Beach at the southern end of Monterey Bay because of a lack of social distancing .
Los Angeles city and county beaches , trails and playgrounds were closed , and officers on horseback were patrolling those areas to enforce social distancing rules .
The city also opened cooling centers for people “ who might not be able to survive the heat wave at home , ” Mayor Eric Garcetti said .
WASHINGTON — President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ not worth the time & effort ” as his administration prepares to adjust his public presence amid the coronavirus pandemic toward addressing the nation ’ s economic woes .
Tweeting on Saturday , one of the few days in which he has not held a daily briefing since the start of the outbreak , Trump says : “ What is the purpose of having White House News Conferences when the Lamestream Media asks nothing but hostile questions , & then refuses to report the truth or facts accurately.
” The president ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used a briefing to muse about the injection of chemical disinfectants , drawing warnings from manufacturers and the nation ’ s top medical professionals .
The White House claimed Friday that Trump was misinterpreted , though the president later asserted he was speaking “ sarcastically.
” His tweet questioning the value of press briefings also comes as White House aides are developing plans to shift the president ’ s public emphasis from the virus to addressing the economic crisis it has caused and the government ’ s plans for reopening the economy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latest large company to say it will return money it received as part of the Payroll Protection Program .
The company said Saturday that its sales dropped dramatically when COVID-19 hit , forcing it to furlough employees and close shops .
Potbelly applied for and qualified for assistance under the program .
“ We were surprised and disappointed when the fund was quickly exhausted , leaving many without help , ” the company said in a news release .
“ We are returning the PPP loan after further clarification from the Treasury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 6,000 employees and annual revenues of more than $ 400 million , according to FactSet .
The PPP is intended to help small businesses with fewer than 500 employees .
Its initial $ 349 billion in funds ran out last week and the House gave final approval to $ 310 billion in additional funds Thursday .
PHOENIX — The pace of additional deaths in Arizona ’ s coronavirus outbreak has slowed following a recent surge .
The Department of Health Services ’ tally of deaths statewide rose by seven to 273 as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17 deaths reported Friday and a total of 62 deaths reported over the previous three days The department said there were 6,820 cases reported statewide as of Saturday , an increase of 235 from Friday .
Health officials say the recent surge in reported fatalities likely resulted from a boost in cases weeks ago .
It was expected to slow because it often takes weeks for patients to die once hospitalized and because hospitalizations appear to have leveled off .
WASHINGTON — The Navy reports that the number of sailors aboard the USS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ novel coronavirus has nearly doubled , rising from 18 to 33 .
The destroyer with its crew of 350 are off the Pacific coast of South America on a mission related to U.S. counter-drug activities .
In a statement issued Saturday , the Navy said a medical team continues testing of the Kidd ’ s crew .
Two sailors have been medically evacuated to the United States .
Meanwhile , officials say those aboard the Kidd are wearing N95 masks and other personal protective equipment .
The Navy says the amphibious assault ship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rendezvous with the Kidd in case medical support is required at sea .
Officials say the Makin Island has a fleet surgical team , intensive care capacity and ventilators , as well as additional testing capability .
The Kidd is the second Navy ship at sea to report an outbreak of the coronavirus .
Officials say the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt has reported more than 850 cases of infection among its nearly 5,000 crew members .
Most of its crew has been moved ashore to quarantine on Guam .
UNDATED — Dr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prove whether any of the drugs being explored as COVID-19 treatments actually work .
Fauci , infectious diseases chief at the National Institutes of Health , said Saturday during an online meeting of the National Academy of Sciences that the only way to get an answer that is not just perpetual ambiguity is by doing a randomized controlled trial .
“ We need something out there , but safety and efficacy is something we owe to the global population , ” Fauci said .
Fauci also stressed that caution is needed as economies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with restrictions gradually lifted as areas reach certain milestones .
“ Any attempt to leapfrog over these almost certainly will result in a rebound , and then we can set ourselves back , ” he said .
“ If we don ’ t get control of it we will never get back to normal .
I know we will , but we ’ ve got to do it correctly.
” Fauci also cautioned against looking for a magic number of available tests needed as the country reopens .
“ We don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests you need , ” Fauci said .
Instead , places must “ have enough tests to respond to the outbreaks that will inevitably occur.
” MIAMI — The president of a Florida medical center said at a press conference Saturday that any changes made going forward will have to be evaluated daily .
Orthopedic surgeon Wael Barsoum was referencing remarks by Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis about restarting activities , such as elective procedures and surgeries .
“ I think that there is a lot of excitement about seeing what happens as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slowly seeing changes with the requirements that we ’ ve had put in place , ” said Barsoum , president of Cleveland Clinic Florida .
“ But please recognize that we will learn every day , and we may have to step back from some of those decisions as a society.
” Barsoum said he told his parents , who are 75 and 84 years old , that regardless of what happens in the coming weeks he expects they will remain indoors .
MADRID — Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez says that Spaniards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for short walks and exercise starting on May 2 after seven weeks of strict home confinement .
Sánchez announced in a televised address Saturday that the government plans to allow those outings for physical fitness “ if the evolution of the epidemic remains favorable as it has recently.
” Since the start of the state of emergency , Spaniards have only been allowed to leave home for essential shopping , except those workers in industries who can not work from home .
Sánchez also announced that he would present a detailed plan on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday that he hopes to put into effect in the coming weeks .
Spain has one of the world ’ s strictest lockdowns as it fights to contain a COVID-19 outbreak that has claimed over 22,000 lives and infected over 200,000 people .
The measures have helped reduce a daily contagion rate that was over 20 % a month ago to under 2 % this week .
On Sunday , children under 14 years old will be allowed to take walks with a parent for up to one hour and within one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of complete seclusion .
“ Maximum caution will be our guideline for the rollback , ” Sánchez said .
“ We must be very prudent because there is no manual , no road map to follow.
” ROME — Nearly 200,000 Italian companies have asked authorities for permission to be able to operate during Italy ’ s lockdown , either because they help essential businesses or because they deem themselves strategic for the national economy during the coronavirus pandemic .
The interior ministry said Saturday that a streamlined procedure is being implemented that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individual business persons ” in allowing companies to resume operations .
The ministry ’ s local authorities can verify that a company respects COVID-19 safety rules , including social distancing .
Most of the requests have come from three northern regions that are among Italy ’ s most productive , but also among those most heavily hit by coronavirus cases .
So far , only a tiny percentage of the businesses have been found not following the rules , which are part of a government decree aimed at containing Italy ’ s COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health ministry has documented 106 new deaths from COVID-19 , bringing the death toll to 2,706 .
Minister Fahrettin Koca shared daily figures Saturday , showing 2,861 new confirmed cases .
The total number of confirmed infections has reached 107,773 .
According to the data , 3,845 people were released from hospitals in the past 24 hours , increasing the number of recovered patients to 25,582 .
“ The rate of positive tests is decreasing , ” Koca tweeted and urged continued precaution .
Turkey ranks seventh in the world for the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hopkins University .
But experts believe the actual toll of the pandemic around the world is higher than the tally .
Nearly 870,000 people have been tested in Turkey so far .
NEW YORK — Oil producers in the U.S. are making painful decisions about how to shut down operations after the pandemic decimated the need for fuel .
The price of U.S. benchmark crude plummeted more than 70 % since the start of the year , selling for $ 17 a barrel Friday , well below what producers need to remain viable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company based in Austin , Texas , lost half its market value since the year began and told regulators it has been shutting down enough wells to take about 400 barrels of oil per day off the market .
In recent weeks , Exxon slashed its capital spending plan by 30 % , or $ 10 billion , and Chevron gutted its capital expenses by 20 % , or $ 4 billion .
Both companies are planning to halt drilling for new oil in different parts of the world and will likely shrink @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announcements .
BERLIN — About 1,000 people gathered in Berlin to protest restrictions caused by the coronavirus , defying social distancing rules .
Demonstrators have gathered in the Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz square in Berlin for several Saturdays .
The protests have drawn a variety of people , including some right-wing populists and conspiracy theorists .
News agency dpa reported police repeatedly called on participants to leave and a few people were detained before the crowd dispersed .
Although Germany recently loosened its restrictions slightly by allowing small shops to reopen , rules still call for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feet ) apart in public .
Authorities can allow gatherings of up to 20 people , although that permission wasn ’ t granted for Saturday ’ s protest .
The Volksbuehne theater distanced itself from the demonstration saying , “ we are not your backdrop.
” ROME — Italy has reported 415 deaths and 2,357 new cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours .
The Italian health ministry puts Europe ’ s highest death toll at more than 26,000 .
The total known infections stand at more than 195,000 .
The Lombardy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adding some 700 on Saturday for a total of nearly 72,000 infected persons there since Italy ’ s first case in that northern region on Feb. 20 .
Much of Italy ’ s south has been spared the brunt of the outbreak .
Authorities cautioned Italians against abandoning social distancing practices after the current lockdown ends and looser restrictions begin on May 4 .
ATHENS , Greece — Greece has recorded no deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours .
Greek authorities say the total number of fatalities remains at 130 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , raising the total to 2,506 .
The number of people on ventilators in intensive care units continued to decline to 47 .
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and several ministers met Saturday to consider gradually easing the strict quarantine measures .
Mitsotakis will make an announcement on Monday .
OSLO , Norway — Norway is extending the ban on all events with more than 500 participants until Sept. 1 Norwegian Culture Minister Abid Raja said during a press conference Saturday “ there is now a ban on major sporting events , festivals and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is now extended until September 1.
” He says the decision wasn ’ t easy for the Norwegian government to make but stressed “ we can not have big events ( in Norway ) that can contribute to more infections that will affect life and health.
” Follow AP news coverage of the coronavirus pandemic at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak

By The Associated Press
The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic. The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.
TOP OF THE HOUR:
— Hawaii’s stay-at-home order extended to May 31
— China reports 11 more cornavirus cases but no deaths for 11th straight day
— Warm weather draws people outdoors in California, prompting warnings
— Britain tops 20,000 deaths from coronavirus.
— WHO warns against idea of ‘immunity passports.’
— Spain hopeful of easing confinement restrictions soon.
___
HONOLULU — Gov. David Ige on Saturday extended Hawaii’s stay-at-home order and the mandatory quarantine for visitors through May 31.
“This was not an easy decision. I know this has been difficult for everyone. Businesses need to reopen. People want to end this self-isolation and we want to return to normal,” Ige said in a statement. “But this virus is potentially deadly, especially for the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.”
At a news conference to announce the decision, Ige pointed to alarming COVID-19 clusters on the Big Island and Maui, Hawaii News Now reported. “We still need to remain vigilant.”
In his statement, Ige warned of undoing Hawaii’s progress in containing the virus if public places open up too early. Hawaii has 601 cases of coronavirus and 13 deaths from the illness.
“Thanks to our residents, we are flattening the curve, saving lives, and avoiding a resurgence of this virus by not reopening prematurely,” Ige said.
The governor also extended the eviction moratorium, which prevents any eviction from a residential dwelling for failure to pay rent, through May 31.
___
BEIJING — China said Sunday morning that it had confirmed 11 more cases of the new coronavirus the previous day, bringing its official count to 82,827. However, there were no reported deaths for the 11th day in a row.
Five of the new cases were in Heilongjiang province, a northeastern border area with Russia that has seen a surge in infections. Another was in Guangdong province, a manufacturing and tech region bordering Hong Kong in the south.
The other five cases were imported from overseas. China has identified 1,634 imported cases in all.
China said it also has 1,000 people who have tested positive for the coronavirus but do not have any symptoms. They are under medical observation but not included in the confirmed case count. (edited)
___
LOS ANGELES — A spring heat wave drove an uptick of people to California beaches, golf courses and trails, leading to the closure of one coastal park as authorities warned people not to swarm recreational areas for fear of igniting a deadly coronavirus surge.
Temperatures soared into the 80s and 90s in many areas from Sacramento to San Diego on Saturday. While most recreation remains shuttered under various stay-at-home orders, officials are wary that those still open could draw crowds that will ignore social distancing rules and seek sun and air after being mainly confined indoors for more than a month.
“We’re seeing a summer day crowd,” said Brian O’Rourke, a lifeguard battalion chief in Newport Beach in Orange County, which saw an estimated 40,000 people on Friday. A similar crowd was expected Saturday as the fog burns off.
Police in Pacific Grove said they had to close the picturesque Lovers Point Park and Beach at the southern end of Monterey Bay because of a lack of social distancing.
Los Angeles city and county beaches, trails and playgrounds were closed, and officers on horseback were patrolling those areas to enforce social distancing rules. The city also opened cooling centers for people “who might not be able to survive the heat wave at home,” Mayor Eric Garcetti said.
___
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump says his press briefings are “not worth the time & effort” as his administration prepares to adjust his public presence amid the coronavirus pandemic toward addressing the nation’s economic woes.
Tweeting on Saturday, one of the few days in which he has not held a daily briefing since the start of the outbreak, Trump says: “What is the purpose of having White House News Conferences when the Lamestream Media asks nothing but hostile questions, & then refuses to report the truth or facts accurately.”
The president’s tweet comes two days after he used a briefing to muse about the injection of chemical disinfectants, drawing warnings from manufacturers and the nation’s top medical professionals. The White House claimed Friday that Trump was misinterpreted, though the president later asserted he was speaking “sarcastically.”
His tweet questioning the value of press briefings also comes as White House aides are developing plans to shift the president’s public emphasis from the virus to addressing the economic crisis it has caused and the government’s plans for reopening the economy.
___
NEW YORK — Potbelly Sandwich Shop is the latest large company to say it will return money it received as part of the Payroll Protection Program.
The company said Saturday that its sales dropped dramatically when COVID-19 hit, forcing it to furlough employees and close shops. Potbelly applied for and qualified for assistance under the program.
“We were surprised and disappointed when the fund was quickly exhausted, leaving many without help,” the company said in a news release. “We are returning the PPP loan after further clarification from the Treasury Department.”
The Chicago-based sandwich shop has about 6,000 employees and annual revenues of more than $400 million, according to FactSet.
The PPP is intended to help small businesses with fewer than 500 employees. Its initial $349 billion in funds ran out last week and the House gave final approval to $310 billion in additional funds Thursday.
___
PHOENIX — The pace of additional deaths in Arizona’s coronavirus outbreak has slowed following a recent surge.
The Department of Health Services’ tally of deaths statewide rose by seven to 273 as of Saturday, following an increase of 17 deaths reported Friday and a total of 62 deaths reported over the previous three days
The department said there were 6,820 cases reported statewide as of Saturday, an increase of 235 from Friday.
Health officials say the recent surge in reported fatalities likely resulted from a boost in cases weeks ago. It was expected to slow because it often takes weeks for patients to die once hospitalized and because hospitalizations appear to have leveled off.
___
WASHINGTON — The Navy reports that the number of sailors aboard the USS Kidd confirmed to be infected with the novel coronavirus has nearly doubled, rising from 18 to 33.
The destroyer with its crew of 350 are off the Pacific coast of South America on a mission related to U.S. counter-drug activities.
In a statement issued Saturday, the Navy said a medical team continues testing of the Kidd’s crew. Two sailors have been medically evacuated to the United States. Meanwhile, officials say those aboard the Kidd are wearing N95 masks and other personal protective equipment.
The Navy says the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island is en route to rendezvous with the Kidd in case medical support is required at sea. Officials say the Makin Island has a fleet surgical team, intensive care capacity and ventilators, as well as additional testing capability.
The Kidd is the second Navy ship at sea to report an outbreak of the coronavirus. Officials say the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt has reported more than 850 cases of infection among its nearly 5,000 crew members. Most of its crew has been moved ashore to quarantine on Guam.
___
UNDATED — Dr. Anthony Fauci is urging careful science to prove whether any of the drugs being explored as COVID-19 treatments actually work.
Fauci, infectious diseases chief at the National Institutes of Health, said Saturday during an online meeting of the National Academy of Sciences that the only way to get an answer that is not just perpetual ambiguity is by doing a randomized controlled trial.
“We need something out there, but safety and efficacy is something we owe to the global population,” Fauci said.
Fauci also stressed that caution is needed as economies reopen, pointing to a step-wise approach with restrictions gradually lifted as areas reach certain milestones.
“Any attempt to leapfrog over these almost certainly will result in a rebound, and then we can set ourselves back,” he said. “If we don’t get control of it we will never get back to normal. I know we will, but we’ve got to do it correctly.”
Fauci also cautioned against looking for a magic number of available tests needed as the country reopens.
“We don’t want to get fixated on how many tests you need,” Fauci said. Instead, places must “have enough tests to respond to the outbreaks that will inevitably occur.”
___
MIAMI — The president of a Florida medical center said at a press conference Saturday that any changes made going forward will have to be evaluated daily.
Orthopedic surgeon Wael Barsoum was referencing remarks by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis about restarting activities, such as elective procedures and surgeries.
“I think that there is a lot of excitement about seeing what happens as we move forward, as we start slowly seeing changes with the requirements that we’ve had put in place,” said Barsoum, president of Cleveland Clinic Florida. “But please recognize that we will learn every day, and we may have to step back from some of those decisions as a society.”
Barsoum said he told his parents, who are 75 and 84 years old, that regardless of what happens in the coming weeks he expects they will remain indoors.
___
MADRID — Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez says that Spaniards will be allowed to leave their homes for short walks and exercise starting on May 2 after seven weeks of strict home confinement.
Sánchez announced in a televised address Saturday that the government plans to allow those outings for physical fitness “if the evolution of the epidemic remains favorable as it has recently.” Since the start of the state of emergency, Spaniards have only been allowed to leave home for essential shopping, except those workers in industries who cannot work from home.
Sánchez also announced that he would present a detailed plan on the “de-escalation” of the lockdown on Tuesday that he hopes to put into effect in the coming weeks.
Spain has one of the world’s strictest lockdowns as it fights to contain a COVID-19 outbreak that has claimed over 22,000 lives and infected over 200,000 people.
The measures have helped reduce a daily contagion rate that was over 20% a month ago to under 2% this week. On Sunday, children under 14 years old will be allowed to take walks with a parent for up to one hour and within one kilometer from home, ending six weeks of complete seclusion.
“Maximum caution will be our guideline for the rollback,” Sánchez said. “We must be very prudent because there is no manual, no road map to follow.”
___
ROME — Nearly 200,000 Italian companies have asked authorities for permission to be able to operate during Italy’s lockdown, either because they help essential businesses or because they deem themselves strategic for the national economy during the coronavirus pandemic.
The interior ministry said Saturday that a streamlined procedure is being implemented that “trusts the sense of responsibility of individual business persons” in allowing companies to resume operations.
The ministry’s local authorities can verify that a company respects COVID-19 safety rules, including social distancing. Most of the requests have come from three northern regions that are among Italy’s most productive, but also among those most heavily hit by coronavirus cases.
So far, only a tiny percentage of the businesses have been found not following the rules, which are part of a government decree aimed at containing Italy’s COVID-19 outbreak.
___
ISTANBUL — Turkey’s health ministry has documented 106 new deaths from COVID-19, bringing the death toll to 2,706.
Minister Fahrettin Koca shared daily figures Saturday, showing 2,861 new confirmed cases. The total number of confirmed infections has reached 107,773.
According to the data, 3,845 people were released from hospitals in the past 24 hours, increasing the number of recovered patients to 25,582.
“The rate of positive tests is decreasing,” Koca tweeted and urged continued precaution.
Turkey ranks seventh in the world for the number of confirmed infections, according to Johns Hopkins University. But experts believe the actual toll of the pandemic around the world is higher than the tally.
Nearly 870,000 people have been tested in Turkey so far.
___
NEW YORK — Oil producers in the U.S. are making painful decisions about how to shut down operations after the pandemic decimated the need for fuel.
The price of U.S. benchmark crude plummeted more than 70% since the start of the year, selling for $17 a barrel Friday, well below what producers need to remain viable.
Parsley Energy, a mid-sized fracking company based in Austin, Texas, lost half its market value since the year began and told regulators it has been shutting down enough wells to take about 400 barrels of oil per day off the market.
In recent weeks, Exxon slashed its capital spending plan by 30%, or $10 billion, and Chevron gutted its capital expenses by 20%, or $4 billion. Both companies are planning to halt drilling for new oil in different parts of the world and will likely shrink further since conditions have deteriorated since their announcements.
___
BERLIN — About 1,000 people gathered in Berlin to protest restrictions caused by the coronavirus, defying social distancing rules.
Demonstrators have gathered in the Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz square in Berlin for several Saturdays. The protests have drawn a variety of people, including some right-wing populists and conspiracy theorists.
News agency dpa reported police repeatedly called on participants to leave and a few people were detained before the crowd dispersed.
Although Germany recently loosened its restrictions slightly by allowing small shops to reopen, rules still call for people to keep a 1.5-meters (5 feet) apart in public.
Authorities can allow gatherings of up to 20 people, although that permission wasn’t granted for Saturday’s protest.
The Volksbuehne theater distanced itself from the demonstration saying, “we are not your backdrop.”
___
ROME — Italy has reported 415 deaths and 2,357 new cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours.
The Italian health ministry puts Europe’s highest death toll at more than 26,000. The total known infections stand at more than 195,000.
The Lombardy region registers the most cases in Italy, adding some 700 on Saturday for a total of nearly 72,000 infected persons there since Italy’s first case in that northern region on Feb. 20.
Much of Italy’s south has been spared the brunt of the outbreak. Authorities cautioned Italians against abandoning social distancing practices after the current lockdown ends and looser restrictions begin on May 4.
___
ATHENS, Greece — Greece has recorded no deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours.
Greek authorities say the total number of fatalities remains at 130. There were 16 new confirmed cases, raising the total to 2,506.
The number of people on ventilators in intensive care units continued to decline to 47.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and several ministers met Saturday to consider gradually easing the strict quarantine measures. Mitsotakis will make an announcement on Monday.
___
OSLO, Norway — Norway is extending the ban on all events with more than 500 participants until Sept. 1
Norwegian Culture Minister Abid Raja said during a press conference Saturday “there is now a ban on major sporting events, festivals and concerts until 15 June. That ban is now extended until September 1.”
He says the decision wasn’t easy for the Norwegian government to make but stressed “we cannot have big events (in Norway) that can contribute to more infections that will affect life and health.”
Norway has reported 201 coronavirus deaths and 7,493 confirmed cases.
___
Follow AP news coverage of the coronavirus pandemic at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak


mercurynews--2020-04-25--Coronavirus: 19 new infections Contra Costa County as total passes 800; 22 new cases in Santa Clara

Coronavirus cases in Contra Costa County crossed the 800 mark on Saturday as health officials reported 19 new infections .
That ’ s three more new cases than what was reported Friday .
That brings the county ’ s total to 805 cases , with 25 deaths , and marks an increase of 56 cases and four deaths since Tuesday .
The number of people hospitalized in the county dropped by one Saturday to 31 .
Santa Clara County reported 22 new cases Saturday , bringing its total to 2,040 .
That was 13 fewer new cases than were was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , bringing to 99 the number of people who have died in the county from the virus .
In Alameda County , 36 new cases were reported bringing the total there to 1,347 .
Four more deaths were also reported , bringing to 52 the number of deaths attributed to the virus in the county .
Those numbers include Berkeley , one of the few cities in the state with its own health department .
In Oakland , the total of known coronavirus cases moved past 400 on Saturday , as 15 more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s total to 407 , according to the county .
This news organization reported Thursday on a large outbreak in a High Street nursing home , where a total of 53 patients and staff members have contracted the virus and three have died .
On Friday , the total number of cases in the state topped 40,000 .

Coronavirus cases in Contra Costa County crossed the 800 mark on Saturday as health officials reported 19 new infections. That’s three more new cases than what was reported Friday.
That brings the county’s total to 805 cases, with 25 deaths, and marks an increase of 56 cases and four deaths since Tuesday. The number of people hospitalized in the county dropped by one Saturday to 31.
Santa Clara County reported 22 new cases Saturday, bringing its total to 2,040. That was 13 fewer new cases than were was reported Friday.
One death was reported, bringing to 99 the number of people who have died in the county from the virus.
In Alameda County, 36 new cases were reported bringing the total there to 1,347. Four more deaths were also reported, bringing to 52 the number of deaths attributed to the virus in the county. Those numbers include Berkeley, one of the few cities in the state with its own health department.
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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 In Oakland, the total of known coronavirus cases moved past 400 on Saturday, as 15 more were reported, bringing the city’s total to 407, according to the county. This news organization reported Thursday on a large outbreak in a High Street nursing home, where a total of 53 patients and staff members have contracted the virus and three have died.
San Mateo County health officials had not updated daily numbers on the coronavirus as of 6 p.m. Saturday.
On Friday, the total number of cases in the state topped 40,000.
Check back for updates.


mercurynews--2020-04-25--Coronavirus stay-at-home orders remain in place. Here’s what happened at Bay Area beaches and parks

Bay Area parks and beaches lured people from their homes on a sunny and warm Saturday despite shelter in place orders — but many of those seeking fresh air seemed to be keeping their distance .
“ Extremely busy ” was how East Bay Regional Parks General Manager Bob Doyle described the area ’ s park system .
Still , hikers , joggers and bicyclists had enough room to move around safely , for the most part , Doyle said , though he added , “ There are a few hot spots where people ( were ) misbehaving and overcrowding.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not to travel for exercise or leisure trips as they look to slow the spread of the coronavirus .
Epidemiologists say the risk of contracting the virus while outdoors is lower than it is indoors , so long as people can stay at least 6 feet apart from one another , because outdoor breezes help dissipate particles that might carry the virus .
As the weather gets nicer , and shelter in place orders continue into their second month with little sign they ’ ll be significantly changing soon , authorities have kept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaving their homes and neighborhoods — in some cases backed up by law enforcement that has issued warnings or written tickets to people venturing too far from home for recreation .
Despite those warnings , Saturday ’ s summery weather led to busy scenes at popular outdoor spaces around the region .
Ocean Beach in San Francisco and Alameda Beach on the bay had plenty of visitors ; in some cases , nearby sidewalks were crowded , but families , for the most part , had plenty of space to spread out and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beachside business , the surge of visitors led to conflicting emotions .
“ I would certainly love to have a busy summer — that ’ s the best time of year for us , ” said Zachary Davis , co-owner of Santa Cruz ’ s Glass Jar restaurant group , which includes the Picnic Basket cafe across from the city ’ s Main Beach and boardwalk .
“ But I ’ m not going to advocate for short-term gains for my business if it causes long-term harm to my community.
” At a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hiring spree to gear up for the summer rush , he is instead running his three businesses with a dozen employees total , less than a tenth of his usual staff .
With weather upward of the 70s lately and the beach busier than it ’ s been in weeks , Davis said business at the Picnic Basket has been picking up — it was on pace to do twice as much business this Saturday as the one before .
Still , Davis was concerned the surge of visitors who might normally be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at risk if those customers don ’ t abide by the social distancing guidelines the shop has put into place .
“ That ’ s the balance we have to strike right now , ” he said .
“ Can we do our job in a way that is safe for our staff , and keeps our customers safe ?
”

Bay Area parks and beaches lured people from their homes on a sunny and warm Saturday despite shelter in place orders — but many of those seeking fresh air seemed to be keeping their distance.
“Extremely busy” was how East Bay Regional Parks General Manager Bob Doyle described the area’s park system.
Still, hikers, joggers and bicyclists had enough room to move around safely, for the most part, Doyle said, though he added, “There are a few hot spots where people (were) misbehaving and overcrowding.”
Public health officials have asked people not to travel for exercise or leisure trips as they look to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Epidemiologists say the risk of contracting the virus while outdoors is lower than it is indoors, so long as people can stay at least 6 feet apart from one another, because outdoor breezes help dissipate particles that might carry the virus.
As the weather gets nicer, and shelter in place orders continue into their second month with little sign they’ll be significantly changing soon, authorities have kept up those efforts to discourage people from leaving their homes and neighborhoods — in some cases backed up by law enforcement that has issued warnings or written tickets to people venturing too far from home for recreation.
Despite those warnings, Saturday’s summery weather led to busy scenes at popular outdoor spaces around the region. Ocean Beach in San Francisco and Alameda Beach on the bay had plenty of visitors; in some cases, nearby sidewalks were crowded, but families, for the most part, had plenty of space to spread out and stay distanced.
For at least one beachside business, the surge of visitors led to conflicting emotions.
“I would certainly love to have a busy summer — that’s the best time of year for us,” said Zachary Davis, co-owner of Santa Cruz’s Glass Jar restaurant group, which includes the Picnic Basket cafe across from the city’s Main Beach and boardwalk. “But I’m not going to advocate for short-term gains for my business if it causes long-term harm to my community.”
At a time when Davis is usually on a hiring spree to gear up for the summer rush, he is instead running his three businesses with a dozen employees total, less than a tenth of his usual staff.
With weather upward of the 70s lately and the beach busier than it’s been in weeks, Davis said business at the Picnic Basket has been picking up — it was on pace to do twice as much business this Saturday as the one before. Still, Davis was concerned the surge of visitors who might normally be a boon could instead put his staff at risk if those customers don’t abide by the social distancing guidelines the shop has put into place.
“That’s the balance we have to strike right now,” he said. “Can we do our job in a way that is safe for our staff, and keeps our customers safe?”


mercurynews--2020-04-25--Think tank: Train possibly belonging to North Korean leader spotted in resort town

A special train possibly belonging to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was spotted this week at a resort town in the country , according to satellite images reviewed by a Washington-based North Korea monitoring project , amid conflicting reports about Kim ’ s health and whereabouts .
The monitoring project , 38 North , said in its report on Saturday that the train was parked at the “ leadership station ” in Wonsan on April 21 and April 23 .
The station is reserved for the use of the Kim family , it said .
Though the group said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s train , Reuters has not been able to confirm that independently , or whether he was in Wonsan .
“ The train ’ s presence does not prove the whereabouts of the North Korean leader or indicate anything about his health but it does lend weight to reports that Kim is staying at an elite area on the country ’ s eastern coast , ” the report said .
Speculation about Kim ’ s health first arose due to his absence from the anniversary of the birthday of North Korea ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Kim Il Sung , on April 15 .
North Korea ’ s state media last reported on Kim ’ s whereabouts when he presided over a meeting on April 11 .
China has dispatched a team to North Korea including medical experts to advise on Kim Jong Un , according to three people familiar with the situation .
A third-generation hereditary leader who came to power after his father ’ s death in 2011 , Kim has no clear successor in a nuclear-armed country , which could present a major international risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump downplayed reports that Kim was ill. “ I think the report was incorrect , ” Trump told reporters , but he declined to say if he had been in touch with North Korean officials .
Trump has met Kim three times in an attempt to persuade him to give up a nuclear weapons program that threatens the United States as well as its Asian neighbors .
While talks have stalled , Trump has continued to hail Kim as a friend .
Reporting from inside North Korea is notoriously difficult because of tight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official said continuing days of North Korean media silence on Kim ’ s whereabouts had heightened concerns about his condition , and that information remained scant from a country U.S. intelligence has long regarded as a “ black box.
” The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to questions about the situation on Saturday .
Daily NK , a Seoul-based website that reports on North Korea , cited one unnamed source in North Korea on Monday as saying that Kim had undergone medical treatment in the resort county of Hyangsan north of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kim was recovering after undergoing a cardiovascular procedure on April 12 .
Since then , multiple South Korean media reports have cited unnamed sources this week saying that Kim might be staying in the Wonsan area .
On Friday , local news agency Newsis cited South Korean intelligence sources as reporting that a special train for Kim ’ s use had been seen in Wonsan , while Kim ’ s private plane remained in Pyongyang .
Newsis reported Kim may be sheltering from COVID-19 , the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has disappeared from coverage in North Korean state media before .
In 2014 , he vanished for more than a month and North Korean state TV later showed him walking with a limp .
• French PM to present plan to unwind coronvirus lockdown on Tuesday Speculation about his health has been fanned by his heavy smoking , apparent weight gain since taking power and family history of cardiovascular problems .
Reporting by David Brunnstrom in Washington and Josh Smith in Seoul ; additional reporting by Matt Spetalnick ; writing by Jonathan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chizu Nomiyama and Sonya Hepinstall .

[vemba-video id=”world/2020/04/25/kim-jong-un-ripley-sot-nr-vpx.cnn”]
By David Brunnstrom and Josh Smith | Reuters
A special train possibly belonging to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was spotted this week at a resort town in the country, according to satellite images reviewed by a Washington-based North Korea monitoring project, amid conflicting reports about Kim’s health and whereabouts.
The monitoring project, 38 North, said in its report on Saturday that the train was parked at the “leadership station” in Wonsan on April 21 and April 23. The station is reserved for the use of the Kim family, it said.
Though the group said it was probably Kim Jong Un’s train, Reuters has not been able to confirm that independently, or whether he was in Wonsan.
“The train’s presence does not prove the whereabouts of the North Korean leader or indicate anything about his health but it does lend weight to reports that Kim is staying at an elite area on the country’s eastern coast,” the report said.
Speculation about Kim’s health first arose due to his absence from the anniversary of the birthday of North Korea’s founding father and Kim’s grandfather, Kim Il Sung, on April 15.
North Korea’s state media last reported on Kim’s whereabouts when he presided over a meeting on April 11.
China has dispatched a team to North Korea including medical experts to advise on Kim Jong Un, according to three people familiar with the situation.
A third-generation hereditary leader who came to power after his father’s death in 2011, Kim has no clear successor in a nuclear-armed country, which could present a major international risk.
On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump downplayed reports that Kim was ill. “I think the report was incorrect,” Trump told reporters, but he declined to say if he had been in touch with North Korean officials.
Trump has met Kim three times in an attempt to persuade him to give up a nuclear weapons program that threatens the United States as well as its Asian neighbors. While talks have stalled, Trump has continued to hail Kim as a friend.
Reporting from inside North Korea is notoriously difficult because of tight controls on information.
A Trump administration official said continuing days of North Korean media silence on Kim’s whereabouts had heightened concerns about his condition, and that information remained scant from a country U.S. intelligence has long regarded as a “black box.”
The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to questions about the situation on Saturday.
Daily NK, a Seoul-based website that reports on North Korea, cited one unnamed source in North Korea on Monday as saying that Kim had undergone medical treatment in the resort county of Hyangsan north of the capital Pyongyang.
It said that Kim was recovering after undergoing a cardiovascular procedure on April 12.
Since then, multiple South Korean media reports have cited unnamed sources this week saying that Kim might be staying in the Wonsan area.
On Friday, local news agency Newsis cited South Korean intelligence sources as reporting that a special train for Kim’s use had been seen in Wonsan, while Kim’s private plane remained in Pyongyang.
Newsis reported Kim may be sheltering from COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
Kim, believed to be 36, has disappeared from coverage in North Korean state media before. In 2014, he vanished for more than a month and North Korean state TV later showed him walking with a limp.
Speculation about his health has been fanned by his heavy smoking, apparent weight gain since taking power and family history of cardiovascular problems.
Reporting by David Brunnstrom in Washington and Josh Smith in Seoul; additional reporting by Matt Spetalnick; writing by Jonathan Landay and Makini Brice; editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Sonya Hepinstall.


mercurynews--2020-04-25--Court reinstates California ammunition purchase law

SAN FRANCISCO — An appeals court has reinstated a California law requiring background checks for people buying ammunition , reversing a federal judge ’ s decision to stop the checks that he said violate the constitutional right to bear arms .
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday granted the state attorney general ’ s request to stay the judge ’ s order .
“ This means that the same restrictions that have been previously in effect regarding ammunition in California are back for the time being , ” the National Rifle Association , which hailed the judge ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release .
The law , which took effect last July , requires Californians to pass an in-store background check before buying ammunition , which involves running buyers ’ names through a California Department of Justice database that tracks legal purchases of guns .
Gun rights activists complained the law ’ s red tape and database errors unfairly limited legal purchases of ammunition .
U.S. District Judge Roger T. Benitez in San Diego ruled in their favor , saying the law “ defies common sense while unduly and severely burdening the Second Amendment rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to lawfully buy ammunition.
” While it is intended to keep ammunition from criminals , it blocked sales to legitimate , law-abiding buyers about 16 % of the time , Benitez wrote .
Moreover , he ruled that the state ’ s ban on importing ammunition from outside California violates federal interstate commerce laws .
Attorney General Xavier Becerra said in a court filing earlier this month that the background checks stopped more than 750 people from buying bullets illegally from July 2019 through January 2020 , not including those who didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weren ’ t eligible .
The law requires buyers who already are in the state ’ s firearm background check database to pay a $ 1 fee each time they buy ammunition , while others can buy longer-term licenses if they do not have certain criminal convictions or mental health commitments .
• Coronavirus : No halt to the culture wars during pandemic It took an average of less than five minutes to complete the background checks , according to state court filings .

SAN FRANCISCO — An appeals court has reinstated a California law requiring background checks for people buying ammunition, reversing a federal judge’s decision to stop the checks that he said violate the constitutional right to bear arms.
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday granted the state attorney general’s request to stay the judge’s order.
“This means that the same restrictions that have been previously in effect regarding ammunition in California are back for the time being,” the National Rifle Association, which hailed the judge’s injunction, said in a news release.
The law, which took effect last July, requires Californians to pass an in-store background check before buying ammunition, which involves running buyers’ names through a California Department of Justice database that tracks legal purchases of guns.
Gun rights activists complained the law’s red tape and database errors unfairly limited legal purchases of ammunition.
U.S. District Judge Roger T. Benitez in San Diego ruled in their favor, saying the law “defies common sense while unduly and severely burdening the Second Amendment rights of every responsible, gun-owning citizen desiring to lawfully buy ammunition.”
While it is intended to keep ammunition from criminals, it blocked sales to legitimate, law-abiding buyers about 16% of the time, Benitez wrote. Moreover, he ruled that the state’s ban on importing ammunition from outside California violates federal interstate commerce laws.
Attorney General Xavier Becerra said in a court filing earlier this month that the background checks stopped more than 750 people from buying bullets illegally from July 2019 through January 2020, not including those who didn’t even try because they knew they weren’t eligible.
The law requires buyers who already are in the state’s firearm background check database to pay a $1 fee each time they buy ammunition, while others can buy longer-term licenses if they do not have certain criminal convictions or mental health commitments.


mercurynews--2020-04-25--Why researchers are testing 5,700 people for COVID-19 in San Francisco’s Mission District

SAN FRANCISCO — Doctors and volunteers fanned out early Saturday morning to pop-up testing centers in the city ’ s heavily Latino Mission District for an unprecedented effort to test all 5,700 residents in one census tract in hopes the data collected will help explain why Latinos and African Americans have been dying at disproportionate rates from COVID-19 .
The four-day campaign mirrors a similar push to test everyone in Bolinas , a remote town in Marin County with nearly 2,000 residents .
Both efforts are being carried out by infectious disease researchers from UC San Francisco .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swab test for COVID-19 , as well as a blood test looking for antibodies , a tell-tale sign that someone had previously been exposed to coronavirus .
Jon Jacobo , a member of the city ’ s Latino Task Force for COVID-19 , said he ’ s hoping this research will show just how widespread the virus has been in the community .
“ I know many people that are certain they had it , they lose the sense of smell , they lose the sense of taste , but they ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ This is kind of our proof to say , hey , we need help.
” About 43 percent of COVID-19 deaths and 32 percent of cases in California have been from Latino patients , who make up 39 percent of the population .
Black patients make up 7 percent of deaths and 11 percent of cases , higher than their 6 percent share of the population .
But those numbers hide the true extent of the spread of the virus among communities of color , in part because the Latino @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18 to 49 years old , Latinos make up 66 percent of deaths and 44 percent of the population , and black residents are 15 percent of deaths and 6 percent of the population .
Similar patterns hold in Bay Area counties that have released demographic data among COVID-19 patients and deaths .
In Santa Clara County , for example , Latinos make up 33 percent of deaths and 27 percent of the population , while black residents make up 6 percent of deaths and 2 percent of the population .
Jacobo said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those statistics , tying it to a history of underinvestment in health care for communities of color .
Many residents in the Mission District are also working in essential jobs like grocery stores and to-go restaurants , or are undocumented and aren ’ t eligible for federal stimulus money .
“ The frank reality is that there are many in our community who are still working and don ’ t have the luxury of not working , ” he said .
A recent study from the Economic Roundtable found Latinos were at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus crisis .
To help address those health disparities , volunteers have been going door-to-door and putting up posters in the roughly four-block by seven-block census tract between South Van Ness Avenue and Harrison Street , and Cesar Chavez and 23rd Street .
In one building , Jacobo said , volunteers were able to go from three registered participants to signing up residents in 25 apartments .
Despite being one of the hardest hits census tracts in the city , Supervisor Hillary Ronen , who represents the area , said many residents are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are immigrants .
“ One of the biggest barriers is distrust of government , the other is fear of immigration consequences , ” Ronen said , pointing at an effort by the Trump administration to ban any immigrants who receive public assistance from applying for permanent residence .
“ That has caused a real reluctance from this community to accept assistance.
” So far , Ronen said , 3,000 people had registered online to participate in the testing .
She ’ s hoping more will show up in person throughout the four days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Among those getting tested Saturday was Paola Juarez , who works in janitorial services and has lived in the Mission for 15 years .
She said she wanted to get tested because she knows the Mission is a hotspot for coronavirus .
“ Better to be well-informed and know you don ’ t have it , for the health of the family , ” she said , adding she hadn ’ t felt any symptoms that might indicate she had the virus .
She said the test itself was quick , about 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a nose swab which she said was a little uncomfortable but not too bad .
Anzel Martinez , who has lived in the Mission District for 25 years , was also getting tested at the Parque Niños Unidos testing center with his wife and son .
He saw getting tested as part of his civic duty .
“ We ’ re happy to volunteer because the medical health professionals and the scientists are lacking informed data , ” said Martinez , who works in financial services .
“ Data is required for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : 19 new infections Contra Costa County as total passes 800 ; 22 new cases in Santa Clara • Coronavirus stay-at-home orders remain in place .
Here ’ s what happened at Bay Area beaches and parks • Photos : Classic car parade winds its way through Campbell • French PM to present plan to unwind coronvirus lockdown on Tuesday • 29 people had flu-like symptoms when they died in Santa Clara County .
Nine tested positive for coronavirus Within 72 hours , Martinez and Juarez will get their COVID-19 test results .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and community agencies are working to provide support services , which could include hotel rooms to help individuals self-isolate if they live in a house or apartment where that ’ s not possible otherwise , Ronen said .
Organizers also hope to provide supplies like food , masks , and sanitizer for anyone who tests positive .
Within two to three weeks , participants will get the results on their antibody test for previous exposure .
Martinez hopes whatever they find will help the U.S. catch up on what he saw as bad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which many experts have said has long been inadequate to the scale of the pandemic .
“ What ’ s happening in our little neighborhood is an indication of the path forward for the whole nation , ” he said .

SAN FRANCISCO — Doctors and volunteers fanned out early Saturday morning to pop-up testing centers in the city’s heavily Latino Mission District for an unprecedented effort to test all 5,700 residents in one census tract in hopes the data collected will help explain why Latinos and African Americans have been dying at disproportionate rates from COVID-19.
The four-day campaign mirrors a similar push to test everyone in Bolinas, a remote town in Marin County with nearly 2,000 residents. Both efforts are being carried out by infectious disease researchers from UC San Francisco. In the Mission, residents will take a nasal swab test for COVID-19, as well as a blood test looking for antibodies, a tell-tale sign that someone had previously been exposed to coronavirus.
Jon Jacobo, a member of the city’s Latino Task Force for COVID-19, said he’s hoping this research will show just how widespread the virus has been in the community.
“I know many people that are certain they had it, they lose the sense of smell, they lose the sense of taste, but they’re told to stay home,” Jacobo said. “This is kind of our proof to say, hey, we need help.”
About 43 percent of COVID-19 deaths and 32 percent of cases in California have been from Latino patients, who make up 39 percent of the population. Black patients make up 7 percent of deaths and 11 percent of cases, higher than their 6 percent share of the population. But those numbers hide the true extent of the spread of the virus among communities of color, in part because the Latino population is relatively young.
Among people 18 to 49 years old, Latinos make up 66 percent of deaths and 44 percent of the population, and black residents are 15 percent of deaths and 6 percent of the population. Similar patterns hold in Bay Area counties that have released demographic data among COVID-19 patients and deaths. In Santa Clara County, for example, Latinos make up 33 percent of deaths and 27 percent of the population, while black residents make up 6 percent of deaths and 2 percent of the population.
Jacobo said he wasn’t shocked to see those statistics, tying it to a history of underinvestment in health care for communities of color. Many residents in the Mission District are also working in essential jobs like grocery stores and to-go restaurants, or are undocumented and aren’t eligible for federal stimulus money.
“The frank reality is that there are many in our community who are still working and don’t have the luxury of not working,” he said. A recent study from the Economic Roundtable found Latinos were at the highest risk of unemployment because of the coronavirus crisis.
To help address those health disparities, volunteers have been going door-to-door and putting up posters in the roughly four-block by seven-block census tract between South Van Ness Avenue and Harrison Street, and Cesar Chavez and 23rd Street. In one building, Jacobo said, volunteers were able to go from three registered participants to signing up residents in 25 apartments.
Despite being in one of the hardest hit census tracts in the city, Supervisor Hillary Ronen, who represents the area, said many residents are reluctant to participate, particularly if they are immigrants.
“One of the biggest barriers is distrust of government. The other is fear of immigration consequences,” Ronen said, pointing at an effort by the Trump administration to ban any immigrants who receive public assistance from applying for permanent residence. “That has caused a real reluctance from this community to accept assistance.”
So far, Ronen said, 3,000 people had registered online to participate in the testing. She’s hoping more will show up in person throughout the four days, particularly residents without internet access.
Among those getting tested Saturday was Paola Juarez, who works in janitorial services and has lived in the Mission for 15 years. She said she wanted to get tested because she knows the Mission is a hotspot for coronavirus.
“Better to be well-informed and know you don’t have it, for the health of the family,” she said, adding she hadn’t felt any symptoms that might indicate she had the virus.
She said the test itself was quick, about 10 minutes for a small prick for blood and a nose swab which she said was a little uncomfortable but not too bad.
Ancel Martinez, who has lived in the Mission District for 25 years, was also getting tested at the Parque Niños Unidos testing center with his wife and son. He saw getting tested as part of his civic duty.
“We’re happy to volunteer because the medical health professionals and the scientists are lacking informed data,” said Martinez, who works in financial services. “Data is required for a proper risk assessment.”
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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 Within 72 hours, Martinez and Juarez will get their COVID-19 test results. Anyone who tests positive will be contacted and community agencies are working to provide support services, which could include hotel rooms to help individuals self-isolate if they live in a house or apartment where that’s not possible otherwise, Ronen said. Organizers also hope to provide supplies like food, masks, and sanitizer for anyone who tests positive. Within two to three weeks, participants will get the results on their antibody test for previous exposure.
Martinez hopes whatever they find will help the U.S. catch up on what he saw as bad planning and decision-making nationally around testing, which many experts have said has long been inadequate to the scale of the pandemic.
“What’s happening in our little neighborhood is an indication of the path forward for the whole nation,” he said.


mercurynews--2020-04-25--Photos: Classic car parade winds its way through Campbell

CLICK HERE if you are having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device By phone , Campbell neighbors @ @ @ @ @ and Greg Fijman organized a classic car parade for Saturday .
The parade of Ford @ @ @ @ @ muscle cars , a Campbell Police Department patrol car , and other classic cars zig-zagged @ @ @ @ @ of Campbell .
Alens and Fijman hoped to cheer up their neighbors during this time @ @ @ @ @ The pair posted the route on the social networking service Nextdoor .

CLICK HERE if you are having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device
By phone, Campbell neighbors and car enthusiasts Lynn Alens and Greg Fijman organized a classic car parade for Saturday.
The parade of Ford Model T’s, muscle cars, a Campbell Police Department patrol car, and other classic cars zig-zagged through the Dry Creek area of Campbell. Alens and Fijman hoped to cheer up their neighbors during this time of sheltering in place. The pair posted the route on the social networking service Nextdoor.


mercurynews--2020-04-25--‘American Idol’: Bay Area singer Francisco Martin eyes the Top 10

For the first time ever on Sunday , “ American Idol ” will kick off its Top 20 shows not from a glitzy studio stage and in front of a roaring audience , but from quiet homes scattered all over the country .
Yes , it ’ s a major comedown , but Daly City resident Francisco Martin is trying to take it in stride .
“ It ’ s definitely a different experience and , at first , it felt very bittersweet , ” says the College of San Mateo student who has been dubbed by “ Idol ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I ’ ve met a lot of great people ( among the fellow contestants ) and you want to be there with them — and share the moment with them .
On the other hand , I ’ m just grateful that the show is proceeding .
They could have delayed things for a long time , or just canceled it completely.
” • ‘ American Idol ’ coming to you from San Ramon , Daly City and … all over the place But the show will go on while adhering to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis .
Each of the Top 20 contestants will deliver stay-at-home performances , shot on iPhones .
Martin , the son of Filipino immigrants , will sing from his Daly City home , in front of his parents , younger sister and the family chihuahua , Rebel .
“ One way of looking at it is that we ’ re making history , ” Martin says .
The contestants aren ’ t allowed to say what numbers they ’ ll be performing , so Martin only teases that it will be a cover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I usually sing.
” This much is evident : If Martin can connect with the song in the same way he did with Harry Styles ’ “ Falling ” during the show ’ s episodes in Hawaii , he should be fine .
After Sunday ’ s performances , America will vote and the field will be slashed in half .
“ Idol ” judges Katy Perry , Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie have already made it clear that they believe Martin is a Top 5 talent , if he can keep his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Perry compared Martin , 19 , to Bruno Mars .
And his performance had Bryan jumping up and down in his chair and later telling Martin that “ he checks every box.
” Those raves — and the entire “ Idol ” experience — has him harboring a positive outlook on life — a major change from the “ rough patch ” he experienced shortly after graduating from Terra Nova High School in Pacifica .
“ I felt lost .
What was I going to do ?
Who was I going to become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to it as his quarter-life crisis .
“ I was so insecure .
I kept to myself — spent a lot of time in my bedroom and didn ’ t speak to some friends and family .
I didn ’ t socialize and I burned some bridges.
” Martin , who has spoken openly about this “ terrifying ” period on the show , eventually emerged from the darkness , thanks in large part to his music and songwriting .
“ I bought a book of poetry that really resonated with me and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he says .
“ For some reason , I tend to write a lot about heartbreak and relationships .
I ’ m such a hopeless romantic about these things.
” Clearly , life is changing quickly for Martin , who rode an airplane for the first time ever on the trip to Hawaii .
And after his rousing performance on the shores of Oahu , he spoke about how the “ anxious , nervous Francisco ” was now a thing of the past .
“ It has been such a dream @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ And it ’ s so weird to see yourself growing up on national television .
”

For the first time ever on Sunday, “American Idol” will kick off its Top 20 shows not from a glitzy studio stage and in front of a roaring audience, but from quiet homes scattered all over the country.
Yes, it’s a major comedown, but Daly City resident Francisco Martin is trying to take it in stride.
“It’s definitely a different experience and, at first, it felt very bittersweet,” says the College of San Mateo student who has been dubbed by “Idol” judges to be a major contender. “I’ve met a lot of great people (among the fellow contestants) and you want to be there with them — and share the moment with them. On the other hand, I’m just grateful that the show is proceeding. They could have delayed things for a long time, or just canceled it completely.”
Related Articles Entertainment | ‘American Idol’ coming to you from San Ramon, Daly City and … all over the place But the show will go on while adhering to shelter-in-place edicts brought on by the coronavirus crisis. Each of the Top 20 contestants will deliver stay-at-home performances, shot on iPhones.
Martin, the son of Filipino immigrants, will sing from his Daly City home, in front of his parents, younger sister and the family chihuahua, Rebel.
“One way of looking at it is that we’re making history,” Martin says.
The contestants aren’t allowed to say what numbers they’ll be performing, so Martin only teases that it will be a cover song that “is different from what I usually sing.”
This much is evident: If Martin can connect with the song in the same way he did with Harry Styles’ “Falling” during the show’s episodes in Hawaii, he should be fine. After Sunday’s performances, America will vote and the field will be slashed in half.
“Idol” judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie have already made it clear that they believe Martin is a Top 5 talent, if he can keep his nerves in check. In Hawaii, Perry compared Martin, 19, to Bruno Mars. And his performance had Bryan jumping up and down in his chair and later telling Martin that “he checks every box.”
Those raves — and the entire “Idol” experience — has him harboring a positive outlook on life — a major change from the “rough patch” he experienced shortly after graduating from Terra Nova High School in Pacifica.
“I felt lost. What was I going to do? Who was I going to become?” recalls Martin, who refers to it as his quarter-life crisis. “I was so insecure. I kept to myself — spent a lot of time in my bedroom and didn’t speak to some friends and family. I didn’t socialize and I burned some bridges.”
Martin, who has spoken openly about this “terrifying” period on the show, eventually emerged from the darkness, thanks in large part to his music and songwriting.
“I bought a book of poetry that really resonated with me and I started writing about my personal experiences,” he says. “For some reason, I tend to write a lot about heartbreak and relationships. I’m such a hopeless romantic about these things.”
Clearly, life is changing quickly for Martin, who rode an airplane for the first time ever on the trip to Hawaii. And after his rousing performance on the shores of Oahu, he spoke about how the “anxious, nervous Francisco” was now a thing of the past.
“It has been such a dream so far,” he says. “And it’s so weird to see yourself growing up on national television.”


mercurynews--2020-04-26--Letter: Sweden’s COVID-19 effort won’t destroy the economy

Since the majority of countries aspire to social distancing , business and school lockdowns , one can consider them the control group .
Sweden has taken a moderate path that does not destroy their economy .
The government demonstrates trust in their citizens to maintain social distancing , wash their hands frequently and avoid crowds .
Schools are open , as are restaurants and bars .
The elderly and those with morbidities are urged to voluntarily isolate .
Therefore , one can consider Sweden the experimental group .
• Letter : People on the trail who once smiled won ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The best diplomacy , military in the world useless in ‘ WWIII ’ • Letter : It ’ s a unique chance to grow an economy with less carbon Why is the media not acknowledging Sweden ’ s existence and participation in the pandemic ?
They are the experimental group .
It would be helpful to compare daily infection and mortality figures from Sweden to other countries .
What if Sweden ’ s figures are comparable without economic destruction and coercion ?
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Since the majority of countries aspire to social distancing, business and school lockdowns, one can consider them the control group.
Sweden has taken a moderate path that does not destroy their economy.
The government demonstrates trust in their citizens to maintain social distancing, wash their hands frequently and avoid crowds. Schools are open, as are restaurants and bars. The elderly and those with morbidities are urged to voluntarily isolate.
Therefore, one can consider Sweden the experimental group.
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Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps Why is the media not acknowledging Sweden’s existence and participation in the pandemic? They are the experimental group. It would be helpful to compare daily infection and mortality figures from Sweden to other countries. What if Sweden’s figures are comparable without economic destruction and coercion?
Jerry Davis, MD
Diablo
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mercurynews--2020-04-26--Raiders depth chart: Where the Class of 2020 fits in

Catching up with the Chiefs ?
That ’ s the plan , according to Raiders coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock as they embark on their first season in Las Vegas .
Whenever that may be .
An influx of free agent signings combined with a seven-member draft class will change the look of the Raiders considerably .
They got better .
How much ?
It had better be significantly better because the Chiefs are still the Chiefs .
“ They ’ re the world champs .
Watching the way Andy Reid and ( G.M . )
Brett @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do is get faster , ” Mayock told Bay Area reporters by conference call Saturday .
“ They keep getting faster and raising the bar .
.
.
nobody is going to know until we get on the field and compete.
” Even with an impressive free agent haul , the Raiders will need to get out of their rookies at least as much as they did a year ago during the first Gruden-Mayock off-season .
Seven players in the first four rounds means every one of those players will not only be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should have a substiantial role .
If all goes according to plan , none will be on the practice squad .
Keeping in mind some of these players won ’ t make it as far as training camp , a look at where the class of 2020 fits in with a revamped roster , with draft picks in bold face and free agents in italics : Carr is excited about the new additions on offense .
Or at least Mayock thinks he is .
“ I got about five texts with WOW !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t know how to make emojis I pwas looking at all these emojis like , “ I guess he ’ s happy.
” The pecking order is clear .
It ’ s still Carr ’ s team , with Mariota on hand to rebuild his game and play if Carr is injured or falters .
Carr ’ s receiving class is dramatically improved .
He ’ s got a good offensive line .
Like it or not , he ’ s the man going forward in Las Vegas .
With a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addition in that he ’ s not exactly a running back , not exactly a receiver and played 10 games last season as a wildcat quarterback at Kentucky .
Gruden can hardly wait to figure out ways to use him .
He ’ ll provide another look to go along with Jacobs and the power running game .
Richard ’ s role bears watching with Bowden ’ s arrival .
There ’ s not really a conventional 20-carry back should Jacobs go down .
It will be Ruggs on “ 9 ” routes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sweeps .
A healthy Tyrell Williams will be a matchup problem .
Renfrow knows how to get open for first downs .
The Raiders love Edwards ’ physicality .
He ’ ll get the 50-50 balls .
Agholor will get his chance to rebuild his game .
That doesn ’ t leave a lot of room for the rest , particularly if they ’ re not core special teams players .
Gruden wasn ’ t available to the media , but did go on radio to reaffirm his belief in a power game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even carry four on the roster .
Witten is a nice red zone addition and will help make Waller and Moreau even better .
All is good with Jackson , according to Mayock .
He ’ ll be the starting right guard and presumably collect his $ 9.35 million salary after battling injuries the last two years .
If this unit can remain healthy — and that ’ s a big if — it ’ s one of the best in the NFL .
Huge enough to move people in the running game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lots of depth on the interior line positions , especially with Simpson ’ s addition .
Not as much depth at tackle .
A minor surprise in that no defensive linemen arrived in the draft .
Collins and Nassib , however , were significant free agent additions who can put pressure on a quarterback .
Ferrell promises he ’ ll be a new man after battling illness and fighting through a so-so rookie season .
Crosby must show he can deal with being a marked man in terms of extra blockers .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Hurst is a capble three-technique at tackle who can also push the pocket and does his best work on a rotational basis .
Littleton and Kwiatsoski arrive as three-down linebackers and will get the bulk of the work given the amount of time the Raiders spend in nickel and dime sub packages .
Morrow ’ s restricted free agent tender or more than $ 3 million means he gets sent packing if his role is minor .
Muse will start out on special teams and learn to play linebacker after being predominantly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plenty of draft analysts who will suggest Muse was over-drafted .
The Raiders beg to differ .
Arnette , taken with the 19th pick out of Ohio State , was this year ’ s head-scratcher nationally .
The Raiders love him and expect him to step in and start opposite Mullen , last year ’ s second-round draft pick .
It ’ s the kind of pick that will either greatly enhance or greatly diminish Mayock ’ s reputation as a talent evaluator .
Joyner has a lot to prove , and also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At first glance , the Louisiana Tech corner is the sort of aggressive playmaker the Raiders almost never have at cornerback over the past decade .
Lawson was brought back because of his toughness .
Johnson was more of a project than expected after breaking a bone in his face in the preseason and seldom got a look .
Nixon has the kind of confidence the Raiders love incorners after sticking as an undrafted free agent .
Randall was victimized as a Cleveland corner but the Raiders believe he is at his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll team with Abram , who basically gives the Raiders a third first-round pick this year because he was injured in the 2019 opener and missed the rest of the season .
Harris was a Jack Del Rio holdover the new regime loved immediately , while Heath brings a reputaiton as a solid special teams player and as a sure tackler in the secondary .
Carlson will get some competition whenever the Raiders convene as a team , while Cole ’ s job appears secure as punter .
Same with Sieg as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kickoffs and Bowden punts .
We ’ ll wait and see if the Raiders actually will have a first-round draft pick returning kickoffs — especially if he ’ s as good as they think he is .

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Catching up with the Chiefs?
That’s the plan, according to Raiders coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock as they embark on their first season in Las Vegas. Whenever that may be.
An influx of free agent signings combined with a seven-member draft class will change the look of the Raiders considerably. They got better. How much? It had better be significantly better because the Chiefs are still the Chiefs.
“They’re the world champs. Watching the way Andy Reid and (G.M.) Brett Veatch approach the draft, all they do is get faster,” Mayock told Bay Area reporters by conference call Saturday. “They keep getting faster and raising the bar . . . nobody is going to know until we get on the field and compete.”
Even with an impressive free agent haul, the Raiders will need to get out of their rookies at least as much as they did a year ago during the first Gruden-Mayock off-season. Seven players in the first four rounds means every one of those players will not only be on the 53-man roster health permitting but should have a substiantial role.
If all goes according to plan, none will be on the practice squad.
Keeping in mind some of these players won’t make it as far as training camp, a look at where the class of 2020 fits in with a revamped roster, with draft picks in bold face and free agents in italics:
QUARTERBACKS: Starter–Derek Carr. Backups: Marcus Mariota, Nathan Peterman, DeShone Kizer.
Carr is excited about the new additions on offense. Or at least Mayock thinks he is. “I got about five texts with WOW!,” Mayock said. “I don’t know how to make emojis I pwas looking at all these emojis like, “I guess he’s happy.” The pecking order is clear. It’s still Carr’s team, with Mariota on hand to rebuild his game and play if Carr is injured or falters. Carr’s receiving class is dramatically improved. He’s got a good offensive line. Like it or not, he’s the man going forward in Las Vegas. With a supporting cast.
RUNNING BACKS: Starters–RB Josh Jacobs, FB Alec Ingold. Backups–Lynn Bowden Jr., Jalen Richard, Rod Smith, William Stanback, Mark Thompson.
Bowden was an interesting addition in that he’s not exactly a running back, not exactly a receiver and played 10 games last season as a wildcat quarterback at Kentucky. Gruden can hardly wait to figure out ways to use him. He’ll provide another look to go along with Jacobs and the power running game. Richard’s role bears watching with Bowden’s arrival. There’s not really a conventional 20-carry back should Jacobs go down.
WIDE RECEIVERS: Starters–Henry Ruggs III, Tyrell Williams. Backups–Hunter Renfrow (slot), Nelson Agholor, Bryan Edwards, Zay Jones, Marcell Ateman, Keelan Doss, Rico Gafford, Anthony Ratliff-Williams.
It will be Ruggs on “9” routes, slants, bubble screens, jet sweeps. A healthy Tyrell Williams will be a matchup problem. Renfrow knows how to get open for first downs. The Raiders love Edwards’ physicality. He’ll get the 50-50 balls. Agholor will get his chance to rebuild his game. That doesn’t leave a lot of room for the rest, particularly if they’re not core special teams players.
TIGHT ENDS: Starter–Darren Waller. Backups–Foster Moreau, Jason Witten, Derek Carrier, Nick O’Leary, Paul Butler.
Gruden wasn’t available to the media, but did go on radio to reaffirm his belief in a power game and three tight ends. He may even carry four on the roster. Witten is a nice red zone addition and will help make Waller and Moreau even better.
OFFENSIVE LINE: Starters–LT Kolton Miller, LG Richie Incognito, C Rodney Hudson, RG Gabe Jackson, RT Trent Brown. Backups–G Denzelle Good, T David Sharpe, G John Simpson, T Brandon Parker, G Eric Kush, G-C Jordan Devey, C-G Andre James, G Lester Cotton Jr., G Erik Magnuson, G Kyle Kalis.
All is good with Jackson, according to Mayock. He’ll be the starting right guard and presumably collect his $9.35 million salary after battling injuries the last two years. If this unit can remain healthy — and that’s a big if — it’s one of the best in the NFL. Huge enough to move people in the running game and very good at protecting Carr. Lots of depth on the interior line positions, especially with Simpson’s addition. Not as much depth at tackle.
DEFENSIVE LINE: Starters–RE Clein Ferrell, DT Maliek Collins, DT Johnathan Hankins, LE Maxx Crosby. Backups–E Carl Nassib, T Maurice Hurst, E Arden Key, T P.J. Hall, T Daniel Ross, T Kendall Vickers, E Jeremiah Valoaga, E Ade Aruna.
A minor surprise in that no defensive linemen arrived in the draft. Collins and Nassib, however, were significant free agent additions who can put pressure on a quarterback. Ferrell promises he’ll be a new man after battling illness and fighting through a so-so rookie season. Crosby must show he can deal with being a marked man in terms of extra blockers. He won’t sneak up on anyone. Hurst is a capble three-technique at tackle who can also push the pocket and does his best work on a rotational basis.
LINEBACKERS: Starters–OLB Cory Littleton, MLB Nick Kwiatkoski, OLB Nicholas Morrow. Backups–OLB Tanner Muse, OLB-MLB Marquel Lee, MLB Te’Von Coney, OLB Kyle Wilber, OLB Quintin Poling, OLB Derrick Moncrief, OLB Nick Usher,OLB Ukeme Eligwe, OLB Kendall Donnerson.
Littleton and Kwiatsoski arrive as three-down linebackers and will get the bulk of the work given the amount of time the Raiders spend in nickel and dime sub packages. Morrow’s restricted free agent tender or more than $3 million means he gets sent packing if his role is minor. Muse will start out on special teams and learn to play linebacker after being predominantly a safety at Clemson. There are plenty of draft analysts who will suggest Muse was over-drafted. The Raiders beg to differ.
CORNERBACKS: Starters–LCB Damon Arnette, RCB Trayvon Mullen, Slot Lamarcus Joyner. Backups–Amik Robertson, Nevin Lawson, Isaiah Johnson, Keisean Nixon, Nick Nelson, Dylin Mabin, Ken Crawley, D.J. Killings, Jordan Brown.
Arnette, taken with the 19th pick out of Ohio State, was this year’s head-scratcher nationally. The Raiders love him and expect him to step in and start opposite Mullen, last year’s second-round draft pick. It’s the kind of pick that will either greatly enhance or greatly diminish Mayock’s reputation as a talent evaluator. Joyner has a lot to prove, and also has someone to push him in Robertson. At first glance, the Louisiana Tech corner is the sort of aggressive playmaker the Raiders almost never have at cornerback over the past decade. Lawson was brought back because of his toughness. Johnson was more of a project than expected after breaking a bone in his face in the preseason and seldom got a look. Nixon has the kind of confidence the Raiders love incorners after sticking as an undrafted free agent.
SAFETIES: Starters–FS Damarious Randall, SS Johnathan Abram. Backups–Erik Harris, Jeff Heath, Dallin Leavitt.
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49ers-Raiders practice: ‘Bang-bang’ defense takes out Davante Adams Raiders | Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers get sentimental at Vegas reunion — to an extent Randall was victimized as a Cleveland corner but the Raiders believe he is at his best as a deep safety. He’ll team with Abram, who basically gives the Raiders a third first-round pick this year because he was injured in the 2019 opener and missed the rest of the season. Harris was a Jack Del Rio holdover the new regime loved immediately, while Heath brings a reputaiton as a solid special teams player and as a sure tackler in the secondary.
SPECIALISTS: Starters: PK Daniel Carlson, P A.J. Cole, LS Trent Sieg. Returns: PR Lynn Bowden Jr, KR Henry Ruggs.
Carlson will get some competition whenever the Raiders convene as a team, while Cole’s job appears secure as punter. Same with Sieg as long-snapper. Mayock said Ruggs will return kickoffs and Bowden punts. We’ll wait and see if the Raiders actually will have a first-round draft pick returning kickoffs — especially if he’s as good as they think he is.


mercurynews--2020-04-26--Letter: Not noting ‘friendly fire’ killed Tillman is disturbing

Re : “ On this date , April 22 : Pat Tillman is killed in Afghanistan ” ( Mercurynews.com , @ @ @ @ @ was very disturbed that the anniversary article on the death of Pat Tillman did not @ @ @ @ @ by “ friendly fire.
” That ’ s us .
• Letter : People on @ @ @ @ @ won ’ t make eye contact • Letter : The best diplomacy , military in @ @ @ @ @ WWIII ’ • Letter : It ’ s a unique chance to grow an economy @ @ @ @ @ opinion , our military adventures are a bit out of control .
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Re: “On this date, April 22: Pat Tillman is killed in Afghanistan” (Mercurynews.com, April 22):
I was very disturbed that the anniversary article on the death of Pat Tillman did not mention that he was killed by “friendly fire.” That’s us.
That means, “We killed Pat Tillman.”
Related Articles Letters to the Editor | Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives
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Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps In my opinion, our military adventures are a bit out of control.
Don Briggs
Richmond
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mercurynews--2020-04-26--Word Game: April 26, 2020

Word Game: April 26, 2020

Can you find 57 or more words in IBUPROFEN ?
TODAY ’ S WORD — IBUPROFEN infer inpour inure iron bier bine bone bonier bonfire bore born borne bourn brief brine brio bruin burp burn unripe upon urine peon pier pine pone pore pouf pour probe prone prune punier pure rein rife ripe ripen robe robin rope roue ruin rune open opine fern fiber fine finer fire firn fore four froe ebon euro To purchase the Word Game book , visit WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
Words must be of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “ s , ” such as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 .
Additional words made by adding a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used .
For example , if “ bake ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed , but “ bake ” and “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang words , or vulgar or sexually explicit @ @ @ @ @

TODAY’S WORD — IBUPROFEN (IBUPROFEN: eye-byoo-PRO-fen: A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication.)
Average mark 40 words
Time limit 60 minutes
Can you find 57 or more words in IBUPROFEN? TODAY’S WORD — IBUPROFEN infer
inpour inure iron bier bine bone bonier bonfire bore born borne bourn brief brine brio
bruin burp burn unripe upon urine peon pier pine pone pore pouf pour probe prone
prune punier pure rein rife ripe ripen robe robin rope roue ruin rune open opine fern
fiber fine finer fire firn fore four froe ebon euro
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.